I had the idea recently to look for a silver whistle, high D to be a family “heirloom” something I can pass on to my grandkids along with the songs I write and I came to a question. I personaly love my O’Brien sop D and all of my low Chieftains and would in a moment have either make one for me but sadly neither make whistles out of silver. So I am looking for a “timeless” piece that not only plays “itself” with perfect tuneing but has the softness of my O’Brien and volume, power and strength of my Chieftains.
New or used is just fine either way… Phil Hardy recomended to me the Copelands and I was just wondering if there were any other options to consider along side this option? I feel I may be looking for a needle in a haystack…
Of course, they might not be Perfect like the O’Brien set, and I don’t think they play by themselves (unless you leave a window open in a strong breeze with the mouthpiece pointing in the right direction, then you might get the C# from The Maids On The Green).
I’ve never played a Chieftain so dunno about the Tully’s volume, and “power and strength” are not physical properties I can readily associate with a whistle (unless it’s an Alba Low D called into emergency service for braining intruders). Can’t tell whether Erik can accommodate just intonation or whether he supplies his whistles tuned only in equal temperament, so you’ll have to ask him about the perfect tuning.
Hello,
Copeland makes Sterling whistles in several keys including high and low D.
I own a Copeland Eb in sterling that, if I don’t change my mind and will it to someone, I plan to be buried with.
All the best,
Brian
I haven’t tried the Sterling Silver Copeland, but I just received a nickel silver high D Copeland and it’s fantastic. You can listen to soundclips of the Copelands at:http://www.copelandwoodwinds.com/audio_samples.asp
Other whistles that would qualify as heirlooms would be any well made wood whistle like Schultz Thin Weasel, Abell, and such.
My suggestion, for what it’s worth - don’t hunt for an heirloom whistle. When you play long enough and try many different whistles, the heirloom will find you.
I own a Copeland silver D and have played Erik’s also. They are both beautiful, very different from each other. I have a Tully on order.
Here’s what I like about each:
The Copeland has a lower register that makes me want to play ancient piping tunes forever, anything within easy vocal range. I could easily anthropomorphize its voice in the lower register.
The Tully sails into the upper register freely, so it does have that “plays by itself” feeling. I loved playing a session with it-- I had showed up to a session and inadvertently left my music bag with my whistles behind. Erik lent me his. I’ve had a little “tour” of his workshop and his tools, and have a very very good feeling about his integrity and craftsmanship. For me, heirloom quality is enhanced by fine people. Erik is one of these. I don’t know Michael Copeland, but I’m sure he is too.
As for quiet and powerful, hmmm. The Copeland is not quiet, and I would say it is powerful. The Tully isn’t particularly quiet, either, though he could make you one that is. I think of it as more “strong” than “powerful,” if those adjectives suit.
I’ve never played either O’Briens or Chieftains, so can’t help compare that way. I’d consider either to be a wonderful instrument to pass on. The Copeland contains more silver, being heavier, if that’s a consideration. The Tully is cylindrical and is a treat for the eyes with its fine workmanship on the rings.