Got my hands on my Dads old Lynch box call. Problem is, it sounds pretty crappy. It has 2 of the rubberbands missing, and it just doesn't play well at all. I haven't messed with it, other than trying a few yelps. What would be the best thing for me to do to try to get this call back into hunting shape? Re-chalk? SomeSanding? New bands? Thanks!!!

First clean off all the old chalk then lightly apply new chalk.Bands are not that important and really don't effect the sound unless they're way under size/tight.

My Lynch box call is 30 years old this year. The bands have been replaced at least a dozen times, but you don't need the bands unless you're gobbling with the box. Definitely clean it up and re-chalk. You can tune the call by wedging a dowel in between the sides inside the box - this will increase/decrease the tension on the walls and raise/lower the pitch. I use a 3/16" dowel - you just have to play with it until you get the tone you want. It's a great call.

you def need to clean and re-chalk it. if you want an easy way to change the tone lightly squeeze the sides with your thumb and index fingers. adjusting the pressure from your fingers will give you some different tones. fun to play with.

Awesome, Thanks Guys!! Whats the best way to clean the old chalk of the lid and the box??

i just use a stiff brush. that way i dont take any of the wood with it.

i got my grandpas lynch call and its about 30 years old. i put new chalk on it every year. it stills sounds pretty good. i love the box call

As a custom turkey call maker, some of what has been said is true. You should lightly sand the underside of the paddle with a fine grade sandpaper then re-chalk it with box call chalk orcarpenters chalk ,NOT CHALKBOARD chalk, it contains oil and will harm your call and it will not sound good until you sand it off.
I would not use a dowel inside pushing on your side boards to change the sound(don't want to break it),as stated use your finger tips on the outside of the box to apply preasure to the soundboards while stroking the lid.
You can also adjust the screw on the top of your box to change the pitch to what sounds good to you. However do not adjust more then 1/4 of a turn at a time as a little goes along way. Keep track of your adjustments incase you have to go back.
Good luck.

For cleaning my HS box call came with very fine grit sand paper.A blackboard chalk eraser or similar material should work just fine.

Probably wise advice - the peg in mine came withthe call when I bought it in nineteen-seventy-something