Turkey hunting forum for turkey hunting tips

Turkey Calls => Box Calls => Topic started by: AppalachianHollers on April 21, 2020, 02:30:35 PM

Title: How long to break in short box?
Post by: AppalachianHollers on April 21, 2020, 02:30:35 PM
I have heard short boxes get better after they've been used awhile. Is this true and how does that work, practically? I've just started fiddling with mine.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: How long to break in short box?
Post by: Happy hooker on April 21, 2020, 04:06:20 PM
I don't know about a break in period like boots or a baseball glove,,today's call makers have them well tuned by the get go.
However a very talented callmaker told me that a purpleheart over cedar box call will have a life span to it. His opinion is the purpleheart is very wearing on the cedar rails, it's a great sounding combo but his opinion was it will eventually fade.
Title: Re: How long to break in short box?
Post by: AppalachianHollers on April 21, 2020, 08:17:47 PM
Interesting...that's precisely the wood combo I've got. I was told it wouldn't wear out, but that there'd be some sort of "butterfly"-looking wear.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: How long to break in short box?
Post by: wchadw on April 21, 2020, 08:41:22 PM
Quote from: Happy hooker on April 21, 2020, 04:06:20 PM
I don't know about a break in period like boots or a baseball glove,,today's call makers have them well tuned by the get go.
However a very talented callmaker told me that a purpleheart over cedar box call will have a life span to it. His opinion is the purpleheart is very wearing on the cedar rails, it's a great sounding combo but his opinion was it will eventually fade.
That's interesting. I have one. It's not that old. Still sounds good


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: How long to break in short box?
Post by: AppalachianHollers on April 21, 2020, 08:44:18 PM
I just hope I don't need to be nervous to practice with it a lot in the offseason.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: How long to break in short box?
Post by: Happy hooker on April 21, 2020, 08:49:01 PM
Again that's just his opinion but he's well regarded.
Title: Re: How long to break in short box?
Post by: Chris O on April 21, 2020, 10:54:53 PM
Quote from: AppalachianHollers on April 21, 2020, 08:44:18 PM
I just hope I don't need to be nervous to practice with it a lot in the offseason.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I am sure it will last a long time for the amount that most people play them. Just like rubbing 2 sticks together over time something will change. Practice away and don't worry about it. Chances are we will break them before they wear out.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: How long to break in short box?
Post by: Spring Creek Calls on April 22, 2020, 09:08:09 AM
I don't believe I'd be concerned with excessive wear on the rails from the lid/paddle. With the soft woods like cedar and butternut I have experienced the screw backing off with use, which will definitely change the tone.
Title: Re: How long to break in short box?
Post by: paboxcall on April 22, 2020, 07:37:05 PM
Quote from: Spring Creek Calls on April 22, 2020, 09:08:09 AM
I don't believe I'd be concerned with excessive wear on the rails from the lid/paddle. With the soft woods like cedar and butternut I have experienced the screw backing off with use, which will definitely change the tone.

Agree with Mike 100%.

Funny you should mention the screw backing out. I had a butternut box call where the screw started to back out. So I dropped a small piece of a round toothpick in the hole and tightened everything back down and re-tuned it. Hasn't moved since.
Title: Re: How long to break in short box?
Post by: Greg Massey on April 23, 2020, 03:12:25 PM
They are made to play , chalk it up and play it until your hearts content.