Osage Roost
Turkey Call Paradise => From the Callmaker's Bench => Topic started by: jmck on January 04, 2012, 05:07:33 PM
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Back some time ago, after posting a call I made for John Eddleman, Johnny Lott contacted me about trying to do something for him. I have been so busy latley, I have not even hunted this fall, but I finally got this one done.
He had a very special call Neil made for him that he lost in a campfire if I remember the story right(maybe you can elaborate more on the story Johnny). It was Cypress in Neils 30 check pattern. Johnny asked me if I would try to emulate Neils call he had made for him. I was honored to say the least as I origionally got my start in making calls from our mutual friend.
He wanted some special wood and I just happened to have the right choice for this project.
I just happened to have a very little more of some wood salvaged from the Baby Doll house from Boenoit Mississippi. The wood has history to it so hopefully that is what ya wanted Johnny.
I want to thank you for the opportunity and for choosing me to attempt this replacement call for you.
I hope it serves ya half as well as Neils call did.
Roll a bunch with her my friend !!
(http://i563.photobucket.com/albums/ss77/jmckamey/IMG_6185.jpg)
(http://i563.photobucket.com/albums/ss77/jmckamey/IMG_6186.jpg)
(http://i563.photobucket.com/albums/ss77/jmckamey/IMG_6192.jpg)
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Thats fine looking call Jeff. He should love that one. *dance*
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That is a sweet caller. You should make more with the same wood in the whole box. I like the way it looks that way.
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What a beauty
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You did good Jeff. Fine looking call right there.
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LOL! Neil ment that comment......too! Nice looking call, Jeff! Neil would be proud of that one. *up* *up* *up* *up*
Bill
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as allways very very nice... *up* *up* *up* *up* *up* *up* *up* *up* *up*
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That's a dandy for sure. *cheers*
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That is really a handsome call! *up*
DonL
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That's a beauty Jeff. Anybody would be proud to carry that one.
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What a great looking call and a great tribute to a friend... *up* *up* *up* *up* *up* *up* *up* *up* *up* *up* *up* *up*
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*up*
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Nice Call Jeff you did the Ole Man right!
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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
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Man that's a sweet looking caller Jeff !! That is a great tribute for sure! Congrats Johnny on a super fine Call!!
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Awesome Call Jeff, the Cypress is as tight grained as I have ever seen....
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Nice one Jeff! Beautiful pictures too! *up* *up* *up*
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Very nice! Beautiful job, Jeff *up*
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That is one sweet caller Jeff! Fine job!
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A fine fine call from a great builder and I gotta say the story between y'all has even got me choked up. Would really love to run that this spring.
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Beautiful call, Beautiful wood and a great tribute. That was one very old and special piece of wood that Little Eustis graciously gave us. Could not have worked out better.
Great work my friend. Look forward to seeing you in Nashville.
It's Hammer time.!!!!!
Mr. E
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Jeff,
It goes without saying, You do fine work!!
That's one awesome looking call.
Fred
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Shhhwwwweeeeeetttttt !
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Dang Jeff, that is one gorgeous call. Congrats on a keepsake of a lifetime Johnny.
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Beautiful call Jeff and quite a story behind it.
Jon
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A treasure..... RkLu
Congrats to all involved.....Everyone is a winner here!!!
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*up* *up* *up*
Jeff, DOUBLE WOW WOW!!!!!! That is as nice a Cost style caller I ever did see with thine eyes. Also, knowing the tribute and refreshing the Lott story.....brings back many many memories of Neil and Johnny. *ride* *ride* *ride*
PM sent.
Rod
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Fine caller and a great story.
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Truth be known, Jeff really posted that so everyone would read about that trusty Toyota. *lol*
A little publicity never hurts, does it Jeff?
All kidding aside, that's a beautiful call, buddy!
Tom
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Very fine box built from the heart!! That wood looks outstanding! *up*
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Man, that is one beautiful call! *up*
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*up* JMACK< you sure done er good! the grain on that wood is unbelievable!!! i bet that call is loaded with memories AND turkey!!! way to go buddy!!
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Awesome man, simply awesome.
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*bowing*