A bit under two weeks ago I received my 6-key mopane flute by Dave Copley and Marlene Boegli. The comments on this board were very helpful when it came to selecting a maker, and the mere four month wait for a keyed instrument didn’t hurt either!
To give some perspective on my remarks, I’ve come from a 15 year classical flute background and have played Irish trad for about 2 years. I sold my silver flute to finance this one, and have played simple system flute exclusively since October. I’ve had the chance to (briefly) play several wood flutes and I’ve read a lot on the development of the flute, but I don’t have loads of experience playing wood flutes (especially keyed ones).
The wood is a rich dark brown with a lovely grain pattern and a hint of chestnut brown (most prominent on the foot-joint). Dave did a nice job arranging the five pieces of wood to make a coherent-looking, aesthetically pleasing instrument. The wood was treated with linseed oil and polished to a beautiful smooth sheen. Contrasted with the silver, it looks quite stunning—the flute has received many compliments (both on looks and sound) in the short time I’ve had it. The workmanship is excellent throughout, showing a high degree of care and precision. The visible portion of the tuning slide is engraved with “Copley & Boegli” and the year of manufacture; the serial number (date of completion) is etched into the headjoint lining inside the endcap. The instrument bears no further markings. The overall aesthetic is one of clean lines and functional elegance.
The flute seems to lend itself to a rich full sound. (The headjoint is fully lined.) Response is good, both to tonguing and finger articulations (which sound very crisp), and the scale is easy to play in tune. The keywork has an elegant simplicity of design and good action, making it quite user friendly. It is well placed and overall easy to use and access. Dave was very accommodating in slightly offsetting the LH3 hole and in angling the touch of the G# key (to allow for a more downward, less inward motion when using this key). (As an aside, I think that unless one has a longer ring finger than middle finger on the left hand, offset LH3 is the way to go for the most comfortable and relaxed playing.) As a result, the flute fits my hands very well. The balance is shifted somewhat towards the left hand, due to the headjoint being lined (an unlined one would improve the balance); finger hole size and spacing is quite reasonable.
So far, aside from struggling with self-control during the break-in period, I have played the flute at two sessions and in performance at a baccalaureate service (solo and with piano). It is a delight to play—resonant, colorful, and capable of dynamic subtleties. I can hear myself well at a medium to large session, and punter friends have said that the flute sounds good at the bar as well.
So, in short, I am delighted with this instrument and feel that it has helped me find my voice; with it, I come closer to making the sounds I hear in my head. Dave and Marlene’s workmanship and customer service are top notch, and I would unreservedly recommend their flutes.
Micah,
It sounds like you have a great flute! (I wish we could see pictures. The wood sounds beautiful.) I have a keyless Copley in blackwood. I’m going to have keys added in July. (I’ll keep the headjoint and barrell, and he’ll add new sections with the keys.)
I agree with you about the value of off-setting the G key (LH3). That’s how my keyless was made at my request. My keyed will also have offset G. It’s interesting what you said about the placement of the G# key. I may have to ask about that possibility too!
Thanks for the review. Very informative!
Jeanie
I have one of these and find it an excellent flute. Thanks
Okay,
Five bucks to the first person who goes back through Jim’s posts and counts up the exact number of times he’s said that about his Copley flute 
Not raggin’ on ya man, I loved my Copley too, as I’ve said probably only 2 or 3 times less than you 
Now if I could just get Micah to loan me his, so I can see if that mopane is hypo- allergenic enough for my pesky lower lip…
Loren
Some consider big lips to be very sexy … 
djm
Maybe not so much, when they’re blistered.
Loren