box call question

[chufagold]

If you run a box call to much by practicing can it become wore down enough that it doesn't play the way it once did?
Or change the sound?

[3bailey3]

not a good one, maybe you need to re chalk it or there maybe to much chalk on the rail, just buff the rail out.

[chufagold]

it hasn't happened yet but I run it about 15 to 20 mins a day lately.. Just dont want it to haha

[paboxcall]

Been running the same two short and long boxes about twenty years, and I to my ear they've gotten better with age.

[mtns2hunt]

If you run a box call to much by practicing can it become wore down enough that it doesn't play the way it once did?
Or change the sound?

When hunting I keep plastic bags handy in case of rain. I am careful of where I set my calls down as the grass can be muddy or wet. Should a call get wet I stop hunting it until dry and the old chalk is removed and new applied. This will help preserve the sound.

During the off season clean and store in a place with as little temperature change as possible. Keep boxes dry and out of humidity both of which can effect sound. Always remember that box calls are generally made of wood which is like a sponge and can absorb water even tho treated.


Good maintenance is the key.

Simple but common steps that will give you years of use out of your box calls and maintain their sound.

[Greg Massey]

If they are good custom boxes , the more you play them the better they will get ... all boxes need breaking in to get that really good sound ....

[Gooserbat]

short answer is no

[Treerooster]

Sometimes the screw that the paddle pivots on can change a little and it may need some adjustment now and then, but that is not very often. Over many years of use the hole in the paddle  that the screw is in can get worn too. If you do adjust the screw make sure you know where exactly where it was when you started, and only turn it 1/4 turn at a time one way or the other until it sounds right.

Moisture can influence how a box call sounds too. Very humid mornings/climate can vary the sound a bit on wooden calls from a very dry climate.

[sixbird]

Box calls will "cure" and sound better as they age, generally. That and you wear them in to your playing style and to the way you tilt the lid, etc.
Usually, if they develop an "off" sound it's because someone handled the underside of the lid or the rails. That can ruin a call...

[shaman]

I've resurrected a few calls for friends. I've also made my own calls.

In one case, I had to rub denatured alcohol on the surfaces until whatever was on them came up on a paper towel.  It looked like somebody had sneezed on it, and then rubbed it in with a kleenex.

In another case, one side of the call had gone silent.  I gave a few passes over the top with 200 grit sandpaper and then used 400 and 600 grit to clean it up.  It sounded great after that.


Usually, the call just needs to be retuned.  A slight adjustment of the screw will usually do it. Treerooster's admonitions are correct.

[perrytrails]

Albert Paul use to have a good video on his website on how to care for your box call in the off season.