Our turkey season is winding up here in CA. I wouldn't try to learn a mouth call this late in the game. Stick with a box call until the bird is either visible or gobbling close. A push-button yelper is pretty easy to operate one-handed for the close-in calling.
As for brands, I tend to pick up the cheaper varieties & often wear them out by the end of the season. I've had many that I like but few that I don't. I've had turkeys come in just fine to ones I don't like. I just have to work a little harder to make them sound good. Personally, I like something with 3 reeds. But a double with a split can sometimes be just as good. I avoid plain single or double reeds unless I'm thinking about fall turkeys (kee-kee runs).
For learning, just pick up something basic & cheap. After that, buy one or two others & bring along your favorite two when you hunt. I used to practice a lot in the car so nobody has to hear me. Get some instructional audio tutorials and real hen sounds & learn to call when there's no time pressure.