These are two new calls that I received from two fine gentlemen: Albert Paul and Marlin Watkins. I would have posted them sooner, but I've literally been doing nothing but working, going to weddings, and playing with these two calls for at least the last month. The superior craftsmanship of these calls seems obvious from the pictures, and I can personally attest to it. I appreciate both these call-makers, both for making these great calls for me and for tolerating my long-winded emails, as well
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The first one is an Albert Paul pocket call (Henry Davis Series) made from Gabon Ebony and Holly. It's a good bit smaller than a standard call, so I went ahead and got a holster from Mr. Paul, as well (which also fits my Tim Clayton call quite nicely). It came back in mid-May, which was surprisingly earlier than expected. I had heard that the pocket calls were a little higher-pitched than other standards (and I only have a few customs to compare with), but I haven't noticed that at all. It has an awesome sound and I can get super loud on it, if I so choose. I really love the wood combination - both in regards to looks and sound quality. Thank you to Mr. Paul for an awesome call that certainly be with me next Spring!
The second is a Marlin Watkins fiddleback longbox made from Bloodwood and mineral poplar with (maybe maple) inlay. I got this one in the mail on Saturday, right when I was leaving to be a groomsman in a wedding. I, of course, took it with me and was playing while driving down the highway - tuxedo and all. I hope someone got a good look of me trying to accomplish said task and got a good laugh from it. The wife said this one is her favorite call (albeit from looks alone, specifically the turkey feather), but that was on day one, so she may take it back if I asked her again today, now that she's had a good listen
. I really love this call, maybe because it's my first longbox, or maybe just because it's awesome! I sounded like a dying squirrel when I first picked it up, but after studying Marlin's hand placement in his videos, I feel I'm getting pretty good. I was playing Marlin's video while practicing recently and the wife said I sounded just like him (yeah, right). A big Thank You to Mr. Watkins for an awesome call that will get plenty of use next Spring and beyond!
- Gaines
