i am pondering getting one—brass–is it really worth it -i mean the price is high ----------------please add suggestions with alot of close up pictures–is it a heavy guage tubing----where i live there is no whistle stores-------------
Cavefish,
I’ll say my piece on the Copeland whistle, just one person’s opinion mind you. The Copeland is one of the “best made whistles” out there. The fit and finish is top notch. The Copeland whistle is constructed from heavy gauge brass tubing (custom formed to the conical shape) and is very sturdy. I have owned five Copeland high D’s over the years - four brass, one nickel. They have ranged (my opinion) from very good to really terrific in terms of tone and playing characteristics (again, my opinion). I have held on to one brass whistle and the nickel whistle (different voices). There have been variations in timbre and dynamics across the five I have owned. But on the whole they have had a distinctive sound (my opinion) and the volume generated is generally high. Air requirements are average (my opinion) for a wide bore whistle but a great deal higher than, say, a Generation. They are free blowing. I like them, especially in situations that call for an assertive whistle. I usually choose other instruments for small groups or solo play. A Copeland could be used in most situations with good results though. Now, I live in the Delaware Valley, 60-ish miles up river from where these are made. I am from the Philadelphia area. Copelands are fairly popular in this region. I also own one of Copeland’s flutes from the early years. Both Michael Copeland and Jim Rementer are nice folks to deal with too.
is it really worth it -i mean the price is high
I can’t answer that one for you. That’s more of a question about means and ends to me. Players buy different instruments for different reasons.
The Copeland sound is somewhat unique, if you want that sound the price is not material. I could say that about only a couple other whistles. The Overton is another one. If you just want a well made, well designed, heavy gauge brass whistle that sounds good and plays well, there are other choices and at other price points. A Burke could be one of those choices.
As for pictures, I have none that will show you any more detail than what is on the Copeland website, sorry.
Hope that helps.
Feadoggie
The Copeland is very well constructed of heavy gauge brass. I had one for many years, but eventually I found it too loud for my taste so I sold it. Just a matter of personal preference.
For a similar appearance (conical brass) but lighter in weight (but not flimsy at all!)and softer in tone, consider the Hudson Woodwinds D. Considerably lower price too.
http://www.hudsonwinds.com/
I have had overtons high D they are a little to bright for me–the low D is good-------i have sweetheart pro’s very nice- woody sound -and clarkes -----smooth and quite----, susato’s are loud outdoor whistles---------i am hopeing a copeland would be as i "picture " a high end “Clarke” would sound and feel —if they were here-------- a nice tapered feel with a deeper warmness and a more clear voice as only a pro whistle could give ------ i realize clarke is not a comparison-but it warmness and smooth sound-------with out the tin or bright high (that only a chalkboard could do ) has it unique , old style sound ----------------------------------------------- i could only immagine a “thick walled” brass tube " copeland " could achieve this warm sound up into the higher octaves- with out the "chalkboard " sound----------based on its structure it would seem like what i am looking for ---------------------but as i have stated --------where i live it is not easy to try one out -------------i could easily buy on and if not happy send it back -------but i would like all the facts before i resort to this 
Well, Well, now there is a nice looking whistle ------------this is the first i have seen of these----------( been out of it for a few years)-how do these sound— --------i’m not to keen on the satin finish -------but you cant have everything-------------now being this to be lighter than a copeland in guage or weight -----this would still be heavier in guage /weight to a Clarke
I’ve had a Copeland soprano D for about seven years now. It’s everything everyone says about it. Absolutely top shelf. I like it because it is a loud whistle that mics easily. I use it with a Sweetheart D and the two whistles provide a very distinct tonal comparison. I play in pubs where the noise and clatter around you tends to drown out the nuance of many whistles. Having two whistles that are so very different in tone allows a big distinction for the audience.
I just noticed this on eBay. If you are looking for a Copeland Whistle at a very low price this could be the one - US eBay item #280103622480. Two days left and no bids yet.
But in a more serious direction… Copeland did pattern his original whistle on a Clarke. While the format may resemble a Clarke, there is little to compare between the two whistles. I agree that the Clarke original can be a warm and gentle whistle but the Copeland is more of a high caliber assualt whistle. It is loud but not strident or screechy. It has a lovely sound, if you like it that way. It’s a really good whistle that happens to also be really loud but balanced.
Since you can’t try one before you buy one, you can check out a few recordings to get a flavor for the Copeland sound. I’d recommend Larry Nugent for that. A couple years back my daughter and I sat down at the local festival to see Aoife Clancey with Nugent accompanying her and Copeland himself sat down next to us. He is a fixture in the music scene around here. By the way, Nugent almost burned down the tent with his solo performance on his Copeland brass D. You could also listen to some early Seamus Egan recordings although I don’t know that Egan played Copelands exclusively on those recordings (the Philadelphia connection is there too).
