I just got the pink Phelps call and while it taste like crap it sure blows good. The pink is about the worst tasting call I've had in my mouth only beat out by the RM lime green call.
I'm new to elk calling, not new to diaphragms through turkey hunting. Any beginners out there, I've found the phelps grey and pink very easy to use. I trimmed both a little. I'm not going to win any calling contests but I was surprised how quickly I was able to make at least representable bugles and cow calls.
the Phelps AMP are my favorite by far. I was a gagger for a LOOOOONG time, wapiti river were the first I could deal with, and still like them, but Phelps are king to me
I've tried several different calls, finally purchased the bro signature "kill pack". I really like the blue one, both cow and bull sounds come much easier than other calls I've tried. I would say keep trying until you find one that works great for you.
Phelps Maverick is probably the most durable call(The reed anyway) made right now. This year I run that, Phelps pink, Amp white, amp black, RM blue w/gold plate, and RM pink estrus.
For a beginner & only one month left you will have to be very dedicated in feeling confident in using a mouth reed or diaphragm, they are both the same thing! Yes, a single reed will be able to do all the sounds you mentioned & more, it's all in the practice & using the right reed for a newer caller.
Stay with a light tensioned single reed call, there's no need to go with a double or triple reed it will only take you longer to master & you will be limited in quality sounds!
Some of the best to use are Mellow Yellow & All Star reeds, they are lightly stretched latex & are very user friendly, you will learn quickest with this type or anyother lightly stretched single reed!
i tried a few and the one i had the easiest time with was the primos mini sonic dome. they come in single, double and triple reed options. pick up the single reed for a few bucks before getting the double and/or triple. once you get used to it, it is great for cow/calf/spike sounds. once i got comfortable with that call, it was easier for me to use other brands as well.