Alright... So a few weeks ago, in the Duck Calling Basics thread, I posted the following in response to bthompson's question about whether I prefer a single or double reed call...
Here in the past week, I have come to realize that what I posted wasn't completely accurate, and I've actually become a HUGE fan of single-reeds. I ordered a couple sets of reeds and corks from the Echo Calls website last week, along with an extra polycarbonate call insert (back half of a call). My intent was to tune one insert as a double and tune my other insert as a single reed... basically giving me two calls to choose from. After tinkering around with the single, tuning and practicing, I decided I liked it so much that I converted my Zink PH2 (which is a double reed call) to a single reed call.
I have been blowing double reeds pretty much my entire waterfowling career. I don't know what kept me away from the singles, except maybe just an "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" attitude.
Here's what I now know/believe in regards to these two different calls... (some of it may be contrary to what I originally posted in the other thread)... Double reeds take more air pressure to operate than single reeds, but they have more raspiness "built-in" to them. This results in a very user-friendly call because it basically runs itself. Single reeds take less air pressure to operate (how much less depends on how it's tuned), but don't have as much as that raspiness "built-in" to them. To get the rasp, you have to add inflection, or "voice," into the call. It takes more effort to learn, but once you figure it out the range you are capable of is unbelievable. If it's tuned right you can get the high-pitched squeals and the low raspy old hen out of the same call. It's about as versatile as it gets. And as far as volume goes... If the call is tuned properly, you can get nice and quiet on a single reed just as well as on a double reed.
I'm sure a lot of this is common knowledge but I'm just happy as hell about it. Kind of pissed off at the same time, though, that it took me so long to have this revalation. Not sure I'll buy another double reed ever again.
What's the takeaway from this? I would say if you're a beginning duck caller, a double reed might be your best option to start with. As you develop your skills on the call, a single reed could really take you to that next level.
Excellent question, man. Personally, I prefer a double reed call... for most occasions. Reason being, the areas that I hunt are usually either pressured hard or the birds are always going to be working close. Double reeds are usually slightly quieter than single reed calls, and I find that a loud wailing single reed will sometime spook the birds in pressured areas. That being said, I still like to carry a single reed with me when I'm hunting so that if I need to really reach out and touch one I can. IMO, double reeds are easier to run than single reed calls since they require less air pressure... However a lot of double reeds are prone to sticking when it's cold. Single reeds are usually a bit more versatile and less prone to sticking.
It's funny because my favorite call is the one that I didn't spend any money on. It's an Echo double reed... Back in 2004, while working at Pickerel Creek WA, I was out spraying purple loosestrife in the main marsh in one of the drawn-down units. As I went along I noticed something green down in the mud. I dug it up and sure as shit it was this duck call, packed completely full of mud. I could tell it was an Echo so I knew there was still hope for it. Only the guy that lost it knows how long it was buried in that marsh. I cleaned it up and it's been one of my go-to calls still to this day.
Here in the past week, I have come to realize that what I posted wasn't completely accurate, and I've actually become a HUGE fan of single-reeds. I ordered a couple sets of reeds and corks from the Echo Calls website last week, along with an extra polycarbonate call insert (back half of a call). My intent was to tune one insert as a double and tune my other insert as a single reed... basically giving me two calls to choose from. After tinkering around with the single, tuning and practicing, I decided I liked it so much that I converted my Zink PH2 (which is a double reed call) to a single reed call.
I have been blowing double reeds pretty much my entire waterfowling career. I don't know what kept me away from the singles, except maybe just an "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" attitude.
Here's what I now know/believe in regards to these two different calls... (some of it may be contrary to what I originally posted in the other thread)... Double reeds take more air pressure to operate than single reeds, but they have more raspiness "built-in" to them. This results in a very user-friendly call because it basically runs itself. Single reeds take less air pressure to operate (how much less depends on how it's tuned), but don't have as much as that raspiness "built-in" to them. To get the rasp, you have to add inflection, or "voice," into the call. It takes more effort to learn, but once you figure it out the range you are capable of is unbelievable. If it's tuned right you can get the high-pitched squeals and the low raspy old hen out of the same call. It's about as versatile as it gets. And as far as volume goes... If the call is tuned properly, you can get nice and quiet on a single reed just as well as on a double reed.
I'm sure a lot of this is common knowledge but I'm just happy as hell about it. Kind of pissed off at the same time, though, that it took me so long to have this revalation. Not sure I'll buy another double reed ever again.
What's the takeaway from this? I would say if you're a beginning duck caller, a double reed might be your best option to start with. As you develop your skills on the call, a single reed could really take you to that next level.