A lot of guy's ask me how I play a scratch box so I thought I would try to explain just how I do it. There are a lot of method's and I'm not saying mine is the best it's just the way I do it. they are really easy to play, but you do need to pratice.
First grab the striker in your left hand pinching it between the meaty part of your thumb and middle or ring finger. Your hand sould be cupped this lets the sound bounce off your hand creating a better sound.
Next hold the call with your thumb and first finger holding it lightly.
Next grab the other end fo the call lightly with your right hand and bring the call down resting lightly on the striker. Note the sound board of the call needs to be facing your finger tips.
The easiest sound to start with is a purr. With light pressure draw the sound board across the striker. This wil produce a purr sound. You can also get a fighting purr by adding more pressure.
To make a cluck simply apply a little more downward pressure on the call and sharply twist your hand and lift the call of the stricker. With a little pratice you can make cutts,and flydown cackle.
To make a yelp draw the call across the striker while twisting your hand at the same time using a medium pressure. By drawing the call and twisting your handthe call will start out with a high note and roll over into a perfect yelp.
Here are some scratch box calls that I finished of this week. The are made from Alaskian Yellow Cedar and Cherry. The striker are laminated with a piece of slate. You can use either side of the striker creating different tones but I prefer to use the slate side.
If your interested in trying a scratch box or would like to hear one PM me for a price or my Phone#.
