Structured mouth calls

It’s about fit, feel and seal.

In 1994, Will Primos met Rockie Jacobsen at a hunting trade show in Michigan. Jacobsen was blowing his new invention, the “Palate Plate” diaphragm elk call. Primos was immediately attracted to Jacobsen’s innovative creation and bought a few of his calls.

Primos learned that the structure (or cover) over the top of the reeds made Jacobsen’s diaphragm call more likely to fit someone’s mouth. It also helped make two-tone notes (like an elk bugle or turkey yelp) easier to reproduce.

Primos and Jacobsen soon struck a business deal that would enable Primos to build, market and sell this new type of game call.

What intrigued Primos most about Jacobsen’s invention was that the round structure attached to the top of the call’s frame automatically positioned the diaphragm call in his mouth at the right place and at the right angle. The design provided a secure fit, comfortable feel and airtight seal. The structure on top of the reeds also provided a consistent distance between the reeds and the roof of his mouth, resulting in more consistent sounds when blowing the call.

“When it comes to diaphragm mouth calls, it’s all about getting the correct fit,” said Primos. “If you haven’t been successful using a mouth calls in the past, try one of our Sonic Domes. You may find that the structure (dome) helps the call fit the roof of your mouth better. It helps create a tighter seal so that all the air goes between your tongue and the reeds of your call, without any air leaking through. And when a call fits right, it works right.”

Today, Primos makes both elk and wild turkey calls that have a structure on top (although the structure design is different for each type of call). Primos’ Sonic Dome turkey calls are available in different reed styles, cuts and frame sizes to meet an individual’s needs and preferences.

Primos’ Sonic Dome Trio Pak is an excellent structured mouth call starter kit. It includes a mouth call case with single-reed call, a triple-reed with BAT cut call, and a mini double-reed call.

“We include a Mini Sonic Dome in our combo back, because all callers should try this smaller call,” said Primos. “It is not simply a call for youth, women or [just people who] have a small mouth. People who have been calling with regular-sized mouth calls for years are often surprised to find out the mini frame fits, feels and seals better for them. They are ‘blown away’ by the different sounds and control they can get from this mini-sized call.” — J.J. Reich

Elk-Inspired Origins

Rockie Jacobsen, from Kamiah, Idaho, is the original designer and inventor of the “Palate Plate” elk call. Jacobsen is a three-time Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation World Champion elk caller, hunting guide, TV show host, outdoor writer and accomplished hunter.

Jacobsen invented his call in 1992 and started a company called Bugling Bull Game Calls.

“I wanted to build a diaphragm mouth call that is easy to blow, fits correctly in your mouth, and is consistent in tone every time you use it,” said Jacobsen. “I also wanted to make one that lasts longer. The structure over the latex reeds helps accomplish this.”

While maintaining a business arrangement with Primos Hunting Calls, Jacobsen has the right to manufacture and market his invention for both elk and wild turkey. Although both companies’ calls look similar, they are different products.

“I build my calls using different processes and materials than [Primos’ calls],” said Jacobsen.
Bugling Bull’s Grand Slam four-pack of diaphragm mouth calls includes a single-reed Lil’ Yelper; a notched, double-reed Raspy Cutter; a notched, triple-reed Gobbler Getter; and small-framed, double-reed Little Jake. — J.R.