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Posted by Krustyklimber (Member # 72) on April 10, 2007, 07:08 PM:
I been making some calls, and some turkey strikers...
Here's a couple calls, made from very rare spalted rhododendron wood;
One from figured maple burl, that I dunno if I can part with;
The last piece of the sledge hammer handle;
A pair made from some figured big leaf maple;
And a little cherrywood call, part of a matching set... a predator call/locator, a striker, and a slate pot;
Posted by Krustyklimber (Member # 72) on April 10, 2007, 07:10 PM:
Here's the cherry striker;
And a holly striker in the same style;
The next three strikers are cherry and walnut;
Another in the same style, made from cherry and tiger maple;
The last one is a Brent Saxton Replica... made late one night while I was having trouble figuring out how to get the strikers to sound right...
So I made one like the one I already had, that WORKED, and it worked too.
I hope Brent doesn't mind that I copied him?
Maybe this can make up for it... I searched for a couple years, for a plum tree large enough to get any decent wood out of. Last year I took out three of them, and the wood is now dry enough to use.
It's one of my favorite woods to make calls from, and Brent has a couple calls made from it.
He likes it too, and had asked if I ever got some, if he could get some.
Brent,
These two turning blanks are yours, if you want them?
I've got a call for Tim Behle, and one for Brad, but the finish isn't done yet, I'll post more calls as I get 'em done.
Krusty 
Posted by JD (Member # 768) on April 10, 2007, 08:35 PM:
Hell of a deal!!! You been busy, eh. Very nice Krusty, that maple burl for sale?
Posted by Krustyklimber (Member # 72) on April 10, 2007, 08:59 PM:
JD,
Naw, I been bored (since trapping ended), and my truck has a rod knocking... so right now, everything except my dog is for sale. ![[Frown]](frown.gif)
If you want to come at me with a serious offer, I can't refuse, the maple burl call is your's. ![[Wink]](wink.gif)
Krusty
Posted by ninthinning (Member # 900) on April 11, 2007, 08:03 AM:
Fine looking calls. I would like to buy one, What would you take for the very rare spalted rhododendron wood. Interested in a trade?
9th
Posted by smithers (Member # 646) on April 11, 2007, 10:29 AM:
What is the going rate on a KrustyKrier?
I would be interested in one for the simple fact that they are few and far between. Let alone the good words that I have heard about the sounds you can get from them. They are unique and I can appreciate that.
Posted by Krustyklimber (Member # 72) on April 11, 2007, 11:08 AM:
9th,
Thanks for the compliment.
There's actually two spalted rhody calls, you'd have to decide which one you wanted.
The smaller one has a little better sound, but the longer one has more beautiful wood.
At this point I am not looking to make any trades.
In the past trades haven't worked out real good for me, there's a half dozen or so callmakers who got their call(s), but never sent me anything in return.
Smithers,
Deciding what to charge for a call has always been the hardest part of call making, for me.
But you're right, they are few and far between, they're "high quality", and they are one of a kind... that should be worth something.
I had considered auctioning the calls, but I'm not up for the added hassle invovled.
If there's a call that caught your eye, let me know which it is, and we can negotiate a price?
Some of these calls are what I'd call "field grade" and some are "collector's grade", the field grade calls will be more affordable, and the collectables will not.
Krusty
Posted by smithers (Member # 646) on April 11, 2007, 01:56 PM:
Krusty, I would like to know which ones you consider field grade and then I would choose from there. i do like smaller calls better. I would like to get one that I can use and abuse a bit and not feel too bad about it.
I am not a huge fan of shelf calls. I feel bad if I even knick them like I let the maker down or something. Anyway, I will contact you via e-mail. Thanks, Chris
Posted by Melvin (Member # 634) on April 11, 2007, 02:17 PM:
Krusty: the past trades haven't worked out real good for me, there's a half dozen or so callmakers who got their call(s), but never sent me anything in return.
Krusty,I learned a lot in this buisness.Often times the ones you think you can trust the most are the biggest crooks.Most all the calls i sale,get shipped out before i get paid for them.Only two members here didn't pay for there calls and neither has posted since.I won't mention either of there names.They are the ones that got to live with it,not me.You got some fine looking calls up there and i hope you do well with them.
Well,i got to lay back down now,i had surgery and i have been bleeding for a week.Having prostrate surgery is a pain in the arse.
