keping mouth calls in good shape
 

hey guys

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?

Thanks!

Mat

RE: keping mouth calls in good shape
 

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.

RE: keping mouth calls in good shape
 

I heard that you put them in the refrigerator also, but what Jalvja said sounds right to me!!

RE: keping mouth calls in good shape
 

good advice guys, thanks, ill give that a try.

Anyone else have tricks they use?

Mat

RE: keping mouth calls in good shape
 

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.

RE: keping mouth calls in good shape
 

I've heard that improperly rinsed calls can be source of sore throats. I do the mouthwash thing per jalvja's advice.

RE: keping mouth calls in good shape
 

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.

RE: keping mouth calls in good shape
 

I stick call savers from quaker boy between the reeds on mine and put them in the fridge. You can also use toothpicks inbetween the reeds.

RE: keping mouth calls in good shape
 

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!!!!!

RE: keping mouth calls in good shape
 

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...

Hal

RE: keping mouth calls in good shape
 

Yep.....

RE: keping mouth calls in good shape
 

I Buy New Ones

RE: keping mouth calls in good shape
 

After season I run fairly warm water on them hard enough to open reeds..then I put in tupperware full of water snap on lid and freeze. Just like new 4yrs. later.
I still buy new ones every yr. but end up using my old favorites also.

RE: keping mouth calls in good shape
 

I use a Roger Raisch mouth call saver & it works much better than anything I've tried. It's essentially a plastic snuff can with a sponge inside that you periodically dampen with scope mouthwash. I put mine in the refrigerator last April & my calls still sound like the day I bought them!

RE: keping mouth calls in good shape
 

Ifly,

I have yet to try your freezer method, but i would think that would be a good way to go. I have tried the mouthwash and toothpicks stuff and ended up ruining them. Last few years it has been just leave them be, and buy a couple new ones.

RE: keping mouth calls in good shape
 

For you bowhunters,a verticaly cut vane about 1/4in wide works good to seperate reeds,you can get several from one vane. Mouthwash 1/4 strength rinse,fridge for me. I've been told alky will weaken latex so I dilute mouthwash

RE: keping mouth calls in good shape
 

Danbell..I used to separate the reeds with tooth picks, pcs. of plastic, etc. and ruined some calls with Listerine...I've since stopped separating the reeds and keep calls in air tight snuff size containers with a small amount of scope poured on a pc of foam or slice of sponge. I rinse them off after every use in warm water letting the water separate the reeds and rinse. Then put back in container and into fridge until time to use again. Keeping the calls cool and moist will help keep the reeds from sticking..if they do stick..just put in mouth and get some saliva between the reeds and you're good to go.