How to learn to use a diaphragm call

I visit the Michigan Sportsman's Forums.

There's a sticky thread on mouth calling with links to videos. I looked at one a couple years ago and thought it was good.

Mouth Call Basics
www.vimeo.com/3295947

Advancing Your Calling
www.vimeo.com/3363141

Easiest way to learn, put it in your mouth in the morning, don't take it out until bedtime. Mess with it 24-7. You'll get it. Those videos, imo, don't help much. There isn't a "sound" you make to get a certain Yelp or cutt or whatever. It's all diaphragm control. Master diaphragm control and placement in roof of mouth and it's all downhill. I suggest a primos Sonic dome. It actually places the call in the correct position in the roof of your mouth. For smaller pallets they make a mini. I've been using mouth calls going on 30 years and still carry one of them.

Agree that it can be hard to learn from watching videos alone. I think this is because its hard to put into words what something "feels" like sometimes. Other good points have been made thus far. Diaphram control is important for sure as well as a good fit on pallete. Might have to fine tune the size with scissors. If the call is triggering your gag reflex you may have it positioned wrong.

Something I didn’t see mentioned is getting a diaphragm call that is easier to learn on, one that doesn’t have fancy cuts. I have become a mouth call junky, no pro, but I can call in turkeys. I learned on zink’s calls. I starting seeing the differences when I got into the different cuts and the amount of pressure that is needed. Some of my favorite calls now take a good amount of effort to make them sound good. Some of the manufacturers tell you if it’s an easier call or not. I try to stick to just a couple manufacturers as I found each fit my mouth different and need to be placed a little different in the mouth. Zink and woodhaven calls have been good to me.

Primos Sonic Dome for sure is a great call to learn on. And, as others stated, practice, practice, practice.

It definitely won't be long now. I probably won't go back to the woods until the weekend prior to season to check cameras. I'll go out the day before the opener to listen for birds.

I have a WoodHaven Green Hornet. It sounds great. I'm trying to learn how to do the fighting purr. I've been having a lot of difficulty with it. Scott, from WoodHaven, told me to try the Ninja series because they are made with a thinner latex and see easier to use. So, I'll be getting a Ninja Venom soon.

I have a few sonic dome and a woodhaven red wasp and cannot get a purr for the life of me. I do however love the rasp I get yelping out of that woodhaven call.