Slate help.

[STP22]

Hello, all.

I just received my Lights Out cherry/slate pot call and strikers today. Excellent looks, feel, and hopefully sound as I get better.

Do slate calls come conditioned?
I know I need to practice, but I am not consistent with the yelping even though I think I am gliding the striker in a uniform manner. Almost like the striker is not gripping (?).

Do you call with the grain or across it?

Also, is this the correct way to condition slate?...
Using a green Scotch-Brite pad, rub a small area lightly with the grain of the slate.

Thank you!

Steve

[SteelerFan]

From my experience... The slate will need conditioned. Doesn't take much, just a few swipes back & forth in a straight line (I usually do 1/2 the surface). Then put that conditioned surface at the top. Start 1/2" or so from the edge - this will vary as you get used to playing it, different areas will have different tones.

Then, picture a dime-sized clock and bring your striker from about 1 o'clock to 9 o'clock (counter clockwise) you can complete the oval, or just concentrate on the rollover from 1 to 9.

Keep your striker angle consistent, and use more wrist than fingers to create the stroke. This should get you started.... Others may have some better tips. Good luck!

[STP22]

Thank you, SteelerFan!
I appreciate it.
Steve

[Thundermtn]

Most of the time you will want to be pulling across the grain and green scotchbright works pretty well on slate.

A good yelp is just like steelerfan said. You can add rasp with pressure or going 1-9 for 40% of the pull and 60% going to 7 o'clock with your sanding/conditioning grain being in a 3-9 o'clock orientation.

A purr can change a bunch depending on the call how it wants to go. I grind them differently in certain spots. It's all about the sweetness of the bounce on the striker, some like 12-6others go 2-8 or 10-4 and a curve at the end adds complexity.

A kee kee will pull just shy of 3-9and dive to 6 or 7 to finish with a yelp. Tougher to do and is more pressure sensitive than any other type of sound.

Don't be afraid to rest your playing hand on the face of the call to increase your consistently. Make sure your striker tips stay clean too and don't wipe them off with any skin. The oil will slick the striker and call surface.

I had a thread on my final four pots for mo, zoom in and you'll be able to see pull patterns on all of them.

[STP22]

Thank you, Thundermtn!
Steve