I've just acquired an Artley 7-P piccolo and I'm trying to figure out just exactly what I've got. I have been unable to locate any descriptions of the different piccolo or flute models Artley offered. Can anyone point me to such information?

This one is a 1975 vintage model according to the serial number. The keys are obviously silver plated, and they are in bad shape. The head and body are generally in good shape, and may be sterling silver, but there are no markings to indicate that that is the case. The riser in the blow hole looks like it started out silver plated and now the plating is partially gone and the surface pitted.

It plays quite well and looks like it has had new pads fairly recently. Curiously, the B and Bb thumb tone holes had a serrated look like they missed a machining step. I figured that had to be bad and I smoothed them slightly.

Eventually, I'd like a nicer piccolo that would be appropriate for an orchestra or concert band. I've played a couple Yamaha YPC-82's, and I'd like to play a Pearl. I don't think I'm good enough on piccolo yet to properly select a nice one, so I'm hoping to practice with the Artley to come up to speed a bit.

Thanks,
Jim