I have three and they all work. A Mincey, a Gibson short magnum,(higher pitched for more range), and a Mallardtone. I've adjusted the pitch to my liking on all of them, but find I use the Mallardtone the most.
That being said, sadly I've gotten lazy and let the electronic call do nearly all of the work.
You might want to contact Daryal Gosey, a Crow Busters Forum member. He's gotten high marks from some very experienced crow hunters he's made calls for.
Hey guys, question for ya. I have a Gibson Short Magnum that I like very much. I was wondering if the Long Range call has a different enough sound from the Short Magnum to make it worth having both?
I've got both and have both of them at the ready on the same lanyard. For me, the Short Magnum has drifted back to secondary status for no particular reason. The Long Range call just has a little "richer" sound to my ear. I use the Short Magnum for closer encounters. No hard data to go by, so it's more of a feeling than science. And, as the say, your mileage may vary.
Good Hunting, and I hope this helps.
Demi
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Just got in my new Gibson. It is a Long Range they call an Osage Screamer. I am pretty excited about it. Thanks for your input on the calls. This call seems to be a bit higher pitched than my Short Magnum and a bit more nasally also. Can't wait to try it out this fall! Much thanks to Doug Wigfield for helping me procure it. I attached a pic. Its a handsome call also- IMHO...
MSrob: You indicated your new Gibson was higher pitched than you might like or prefer! There is a simple cure. Remove the mouthpiece slowly and keep the reed in the same place while doing so. Then ease the reed slightly forward (towards the tip) as that will make the sound deeper. You can continue to make these slight adjustments till you get the tone you like! Like you I much prefer the deeper tones. Hope you put lots of "notches" in that call next season!!!