I found a few youtube videos to help get started. Do folks have any favorite tools to help learn? How about a CD to help learn in my truck?
I assume some diaphragms are easier than others. What would folks recommend?
2). Regardless of which brand/ style you choose, get a single reed. It's the easiest to use. Once you become proficient with it, you can then experiment with double and/or triple reeds
3). Most beginners make the mistake of blowing too hard at the beginning of the bugle. Start out with light air pressure, THEN increase as you progress to the highest note, then once again lighten the air pressure. Too much at the beginning forces the reed to the top of the pallet, thereby inhibiting its ability to vibrate.
In the KISS category, I would throw the Mellow Yellow or Primos Ivory Palate. You won't sound like the baddest bull, but you will like a bull.
But everyone is different. You might need to try a few before you find one you like.
As far as CD's, I know ELKNUT has one, but I don't have it. I think Primos has one also. Once you handle the basics, I like ELKNUTS "Sounds of the Elk" as he has actual recordings and you can work on imitating those sounds (Once you don't sound like a dying cat!)
It's so incredibly easy to use it seems unlikely to me that anybody would have trouble with it. Sounds really good too.
The most important thing with reeds is to get the correct reed that fits your pallet and most call manufactures have a couple sizes so you can try a couple different reeds and get the one that fits you best.
Hope that helps. Try a few of the new call manufactures out there like Phelps game calls, Glacier country hunting calls and Wapiti River Outdoors. They all have sizes that will fit your needs and they are all great to talk to so it might be best to call and talk with them. They all also have websites if you search for them they are easy to find.
They might work for a while but do not seem to last as long as a diaphragm made for elk calling.
At least that was my experience years ago.
my best, Paul
Check them out. Their web sight even has a video on how to use the call.
I also like Chris Roe of Roe Hunting Resources(http://www.roehuntingresources.com/). I don't think he teaches how to use mouth diaphragms, but when the different sounds are appropriate. It's a pay site, but you can watch some of his videos on youtube as well. it will give you a chance to decide if you want to subscribe.
Any reed with a plastic dome will absolutely not work for me.
So you might have to try a few different reeds in different styles before you find what works.