Make sure your striker tip is a little roughed up too. If the tip is shiney and smooth, the call won't sound right. You might want to try other strikers too. A different striker can change the way a call sounds entirrely. I wouldn't think you've messed the call up. Try sanding it in one direction, not circular, then move the striker across (perpindicular) to the direction you sanded. I use a the stone on a Primos slick stick to condition my crystal. Emery cloth or sand paper should work fine too. Good luck!