While reading about hen boxes and Turpin style boxes,I've ran upon one called a dial tone. Was this call invented by Mr. Buice? If not, who came up with it? I would also like to know what makes it different other than the notches on the right side of the lid? What purpose do they serve.
Are these calls still available?
I have so much to learn about the history of calls and the makers. I fear I may have started too late. Thanks in advance because I know many on here have a wealth of knowledge about calls.
Following.
Billy Buice back in the 60's became friends with Larry Hearn of the Old Masters Call Co. Larry had this idea and drawning of prototype box call with adjustable tuning dial which would change the tone of the lid on the rails of the box , Billy build these boxes with the help of Larry Hearn , Larry lived in Tennessee and i new him well. I have seen one of the boxes myself with the brass insert with the tuning pin ... Larry was also the inventor of the interchangeable mouth piece for the Crown Yelper , all of this was part of the Old Masters Company of Larry Hearn... if you can find one of these few boxes of larry / Billy they will bring between 1000 - 5000 dollars ... Larry died in the early 90's before this got off the ground and into production type call, most that were made which are just a few are hard to find ....
Thanks. Guess they aren't available anymore ;)
There's so much about the history of calls I need to learn. I have no intention of trying to obtain such rare calls but I am fascinated by the history. Figure there's plenty of calls out there I don't even know about. That's what gets me excited for Unicoi. Can't wait to meet callmakers and those with knowledge of this fine tradition.
I'm lucky enough to have 2 a single end and a double.Billy is making 12 per year now but I think he has a waiting list for them.
Anybody care to post some pics of one? I've found a few online but not many.
Quote from: ol bob on September 03, 2019, 04:53:00 PM
I'm lucky enough to have 2 a single end and a double.Billy is making 12 per year now but I think he has a waiting list for them.
Billy will do 12 as bob said at a price of 800.00 as told to me by Billy. He didn't mention a wait list though I never asked either. I would like to get one though for sure.
Here is a photo of Billy playing mine.
The notches on the side of the lid are for purring. (IF) a fella knows how, the Dialtone makes some great purrs..
Really unique call and a great deal of design work went into the box.
Would love to see one and attempt to run it.
Quote from: Rzrbac on September 04, 2019, 04:24:15 PM
Would love to see one and attempt to run it.
Drive to Canton, GA and Billy will be happy to let you test drive one. :icon_thumright:
He brought a couple to Unicoi one year.
There's chance that may happen. Lot of it depends on how the wife is doing. I would love to meet him.
If you get your hands on one I'd suggest you keep it!
Oh I intend to keep mine! Will try to post photos soon
I saw 2 of the Old Masters for sale one time for 3000 dollars each .....6000 for both .... Larry Hearn was professional gambler and love to bird hunt ... he lived next to our farm, back in those days these farms didn't have turkeys. For years he lease a farm down the road for us and it was called the Old Masters Hunting Club ... his old house place is still standing .... i helped in preparing his grave site after he died and he's burned in small cemetery plot on the farm he leased ...