I had no idea that so many people hated demeinhardt flute, I have a 3SB at this moment and have had it for ten years. I am 22 years of age and have been playing since I was five. So you could say that i am pretty advanced, not James Galway, but pretty good. I have read many reviews on Gemeinhardts and have to say that I agree with some but disagree with others. I do have to say that the don`t project that well but they do have a good tone. Another thing is that it is difficult when trying to play anything in a pianissiom dynamic level in the fourth register, but it has been loyal to me for years. I have won many awards with the 3SB but like i said have to agree that it`s not the best flute in the world. I have played on my flute professors haynes and powell and YES THEY ARE MUCH BETTER. But unfortunatly I can not afford those brands of flutes. So to get to the point what flutes should i look for in a affordable pric range. I have looked at a pearl which is about $795-$1,200......any thoughts on that brand or have any suggestions on some other names?????? Keep on mind that I am on my own and live in D.C.