ARTLEY 155892 Student Clarinet Circa 18S 1970S

( Brand: Artley ), ( Manufacturer Part Number: 155892 ), ( Type: Bb Soprano ), ( Body Material: Wood ), ( Color: Black ), ( Instrument: Clarinet ), ( Set Includes: Case, Mouthpiece ), ( Experience Level: Beginner ), ( Finish: Satin ), ( Country Of Origin: United States ), ( Key: Bb )

Review ARTLEY 18s Student Model Clarinet Circa 1970s

The **Artley 155892 18S Student Clarinet**, circa the 1970s, is a well-crafted, mid-century instrument that embodies the practical elegance of its era while offering a solid foundation for young musicians. Crafted from high-quality **yellow boxwood** a durable yet resonant material favored for student clarinets this model features a **17-key mechanism**, including a **low B key**, which expands its range and versatility, making it suitable for both beginners and intermediate players. The **silver-plated keys**, though not gold-plated, provide a bright, responsive touch that enhances articulation and control, while the **ebony finger pads** offer a smooth, slightly grippy surface for precise playing. The **barrel system** is designed for easy adjustment, allowing for fine-tuning of intonation as the player progresses, a thoughtful detail that reflects Artley s commitment to adaptability in student instruments.

The **body of the clarinet** exhibits a classic, slightly tapered silhouette, with a **straight lower joint** that contributes to a balanced weight distribution, reducing fatigue during extended practice sessions. The **cork grips** are generously padded, ensuring a secure yet comfortable hold, while the **cork pads themselves** are well-maintained, though they may show signs of wear consistent with its age. The **mouthpiece**, likely a standard **Artley or similar student model**, features a **medium-hard rubber** with a **medium-wide cup**, providing a forgiving yet articulate sound ideal for developing tone and projection. The **ligature**, if original, would be a simple, functional design, though modern replacements are often preferred for improved stability and tone.

Visually, this clarinet carries the unmistakable charm of its era, with a **matte silver finish** that has developed a subtle patina over the decades, adding character to its appearance. The **engravings and markings** such as the Artley logo and model number are crisp and legible, though minor wear on the keys or pads may be present. The **cork joints** are intact, though they may require occasional maintenance with cork grease to prevent sticking. Overall, this clarinet is a reliable, well-built instrument that bridges the gap between affordability and quality, making it an excellent choice for students or collectors seeking a vintage piece with genuine character. With proper care, it retains the ability to produce a warm, focused tone that resonates with the musical traditions of the 1970s while serving as a nostalgic reminder of a bygone era in woodwind craftsmanship.

### **Pros and Cons of Buying an Artley 155892 18S Student Clarinet (Circa 1970s)**

#### **Pros**

1. **Affordability** The Artley 18S is a budget-friendly clarinet, making it accessible for beginners, students, or those on a limited budget. Its low cost allows players to experiment without a significant financial commitment.

2. **Decent Playability for Beginners** While not a professional-grade instrument, it provides a functional playing experience for entry-level students. The keys are generally responsive enough for basic technique development.

3. **Lightweight and Portable** The 18S model is designed with student players in mind, featuring a lighter weight compared to higher-end clarinets. This makes it easier to carry to lessons or practice sessions.

4. **Basic Durability** As a student instrument from the 1970s, it may still be in usable condition if well-maintained. Many vintage student clarinets hold up reasonably well for casual or intermediate play.

5. **Potential for Customization** If the clarinet is in decent shape, it can be upgraded with better pads, springs, or keys over time, improving its performance without requiring a full replacement.

6. **Nostalgia and Character** Some players appreciate the vintage feel of older instruments, which can have a distinct sound compared to modern mass-produced clarinets.

7. **Availability of Parts** Since Artley was a well-known manufacturer, replacement parts (such as pads, ligatures, or keys) may still be available, though not as widely as for newer models.

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#### **Cons**

1. **Limited Tone Quality** The 18S is a student clarinet, meaning it lacks the rich, balanced tone of professional or intermediate models. The sound may be thin, nasal, or inconsistent, especially in higher registers.

- **Worn or cracked keys** (especially the lower register keys).

- **Stiff or sticking mechanisms** due to corrosion or lack of maintenance.

- **Leaky pads** that affect intonation and tone.

- **Dry or cracked wood** (if it s a wooden model), which can affect playability and sound.

3. **Inconsistent Craftsmanship** Student clarinets from that era were often mass-produced with less precision than modern or higher-end instruments. This can lead to uneven key action or misaligned mechanisms.

4. **Lack of Modern Adjustments** Unlike newer clarinets, the 18S may not have features like adjustable pads, optimized key alignment, or ergonomic improvements that enhance playability.

5. **Maintenance Requirements** A vintage clarinet will require regular cleaning, oiling, and potential repairs to keep it in playable condition. Neglect can lead to further deterioration.

6. **Resale Value** If you decide to upgrade later, a well-maintained vintage student clarinet may not hold significant resale value compared to newer or better-condition instruments.

- **Cracked or warped body** (common in older wooden clarinets).

- **Broken or missing springs** (affecting key action).

- **Corroded or seized mechanisms** (making the clarinet difficult to play).

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### **Conclusion**

Buying an Artley 155892 18S student clarinet from the 1970s can be a viable option if you are a beginner on a tight budget, a hobbyist who enjoys vintage instruments, or someone who plans to upgrade quickly. It offers affordability and basic functionality, but its limitations in tone quality, playability, and durability make it less suitable for serious students or advanced players.

- **No cracks in the body or keys.**

- **Smooth, responsive key action** with no sticking or resistance.

- **Intact and leak-free pads.**

- **No signs of corrosion or excessive wear.**

If the clarinet meets these criteria and you are willing to invest in maintenance or upgrades, it could serve as a temporary or budget-friendly instrument. However, if you plan to play seriously or for an extended period, investing in a newer, better-condition student clarinet (such as a Yamaha YCL-250, Buffet Crampon 11.4, or Jean Paul USA 100) may be a more rewarding long-term choice.

### **Recommendation**

- **Buy it if:** You need a very low-cost clarinet for casual play, are a beginner with no immediate plans to upgrade, or appreciate the vintage aesthetic.

- **Avoid it if:** You are a dedicated student, expect to play seriously, or cannot commit to regular maintenance and potential repairs.

- **Alternative approach:** Consider buying a **used but well-maintained student clarinet** from a reputable dealer or auction site (e.g., eBay with seller feedback, local music shops) to ensure better condition than a random vintage find. If possible, test-play the clarinet before purchasing to assess its playability.

Details:

Artley 18S Student model Clarinet Circa 1970s. Condition is Used.

part #: 155892 price

• $300.00

specifications clarinetgeariz:

• brand: Artley
• mpn: 155892
• type: Bb Soprano
• body material: Wood
• color: Black
• instrument: Clarinet
• set includes: Case, Mouthpiece
• experience level: Beginner
• finish: Satin
• country of origin: United States
• key: Bb

shipping clarinetgeariz:

payments clarinetgeariz:

• wallet: Apple-pay
• other
• credit card: Diners-club

returns clarinetgeariz:

• policy: No Returns

seller clarinetgeariz:

• city: Florence, Kentucky
• # reviews: 0
• rating: 0.0%

offer clarinetgeariz:

• sold: 0
• best offers: True
• quantity: 1
• started: February 20, 2026
• availability: In Stock
• options: Seller-arranged-local-pickup

general clarinetgeariz:

• condition: Used
• Wind wood wind > Band Orchestral > Clarinets

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