Johnny posted on my post over on CCO---Here is the story behind his loss of the origional cherrished call in his words for a better understanding of his loss of that call....
"Neil made me the cypress call as a replacement for the yellow poplar one I burned up accidentally in that infamous episode that also spawned the "Survival caller" boat paddle in Michael Marks' book.
I had gotten lost after taking a short cut upon discovering what looked like a grave in the deep woods on the back side of some remote property where nobody ever went.
Hence, that's the reason for the inscription.
Just so you know, I'm planning on featuring this call in a proposed article I'm planning on doing -- when I'm able -- about that sad, sad tale. Everytime Neil heard the story, he just shook his head in disbelief.
(Frankly, even though I was there, I have trouble believing it myself...But as Garrison Keillor once said, "Nothing bad ever happens to a writer; it's all material.")
Because of on-going health problems and medical expense, I was forced to sell the cypress replacement -- and I couldn't bear to do it behind Neil's back.
I was in serious, serious financial trouble after getting laid off and having a major wreck where I injured my back and totaled my car.
For one thing, I had to have a series of six epidural shots to the spine -- which is one of the most sobering things you'll ever do when you realize how close that needle is to your spinal cord -- and a lifetime of paralysis if the needle slips.
That shot goes in your spine -- times six...Whew!
The opposing insurance company was stalling my settlement -- and I had to bring in a pretty serious lawyer.
So I told Neil what happened -- and Scott Branton bought the cypress call and some others in Neil's den -- with Neil there.
It broke Neil's heart -- and mine -- and I don't think he ever fully understood that I had no choice in parting with the call. But I didn't.
That sale -- essentially -- pulled me out of the hole. It helped me buy a Toyota 4Runner that I ran for 125,000 miles to more than 223,000 -- before I finally sold it.
It was the truck that Neil bought me -- in effect.
And it was a level of generosity from a dear, dear friend that I will forever hold in highest regard and deepest gratitude.
Frankly, at that time, I don't know what I would have done without that sale.
Neil did a lot of incredibly generous things for people -- and giving me the leverage to buy a good, durable vehicle was one of the kindest things he ever did for anyone.
I've wanted to get that call back somehow -- something that will very likely never happen -- apart from an absolute miracle.
So having this "tribute" call made is the closest I'm able to come -- for now...It will help me remember Neil -- with every cluck and yelp.
Thank you so VERY, VERY much, Jeff!
By the way, the grain on your call is prettier than the original!
(And you even spelled "cyprus" right...., "cypress" -- yeah, "cypress"
Johnny, i am honored and elated that you chose me to make that call.... I hope it serves you in just a fraction of what Neils masterpiece did
