Huntin4ever Posted April 17, 2007 Report Share Posted April 17, 2007 I have a box call that has lost its "good" sound and rubber band.....I've heard of guys reworking their box call to get it back to sounding right......I'm wondering if anybody has done this, has suggestions or techniques they might want to pass on.....and where can I get a new rubber band(s) for the call.....Thanks for any advice...... Jed Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
3whunt Posted April 17, 2007 Report Share Posted April 17, 2007 Not too sure on reworking box calls. However, I do give each box call a very light sanding at the beginning of each season and try to keep an adequate amount of chalk on them. I really don't like to use the rubber bands, as I think they add too much pressure and that makes the call harder to use . I have an older knight and hale box call that weighs nearly a pound that I have rubberbands on for gobbling. I have replaced the rubberbands probably five times over the last ten years. I like to use the rubberbands that girls use to hold their pony tails. Don't really know why, other than they seem to last longer for me. It takes them about two years to dry rot on me. Hope this helps. Dave Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elnor Posted April 17, 2007 Report Share Posted April 17, 2007 There's a "Box call tune-up" sidebar on page 53 of the May-June 2007 (latest) issue of NWTF's "Turkey Call" magazine. I haven't needed to tune-up one of my boxes yet, but it seems to have good tips. In a nutshell, it suggests: * use fine sandpaper on feathered edges on top of the lip * medium or rought sandpaper on underside, curved part of the lid (sand while holding the box upside down) * chalk lid thoroughly using box chalk that's greaseless * use screwdriver to adjust lid screw so that handle end of paddle is slanted slightly downward * test call for sound until satisfied * maintain tuned-up sound by storing in a dry place, somewhere where the box won't be crushed under the weight of other gear Note: I've read conflicting opinions on chalk, with at least one pro suggesting that a properly designed and built box doesn't need *any* chalk and that in fact chalk absorbs moisture and may therefore lessen the life of the call. As of now I've still got chalk on my boxes, though, as he's the only pro I've seen say that. Not sure if anyone has definitive info on that(?). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Covehnter Posted April 17, 2007 Report Share Posted April 17, 2007 Often sanding the old chalk off with some fine grit sandpaper is what the doctor orders, the old chalk 'dead'ens' the call and removing excess gives that crisp sound you should be looking for, this is also a good tip when using the box in damp conditions. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elnor Posted April 18, 2007 Report Share Posted April 18, 2007 Interesting, Covehnter. So you'd agree that less chalk (or none) is better than more, huh? I may have to give that a try. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Strut10 Posted April 18, 2007 Report Share Posted April 18, 2007 Chalked up paddle will foul a boxcall....yep. Sand lightly. Do not sand the sounding boards. They are pretty easy to wear down. A good boxcall will "run in" after a time and need little to no chalk at all. When adjusting the hinge screw....go 1/4 turns at a time. A little bit can go a long way. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Covehnter Posted April 18, 2007 Report Share Posted April 18, 2007 Especially during damp or rainy conditions b/c chalk acts as a sponge with the moisture in the air. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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