This is topic Krustys' Calls... in forum Calls and Gear forum at The New Huntmastersbbs!.
To visit this topic, use this URL:
https://www.huntmastersbbs.com/cgi-bin/cgi-ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=2;t=000037
Posted by Az-Hunter (Member # 17) on June 29, 2003, 09:19 PM:
Krusty and I did some horse trading via the net a few evenings ago. I think he got the raw end of the deal! Ive gathered a modest number of calls over the years, mostly custom jobs, guys have sent me or I swapped something for. I don't believe Ive seen one this nice before, I was pleasantly surprised and quite impressed with his attention to detail and craftsmanship. Most of the custom calls I have are very nice pieces of work, but pale to the example he sent me. Rather like looking at fine production rifles, then handling a Dakota....know what I mean? Fit,concentricity, and a beautiful hand rubbed finish, not a spray polymer or dip job. You done good Krusty, mighty fine call, Oh! it has terrific sound with the double reed system. It produced some amazing yips and barks on my way to town yesterday:) I thank you much.
~Az-Hunter~
--------------------------------
"never take yourself more serious than your subject"
Posted by brad h (Member # 57) on June 29, 2003, 09:36 PM:
I feel the exact same way. I know what you mean. They put out the most awsome rasp. The volume is unsurpassed. This is the first call Ill reach for when the winds are sweeping the badlands. The twin reed is a unique idea. Mine will very much get worked over this winter. Dare I compare it to the Killer Call?
Brad
Posted by Krustyklimber (Member # 72) on June 29, 2003, 10:53 PM:
Az,
I am so glad your call made it to you... there are two others shipped about the same time that are missing, I now have renewed hope they'll get to their mark.
I am even more glad, and flattered, that you like it. Of all the calls I have made so far, this was this hardest to put in the mailbox... I miss it already!
But I am sure what I am getting in trade will be really cool, and helpful to me!
Here's a pic of it,
Brad,
You think the one you got now is loud? Wait 'til your new one arrives! It'll blast you out of the house!
Dare you compare it to a Killer call??? You better not! lol
There's no way in my mind, no matter how many folks ever said it, that my calls even come close to an RG or RC call!?!
I have always seen the "value" in my calls is their sound is unique... not because they produce a quality of sound that hunters or possibly coyotes are interested in.
Jeff 
P.S. Hey guys... Brad makes a hell of a good call himself! I've got three of 'em, and I'd put the sound quality right on par with anything I have made... I dunno how I am gonna choose calls on a cold autum morn, I've got a few nice customs, many of which I will "go to" before my own calls.
Posted by brad h (Member # 57) on June 29, 2003, 11:33 PM:
Krusty,
I'm sending 3 more out next week. I still won't comit to selling yet. Well see how this goes. When I get set for a website Ill let you know, Ill need the help. ![[Wink]](wink.gif)
If you do recieve anything in the future from me please don't feel obligated to send back. It'll be all my pleasure. Later.
PS Like I said before, these calls gotta be the sh** for cats. Nothin like puttin Tweety to shame. ![[Smile]](smile.gif)
Brad
[ June 29, 2003, 11:38 PM: Message edited by: brad h ]
Posted by RudeDawg (Member # 65) on June 30, 2003, 11:29 AM:
I got a call from Krusty and I'm just amazed at it. It's loud, clear, and a beauty just to look at.
I'm a fan!!
Thanks Krusty. It was everything and more of what I expected!!
RudeDawg
Posted by yotecaller (Member # 179) on June 30, 2003, 12:22 PM:
Krusty is that a pic of one of your Howlers?Also how much does one of those callers cost?Thanks in advance.
