bugling for bulls with mouth reeds

[shorthair15]

i seem to be haveing trouble with the mouth reeds for calling elk. i can cow calll with a open reed and bugle with my berry thunder bugle. trying to learn how to use a diaphragm so i dont have to carry as much stuff in the wods with my bow. i have some bugling bull diaphragms like the mellow yellow and some sonic domes. thinking maybe i need to try a different brand. my name is scott i would like to hook up with some one that could give me some pointers. how do you size the reed to your mouth? thanks

[BOWHUNTER45]

take a pair of scissors and trim the outside edge of the diaphram ...usually it only takes a little trimming to make a perfect fit ...

[dylanb]

Pm sent!

[Crunchy]

I buy a bunch until I find the ones that fit just right.  I usually carry 5-6 of my favorites and the rest I leave in camp. 

[coachcw]

try the mini domes !

[Crunchy]

Primos usually fits my mouth best, but i do carry a few other brands.  The ones that dont fit I toss and try to remember not to buy them again.

[JPhelps]

Unfortunately it Is a buy and check on mouth call frame sizes.

The adult frame will work for 90% of callers.   Others that have a smaller palate won't be able to get the call to fit right and will need to use a youth frame.

The tape is used to seal off the air and force it across the latex (it can be cut as short as needed for comfort while maintaining the seal).

The palate plate makes the calls more universal as it fits a larger variety of palate sizes. Once the palate plate or dome bottoms out it is set rather than relying on the aluminum frame for placement.

The other thing that comes into play is what type of caller you are.  Some guys like thicker/tighter reeds and others like thinner/looser reeds.

There is also the way the call is blown.  You can add tension to the latex with your tongue or increase air pressure and all combinations in between.  Where your tongue is located on the latex will also affect the sound.

Is that as clear as mud?  It really comes down to what works for you.

[Webfoot]

For me the reed needs to be broken in to get the best sound.
The only way to break it in is to use it and practice.
My wife loves it when I practice in the house.

John

[TommyH]

For me the reed needs to be broken in to get the best sound.
The only way to break it in is to use it and practice.
My wife loves it when I practice in the house.

John

  she hates me in august!

[crazyantler]

I just experienced this myself last night after buying a reed and not being able to get it flat to roof of mouth.  I trimmed the edges and it still didnt fit so I guess I will trim more until if fits.  I also assumed the rounded edge of reed went towards the front of my mouth.

[et1702]

I just experienced this myself last night after buying a reed and not being able to get it flat to roof of mouth.  I trimmed the edges and it still didnt fit so I guess I will trim more until if fits.  I also assumed the rounded edge of reed went towards the front of my mouth.

Maybe I don't understand which direction is front or back, but rounded part goes in back of mouth against palate and reed is up front (i.e., towards front teeth).

ET

[CAMPMEAT]

I buy a bunch until I find the ones that fit just right.  I usually carry 5-6 of my favorites and the rest I leave in camp.

..........ah, I don't think you leave anything in me !! 

[JPhelps]

Latex towards the teeth.

The tape is strictly for sealing off the air so unless you are gagging on it or it isn't sealing right, I wouldn't touch it.  On the non palate plate diaphragms you are relying on the size of the aluminum frame for fit.

[hughjorgan]

Guys that are just trying to learn might find this useful...

http://www.elknutforums.com/Hunting/viewtopic.php?f=12&t=72

[oldcamper]

Sounds like some good info, I am thinking of picking up elk call and all info helps.