Tuning a box call

[ChesterCopperpot]

I've seen multiple comments lately that boil down to, "Whatever you do, do not touch the screw." Wondering what the aversion is to tuning a box call if you're slightly unhappy with the sound? Is it that you trust the maker's ear more than your own? Or is it fear of boring out the hole? Why should you never touch the screw?

[AppalachianHollers]

Lonnie Mabry seemed to suggest to me that over time that would be a legitimate thing to do—but he also suggested marking with a pen or knife exactly where the screw lines up with the paddle before making any adjustments. That way you can "reset" to the original. I then looked closely and could tell he had actually notched the wood around the screw himself while tuning it.


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[guesswho]

I'd turn it, but as mentioned mark the original posistion.  If you do turn the screw go in small increments, it doesn't take much.   

[ChesterCopperpot]

I've always fiddled with them and never messed anything up which is why I've never understood the aversion to it. I haven't ever heard the idea of marking the original spot, though, and I like that idea a lot. Assuming that you never have to go more than a full rotation in either direction and that you remember which direction you went that could be super helpful.

[paboxcall]

Usually well less than a quarter turn in either direction will get it going.

If you're turning a full turn, something else is wrong.

[ChesterCopperpot]

Usually well less than a quarter turn in either direction will get it going.

If you're turning a full turn, something else is wrong.

I'm going to start putting those marks on for sure.

[paboxcall]

Usually well less than a quarter turn in either direction will get it going.

If you're turning a full turn, something else is wrong.

I'm going to start putting those marks on for sure.

http://oldgobbler.com/Forum/index.php/topic,94334.msg923971.html#msg923971

[Gooserbat]

A very little goes a long way.

[ChesterCopperpot]

Usually well less than a quarter turn in either direction will get it going.

If you're turning a full turn, something else is wrong.

I'm going to start putting those marks on for sure.

http://oldgobbler.com/Forum/index.php/topic,94334.msg923971.html#msg923971

That's a super helpful thread and maybe does get at one of the reasons to tell people not to touch the screw, specifically the, "A wood screw is, essentially, a coarse-threaded wedge. Wedges do what to wood?? Yep.  Don't wanna split your end block." I've never done that, but I also never thought about it. Most calls I haven't had to touch, but I got a box a couple months ago brand new from a really great shop and I wound up making a quarter turn to get the sound I wanted. Love it now. Was just confused why people were so adamant about not turning it. Fear of splitting the block might make sense.

[paboxcall]

Agree Chester, and the underlying fear of never getting back to where they started.

[Gooserbat]

I look at it different than most people.  I think of them as musical instruments and most instruments need tuned.  Guitars, pianos, even trumpets have adjustments. 

[West Augusta]

A few call makers super glue the screw after they tune the call so it can't be adjusted. 

[AppalachianHollers]

A few call makers super glue the screw after they tune the call so it can't be adjusted.

Custom or production?


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