I have never used a scratchbox or even laid eyes on one in person but would like to try one. Any suggestions for a solid model for a beginner?
Thank You!
I bought my first one this year from S&S custom calls. He's a member here and makes a solid scratch box. I'm just getting the hang of it but it sounds really great.
X2 on Al & Josh from S&S Custom Calls. They make an awesome scratch box. Another one I like is the Red Cedar Scratchbox by Grand Slam Turkey Calls.
Quote from: grayfox on April 06, 2023, 01:36:03 PM
X2 on Al & Josh from S&S Custom Calls. They make an awesome scratch box. Another one I like is the Red Cedar Scratchbox by Grand Slam Turkey Calls.
Any suggestions regarding specific woods combinations?
Thank You!
S&S scratch boxes are killers. I've got two that a new hunting buddy of mine fell in love with, so I made sure he got one the next time Al had some available. His season starts next week and I'm betting that he gets his bird.
I've killed a lot of birds with SS scratchers pretty much always have one on me. Holly and butternut are my favorite soundboards and purple heart for striker the box wood doesn't matter as much as soundboard and striker to me.
L&L greg longuillo makes a cedar 2 sider that Ive probably killed a dozen birds with too, for $20 call that's an economical call right there I run that with walnut or cedar strikers
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SS Custom Calls (Al & Josh Shoemaker) makes a fine scratch box.
https://sscustomcalls.com/scratch-box-calls.html
x5 on the SS guys.
Quote from: BDeal on April 06, 2023, 01:48:57 PM
Quote from: grayfox on April 06, 2023, 01:36:03 PM
X2 on Al & Josh from S&S Custom Calls. They make an awesome scratch box. Another one I like is the Red Cedar Scratchbox by Grand Slam Turkey Calls.
Any suggestions regarding specific woods combinations?
Thank You!
Bdeal I honestly don't remember for sure. I know one was holley, another was walnut & another I believe was butternut. All his scratch boxes are killers. Just take your pick.
S&S, Ernie Fetters, Josh Farley, L&L, Richard Shively, Greg Cooley, Lonnie Mabry, and Mississippi Scratchbox are a few I really like off the top of my head (sure I'm missing a few).
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SS Calls. Ebony body and holly soundboard with a holly striker.
Any SSCustom scratchbox runs extremely well! I have a bunch with every soundboard and style they make.
Quote from: BDeal on April 06, 2023, 01:48:57 PM
Quote from: grayfox on April 06, 2023, 01:36:03 PM
X2 on Al & Josh from S&S Custom Calls. They make an awesome scratch box. Another one I like is the Red Cedar Scratchbox by Grand Slam Turkey Calls.
Any suggestions regarding specific woods combinations?
Thank You!
Padauk/Butternut and Red Heart/Holly in the old style are proven killers for me.
Quote from: Beards and Hooks on April 06, 2023, 09:22:23 PM
S&S, Ernie Fetters, Josh Farley, L&L, Richard Shively, Greg Cooley, Lonnie Mabry, and Mississippi Scratchbox are a few I really like off the top of my head (sure I'm missing a few).
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Add Shadetree to that list.
Quote from: BDeal on April 06, 2023, 01:48:57 PM
Quote from: grayfox on April 06, 2023, 01:36:03 PM
X2 on Al & Josh from S&S Custom Calls. They make an awesome scratch box. Another one I like is the Red Cedar Scratchbox by Grand Slam Turkey Calls.
Any suggestions regarding specific woods combinations?
Thank You!
It is not the box itself that is critical as it is just basically a sound chamber. It is the soundboard on the back that matters most. I would start with either a cedar or holly soundboard. Black limba and popular and butternut are also no slouch and you may prefer the hen in them as well.
Scott Basehore makes a nice cedar scratchbox, it is my favorite of the several that I have tried.
Super Yelper by Richard Shively is a good one, he's been building them for quite awhile.
Jeff White made the best scratcher I own. The SS calls I have are also killers.
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I've got an SS custom bloodwood/mineral poplar I'd let go if you're interested(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230407/5a6e5ec98b617ad1dd67c5ae5a188f3d.jpg)
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I own a few... Some mentioned above. My favorites by far are from Lonnie Gilbert.
Quote from: Callmn closer on April 07, 2023, 05:37:28 PM
Super Yelper by Richard Shively is a good one, he's been building them for quite awhile.
I agree. I have 2 of his 25th anniversary super yelpers and 1 40 year anniversary one. I think cherry sounds the best
I only have 3, but Mike Crooks at Spring Creek Calls and Josh Farley are great call makers and human beings. I am sure there are more awesome call makers out there, the list is long, but this is my :popcorn :z-twocents: Z
Lots of good ones out there. Never heard anyone play one better than Lonnie Gilbert Buckeye boxes. His scratch boxes are really good.