Osage Roost

Turkey Call Paradise => From the Callmaker's Bench => Topic started by: BigTomsCalls on April 11, 2010, 10:54:51 AM

Title: How I Play a Scratch Box
Post by: BigTomsCalls on April 11, 2010, 10:54:51 AM

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.
(http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll296/BigTomsCalls/IMG_0364.jpg)

 Next hold the call with your thumb and first finger holding it lightly.
(http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll296/BigTomsCalls/IMG_0365.jpg)

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.
(http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll296/BigTomsCalls/IMG_0366.jpg)

 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.
(http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll296/BigTomsCalls/IMG_0367.jpg)
(http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll296/BigTomsCalls/IMG_0368.jpg)

If your interested in trying a scratch box or would like to hear one PM me for a price or my Phone#.

Title: Re: How I Play a Scratch Box
Post by: Bulldogmikey on April 11, 2010, 10:59:03 AM

That is a cool way to play a scratch box! Never thought of that. I love the looks of your scratchers.

Mike

Title: Re: How I Play a Scratch Box
Post by: longbeardfever4ever on April 11, 2010, 11:33:33 AM

Thats about how i do it! Just a bit different. VERY nice scratchers!

Title: Re: How I Play a Scratch Box
Post by: turkey stew on April 11, 2010, 12:38:16 PM

Sharp looking scratchers Tom! *dance*

Title: Re: How I Play a Scratch Box
Post by: SS Custom Calls on April 11, 2010, 03:39:36 PM

Good tutorial Tom. Nice scratchers!!  *cheers*

 Al

Title: Re: How I Play a Scratch Box
Post by: letinmfly on April 11, 2010, 07:07:34 PM

Great looking scratchers Tom.  I know they sound good!  RkLu

Title: Re: How I Play a Scratch Box
Post by: Frozen Crow on April 11, 2010, 07:20:56 PM

Great looking scratchers Tom!! 

Lee

Title: Re: How I Play a Scratch Box
Post by: Buck_Iggy on April 11, 2010, 08:01:25 PM

Thats one of the way I do it too Tom!!! Nice Scratchers too!! RkLu RkLu

Title: Re: How I Play a Scratch Box
Post by: Zumer on April 11, 2010, 08:12:58 PM

Very sound advice, Tom.....

     They are some fine looking scratchers.....

     Zips

Title: Re: How I Play a Scratch Box
Post by: J R Hunt Camp on April 13, 2010, 07:05:58 AM

... thank you Big Tom ... 8) 8) 8)

Title: Re: How I Play a Scratch Box
Post by: BigTomsCalls on April 13, 2010, 12:08:42 PM

Thank you guy's for all your kind words and interests in my scratchers!!