I noticed my crystal whined a bit, even not long after roughing up the surface. Then I looked at the end of the striker and noticed it was shiny and roughed it up a little to take of the shine (make it not so smooth). It seems to grab much better now, and the sound is fine. Do any of you do this? I don't want to mess it up, but figured if the striker is too smooth, it won't grab as well and makes the call whine....

I use some green material that came in my Primos Slick Stick. It works pretty good. I have also used sandpaper. It doesnt hurt the strikers.

Bmac, i think what your talking about is something called 'scotchbrite'.
Yep, i use it too...makes the striker 'catch' the grain of the slate.

I use either the scottbrite or very fine grit sand paper.

I usually will use emery cloth wich is a very fine grit

I use a piece of scotchbrite pad, and sand with the grain (not across it). Why do I do it this way?...'cause some old-timer told me to!

I do the same , luv that Slik Stik .

Don't hesitate to roughen it up as necessarily.

Hal