Hi guys,
I've turkey hunted since I was a kid growing up in the 80s and early 90s. I've called in and killed turkeys on about every call out there except a trumpet. I've decided this season is the one for me to do just that!
So I need to start with a trumpet. Which one should I start with? Suggestions? I'm not too worried about budget.
I appreciate any and all suggestions!
Not worried about budget you say? https://thecallvintageturkeycalls.com/
I don't feel that I am the best to give advice. But my journey with the trumpet started with a wing bone. Once I could get a yelp I bought from a few different builders. I realized that I like flat mouth piece trumpets. Billy McAllister and Clay Townsend make my two favorite trumpets. But I've seen this advice on here before and it was to master one trumpet.
You're likely going to see lots of different call makers names come up in the answers to your question. Theyre almost certainly all great calls that will be great to learn on. I think theres a lot if nuance and personal preference in each persons answer. The only way to find out for yourself is to get them in your hands and play them! To make things more complicated, your preferences will probably change as you learn, get better and evolve as a player. My advice is to get one that you like the looks of and play the crap out of it.
That said, I'm still gonna shout of a few guys that have been good to me, and make awesome calls. Greg Gwaltney, Gene Shoemaker (DES), Brian Mero, Daryl Slaton.
Good luck, have fun!
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I would go with a Ralph Permar model 45 in Delrin. It will do everything well.
Attainability may be an issue for some of the suggestions you're gonna get. You're looking to use it this season so you'll need to choose a maker that can get you one fast OR buy something second hand, there are good options in the classified from time to time.👍
Any one of the makers you've heard about in this trumpet/yelper section of OG makes a really good call. I would stick with a well known, tried and true name. At least for your first because you have nothing to compare it to so you want to start off knowing you can't blame the trumpet for the absolutely horrible sounds you're going to make at first. 😆
Pm sent
Brian Mero
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There are a lot of good trumpet makers out there.
I've got some ready to go for $150 to your door. I don't know how to post sound file on here, but feel free to pm me your number and I will send some via text. (https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20260131/9491975cce8f3041a0e6d816da18f9d5.jpg)
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Kenny mullins!
Seth Hamon and Clay Townsend are both making a molded composite Jordan/Trumpet for $100.
Several good options already listed. Pick "one" and practice like hell. Make your wife angry kind of practice. Don't get frustrated, it takes a while. Also don't be afraid to try it while hunting, even if you don't think it sounds good. I've heard some real hens that sounded terrible. I would also add, if you can master a good wingbone call, then you will have no problem mastering the trumpet. Good luck!
Ive been running a trumpet for over 20 years and Ive had a chance to try different ones over the years. Remember that trumpets are player based. What works for one person might not be what another person likes. I have more of Billy Buice's than and and started buying them in 1998 and always tried get a few here and there from him. Ive killed a ton of birds with an Osage he made me. Nothing pretty about that call but with a #2 mouth piece it absolutely is the best sounding call own. 2nd would be an African Blackwood Brian Mero call. Its lead to a number of birds to their demise. I carry those two most of time. I one of Billy's Ironwood calls before it. I just picked up a Seminole Custom trumpet from Ben to try. It will definitely be put into rotation this year. Trying different calls is the fun of it for me. Have fun experimenting with different makers. You definitely don't have to spend a fortune for a trumpet. Heck I made a wingbone 30+ years ago that still to this day will call turkeys in. Having an expensive trumpet is like having an expensive fly rod, they dont mount to a hill of beans if the presentation isn't right.
Warning, I would advise not going down that rabbit hole. You may never come out. Its an addiction !!!!!
I agree, I've got more trumpets than my wife has SHOES ... just saying ... :OGturkeyhead:
Quote from: Greg Massey on February 07, 2026, 08:52:46 AMI agree, I've got more trumpets than my wife has SHOES ... just saying ... :OGturkeyhead:
https://oldgobbler.com/Forum/Smileys/classic/TooFunny.gif Sounds like she's going to kill you one day Greg!!
I've only had one and it has been a Billy McCallister. It's a blast to practice on. I began to really like it before last season and harvested a couple birds with it. If you come across one for a good deal I'd definitely grab it.
Quote from: MITurkey on January 29, 2026, 11:26:40 AMNot worried about budget you say? https://thecallvintageturkeycalls.com/
Well I didn't know that place existed...dangerous
Oh yeah.... It definitely is. :wave: :z-twocents: :z-twocents: :z-twocents:
Anthony Ellis——AGE trumpets. Anthony makes a very good trumpet and might have a few ready to sell.
I bought two trumpets last year shortly after season end and I still suck at playing them. I'll likely stick to my trusty pot calls.