Posted by Az-Hunter (Member # 17) on June 30, 2003, 04:49 PM:
I probably don't use a hand call more than a dozen times a year. When fox hunting up in the mountains, I don't mind the hand movement, the stands are tight, and fox are nothing like the coyotes in reacting to the movement. But this particular call does make dandy barks,yips and passable howls. Usually when coyote hunting, I use my voice to bark and yip them to a stop, but I imagine I'll be hanging this one around my neck when heading out this season and try it out. The picture doesn't really do it justice, beautiful piece of hand rubbed mesquite. I detest shiny, sprayed or dipped finishes, anyone can do that, Krusty put some time into this call, and it shows. Not turned on a lathe,and shot with a plunge bit down the barrel, this is hand crafted. Worth more than you could actually sell them for, but that is the bane of hand work:)
Posted by Leonard (Member # 2) on June 30, 2003, 06:06 PM:
Hmmm? I suddenly recall that he offered/promised me one of those little gems. He's come a long way, in a hurry....no?
Posted by Krustyklimber (Member # 72) on June 30, 2003, 07:36 PM:
Yep Leonard,
You and Curt are up next, I got your address here on my desk, I was hopin' to bump into you in chat so we could discuss what you like in a call.
I let a 13 yr old kid cut in line, or you'd have your call now... he's trying to make his own calls, so he needed one to work from.
Jeff
Posted by Krustyklimber (Member # 72) on July 01, 2003, 12:15 PM:
Oh Yeah,
Yotecaller, here's the procedure... you just open up your wallet, and I'll start taking money out until I feel good ![[Big Grin]](biggrin.gif)
... or until you start crying ![[Frown]](frown.gif)
(whichever happens first).
No, just kidding. Obviously.
But like Az says, pricing my calls has been an extremely difficult task. And there is no way I could just punch a timeclock on them, and no way y'all would want to pay for those hours at my regular rate.
Az's call, for example, took nearly six hours of work (a conservative est.), but there isn't a coyote hunter in what's left of his right mind who'd gimme $90 for one like it... if there is someone PLEASE give him my #!!!
The price for my calls right now is $29.00 for the distress calls, and $29.00-$39.00 for holwers.
Extreme custom's are gonna be variable in price... some like the tiny Critr Call Replica I made for Brad H are free or traded, others like the long walnut "horn" howler Az consigned to have me build last night will be more than $39.00 by a bit.
Like Leonard, I'd need to know what you wanted before I could make it, or set a price on it.
Jeff
Posted by yotecaller (Member # 179) on July 01, 2003, 04:39 PM:
Thanks Krusty I will send you an email on the type of call that I would like.
Posted by Leonard (Member # 2) on July 02, 2003, 07:40 PM:
I looked for you in chat, last night?
As far as a preference, I think I might like the double reed, open reed, with a fairly long barrel, about like a red desert call. I'd like the wood a little on the thick side so I can't easily bust it by sitting down with it in my back pocket on a rock. It would be a working call, I don't collect many museum specimens.
And, if you can't do it, whatever you can come up with is fine with me.
Good hunting. LB
[ July 02, 2003, 07:40 PM: Message edited by: Leonard ]
Posted by Krustyklimber (Member # 72) on July 02, 2003, 07:56 PM:
Leonard,
I couldn't agree more about "museum pieces", first and foremost, I want my calls to call predators for their owner's.
So far all of my calls have neen sufficiently strong enough to survive actual use in the field.
I know they'd have o problem being sat on, some of the mesquite ones I imagine you could step on and not break.
If the walls are too thick, it tends to deaden the sound. I will look up a Red Desert Howler here in a minute... funny how I haven't even seen half the calls out there, but I still manage to make a halfway decent call.
Jeff
Posted by Leonard (Member # 2) on July 02, 2003, 09:43 PM:
Mesquite would be my first choice! Palo Verde second. LB
Posted by Rich Higgins (Member # 3) on July 02, 2003, 10:26 PM:
Ironwood
Posted by Leonard (Member # 2) on July 03, 2003, 08:30 AM:
Am I overruled?
edit: or perhaps this is to remind me that I do have one museum piece?
