How it's Made

Each turkey call I make is thought out and planned before I get out in the shop. I usually start with an idea of what wood I want to turn today and the components I will use to complete the call.  The folowing is a basic step by step of the making of a NeckBone Trumpet.

The wood I have chosen for today's turning project is Snakewood.  This wood is very dense and is one of the hardest woods in the world. It is very expensive and sometimes hard to find in a grade A with good horizontal grain that it is known for.  This blank is 1.5" x 1.5" x 6" and doesnt appear to have any cracks. I also have the Red Amber Acrylic mouthpiece material I think will look good with the redish tone of the wood.  I decided to use copper as the ferrule material for this call.  The first order of business is to knock off the corners of the blank and then I drill.

After I complete the internal drilling, the next step is to turn the top of the call to the diminsions required to hold the ferrule and mouthpiece together.  This union creates the continuous internal parts of the call and helps determine the ease and quality of the sounds that will be produced. Variations here can change the pitch and control of the caller as can the type of materials (wood) used for the body.  Once the components all fit properly, I flip the blank and turn the bell end down to the shape I want for the call. 

The next step is the sanding and preparation for the finish.  This step can be fast or a slow process depending on what you want the finished call to look like.  Some of my earlier calls I liked a quick easier prep for the finish, and now I like to see more depth of the wood by spending more time on the preparation and sanding of the wood before I do the steps of putting on a finsh to protect the call.

Every call maker goes through stages and types of finishes.  It was a tricky part of the process to come up with a finishing proceedure that works for your calls. Also, not every process works for every type of wood or resin if used. Some people like a glossy look and others a dull finish suitable for hunting. I did both and still do, but I decided my favorite way to finish a call was a 4 step process that brings out the beauty of the wood and protects the call.  

Next I will work on the mouthpiece.  I do the internal drill first and once completed I will start turning the material down to a shape and size that will complete the internal pathway properly and with the strongest connection.  Once the final shape is complete, I do a 6 stage water sanding to polish the material and take out any turn markings. Finally, I apply a protective finish coat and polish it.  The mouthpiece is now ready to be assembled with the body and ferrule.

The call is brought inside and assembled in my office.  A lipstop is attached on the mouthpiece and a lanyard is assembled to match the materials of the new call.  Next, I will burn my logo name "NeckBone" on the call.  Next I take pictures and transfer them to my computer where they are edited and prepared for posting on my website.

Images of the final NeckBone Snakewood Trumpet with the custom made adjustable lanyard are posted on my website and available for purchase!

CUSTOM MADE by David Neck