I'm just getting started with diaphragm calls and it's a lot tougher than I expected. I was wondering if many of you with narrow faces/jaws trim your diaphragms? I have a smaller call that seems to fit a lot more comfortably in my mouth. Is there any advantage to having large diaphragm calls or will I risk screwing the larger ones up if they are trimmed? I'm not sure if I just need to get used to the larger calls in my mouth or it may be better to trim them?
I trim all mine. A little at a time until you get the right fit.
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Same here. I trim most. I did notice that Hooks calls seem to be a bit smaller and they are the only ones I don"t have to trim.
I have to trim them as well. I also have to bend the frame slightly, which I think some people say don't do.
That's pretty much what I thought. The Hooks I bought seems about right. Some of the others are so large that I can barely close my mouth without my teeth catching on the outer diaphragm. I'll trim my others a little at a time. I should have a pretty good template for cutting them to shape once I figure out what size works out the best. Thanks for the suggestions!
small trims bit by bit
I never have trimmed any. Most of the ones that I end up using will have teeth marks on the outer edge of them. It doesn't seem to effect the desired sound that I am looking for.
If you are just trimming the tape, you really cannot screw one up. I know guys that run calls without tape, just the frame.
I do have to plug Gooserbat here, Sam designed his tape cutter to be 1/8th inch narrower than most calls. Also, he has several youth frame calls if you just need a more narrow frame.
I did a trim job on my diaphragms and boy did that ever make a difference! My gag-reflex has pretty much disappeared and it's a lot more comfortable. I found a website with great instructions and recordings for each call: http://www.turkeyhuntingsecrets.com/library/libindex-calling-learn.htm
The key board on my computer is pretty well soaked from spit but things are slowly but surely coming along. It certainly would be a tough and drawn out process...especially without any guidance!
After running some calls from hooks I started trimming them all down to that size as soon as I get them.
I use no tape at all !!!!! :z-guntootsmiley: