Collecting Diamonds in the Rough

[ColemantownHC]

We all know the coveted calls by the legendary call makers but how many of you guys hunt to discover the next "legend"? There was a time when Neil Cost, Lamar Williams, Billy Buice, Doug Camp, Cody Calls etc were all relatively unknown or just another call maker whose calls were only a phone call or email and 7-10 days away for a modest price. I enjoy picking up random calls from call makers on ebay, forums and such and playing around with them. I've bought very few that were just plain terrible and ended up in the garbage. More often than not, the calls look and sound great. How many of you guys do the same?

[Greg Massey]

I have a sound I look for in all my calls, and the maker does matter in my opinion of whose calls I like and buy. I do feel some of the old school legends still make some of the best calls. IMO


I have run into a few beginners who make a good call. But for now I will stick with my legends ...

WE all chase our own sound we like in calls

[Notsoyoungturk]

I have had the same thought.  I have a Cost box and it is a great call.  It would be even more special if I had bought it from Neil for $45.  I don't know who the next group of great call makers will be or it there will even be another group that is as revered as Cost, Mann, Watkins, Williams, Buice, Hornstra, Paul, Camp, etc....  I approach it like Greg.  I buy a call because it sounds good to me.  If my ear is good and the world agrees, I may now own a classic call from a great maker.  If not, I still have a call that makes me happy.

[Ranger]

A lot of what makes some of those mentioned legends is who they are as people and not just what they make.  Hard to find gentlemen like Lamar Williams and Billy Buice around every corner, yes they make some of the finest calls in the country, but they're also some of the finest fellas around.  Takes years to build reputations like they have, and a lot of dead turkeys

[callmakerman]

I'm a bit different in what I like or collect. I still enjoy calls made by guys that have moved on from call making or have passed on. I bought an osage double slate off ebay a few years back made by Ralph Chandler. This pot has some beautiful color in the osage and has a sound that the turkeys really like. it goes with me on every hunt. Another double slate in a corian pot made by my good friend who has passed on Jessie Newsom, is flat out a bunch of turkey in that 1/2" pot. Again, it goes with me on every hunt. When I see the old school names up for sale, I'm looking to buy. Nine times out of ten I end up with a great call.

[Zobo]

Ive always looked for and bought calls from less known call makers. Some of my most favorite calls are from makers that are less known. Most of them call in turkeys just fine. 

[Meleagris gallopavo]

I'll buy calls from newer makers.  I actually call them my diamonds in the rough.  I have 2 trumpets from one that'll give the top makers a run for their money.


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