[ July 03, 2003, 08:32 AM: Message edited by: Leonard ]
Posted by Krustyklimber (Member # 72) on July 03, 2003, 09:57 AM:
Hand carving Iron woood doesn't sound relaxing or profitable, so I doubt very much I would want to go about trying it. But I thought the hardness of mesquite was going to make it difficult, and it did not.
I will ask my dude at the wood store about Palo Verde... I know where the town is but I never heard of the wood, maybe he'll have a source for it.
You could always send me the piece of wood you'd like it to be made of, my generousity is getting the better of me... I don't mind giving away some of my time, but am finding it hard to purchase exotic materials for the freebies (at least until I can sell some calls again).
I looked at the Red Desert Howler, I don't currently have any mesquite long enough to complete a call like that, but I will put in an order with one of my buds in Texas, and hope I can get it on it's way soon.
I do have access to a fair supply of walnut or African rosewood, if either of these are exceptable I could get to work really soon. I also just finished drying some beautiful plumwood, and have more that enough of it on hand... it's the hardest thing I ever cut with my chainsaw, around here, and should have a good quality of sound and a beautiful red color.
Thanks for your interest Leonard, I sure didn't mean to turn this thread into a commercial... but I really appreciate the fact that I am not banned from this site for mentioning I make and sell calls!
You are the best playground teacher, on all of the "playgrounds" I visit!
Jeff
Posted by Leonard (Member # 2) on July 03, 2003, 10:11 AM:
Palo verde is a common tree in parts of California and Arizona desert, as is mesquite. And, I never heard of someone fabricating a call from palo verde? And, that's why I like it. No, I don't have a piece, but next time I have the chance, I will snag one and send it up, just so you can try it.
Exotics are fine, but I don't know? (hard to explain) However, whatever you have on hand; plum might be just fine? I would prefer any domestic over foreign wood. Beggars can't be choosers!
Good hunting. LB
Posted by Curt2u (Member # 74) on July 05, 2003, 12:17 PM:
Hey Krusty, I have to hand it to ya. You are whipping out some very impressive calls. I've yet to see one that wasn't a beauty. It's obvious to me that you really pay attention to detail. That says a lot. I've heard only good things about how they perform too. Keep up the good work!
Posted by Richard Grantham (Member # 107) on July 05, 2003, 05:39 PM:
I posted a original Krusty Kall over at Predator Masters as I'm cleaning house, plus lots more.
Richard Grantham barber@axs4u.net
Posted by Lonny (Member # 19) on July 05, 2003, 09:39 PM:
Hey Krusty, I have watched your growth as a call maker and I must say I am also very impressed.
I have a question for you or other call makers. What do you know about using lilac wood for call making? I was talking to a guy the other day who mentioned that lilac wood is very pretty when finished and is fairly hard. It made me wonder if it would be suitable for a call? Thanks.
Posted by Krustyklimber (Member # 72) on July 05, 2003, 10:15 PM:
Curt,
Thanks for the kind words...
In a week, or so, you'll be able to give your opinion of what one of your own is like!
I need you to e-mail me your shipping address, your call is done!!!
Richard,
I wish I was "liquid" enough to by my calls back from you...
but I wish you would keep them more.
But they are your calls, that's one thing I never have had a problem with... just like when I built race motors... I can't worry about how a guy rode his bike, it's his.
The one I really want is the mini-howler you and RC made... I will send my offer in the morning.
Lonny,
Thank you also! I only wish I had grown to be as successful at hunting predators!
But it's much easier to make calls from my front porch, then it is to call coyotes.
I dunno much about lilac, or much about any wood... I am pretty new to this fine woodworkin' stuff, I am more of a wood butcher (framer) kinda worker (or at least I thought I was).
I know lilac is fairly common around here, and I could probably come up with some... but if you wanted to send some, I would make some calls.
Speaking of exotic flower woods I do have a call I made a while back from Rhododendron wood (my State flower)... I didn't think at the time I made it anyone would care, but in thinking about it... what man wants to blow on a flower call? (no judgements made on the lilac)
I figured it would have to be a woman's call... and I only know of one woman who calls
I have been so busy I haven't had a chance to offer it to Crow Woman... I thought perhaps she would trade a copy or two of her book (one for me and one for a gift)...
