I made my first duck call this morning. Technically I made my first duck call barrel, as the insert is commercially made. The wood is curly claro walnut. The finish is numerous applications of BLO on the lathe, and I sanded between applications with 1200 grit to slurry-fill the open grain. The brass band was sanded to 2000 grit to shine it up and then it was laquered. I wrote my website address on the wood between the band and the insert...Some subtle advertising that doesn't detract from the appearance of the barrel. After some tuning of the reed it sounds incredible and the shape seems to work well on my mouth.
Opinions and suggestions welcome!!!