Thanks for the replies gents.

I own/use a Woodhaven Real Hen box and have been really smitten with it. Last night, just before posting this ?, I chalked up the paddle and lip with some brown HS Strut chalk, and the call almost refused to make a sound, let alone a decent one.

I went back with some 0000 steel wool and went againest the grain on the paddle, and that did the trick. I suppose having too much chalk on both surfaces is a bad thing indeed. Live and learn, thats why the forums are here.

Thanks again for all the tips.

Andy