Quaker Boy Grand Old Master Review

My Verdict on the Quaker Boy Grand Old Master

The Quaker Boy Grand Old Master is a friction call designed for turkey hunters, and it aims to deliver consistent, reliable calls. My personal journey to find a dependable friction call led me to this particular model, driven by frustrating experiences with calls that faltered at critical moments in the field. Early impressions of this unit revealed a robust construction, utilizing a two-piece laminated design with what Quaker Boy calls their proprietary Grand Old Master Seal Nail. It felt solid in hand, a promising sign for an instrument meant to endure the elements. I had briefly considered a more basic slate call, but the promise of a call that “absolutely never stutters or loses pressure” made this one stand out. My initial reaction was one of cautious optimism; it felt like a tool built for purpose.

Real-World Testing: Putting Quaker Boy Grand Old Master to the Test

First Use Experience

I primarily tested the Quaker Boy Grand Old Master in the early morning hours of turkey season, in moderately damp conditions with light dew on the leaves. The goal was to simulate typical hunting scenarios where clear, resonant calls are paramount. The call proved to be quite intuitive to use from the outset; its traditional board design meant minimal learning curve for someone familiar with friction calls. After a few preparatory scapes to establish a playable surface, it produced a variety of clucks and purrs that sounded authentic.

One minor surprise was the need to spend a bit more time conditioning the call’s surface than I anticipated. While it sanded down to a playable state as advertised, achieving the desired rasp required a few more passes with the included conditioning material than with some other calls I’ve used. However, once properly conditioned, it performed consistently throughout several hours of field use.

Extended Use & Reliability

Over the course of several weeks, the Quaker Boy Grand Old Master became my go-to friction call. I used it during multiple hunting trips, often packing it in and out of dense woods without any special protective measures beyond a standard vest pocket. Despite repeated exposure to humidity and some light rain, it maintained its performance remarkably well.

The durability has been impressive; there are no noticeable cracks or warps in the wood, and the playing surface shows only minor cosmetic scuffs, expected from regular use. Maintenance is straightforward: a quick wipe-down after use and occasional conditioning are all that’s needed to keep it in top shape. Compared to some cheaper, single-piece calls I’ve owned, which sometimes lost their resonance or developed buzzes after a few outings, this two-piece design has shown superior longevity and consistent tone.

Breaking Down the Features of Quaker Boy Grand Old Master

Specifications

The Quaker Boy Grand Old Master is constructed from Cherry Wood, a material known for its good tonal qualities and durability in friction calls. It features a two-piece laminated design, which the manufacturer claims contributes to superior energy conservation and minimal maintenance. The dimensions of the call are listed as 14×4 inches, providing a substantial surface area for producing a range of sounds. A key feature is the proprietary Grand Old Master Seal Nail, which is designed to prevent the call from stuttering or losing pressure. This call is finished in a natural Wood color.

These specifications are important because the cherry wood offers a warm, rich tone, while the lamination and the specialized nail contribute to its advertised reliability. The 14×4 inch size allows for a good “sweet spot” for hand placement and striker movement, facilitating nuanced calls. The “Seal Nail” is intended to ensure consistent contact pressure between the striker and the surface, which is crucial for producing clear, repeatable hen turkey sounds.

Performance & Functionality

In its primary function, producing turkey vocalizations, the Quaker Boy Grand Old Master performs admirably. It excels at producing clear, high-pitched clucks and softer purrs, essential for locating and enticing gobblers. The raspier tones, which can be more challenging for some friction calls, are also achievable with a bit of practice and proper striker technique.

Its main strength lies in its consistency; once conditioned, it reliably produces the desired sounds without significant fluctuations. However, achieving the absolute loudest volumes might require a bit more effort compared to some larger or more aggressively designed calls. The overall performance meets, and in terms of reliability, often exceeds expectations for a call in this price bracket.

Design & Ergonomics

The two-piece laminated design of this friction call contributes to a solid and aesthetically pleasing build quality. The Cherry Wood provides a natural, warm feel in hand, and the finish is smooth, without any rough edges or splinters. The overall feel is that of a well-crafted tool, not a flimsy imitation.

Ergonomically, the 14×4 inch dimensions offer a comfortable grip for most users, allowing for precise control over the striker. The larger surface area can also be an advantage for callers who prefer to vary their hand pressure and striker angle to achieve different sounds. There was a minimal learning curve, primarily related to finding the perfect conditioning of the surface for my preferred sounds.

Durability & Maintenance

Given its Cherry Wood construction and two-piece laminated design, the Quaker Boy Grand Old Master is built for durability in typical hunting environments. It’s designed to be a reusable tool that can withstand regular use over multiple seasons. Easy maintenance is a significant advantage; a simple wipe-down with a dry cloth after each outing is usually sufficient.

Occasional conditioning of the playing surface is recommended to maintain optimal sound quality, a standard practice for friction calls. I haven’t encountered any specific failure points, but like any wooden instrument, it’s advisable to avoid prolonged submersion in water or extreme temperature fluctuations.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Quaker Boy Grand Old Master typically comes with a striker and instructions for conditioning. While no additional accessories are usually bundled, the call itself offers a degree of personalization through the striker technique and the ability to adjust the conditioning of its playing surface. Users can also experiment with different strikers to alter the sound profile.

The two-piece design might also lend itself to future modifications if a user were so inclined, though for most, the call is designed to be used effectively right out of the box. The focus here is on the inherent quality of the call’s construction and materials rather than an extensive array of add-ons.

Pros and Cons of Quaker Boy Grand Old Master

Who Should Buy Quaker Boy Grand Old Master?

This call is ideally suited for turkey hunters who prioritize reliability and consistency in their equipment. It’s a great choice for those who have struggled with friction calls that become temperamental or unresponsive in the field, whether due to weather or general wear. Beginners will appreciate its ease of use, while experienced hunters will value its dependable performance.

Individuals looking for a call that requires extensive modification or comes with a multitude of accessories might look elsewhere. However, for someone seeking a straightforward, well-made friction call that performs its core function exceptionally well, the Quaker Boy Grand Old Master is an excellent option. I would suggest having a good quality striker and a conditioning stone or pad readily available to keep the surface in prime condition.

Conclusion on Quaker Boy Grand Old Master

The Quaker Boy Grand Old Master stands out as a testament to thoughtful design and solid construction in the realm of turkey calls. Its promise of never stuttering or losing pressure is largely fulfilled, providing a level of reliability that is crucial in the high-stakes environment of turkey hunting. The Cherry Wood and two-piece laminated design contribute to both its acoustic quality and its impressive durability.

Considering its price point of $35.79, the value proposition is strong. You’re investing in a call that feels robust, performs consistently, and is built to last through many seasons. For the hunter who wants a dependable tool that won’t let them down when a mature gobbler steps into the opening, I would absolutely recommend the Quaker Boy Grand Old Master. It’s a call that empowers you to focus on the hunt, confident in your ability to produce the right sounds at the right time.