Whatdya say Sheri, does this Crow-do-dendron call have a home at your house?
I'd be glad to outright by a couple copies, but I LOVE a good trade!
Thanks again one and all,
Jeff
Posted by Curt2u (Member # 74) on July 06, 2003, 09:17 PM:
Krusty, can't wait to get my hands on it. And this call pic posted above. Man, you've outdone yourself again. That is nice! Crow Woman will put that to good use.
You sure you haven't been making calls for years under another name? For a self-proclaimed "newbie" on the call making scene you sure make a professional looking call. Nice work!
Thanks, Curt
Posted by Krustyklimber (Member # 72) on July 08, 2003, 03:44 PM:
AZ,
I got your package, I don't think I got a raw deal at all!
I was up late last night, me and Red watched all three videos... we learned a lot, thanks.
And I have renewed respect for the .17 now. But now I have a million questions.
...but we'll talk more about that later on... (I think I wore out my VCR rewinding that thing, LOL)
Seeing Gerry skin that coyote was, ummm... enlightening, to say the least. ![[Roll Eyes]](rolleyes.gif)
The wood is incredible!!! SEND MORE!!!
It will work perfectly for making your howler, and leaves me with enough to make a few more calls.
I suppose you got it off the firewood pile, huh? ![[Eek!]](eek.gif)
I am over at my dad's now and have already rough cut your call, shouldn't be too long 'til it's on it's way. I would gladly work out a trade for more wood like what you sent me... I am a long way from the desert.
Thanks, I will be in touch soon, to find out when and which vids to send back.
Jeff
Posted by jerryboy (Member # 231) on August 18, 2003, 07:05 PM:
I have called 3 with the Call Krusty made for me. Very easy to use, any sound from it is very nice.
I called 2 in an hour Indy 500 race day.
I didnt have a cam so I layed her in the weeds till I could return the next day to show Krusty a pic. I returned the next day and all that was left was a tail and some spine bone. The other was hit at 130 yds and was a smaller female. A 60 gr. V-max frontal shot made her a bad choice for a pic too. I carry a one time use camera for the next call in with the Krusty Krier. Mine is an unmarked prototype! Sassafrass I believe. jerryboy
Posted by Bofire (Member # 221) on August 19, 2003, 07:25 PM:
Okay youse guys, Krusty and Red came all the way to Olympia today. Took stuff to my Brother Tom's store, mesed around. Left my new Krusty call at Tom's store, then went home.
Never stopped to see me at work, went by within 300 yards, never came to my house.
I think I been snubbed, an they both should be punished.
Do I have your support?
Thank you in advance
Carl
Posted by Krustyklimber (Member # 72) on August 19, 2003, 08:32 PM:
Dude???
Snubbed?!? LOL
We left two messages at your house, had your brother try to call, and hung out bullshootin' at his shop, waiting for you, for a good hour or more (dang guy... nearly had me buyin' a gun! Just to match my laminated call)... and we definitely woulda stopped by work if we knew where it was!
I brought reed materials, and was gonna custom tune it as you test played it!
I think you'll like the reed I put on it. I put the original, and a spare band, in the envelope with your call.
Most of all we thought you'd take us out and show us a spot to make a stand or two...
I doubt me or Red will ever get anything without you there, you're our good luck charm! ![[Razz]](tongue.gif)
I am so happy to have the Model 100/284 going to be fixed! So happy no punishment will undo it!
Happily awaiting punishment, as usual... it's all good 'til the beating is over! ![[Cool]](cool.gif)
Jeff
Posted by Bofire (Member # 221) on August 21, 2003, 07:03 PM:
Picked up my call tonight, I played it all the way home, 40 minutes, played it for my sweetie,
played it fer my doggie.
