I am thinking about ordering a Copeland high D whistle, but I am wondering if they are as good as they used to be? I hardly see them mentioned on the board anymore. I had a fine one in the mid-ninties which I sold because of frustration (my skills were not that good then) and to raise funds for something else. While, I think I will always favor a more traditional type of whistle, there was something special about that whistle. So, if I order one, will it be like my old one?
I like and own Copelands (D, C, Bflat, A, G, F, D), and there’s simply no way to meaningfully answer your question nor to know whether you’ll get one like the one you had. What I will say is that your best chance seems to be in the keys of D, G, D. It’s been said that Copelands have recently been dumbed down so that they are more consistent, thereby tending to eliminate both the truly lousy and really inspirational ends of the spectrum. Of my older Copelands, a D and C pair (newly acquired) are wonderful - they sing - the G growls like no other, and the low D is good, but not great. Of the newer whistles, the A is a wonderful joy to play and listen to, the Bflat merely solid, and the F okay, but hardly inspirational. So, what do you make of that? I had really bad C and A whistles long ago, and both situations were handled well by the maker. OTOH I find the older D and C whistles just acquired to be superior to any newer ones. The G, an inspirational one, is somewhere between older and newer whistles chronologically.
Bottom line - talk to Michael or Jim or go to a shop where you can play them. Maybe buy one from one of the trusted vendors who may even play one over the phone for you and give you an honest opinion (but that would still be their opinion).
These are not Burkes, i.e., they are not all pretty much the same - and if you like them (and I do), that’s it. However, I think overall the consistency has improved, and Michael is probably still capable of turning out inspirational whistles.
Philo
For a good whistle dial 828-254-1004
I’ve tried two older pre-numbers Copeland nickel Ds that I thought were 2 of the most unbelievable instruments I’ve ever played - one belongs to my friend Justin Murphy, the other to my friend Nick Buckmelter. I’m envious, to say the least - if anyone out there knows of a whistle of this vintage floating around for sale, PLEASE contact me! I’d snap it up in a heartbeat and would advise anyone else with such an opportunity to do so as well!
My wife just gave me a new brass Copeland D, early Christmas. It’s beatifully made with a nice tone, but it is very, very breathy…and I don’t think that’s me, although some adjustments to make to my technique wil probably make some difference. I’ve e-mailed Jim to find out a little more about this. Is this sound typical of Copelands?
You can’t build a die and extrude great whistles at high speed. Whisles are condensed skill and time. When the orders come in too fast to keep up, there are several responses.
O’Riordan: build great whistles slowly and let the orders build up.
Hoover: Limit the orders
What I would do: Increase the price until the volume of orders comes down to where you can still lovingly make great whistles.
Another approach: Don’t spend so much time on each whistle. The great thing is that this works too. Word eventually gets out, and the orders drop down.
It’s all good!
I’ve had a couple of Copeland high Ds and neither was what I would call breathy (especially in the 2nd octave). The lower octave had a ‘flutey’ sound to it, but not what I’d call breathy.
However, both that I had were from “before the change,” so maybe it’s an aspect of their new easier playing whistles.
-Brett
A mate of mine has a fine Nickel high D Copeland that has a truly beautiful and warm sound. I wouldn’t call it at all breathy but it does not have the same purity of tone that the Burke has. On the other hand, it has a lot more volume, making it a great session instrument.
The Copeland C better not be my old one…
Loren
Fear not my friend; Jessie has taken an oath. No, this is one of a pair obtained from Jim Durdin in a trade - it’s nickel and has no raised windway, circa early to mid nineties. I’ve stopped stalking Jessie for “your” C. 
Philo
I e-mailed Jim at Copeland about the breathiness of my new whistle, and he immediately wrote back offering an exchange. I’m sending this one back so he can check it and compare. Anyway, I’m really pleased with Copeland’s responsiveness.
Ah, well, both good news and bad at the same time then: If Jessie never sells you the whistle then there will never be the chance that you won’t find it to your liking and then sell it to me 
In all seriousness, I’m glad to hear you’ve found yourself a couple more excellent Copelands - they really are fabulous instruments. Enjoy!!
Loren