I have an old Lynch No. 150 box call that I got from friend about 10 years ago. I would guess it was built in the 60's or 70's. I used it for several years then put it aside...it just doesn't sound good anymore...hard to get sound out of like the lid has become too slick. I don't want to damage it so I haven't done anything to it...I can't say how it was cared for before I rec'd it.
I chalked it as needed and it doesn't appear to have an excess of chalk on it. Any ideas on how to condition the call to put it back into use?
I have read where folks rub the bottom of the lid with a SUPER FINE sand paper. Sometimes a light rub with scotch brite pad.
Are you using wax-free chalk. That can be a problem if someone has put regular chalk on it.
I expect that you will get opinions all over the place on this.
Start with the green scotch pad and then maybe work it with the finest sandpaper.
You might need the green pad for a few light touches on the lip, too.
A Mr. Clean eraser pad might be worthy of consideration.
Some will tell you not to touch the call with such things, others make youtube videos. There is no doubt that you can take too much off and affect the sound. But someone may have put oil chalk on it in the past, the chalk may have been touched by hand or gotten wet, or any number of things that necessitate a little clean up.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NYvhUgdmdiU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hWRbC6ON91o
Let us know what you do and how it turns out.
Thanks Turkey Trot....supposed to get a foot of snow where I live today...should have some time to do some work on it.
Took the lid off today and looked over the call closely...looked like chalk was imbedded into the lid and sides. I used green scotchbrite carefully on the friction surfaces then sanded lightly with 220 grit to provide a fresh friction surface...chalked lightly with some good brown chalk from Cody calls...
she sounds like new again and will be back in the vest this spring.
Glad we could help!!! Now call up a biggun with it and choot'em in da face!!!