I’ve been playing the whistle for about five years and got my first low whistle (a Dixon low D) last year. I immediately fell in love with the sound of the lower keys and I’m now on the hunt for my next tenor monster.
I’m a little stuck though, because I can’t choose which one to get! I enjoy playing both slow, emotional airs and fast jigs and reels. A mellow, rich sound is really important to me, but I’d like something fast and responsive as well.
I love the sound of Copelands. Five hundred dollars is a bit more than what I have to spend, though. Any suggestions for a low whistle that can play both fast and slow songs and has a rich sound for a maximum of $250.00? (No, I don’t want much from a whistle, do I?! 
) I have large hands, so hole size and spread is not a problem.
Check out
http://www.bigwhistle.com
Wow, they have a great selection of some great whistles! I only see that the wooden models are missing of the ones I know of.
Be sure to check out the clearance section. If you decide on an Alba, Stacey is a great person to work with as well.
If I could have just one low D, it would be a Colin Goldie Overton.
I had a low whistle but I then held it above my head.
Yes, those are nice (and I have one), but Renee does not respond to it the same way she does my mopani Bleazey. 
Sorry, a bit over your price range though.
I’m quite happy with my Chieftain low D, new style.
review here:
http://www.tinwhistler.com/music/reviews/chief_low_new/index.htm
Alba. The low C is incredible. The low D is very good too. Those are the 2 i tried. They’re both inside your price window.
Dixon is even cheaper and probably has the kind of sound you’re looking for. I’ve tried low D and low F, and they’re both very good, especially when you consider the low price.
So if you want aluminum, go Alba, if plastic, go Dixon.
g
first have a listen here http://www.tinwhistletunes.com/clipssnip/index.htm
I was quite impressed with the Alba low D as well.
Steven, the mind boggles 
:roll: , and is somewhat at odds with your new, learned, Signature .
Trisha
I am playing an Alba low C today and for the next two weeks. It is the easiest playing low whistle I have ever tried. I could pick it up and play it immediately. No problem with the stretch. No problem with the air needed. Nice sounding whistle.
Ron
There are never enough whistles to satisfy Whoa. I have 9 different Low-D models that I build. 3 Coppers, 3 Brasses, Two Aluminums and one PVC.
Thats ma man, keep erm cummin Daniel 
If you’ve really decidet that you want a Copeland (or any other particular whistle) ask right here on the board if anyone has a used one for sale. I got my Copeland low D from a fellow Chiffer for (I think) $225 and I love it. You’ll find folks here very honest about the condition of their used instruments. Mine arrived exactly as the seller described it. Most places I’d hesitate to pay hundreds for something sight unseen, but on the Chiff board I don’t hesitate.
If you can find a Copeland in your price range and it was a good one you’d have a great bargain and a wonderful whistle.
Given that you’d like a Copeland, I assume what you are looking for is a big, complex sound. In your price range you can’t go past Overton, Bernard- or Colin-made. Actually, even if you can afford a Copeland you should also have an Overton; they are truly wonderful whistles.
What about the Burke Composite low whistle? I recently has one. One of the only reasons I sold it was it did not out do my Bleazey. It is a VERY light whistle with a very flute like/Copeland like sound. Quite doable finger spread too. It is also a little louder than many low D’s I have tried, again, similar to the Copeland.
Both Mike and Colin are great to work with too. Colin will build the whistle as close to what you want as he can too.
I’ve heard good things about the composites along the lines you describe but since I haven’t yet tried one I can’t vouch for them myself. I’m seriously considering a Burke composite low E at some stage since I have most of the other low keys more than adequately covered.
I do have an AlPro G which I like a lot precisely because its purity contrasts nicely with my Overtons, Copelands and Grinters. But I’m very curious about the composites.
Another low D worth considering is a Reyburn. Mine has offset holes which I actually don’t like because I’m at ease with pipers’ grip and I have to play the Reyburn with my pinky. But the tone is complex and the price is right.
Use your $250.00 wisely my friend and also do yourself a fovor. Get you a Low that is built to last a life time and one which has a uncompromised sound. Get a CHIEFTAIN.,…
Funny thing, that, I feel the same way about my Overton Low D in the metal whistle catagory! 