Posted by Krustyklimber (Member # 72) on April 11, 2007, 03:32 PM:
Smithers,
I would consider the hickory (sledge hammer), and the small figured maple calls, field grade.
The final sanding and finish on them is not up to my usual standards.
I was a little rusty when I got going again.
Right now, because I sorta intend to keep it for myself, the maple burl is definitely field grade.
The calls I've made for myself, are rubbed down with steel wool, to break the shine.
It sounds like you'd want one of the maple calls, small, durable, and thrashable. ![[Big Grin]](biggrin.gif)
I like to see the calls I make get used, and that can be hard on them, oh well.
Heck I warrantied a guy's call, that got eaten by his dog, so there's not much worse you could do.
Melvin,
In no way would I say any of the people I made deals with were "crooks", and I don't hold any ill will against them, sometimes things don't work out.
I'm just not gonna let things go that way, again.
I hope somebody else can "do well" with these, calls of this quality are wasted on me. LOL
I'm sorry to hear you're not feeling well.
Krusty
Posted by Tim Behle (Member # 209) on April 11, 2007, 04:26 PM:
quote:
so right now, everything except my dog is for sale.
How's your Wife at skinning coyotes?
I don't recall ordering a call, but I could always use another. Just let me know what I owe you, you sure do some pretty wood work!
Posted by TRnCO (Member # 690) on April 11, 2007, 04:43 PM:
Great looking bunch of calls Krusty! Your title on this thread got me thinkin', if we call makers that don't make many calls would find some sexy girls to pose with the calls when we were sellin' them, the calls would fetch a more primium price!!
I'm glad I got a KK call! Good stuff!
Posted by smithers (Member # 646) on April 11, 2007, 06:18 PM:
Krusty, I sent you a mail via the one in your bio. Figured maple sounds good to me!
Posted by Krustyklimber (Member # 72) on April 11, 2007, 09:25 PM:
Okay, both the little figured maple calls are spoken for.
Tim,
My wife can barely get the skin off the chicken we buy at the store, I'm sure she wouldn't be any help in the fur shed.
I know you didn't order a call, I ordered some mesquite from Arizona, and you filled that order.
I thought a call made from it would make fair payment, and I got a little (trapping related) souvenir for you for helping me so much with trapping too.
Your call has one of those "you can't do that on a lathe" shapes, and doesn't want to lay in my scanner for pictures, so it will be a suprise when it gets there.
E-mail me your shipping address, please.
TR,
Thanks, I think a couple look great, but most are just so-so. But we are our own worst critics, eh.
I'm not so glad you got a KK call.
Of all the calls I have made, there's only one I am ever tempted to ask if I can have it back... you have it. ![[Smile]](smile.gif)
I'm glad you like it.
Smithers,
I got your e-mail, thanks.
Krusty
Posted by George Ackley (Member # 898) on April 12, 2007, 04:35 PM:
Everyone is making calls these days,
And some even make really nice calls.
But What can i say about my hand made Krusty call,
Well i can say this,,
the days i take my krusty calls out i just leave my boots home i found i never have to go far from my truck when using it
Never hunt with bear feet and my krusty calls, but i been known to hunt bear
this year i was lucky enough to call in harvest 2 badgers with my krusty call and i do have to say it was the creaming double voices that made the difference.
KRUSTY,
I was going to look you up in early December , i was stuck in Seattle at the air port for a couple days when the storm hit , but i couldn't get your #
I was up BC for long tail and trying to get home ![[Mad]](mad.gif)
have a good summer pal
[ April 12, 2007, 04:41 PM: Message edited by: George Ackley ]
Posted by smithers (Member # 646) on April 12, 2007, 06:38 PM:
George, did you take the bear with a gun or bow? What was the weight on it?
I like the contrasting gear in the first pic. Sandals!
I have been eyeing Krusty's calls for a while. It is a treat for me to finally be getting one.
Another on the short list has been filled.
Chris
Posted by George Ackley (Member # 898) on April 13, 2007, 10:14 AM:
Bear was a spot and call harvest,, I was working a big cut when i seen him working his way down a ridge .
I moved in till i got to a comfortable range,, He was across the cut and about 30 yards in the woods . (pulling apart a log,)
the hole time he was unaware of my presents,
I started calling him with a soft call at first,(witch he never lifted his head to) Then i started in on him with my double voice closed reed krusty made for me. I was working both reed at the same time and that got his attention It was enough to bring him the 30 yards to the wood line for the shot, I have harvest many bear with my bow ether over bait or spot and stalk this time I was on a bear hunt in witch i was hunting afternoons over bait. I was out calling coyote mid day when i got lucky and notice the bear working the ridge, I was going to make a set in.
