I don't own a box call. I have always gravitated to pot calls, diaphragm calls, and wingbones/cane yelpers/trumpets. I'm thinking about getting one, maybe two box calls, not a long boxes either. I'd like a combination of performance and aesthetics that doesn't break the bank. Basically good quality and aesthetics at a middle of the road price point from a reputable custom call maker. Can you give me some suggestions?
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IMHO, if I didn't own a box call, the first call maker I would call would be Albert Paul. Neil Cost was his mentor, and Albert is getting up in age and will not be making calls much longer. His boxes are as good as it gets........
I don't disagree with Tarheel, great suggestion. But for sound and build quality, ease of play, availability, and cost you cannot beat SS calls. They have several short boxes on their site right now that are ready to go.
Quote from: packmule on December 19, 2023, 08:32:27 AM
I don't disagree with Tarheel, great suggestion. But for sound and build quality, ease of play, availability, and cost you cannot beat SS calls. They have several short boxes on their site right now that are ready to go.
Not sure how to find SS Calls.
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Here you go:
https://sscustomcalls.com/short-box-calls.html
There was a couple Watkins boxes for sale. They are excellent boxes and easy to run.
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Quote from: packmule on December 19, 2023, 08:32:27 AM
I don't disagree with Tarheel, great suggestion. But for sound and build quality, ease of play, availability, and cost you cannot beat SS calls. They have several short boxes on their site right now that are ready to go.
X2 They build a mighty fine short box!
Are you making it to Unicoi in January? If so, I highly suggest you swing by Mr. Wendell Lancaster's and Mr. Darrin Dawkins' tables. If not then Mr. Watkins, Mr. Paul, or Mr. Shoemaker is worth a call.
All terrific recommendations so far.
I would add Jeff McKamey / Twisting Creek to your list of possible builders. Jeff's calls are tuned perfectly and check all the boxes you posted.
http://twistingcreekcalls.com/index.php?act=viewCat&catId=2
Quote from: Meleagris gallopavo on December 19, 2023, 08:01:59 AM
I don't own a box call. I have always gravitated to pot calls, diaphragm calls, and wingbones/cane yelpers/trumpets. I'm thinking about getting one, maybe two box calls, not a long boxes either. I'd like a combination of performance and aesthetics that doesn't break the bank. Basically good quality and aesthetics at a middle of the road price point from a reputable custom call maker. Can you give me some suggestions?
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Bob Harwell or Steve Mann
An SS box is worth the money all day long, probably one of the best values you can find. But all the other makers mentioned are great too, but more expensive. I think they're all worth the $. But if you are a little short on funds.. the Shoemakers, Jeff White and Scott Witter(although his work may cost more now) I got a Witter box a few years ago that was the single greatest value I've ever come across, a stunning short box.
If you're on Facebook , there's a lot being posted on there
All the ones mentioned make great boxes... It all depends on what sound / tones your looking for ... each of the builders mentioned all have their own turkey sound in their head ... So again it depends on you and what your looking for in a old hen sound or a younger hen sound and what you like in the rollover of the call on the back-end ... One that's not mentioned is David Halloran also makes a good box for the money like SS .... So don't overlook David ... T J Johnson also is making the fiddle boxes and putting his own twist on his fiddle boxes...TJ apprentice under Marlin to keep building the fiddle boxes ... fiddle boxes will cost you a little more along with some of the other builders .... Lamar Williams and Mike Lapp are others to consider also, they build some awesome boxes ...
Jeff white makes a great box call at a good price.
As mentioned Albert Paul is another top of the line maker..I feel like one day if you didnt own one of his boxes you will wish you did
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Back in the 70s, I had friends criticizing me because I spent $35 buying a box call from Neil Cost. Later, I heard those same friends whining and complaining because they didn't buy a Cost box call when they had the chance for $35-$50. I just laughed. Today there still are a few call makers with direct ties to Neil Cost making Cost style box calls.....Lamar Williams, Steve Mann and Albert Paul. Albert is the oldest of the 3 and most likely his days making turkey calls is the shortest. All of the 3 make fine Cost style box calls....as do a number of other call makers across the country. The close association with Neil Cost has value beyond the price of the turkey call.
I have the box calls of everyone mentioned on here and agree they are all excellent. But If you want a box call that will kill turkeys every time you pull it out and the absolutely best bang for your buck - Al Shoemaker is your choice. His boxes sound as good as anything you can buy elsewhere for an extra hundred dollars or more, and he generally gets that same sound consistently on every single box (unfortunately that is not true for all the BIG known builders). If you go with Mr. Al, you might as well get one of his scratch boxes while you are at it. You won't regret it if you do.
If you want a box or two to hang on to for an investment for later on - right now I would put my money on Albert Paul. His boxes are really good, and you can still get one for 150-160 or less on most wood selections. I would suggest the Walnut over cedar if you were just going to buy one. He is really high on that combo. And Mr. Albert and his wife are a joy to talk with when you order one. Some of the most real, pleasant and authentic folks you will ever encounter.
X2, I agree with everything you said Mountain1... The Paul's are two of the nicest people you will ever meet!
Quote from: 3bailey3 on December 21, 2023, 10:59:03 AM
X2, I agree with everything you said Mountain1... The Paul's are two of the nicest people you will ever meet!
A big x3
All great suggestions above, I have calls from everyone that has been noted. The Paul's certainly are awesome folks, Mrs. Paul is a pleasure to deal with!
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I know you said you were not interested in a long box. But keep an open mind on that. I like my LB on windy days. It definitely gets the love out there. Just something to think about. Good luck with your choices.
Every one of the suggestions are spot on. I have several of the ones mentioned. I bought 1 last year from a guy that had been mentioned on here. The call is not very expensive and will be in my vest this year.
Hoot Larsen .... and if you get his call .... buy his book, its a very good read.
Surprised no one has mentioned Spring Creek. At their price point, I feel like they're one of the better deals out there for a short box. I'm not even all that great of a turkey caller and my Osage/Butternut short box makes me feel like a chanp. I fel like there's lots of different hens in there.
Good luck!
Late to the conversation. But, yeah........... A lot of good makers listed above. But, for your call-buying, turkey-killing dollar........... The OG Forums' own Spring Creek and Ferocious Calls are top contenders.
Mike and Kip build KILLER stuff !!!!
I'm going to throw out Ernie Fetters. Super nice guy and a reminder I need to reach back out for another long box.
I would def have a long box from Marlin
For short box
TJ Johnson
Jeff Mckamey
Scott Witter
Ralph Snodgrass, get his mid-sized call ... Best of both worlds
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Quote from: gobblers roost on January 25, 2024, 09:11:58 AM
Ralph Snodgrass, get his mid-sized call ... Best of both worlds
:agreed: Mac ebony over reclaimed chestnut mini boat from the Snozz:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/40721353093_c7a7a7783c.jpg)
Snozz is a classic example of "The man.....the myth.....the legend", for sure. :icon_thumright:
Here's some stone-cold killas from Mike (Spring Creek) and Kip (Ferocious Calls)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53487475735_5cdf558507_c.jpg)
Quote from: Yoder409 on January 25, 2024, 02:26:55 PM
Snozz is a classic example of "The man.....the myth.....the legend", for sure. :icon_thumright:
Here's some stone-cold killas from Mike (Spring Creek) and Kip (Ferocious Calls)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53487475735_5cdf558507_c.jpg)
Very cool! :you_rock: