I’m about to take the plunge and purchase a high end low D since I’ve finally got to the point where I can play my Dixon without any problems.
Breath requirement, finger stretch and hole size all play a factor in my decision.
That being said, I have the opportunity to purchase either an Overton or a Copeland without the waiting period and I’m having a heck of a time deciding which one to get.
Of course the Copeland costs twice as much as the Overon, but I’m not letting that factor influence my decision.
Anyone who has played both care to give me a little feedback on the matter?
Hoo boy, tough question…
The Overton and Copeland Low D’s are sort of at opposite ends of the spectrum. The Copeland will sound more “flutelike” while the Overton will sound more…“Spillane like”.
The Overton takes very little breath volume, you can practically play all day on one puff, but you have to learn to blow hard to get the high notes.
The Copeland is the exact opposite: You don’t have to be forceful with your breathing, but you’re going to really have to work at taking deep breaths and breathing more often - sort of like playing a flute.
Overtons are very predictable, they don’t jump octaves easily and slight changes in breath pressure don’t cause the pitch to change much, so I find them easier to play with confidance.
Copelands OTH are quite breath sensitive, you really have to pay attention all the time or you’re likely to get unintentional octave shifts. The tuning also seems much more sensitive to breath pressure than many whistles.
The Overton is light weight, the Copeland is a good bit heavier. Personally, I find cylindrical bore whistles more comfortable to hold than conical whistles - the small bottom cone section gets uncomfortable for me after a while.
Yup, tough decision. Probably the two best Low D’s in the world (hee hee), so you can’t go wrong either way.
If it were me, I’d go for the Overton and use the money I saved to buy an whistle - an Overton Low F or a Rose soprano D. Two more of the world’s best whistles 
But that’s just me…
Loren
I agree with everything Loren said,
except that I personally prefer the sound of
the Copeland. It’s harder to learn to
play the thing, it’s heavier too,
the stretch demands aren’t so great
(though the Overton is better).
But what a whistle! It’s a challenge,
but worth it. The wait for the Copeland
is, I would guess, much longer. Also if
you don’t like it you can sell it for
sure–possibly for more than list.
My opinion.