Then again if the Clarke sound and format is what you are seeking and you would like a sturdier whistle a Shaw may be a good choice.
Feadoggie
loud and balanced sounds nice ---------if a soft blow is clear too-,one that fades easy—balanced is the key word though—alot of whistles pull-out in the higher octaves and it leaves rocks in your backyard from the neighbors ------------i will definetly heed your advice -thanks bro
OH you dirty rat —that was good-------------
It certainly is a copeland whistle!
I had the opportunity to play (or shall I say agonize over the possible purchase of) a Copeland whistle many years back for about 90 minutes. They were $195 then, which was a lot to spend. Finally, when my brain said “Deal - or No Deal?” I went for it.
Very smart. Very smart, indeed.
If you love whistle, get it.
I’ve had a Copeland high D in nickel for about seven years. I’m not sorry I own it; it’s a great whistle and everything that everyone says about it is true. Beautifully crafted, heavy, loud, balanced, etc. etc.
That said, I mostly carry it around in my whistle case. My primary whistle is an old style sweetheart D in rosewood that I’ve played for about 17 years. Not that I don’t like the Copeland mind you, but I find myself carrying it around just so that I can show other whistlers that I own a Copeland. I played it on stage of couple of months back when I accidentally left my Sweetheart on the kitchen table. That was the second time in seven years that I performed with it.
I am curious as to why you do that. I happen to have a Ralph Sweet whistle, which is voiced more like a recorder than a whistle and has a temperamental second octave. Yours may be better, but I can’t imagine it compares with the Copeland. Nevertheless, I don’t mean to pick an argument, since all this stuff is subjective, but I would be interested in knowing specifically why you wouldn’t play the Copeland.
Cheers.
Well, I’m not trying to pick a fight either of course, and as you say, this is all subjective. My sample of Ralph’s work might be quite different for some reason, although I doubt it. I have older versions of his C and D whisltes, both in rosewood. The C is somewhat recorder-like, but the D has a very distinct flute-like quality, not the reedy quality of a recorder. Of course, it gets a lot more use than the C. The wood is nearly black with time and use. In dim light it might be mistaken for blackwood or ebony. I estimate that my D has over three thousand hours on it. I get the impression that a lot of players buy a Sweetheart, hear its intial tone, and may well set it aside after a little while. Being a wooden instrument, it will certainly change over the years. They look like recorders of course, and maybe that influences some opinions as well.
I use the Sweethearts because they have significantly more presence, IMO. Not that they’re that much louder (I doubt they are if you were to measure it), but they have a solidity that doesn’t show up in any metal whistle I have, including the Copeland, two Overtons, a Chieftain, and of course, the bucket full of Clarkes, Generations, Shaws, and others that we all seem to collect over time.
I have nothing at all against the Copeland. Indeed, I ordered mine just at the time that Michael took ill and the waiting period was unkowable, so I’m very grateful to have it. I’ve always liked the sound, but the solid presence of the Sweetheart has always won out for me. The Sweetheart is much easier for me to mic, which is very important for me also.
Then again, perhaps it isn’t my Sweetheart that’s so good, but my Copeland that’s a poor example? Who knows. Like we’ve said, it’s all subjective and we simply need to find those whistles that suit us as individuals.
Fair enough.
I’ve noticed there are instruments that I play
and instruments I don’t play, and sometimes
that’s the whole story–there’s something about
the former, a je ne sais quoi, that keeps me
coming back. I have a Bryan Byrne flute
that fascinates me; I’m not sure I know
why.
i am hip bro -i had a drawer of whistles---------overtons, clarkes,susatos, generations----------and i alway picked up the clarke----------with the exception of the Low D overton----------the high always the clarke----why i dont know----its mellow oldfashioned sound—i have a sweetheart high D that i like too---------and i an seriously thinking of a copeland----------but i also want a flute and a bodhran----- and there is always deals on this place - ----So i sold all my ovetons and gave the generations to the kids-and awaiting things to turn out
Hi Cavefish I Just bought a nickel high d copeland , Claus posted a FS a few days back, if you want a nice silver one he has one left for $ 350, I have bought from Claus before and he is very good to deal with and knows what he is talking about when it comes to instruments.
cheers sponge
i am hip on that too already talking to the brother ----------------
I just ordered a Copeland soprano D brass from Song of the Sea. Yesterday they had a Nickel soprano D in stock.