1, shot from my Rem 700 in 7mm with a 150 grain ballistic tip federal .
I never got a scald weight but i say around 200lb
I don't talk up many call makers, but i do have to give props to a call maker that works with ya on getting you the call you looking for......
So i am happy to say that you cant go wrong with a krusty call.
one thing more, this call that i used was made for me for calling cats, It's has a high pitch sound that I been trying to get out of other calld with no luck. I can work one voice or both at the same time and with the voices being off set to each other makes it,,,,,,,well all i can say is it SWEET
[ April 13, 2007, 10:21 AM: Message edited by: George Ackley ]
Posted by Krustyklimber (Member # 72) on April 13, 2007, 01:21 PM:
George leaves out a very important point, about his call.
That one really is a "custom made" call.
I made the call, but George completely designed it on his own.
He even drew up some plans of what he wanted, and it turned out I was one of a few call makers who could produce the oval shape.
I'd made a few of that same style, with single reeds, the body is what I call a "Squished Circé Replica".
Since George had already gotten a hickory (open reed) call from me "because he needed a tough call", that seemed the perfect choice of wood for his "Ackley Improved Circé Replica".
That call also has the distinction of being the only call I ever branded my logo onto.
My suspicion is, that George's Krusty Kriers calls work so well for him, because he's good at using them... it's the caller, not the calls.
George,
I'm truely sorry to hear I missed you, on your way through town.
Anytime, ANY of you guys are planning on passing through, let me know ahead of time. I'll give ya my phone number so you can call if need be (I'm in the phonebook too, some of you guys have called me, out of the blue, before).
Krusty
Posted by smithers (Member # 646) on April 13, 2007, 06:31 PM:
This is just my take on the custom, not custom deal. Not that it has any context, except that Krusty alluded to it somewhat.
Hand made, spun or just produced to the callmakers own liking is what I believe to be a custom call.
I think a "personalized" call is what you make to a caller's particular specifications. That's just how I look at it.
I find it hard to explain to a call maker just what I want and have them duplicate it to the point that it fits exactly what I want. Once a call reaches my dirty little paws, I may add my own touches to them. In effect cutomizing or personalizing it further. Some calls I will just leave alone because they are great the way they are. I like to do a little tweaking here or there to get them to fit my style of calling.
[ April 13, 2007, 06:31 PM: Message edited by: smithers ]
Posted by Krustyklimber (Member # 72) on April 15, 2007, 09:16 PM:
I am going to be out of pocket for the week, I'm going turkey hunting (over at the Ranch, where I got my buck).
Smithers,
I didn't intend to open that whole can of worms part of it, just to say that George designed his own call, not me.
What are the most important design features, in a call, to you?
What call is great the way it is?
Krusty
Posted by smithers (Member # 646) on April 16, 2007, 02:04 PM:
What are the most important design features, in a call, to you?
What call is great the way it is?
A call that will perform in cold temps and won't get spit locked in any temp.
I like a small to medium call that I can get a booming sound if I need it.
Sound quality. Versatility.
The Killer Call (all Cronks I own), Rhino, RAW, Dan Thompson PC-2 (perfect except for no poly in the barrel).
Psycho Tweety
Sceery calls.
Posted by Krustyklimber (Member # 72) on April 23, 2007, 10:21 AM:
Tim Behle,
I still can't find your shipping address, and I have had to pry your call out of three different dude's hands.
Ninthinnning,
Still want a call?
Keekee,
You want this plumwood, or what?
Krusty
Posted by ninthinning (Member # 900) on April 23, 2007, 01:42 PM:
Yes I do Krusty. No collection would be complete without one of your calls.
9th
Posted by Tim Behle (Member # 209) on April 23, 2007, 04:19 PM:
It must be shaped like a mammoth mammary?
Email sent, sorry for the delay!
Posted by smithers (Member # 646) on April 23, 2007, 05:22 PM:
I received my Krusty Krier in the mail today. What a great call. It is much smaller than I thought, which I am very pleased with. The call is very easy to blow and has a super sound with the double stacked reeds. In the case of calls smaller is better for me and this call will get plenty of use that is for sure.
Thank you Krusty!
