Being as I only see 1 response to this thread that isn't a custom call maker, I figured I'd give my input. I don't intend to buy up every call put out there, however, I may pick one up from time to time.
I usually call predators when it's below freezing and I prefer hand calls just because I think it's more fun and personal than hitting "play". (That's not a knock on e-calls - I use them sometimes.) When I started hand calling I tried some closed reed calls, but moisture froze in them and made them useless, so I tried open reed. I was quite discouraged at first because it was hard to figure out, but after a few years I actually called in a few coyotes, and then boom, my confidence increased significantly. I learned on and still rely on a Primos/Randy Anderson lil dog (the white one) without the removable horn/bell on it for my rabbit distress calls and some ki yis. That is still my go-to confidence call to this date.
I recently purchased 2 custom howlers/prey distress from PM. I received one from ohioyotehntr last night but haven't tried it yet because I share walls with other folks and it's storming today. I'm still eagerly awaiting one from Yotarunner. Last year I purchased an open reed set from Mr. Carver, but I must be slow or something because I haven't played with them enough... yet! They sound really good but I get tired of ringing ears in my pickup on the way to work, haha. It seems it takes time (months to years) for me to warm up to and build confidence with calls.
IF I purchase another custom this year.... I have liked the way JTPinTX spalted pecan calls look. IF I happened to see one that was a loud, open reed rabbit distress (jack down to cottontail) I might not be able to resist...
Happy call building, fellas!