Anyone own or have handled a Steve Mann Hybrid box call? It's a bigger short box with a paddle box handle, like a shorty box. Was interested what you guys think of it, its sound profile, wood recommendations, etc. I know Steve's calls are great, he built me a red cedar/butternut longbox in 2015 that I've called in four gobblers with (shot three) but I have no experience with this hybrid type of call. Any information would be appreciated
Steve calls them "DoDats". I believe Neil built them too.
I own at least one. Need to go look in the cabinets . One is a limited edition made from sycamore. Like all of Steve's calls, it sounds great.
Quote from: nitro on July 11, 2021, 09:02:00 AM
Steve calls them "DoDats". I believe Neil built them too.
I own at least one. Need to go look in the cabinets . One is a limited edition made from sycamore. Like all of Steve's calls, it sounds great.
The do dat is identical to a paddle call, just shorter. The hybrid call is a handled short box, with checking. To the OP, I haven't run one, sorry.
https://www.mannmadeturkeycalls.com/index.php/new-hybrid-paddle-box-calls
I know other call makers build similar styled calls like Watkin's misfits. Val Espinoza makes a shorty box and ET makes something he calls a mini longbox.
They all seem a little different but fit that in-between short box and long box niche. I kinda like this idea because I've bin using a longbox more often these days to strike and call in.
Just wondering if you guys like this type of call or if you think they're superfluous.
If Steve Mann makes it............. I'm pretty sure I like it.
Quote from: Yoder409 on July 11, 2021, 08:39:50 PM
If Steve Mann makes it............. I'm pretty sure I like it.
X2
Quote from: Zobo on July 11, 2021, 05:12:55 PM
I know other call makers build similar styled calls like Watkin's misfits. Val Espinoza makes a shorty box and ET makes something he calls a mini longbox.
They all seem a little different but fit that in-between short box and long box niche. I kinda like this idea because I've bin using a longbox more often these days to strike and call in.
Just wondering if you guys like this type of call or if you think they're superfluous.
Ralph Snodgrass (Lightning Strike) makes a really good sounding miniboat that is a very handy size.
Is Ralph Snodgrass still making those calls? I haven't been able to find much info on him
He is still making both mini boats and full size longboxes
That's good to hear, do you know a way I can contact him ?
I'll send you a pm in the am
A Mann Walnut/mahogany hybrid (top) beside a Mann purpleheart/cedar short box (bottom) for comparison.
The hybrid is a bit shorter.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51306845471_0554e66d80_k.jpg)
I see now I had that wrong, the hybrid is smaller than his regular short box, thanks for the feedback. Unfortunately for my bank account that makes me want it more! Also, thanks so much for the PMs for Mr Snodgrass I appreciate all the help. This is what makes this forum so special and great
Lamar Williams made some calls like that a long time ago, probably the first ones ever made. He calls his a paddle box. Neil Cost saw a few while visiting Lamar and made some that he called a Do-Dat. I make some that I call a Mini Paddle. They have a box call sound because of the sound chamber size. Neil told my that they are more trouble to tune than they are worth. Bob.
They are actually.........due to the smaller size and handle........a bit harder to run than a regular short box or a full-sized paddle caller.
I still like 'em !!!
Starting to get the idea here, it's the box call equivalent of a sixteen gauge shotgun
Quote from: Zobo on July 13, 2021, 09:22:35 AM
Starting to get the idea here, it's the box call equivalent of a sixteen gauge shotgun
Good analogy.
I'll add that some 16 gauges are worth scooping up and keeping around. ;)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51306845471_0554e66d80_k.jpg)
I definitely agree. Ordered a hybrid from Steve Mann and a miniboat from Ralph Snodgrass, I couldnt resist, went all in, now I have to refinance my house to pay for them :)!
Post 'em up when ya get 'em !!!!!!!
Will do, thanks again!
Steve's one of the few callmakers that u can trust to build a quality box