Looked it over inside and out. Krusty this is my all time favorite call.
It whines and whelps, it moans and rasps, it juvenile howls, it fits my hand, it warbles like a shook rabbit.
Its beautiful.
Now, I want a smaller, higher pitched..........
LOL
Fellas get one of these as soon as you can.
Oh, Krusty,I want mine signed, so I can say I knew ya before yer were famous.
Carl
Posted by jerryboy (Member # 231) on August 25, 2003, 07:03 AM:
I asked him for a small high pitched one also.
Hope he stays buisy jerryboy
Posted by Krustyklimber (Member # 72) on August 25, 2003, 10:35 AM:
Carl and Jerry,
I have both the bodies for your calls nearly finished (each of your small calls will match the call you have now)... for the higher pitch sound I am going to use a closed double reed... I have asked around and have some on the way.
As soon as the reeds show up I'll get them done and sent out.
I hope I don't stay so busy, I spend a lot of time working on them now...
Leonard,
Your call is finally done... I used the plumwood I had, which for you is gonna be pretty cool.
It's the hardest wood I have ever made a call from... it kicked my butt. The amount of hours I put into it is staggering.
I made it and one other "plum crazy" call, and I will not ever hand work another plumwood call, so yours is a "one off" (like Jerryboy's), there will never be another one like it.
I enclosed a few spare parts, including two single reeds (one for howling).
It has a very raspy and unique sound, closest to a real jackrabbit I have made yet.
I hope you really like it, and get years of use from it...
Watch the mailbox!
Jeff
Posted by jerryboy (Member # 231) on August 25, 2003, 02:21 PM:
I read somewhere a long time ago that you can buy those reeds then fine tune em? Cronk mentioned it a while back too. I had a midrange reed that started going out and I broke it trying to mess with it lOL. How does wood change the sound?
Can't wait to see em. jerryboy
PS,If I were to make an alternate reed,would it howl like the dickens too?
[ August 25, 2003, 02:23 PM: Message edited by: jerryboy ]
Posted by Leonard (Member # 2) on August 25, 2003, 03:25 PM:
Thanks for the thought, Krusty. I always appreciate random acts of kindness. Sounds
great.
Now, with my luck, it will arrive on Tuesday, which is when I will be back from my Arizona hunt.
Good hunting. LB
Posted by Krustyklimber (Member # 72) on August 25, 2003, 04:59 PM:
Jerry,
Red has the trick for ya...
He takes the top reed and puts it up, against the tip of his nose/top lip, so he's just blowing the one reed.
This takes the raspiness (created by the top reed) away, and the howl doesn't start and stop with a duckish note.
Would it then "howl like the dickens"? I dunno... a violin only makes "music" in the hands of a musician. lol
As far as a replacement reed we can take care of that one of three ways...
I can send you some reed material, and you can copy and tune one for yourself.
You can trace the top and bottom reed shape on a piece of paper, and send it to me, and I can make a reed for it (unreliable).
Or you can send the little bugger back to me, and I'll tune a reed for it (and some spares).
Leonard,
Work ran long today, and I didn't make it to the P.O., to mail this weeks (and last weeks) orders.
But that is a good thing... now I can send it express mail, since I know you'll need it sooner than regular mail.
As long as you don't leave town before Wednesday night, you'll have it...
I only mentioned the spirit in which I am giving you the call, because I had a misunderstanding with one of the top 5 guys I have respect for, in this coyote whackin' game. And he felt he might owe me something and could not bust my chops for "getting outta line"... because I had given him a call.
I am pretty sure you wouldn't have seen it that way... and you'll tell me to STFU if I am spouting BS (which I can do, and probably was in said misunderstanding), but I thought I'd better make it totaly clear upfront.
I really do get enjoyment from giving.
And I really am gutsick over the falling out with said respectable dude (I hope dude doesn't hold any of it against my bro, he is on respectable dude's side anyways)... but I digress.
Jeff
UBB.classicTM
6.3.0