I have a Copeland High D in Nickel, but was having problems holding long notes in the upper octave, esp. high G and above.
Following Colin Goldie’s words of wisdom regarding issues with high-end whistles, I called Copelands to ask their advice. (To be fair, I thought that my mediocre playing could also have something to do with it!)
Mike Copeland answered the phone and after a few questions thought he had the answer, but just to be sure thought it would be best if I brought the whistle in myself, so he could fine tune the whistle to my needs.
Speechless, flabbergasted and doing a great impression of a goldfish, I accepted with a squeaked yes - pinching myself. (I’m never too slow to look a gift horse in the mouth - or should that be gift whistle in the fipple?)
Two days later, I’m making my way to the basement shop where Copelands operate. (Echoes of Tolkien and metalworking dwarves came to mind for some reason?) Mike Copeland was showing his whistles to a musician from Circe du Soliel who had popped in, so I waited patiently all the while taking in a Nirvana for those afflicted with WHOA.
A few minutes later, Mike looked at my whistle and confirmed his original diagnosis – it needed a “tweak”. This required the removal of the plug and a spot of filing.
In between, he showed me around the workshop; THE original Copeland D prototype (a heavily re-engineered Clarke, barely recognizable); the laboratory notebooks where all the “secrets” are kept (measurements and improvements going back to the beginning); the manufacturing process from start to finish; the new flute blanks; and the extraordinary amount of hand work required to make these whistles. The website pictures do not do justice to the process or even hint at what each whistle goes through. I’ll never wring my hands about the prices again, having seen first hand the time and effort needed.
A new plug was made, fitted and fine-tuned, a quick play to confirm that all was well and then the sanding and polishing. Quite amazing to see your pride and joy in pieces and then being put back together in front of your eyes.
He wanted to look over my Rose whistle, approving and appreciative, he played a few notes and then launched into a hornpipe, which took my breath away. Never again will I think that a Rose is a quiet whistle just for solo work…he’s convinced me that under that quiet persona, there lurks a monster sound ready to be unleashed. Quite like the English actually - polite and unassuming, but…
As an average player, who owns whistles as a hobby, I was surprised and amazed that Mike Copeland would not only take the time to personally ensure that the whistle was spot on, but was also was willing to answer my questions about his designs and craft in detail. (I should mention that this all took over two hours in the afternoon - apologies for those on the waiting list)
Mike’s level of service dispelled any concerns about buying a Copeland, and I have only admiration for his dedication, the skills and craftsmanship he displayed. I didn’t want to brag, but I had such an enjoyable visit, that thought it might be of interest.
As a footnote, I have no links to Copeland Woodwinds, but am always open to taper shaped bribes. My wife has already given up on trying to stop me buying that Brass A – I think it was the fixed grin and 1000 yard stare when I came home that did it.
Mike