Tuning Duck Call

[grizhunter]

I have a strait meat mallard call, #4641. When cleaning the call and putting the reed back in, does it go all the way back against the stop? Also, I'm new to calling.......where do I position my call at my mouth. Do I position it with just my top lip inside, or do I position it centered on my mouth? I have watched the video (calling ducks 2.0) and you are supposed to use the words "tic" and "ant". With using that vocalization, it all sounds the same...what am I doing wrong? Thanks for any input from anyone.

[migrator00]

The way you do it is if you take your reed out..first be sure it goes back in the correct way. The reed has a slight curve in it, that curve should face upward when put back on the toneboard. First, set your reed on the board and press it against the "stop" as you called it. Then, if you have a wood reed, put it in your mouth and suck on it for 5 seconds or so (this helps it go in much smoother). While holding the reed in place, you want to wedge the cork back in so it to is against the "stop". Using the side of a small pair of scissors work great when trying to press a tight fitting cork back into place. As far as calling goes, you have to find the comfort zone for you. Everyone is a little different. I have a lot of upper lip in the call when i'm hunting callin'. I rest that call on the bottom lip and it gives me great control. When I get on stage, I have less upper lip in the call so I can get the most air through as possible! When it comes to makin notes, it's important to remember that you don't need to grunt into this call like a lot of older style calls. It's like opening up your throat like a free flowin' garden hose and usin' your tounge as the throttle. I've never been a big one for actually sayin' things into the call, but I guess in a way, it does sound like tica and aint. It just takes a lot of practice, but once you get it, it's like ridin' a bike. Keep listenin to the video's and callin' cd's and you're sure to get it. Good luck!