Years ago I made a single slate pot and a slate trough call. No matter what or whose striker I played on either of them, I didn't like the sounds I was hearing. Since I don't like giving up easily, I stuck both in a drawer for later. Recently, I was talking with another callmaker about a corncob striker I was trying to build, and he suggested I add some split lead shot to the striker to add weight to see how it would effect sound....so I started adding split shot, and I was amazed at the difference weight made in sound. So then, I pulled some other strikers out that I had issues with, and I started experimenting. The added weight turned rejected and so/so strikers into impressive players. Pots that didn't impress, when matched up with strikers they liked, became players. I am absolutely amazed how much mere ounces added or subtracted from the weight of a striker change the quality of sound from a pot or trough call. I appreciate the friendship that facilitated the conversation...I appreciate the suggestion....and I am thankful. I learned something...and I am thankful for my friends in this turkey hunting and callmaking community. A drill, split lead shot and some glue go a long way. I now have more turkey calls I can hunt and use to kill turkeys.