Posted by JD (Member # 768) on April 23, 2007, 05:26 PM:
When I got home tonight I saw the package on the counter & what could it be you ask, why it`s my new maple Krusty Krier, damndest little call I ever did see!! Sounds like a million bucks too! Good range, plenty of rasp if you need it & a spare reed to boot.
Thanks Crusty, I appreciate the quick service & the quality of your work.
btw.....I like the shape, the pics didn`t do it justice, I`m very pleased.
Posted by Krustyklimber (Member # 72) on April 25, 2007, 10:08 PM:
Oh man, I forgot about lanyards.
I also went and picked up a new bag of bands, the ones I have are pretty old (some are weak and cracking).
I'll send replacement bands to you first few guys, along with a (simple knotted) two call lanyard.
9th,
Dude, this is like pulling teeth. You gotta tell me what you want, or at least gimme a hint?
Tim,
Nope, that's not what shape it is. ![[Razz]](tongue.gif)
That's what I like about you though, I always understand where you're comin' from.
Smithers,
When I read what you wanted in a call, I didn't have much to say, I figured the call that was already on it's way to your house would speak for itself.
I'm glad it made it safe and sound, and that you like it.
JD,
Thanks.
The double stacked reed is the darnedest thing eh?
It's been popular in duck calls for decades, and in closed reed calls for nearly as long, I can't believe it didn't crossover (to open reed calls) long ago.
It's certainly not my idea, but it is a good one.
Krusty
Posted by brad h (Member # 57) on April 25, 2007, 10:50 PM:
Hey K,
Beautiful work! I pleased to see you're still at it.
I've put down a lot of coyotes with a lot of custom calls and I still remember in detail the one that bit on the call I used that you built.
Good to see you're still on track callwise. If you ever want give anymore Juniper a run let me know.
Brad
[ April 25, 2007, 10:51 PM: Message edited by: brad h ]
Posted by ninthinning (Member # 900) on April 28, 2007, 05:25 AM:
How do I contact you?
Posted by Krustyklimber (Member # 72) on April 28, 2007, 09:42 AM:
Brad,
I have a rosewood call for you, I was able to get two out of the piece of wood you sent.
I used a polyurethane finish, and it won't dry, I think I am gonna have to strip it off and start over.
I haven't tried using the juniper yet. But I am using some of the "exotic" woods you and other people have sent me
9th,
Umm you just did, in this thread.
You can contact me by e-mail, if you want to keep it "off the boards".
I'm also in the phone book, so you wouldn't be the first guy to call me out of the blue.
On the top of this post is my e-mail link, and it's listed in my profile.
Krusty
Posted by Tim Behle (Member # 209) on May 05, 2007, 07:09 PM:
Krusty,
I finally got to the Post Office today.
Wow! You do some great work!
It's been to windy to take it out and try it on a coyote, but it sure scares the hell out of my wife's cat!
And the little stretcher board is just too cool! It looks just the right size for these little ground squirrels that run around here.
Posted by Krustyklimber (Member # 72) on May 07, 2007, 01:23 PM:
Tim,
I'm glad you like the call, and the lil' stretcher board.
Dang thing better not scare coyotes.
It's made from the mesquite you sent me, I really like that wood.
I made a few more of the "quarter round" shaped calls from mesquite, but your's is the most unique.
I used a dark walnut stain, to give it that dirty antique look, the lighter wood was way too bright and yellow.
I've got more of those stretcher boards, I'll send you a few, if you wanted to actually stretch critters on 'em.
JD & Smithers,
Sorry about the delay on the fresh bands and lanyards... the Post Office sent them back for more postage, because they weren't "flat".
One of them (Smithers') just went back out today.
Krusty
Posted by smithers (Member # 646) on May 09, 2007, 06:27 PM:
Krusty, I appreciate the offer of a 'fresh' band and lanyard.
The band that is on the call looks fine but you never know.
The Post Office wants every penny they can get. If a parcel is over by an ounce or too bulky for an envelope, they will send your parcel back. It amazes me sometimes how finicky they are.
Posted by NASA (Member # 177) on July 09, 2007, 03:53 PM:
Krusty, as you know I have a few of your calls. But the post from Geo, Ackley really has me intrigued. With George's permission, I would love to have you make a duplicate of his call for me. If he says OK, wouldja/couldja do it?
Posted by Krustyklimber (Member # 72) on July 10, 2007, 03:17 PM:
NASA,
I had told George I wouldn't duplicate his call, but it is a great design...
