Trumpetyelper,
I guess as a so called callmaker I need to repond to this. I've been following it since it started. I for one have dial up and to even upload a picture it takes lots of time. Second I don't even know how to make a sound file more less put it on this computer forum. I make a call to use calling turkeys around here. After over 3 years of making calls I've learned everyone has a different opinion of how a call should sound. One person picks a certain call and the next person puts it last in their line for choice. When someone from out east describes how they want their call to sound, they want it more raspy than say folks from the south or southwest. Around here people want a young clear sound. I personally like deep raspy as well as a young soft clear note.
I entered one contest and it was this year on here for a turkey contest. Next thing I know I've got health problems to deal with in the family and myself and can't contribute. I let the team down and my spring hunt was a shambles. Everyone has a reason. Mine has nothing to do with a contest or this forum and anyone on it. I'm not the best nor claim to be. I leave that to the people who want to be. I just make calls and try to make them the way they have been made around here since the 1800's. Then try to add a sound to suit the ear of the peson ordering it. Another thing I have learned fooling around on this computer, is that a call sounds different over a microphone than it does up close and personal just as it sounds different from 50 yards away. I'm not sure a recorded sound file is a safe and fair way to judge a call or caller. Don't get me wrong I'm definately not against it. I'm just not interested in entering one. If I send out a call and it don't suit the person, I'll do my best to make it right. That's the best I can do. That happened once and before it's over that person will have a call from me that he is happy with. If a body wants to take one of my calls and use it in a contest, I'll happily oblidge them in any way I can. I guess I feel if people want to enter a contest with any call of their choice that is their choice. It's not necessarily the callmakers fault they do or don't. Nor is it a reflection of a callmaker if he don't enter a contest with one of their own calls. I'm sure each callmaker feels. or should feel, they do the best at making and tuning a call. So, what is the reason to enter a contest except to prove something. I for one don't feel the need to prove anything. That being said, I do and would enjoy listening to others call and how they use calls of different sorts.
I don't mean of offend you or anyone else. Just my $.02
David