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Slate question.

Started by Gobbler2577, May 20, 2014, 11:12:04 AM

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Gobbler2577

I have been building box calls for 15 years and recently decided to try to build a few pot calls.  I prefer glass and crystal and have finally got what I am looking for in terms of sound from them.  The problem is that I can't seem to make a slate to save my life.  Every one just seems dead and I can not get them to break over.  I guess I was under the impression that once you got the pot like it needed to be the surface wouldn't really matter that much.  I am not trying to get at anyone's secrets, but I would like a little advice if possible.  Could it be that the slate I am using is no good?  To be clear I purchased the slate from a popular source and I can't imagine the slate is the problem.  Thanks in advance for any help.
Larry.

TRKYHTR

What size slate are you using? What soundboard are you using? What are your dimensions ie distance from soundboard, size of pedestal, thickness of walls etc...

Joe
RIP Marvin Robbins


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outdoors

JOE HAS SOME GOOD QUESTIONS  ???
I MAKE A NICE 3 1/2" CALL THAT SOUNDS REAL NICE , MY FREINDS LIKE IT BUT IM AFTER
A 3 1/4" AND IT'S HARDER TO GET THE SOUND I WANT , BUT IM GETTING THERE .......
Sun Shine State { Osceola }
http://m.myfwc.com/media/4132227/turkeyhuntnoquota.jpg

noisy box call that seems to sound like a flock of juvenile hens pecking their way through a wheat field

pappy

The right dimensions is definitely the key to a good call. Everything comes in play, just like Joe says, distance between the ledge and the top of the soundboard, start at twice the thickness of your piece, which is usually 1/8" thick I start by taking two 3" pieces of glass and laying them on top of the pedestal  and work it until the top piece is level with the ledge. The distance from the top of your floor to the underside of your slate is important too little will kill the resonating also too far away will produce such an echo it will over ride the break. Also the inside wall configuration is important  to me, as I like to concave mine I feel it allows the sound to bounce uniformly around the pot insides. Thickness plays important part for the vibrato of the call too. A lot of stuff isn't it? And not even half way there....just start experimenting, pay close attention to your measurements and write them down when you get it when you feel comfortable with the sound.   Another thing, before your glue sets up you can also do the tap tests, tap the center to the slate and listen to see if the sound is crisp with a slight echo or if it is dead, either way, you can remove the slate or leave it in place.
my new email is paw.paw.jack@sbcglobal.net
tel...573-380-8206

Gobbler2577

Thanks for the replies.  I think joe has me going in the right direction.  Made one last night that is so close to what I want and I think I now know how to proceed. 


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