If Big George says it's okay, I'll give it a shot.
It actually was a difficult call to make, and the first attempt ended up in the smoker.
Getting the two closed reed sleeves in place with just hand tools was sheer luck.
And the call ended up fairly long and large, to not make it look "portly".
What's funny is, I did not like the sound of that call.
It was really loud, and the two voices were just out of tune enough that it drove me crazy.
But I don't like the sound of the double barrel Burnham's, that this call was styled after, for pretty much the same reasons.
The big hollow hardwood body did give George's call a rich tone, that a plastic call can't match.
And his results using it can't be argued, it suits him perfectly.
It cannot be said too often, the sound you make, and the call you make it with, has little to do with ultimate success or failure.
Krusty
Posted by NASA (Member # 177) on July 15, 2007, 11:40 AM:
Well, generous George has blessed the duplication of his call. Jeff, I hope you remember all the details of how you tuned that call for Geo. This will be a great addition to my lanyard.
Posted by Rich Higgins (Member # 3) on July 15, 2007, 11:54 AM:
quote:
It cannot be said too often, the sound you make, and the call you make it with, has little to do with ultimate success or failure.
Krusty, there is another subject that will generate a good thread if you post it.
Posted by Krustyklimber (Member # 72) on July 15, 2007, 12:01 PM:
NASA,
That's mighty nice of George.
I got your e-mail, and I went out and got started on your call the other night.
I'm currently out of reeds.
Think about the voice... do you want high pitched or low, and do you want two of the same voices or a mix?
George's call is "stereo", high pitched cottontail.
Krusty
Posted by Krustyklimber (Member # 72) on July 15, 2007, 12:10 PM:
Rich,
I thought that's what the other thread I started WAS about... isn't that the original quote (of myself) that I messed up?
Krusty
Posted by NASA (Member # 177) on July 15, 2007, 01:02 PM:
Krusty, I'll be using the call mostly for cats. I'm guessing a mix of high pitched sounds should be productive. Especially if they can be played individually as well as in concert. That would give me a range of three pitches.
I can't wait to try it out on the local kitties.
Posted by Krustyklimber (Member # 72) on July 18, 2007, 12:37 PM:
Rich,
From now on, when you want a discussion started, do it yourself.
That way I won't have to get pissed off, when it becomes "about me".
You know where you want to go with that quote, and I don't.
Be my guest. (*and I mean that in the nicest way)
NASA,
I have the call body all done.
I don't like it, just like George's call, it's fat, and blocky, and ugly... not a "flowing" artistic creation.
Top that with a crack I found deep inside the wood, after roughing out the body and spending a fair bit of time on it.
I stabilized it with superglue and completed it, but I fully consider the call a "second".
We're going to have to order some reeds.
In a given reed selection, there is still a fair amount of pitch variance.
I could make you a "harmonica" with a handful of the same reeds.
Here's the deal... you order 12 reeds (LVDR-002) from THOgamecalls.com, I'll sort through and put two of them in this call, giving it three separate voices, and send it your way.
And then I can bring some of my closed reed calls back from the dead, with the remaining reeds.
Right now, they're just pea shooters.
Krusty
Posted by NASA (Member # 177) on July 18, 2007, 03:16 PM:
Reeds forthcoming, as soon as I hear back from Al. Verifying stock on hand. A 2nd, huh? Not to worry. If it does the job, that's really all that matters. Thanks.
Posted by Krustyklimber (Member # 72) on July 18, 2007, 06:09 PM:
NASA,
You have my 26th Ave address? (*As opposed to my 22nd Ave address, of a few years back)
Here's a scan of your call, and a Circé 3n1.
It's squished vertically, not horizontally like George's
That was in an attempt to do away with the worst part of the crack(s), which appear as black lines in this angle.
The crack should pose no problems, I solidly filled them , and left the body a little thick.
As always, the calls I make are covered by the conditional warranty... the only condition is, you do not break the finish in an attempt to modify the call.
Otherwise I will fix or repair, replace, or buy back, any call anyone ever has a problem with.
It's not something I want to do as a general practice, but I have replaced a call eaten by a dog, one a gun case was dropped on and broken, and even one that got lost.
To anyone who has one of my calls, purchased directly from me or not;
Please take advantage of this, and if you have a problem, tell me.
Krusty
Posted by NASA (Member # 177) on July 18, 2007, 09:07 PM:
Yep, everything's a go and the reeds will be in the mail tomorrow.
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