I was looking for input on how you guys keep your mouth calls in good condition during the off season. My problem is always that the reeds stick together badly after beinf used and then dont sound good anymore.
What can i use or do to them to keep them in better condition for longer?
Mat.Here's what I do.At the end of the season I dip them in mouthwash,rinse them off,seperate the reeds,let them air dry,put em in an airtight container then put them in the fridge.To seperate the reeds,they have things specially made for this.I know Quaker Boy and Penns Woods both make em.The flat end of a toothpick works just as well.Seperate the reeds while the calls are still wet.When you go to use the calls just wet them again and pull the seperaters out.
The things Jalvja talked about being specially made for separataing reeds are also sold as flat plastic paper clips. I dont think they are worth a darn as a clip, but they work great to separate reeds. One thing though, when you want to use the call again, wet the reeds first before you pull the toothpick or separator out or you might tear them.
I throw them out after the season. I buy more in March or so, since season doesnt start till May usually. If I find one that I really like, I go back to the store and buy a few and keep them for following seasons. They usually all cost less then $8 anyhow....cheap enough for me.
I do the exact same thing Rick does,"I buy new"!!I also have 3 to 5 calls broke in through the course of spring season ready to go in case I lose tone,accidentally ruin one,or even lose them!!!!!
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Monarch isn' t a butterfly it' s the King of the Spring!
I keep about a dozen in my vest at all times, and have never bothered with soaking and separating reeds. Not that I'd advise anyone else to do the same, but I can't resist buying one or two I've never tried before, each time I go to the sporting goods store. I am always using fairly new ones it seems...
keping mouth calls in good shape
