How do call Makers determine screw depth on box call lid?

[gabowhunter]

How do call Makers determine screw depth on box call lid?

I have always wonder about this. On some calls the lid looks level others its high at the screw? If you ever purchased a used box call how to tell if screw had been messed with?. I have heard back it out and screw it back in and you will feel resistance where its originally was.

Just trying to see if its suppose to be at a certain angle, or its set by sound, just some educational help please.

Thanks,
James

[fargobox]

James, it's no so much a meter of the depth of the screw, but ratherthe screw is simple the pivot and anchor by which the lid sits, either farther back, middle or maybe up front all depending of how the screw holds the lid in a certain position according to how the callmaker chooses to tune the call.  The depth of the screw really doesn't matter from a technical standpoint, but setting it deeper naturally posityions the lid farther up front and the more you back it out the lid will sit toward the back.

Many callmakers tend to tune their calls toward the back, some much closer to the apex of the rails...it all depends on the sound their are trying to achieve/desire.  There is no magic really or a set angle, but mmore a feel, or the knowledge from having done it so many times that each callmaker inherently knows where he wants it to rest as he tunes.

Hope I helped...looking back my answer was much longer than it need to be.

[Spring Dragon]

I am no call maker but...  I have asked this question myself.  I think it is due to the individual call makers tuning technique, experience level, call design-the arch and radius of the call parts and etc.  On a square box the screw depth I think is set to a depth that affords the paddle to "bite" or start the first note of the yelp just slightly forward of center.  

As for used calls.  We all like or hear a specific sound and/or play according to our own ear and technique of stroking the paddle across the rails.  Thus, some of us will alter the screw some to achieve the quality of play we want.  Now, some call maker will justifiably tell you to not change the screw as they know where it plays best.  Example:  On my Albert Paul's, mike Lapp's, Ed T. and others I know to leave well enough alone.  On others I have made adjustments to get what I want.  

To answer your question specifically... not sure there is a right or wrong answer and for some calls and makers it will vary in reply.---Jason

[ferocious calls]

For me it is little by little until desired sound is achieved. I don't like to back the screw out but, have in some cases when pitch becomes to high for desired sound on the front end. The first thousand are the toughest 

[gabowhunter]

Some good info there. Never thought of it causing the lid to ride back or toward the front of the call, but you made that so simple to see. I been buying a few box calls and noticed some subtle differences in the screw depth and the way the lid sits on the rails. They all sound good and are all Cost style callers and the lids were the only thing that stuck out.

Thanks,
James