Purchasing Mouth Call Supplies

You will need tape, latex, & frames.

First determine what size of frame you want to use (kids, standard, or wide). If you have never used mouth calls before, it may be wise to get a variety of frame sizes. Just because it says “kids”, doesn’t mean that only kids can use a kid sized frame. It is about preference and fit within your mouth.

Next, select a tape that is compatible with your frame selection. Color is irrelevant to function, so choose whatever color you prefer.

The final supply to order is latex. This is where it gets tricky. If you have never made calls before, it can be overwhelming on what to order and how many. Calls take 2 or 3 reeds (never more, never less). The colored reed is usually (not always), the top reed that receives the cut. Therefore, order 1 colored reed per call that you plan to make. Colored reeds are almost always .004” thick. The color can make a difference in the sound, but it will be unnoticeable to a novice call maker. The other 1 to 2 reeds are usually clear latex. Thicknesses include .0025”, .003”, .004”, & .005” thick. From my experience, .0025” is extremely high pitched and .005” requires a lot of extra air to vibrate. If this is your first time making calls, order a majority of your reeds at .003” & .004” but purchase a few .0025” & .005” thick reeds for experimenting. So if we are ordering 30 calls, I would get (30) .004” colored reeds, (30) .004” clear reeds, (30) .003” clear reeds, (15) .0025” clear reeds, & (15) .005” clear reeds. This is more material than what will be used, but it is an adequate variety for many call making possibilities. This will also allow you to accumulate a collection of supplies that can be used the next year and refilled as needed.

How many call supplies should you order? If you have never made calls before, I would recommend ordering enough supplies to make 25-30 calls. If you don’t follow any recipe and go at it blindly, it will likely take a minimum of 10 call making attempts before you find a workable call. Luckily, on my website, I have included a page on recipes that have been known to work. Therefore, if you follow these recipes, you will likely find success in 1-2 attempts per call.