I hunt the scratch boxes that I make. I really don't worry much about the look of a call as the sound is the most important thing. I'll choose woods for the sound board that I know will give me the sound I'm looking for. Cedar, walnut, holly, maple and persimmon are a few that I use the most for my sound boards. Striker is also a very important part of the formula. Length, thickness, width and wood type or slate all are a part of the sound you will get from any scratch box. I usually carry at least three strikers with me and as many scratch boxes when I hunt. Ebony and slate in two sizes are my favorite strikers to use on my calls. In saying pretty wood I'll say this. It will work and look great for the box-sound chamber, but I avoid them when it comes to sound boards. Usually the pretty wood like ebony, snakewood wood or even highly figured walnut or maple will usually bring the pitch up too much for me and or squeak a good bit when running them.
