Installing Reeds in Iverson Calls
Push out cork and remove the reed. Place a new reed on the sounding platform with the large end all the way to the back of the slot. Then slide the cork in over the reed. Be sure the reed is centered side to side over the channel underneath. The cork should fit with firm pressure. Remember, the configuration of a new reed is precise and any change will affect the sound of the call.
OLD STYLE CALLS (984 AND 284 SERIES REED):
The tip of the reed should overlap the channel by about 5/32” for 984 series reeds and 1/8” for 284 series reeds. If the reed is too long, carefully cut the small end with sharp scissors or straight nail clippers. Cut 1/64” at a time and test the call after each cut. Shorter the reed the higher the pitch and easier to blow. Longer reeds equal lower pitch and more resistance. A short reed may be pulled out slightly for a lower pitch. Do not mar the surface of the reed platform as this will damage the call.
CHAMPION, SUPER STANDARD & SUPER TIMBER (18, 28, 78, 88 SERIES REED):
These reeds typically do not need trimming. If you do wish to modify these reeds, cut from the large end. The tip of the 18 & 28 series reeds should overlap the end of the channel by about 1/8”. 78 and 88 series reeds should overlap about 5/32”
Installing reeds in Iverson GOOSE Calls:
- Before removing the cedar parts from your stopper, mark their relative position and the position of the tip of the reed for possible reference when re-assembling.
- Remove the cedar parts from the stopper. Put the new reed on the larger, angled cedar piece so that the end of the reed is in the same position as the original, unless a different tone is desired. A reed placed about even or slightly shorter than the tip of the cedar part will be in the Snow or Spec range of sound. Placed about 1/8” longer than the tip of the cedar will give the Low Honker sound. Be sure that the reed is centered side to side over the channel underneath.
- Place the small cedar wedge in position over the reed so that the large end of the wedge overlaps the apex of the angle of the lower part by about 1/16”.
- Slide the assembled pieces into the stopper firmly, but do not put so much pressure as to split the stopper.