collapse

Advertisement


Author Topic: Bear Calling - Tuning and Replacing Closed Reeds  (Read 931 times)

Offline billythekidrock

  • Varmint
  • Trade Count: (+1)
  • Explorer
  • ******
  • Join Date: Mar 2007
  • Posts: 13440
Bear Calling - Tuning and Replacing Closed Reeds
« on: February 16, 2014, 06:27:03 PM »
In preparation for spring bear hunting I thought I would repost and article I wrote years ago for www.callingbears.com.

Tuning and Replacing Closed Reeds

If I am not splittin’ reeds then I am not calling bears. In the thick rain forests of the west coast the sound of a call does not travel very far and in order to reach down in the valleys of reprod you need to call hard and loud. This hard calling can take its toll on the calls reed and will often crack or chip them.

 Replacement reeds can be purchased at some retail outlets or online. There are many types of reeds and they produce a variety of sounds. You can find online sources of reeds and supplies on the Links page.

 To remove a worn out reed you will insert the round end of a reed tool (a small dowel may work) in the bell end of the call and gently push the reed through the mouthpiece. (See “Remove”)

To install a new reed you will insert it through the mouthpiece with the flat portion of the tool against flat of the reed. (See “Install”)



You can replace a worn out reed with a new one without any tuning (A) or you can move on to tuning. Now I must caution you that reeds are fragile and can be ruined very easily. Unless you have a few extra reeds handy I wouldn’t suggest trying this.

 The easiest way to tune a reed is to slide a razor blade underneath the reed, gently slide it as far as it will go and then press down on the reed. (B)

 After removing the blade your reed should be slightly raised. (C)

 When you develop a feel for the reeds you will be able to apply pressure by hand to get the desired results. In this case, I am adjusting a double reed voice. (D)



There are probably as many ways to tune a reed, as there are types of reeds. Below are just a few ways to modify them. (1) Is a brand new brass reed.

 (2) You can use a knife or other pointed object to score a line down the center of the reed blade.

 (3) You can sand the edges, but be warned that this can facilitate cracking.

 (4) You can slide a thin round piece of wire under the blade and gently pinch down on both sides of the wire to create a lip. (5) This lip will help keep the reed from locking up.





 


* Advertisement

* Recent Topics

Brittany spaniel puppy by ghosthunter
[Today at 09:45:25 AM]


2025 Montana alternate list by tdot24
[Today at 08:24:52 AM]


10 years ago- Now by kball4
[Today at 07:33:37 AM]


Should I come back or find someplace else? by addicted1
[Yesterday at 11:24:45 PM]


AKC lab puppies! Born 06/10/2025 follow as they grow!!! by scottfrick
[Yesterday at 07:09:06 PM]


Up DATE!1993 Merc issues getting up on plane by EnglishSetter
[Yesterday at 06:57:24 PM]


2025 NWTF Jakes Day by wadu1
[Yesterday at 06:51:15 PM]


49 Degrees North Early Bull Moose by NOCK NOCK
[Yesterday at 05:28:30 PM]


Also looking for help deciding on a scope by dreadi
[Yesterday at 04:58:22 PM]


Need information on having a gunsmith thread a barrel for thin walled chokes. by Badhabit
[Yesterday at 02:37:23 PM]


How To Get Your $0.00 Tax Stamp - Black Hammer Arms by dreadi
[Yesterday at 02:34:04 PM]


Teanaway bull elk by Ridgerunner
[Yesterday at 01:55:35 PM]


Quinault Bear guide/help by blackdog
[Yesterday at 01:14:17 PM]


HUNTNNW 2025 trail cam thread and photos by Crunchy
[Yesterday at 11:20:34 AM]


Gots me a new/old rockchuck rifle coming by JDHasty
[July 12, 2025, 10:41:07 PM]


Litefighter tent ? by slowwalker
[July 12, 2025, 10:25:44 PM]


Looking for Solid 22 LR input by JDHasty
[July 12, 2025, 10:21:31 PM]

SimplePortal 2.3.7 © 2008-2025, SimplePortal