Hi, Random survey here
FLute...

Brand-Armstrong
Model-80bt
Like it?-yes
keys-open
foot-b
metal-solid silver
other features-gold lip
Different Brand head-no
play piccolo?-yes
modifications to flute-no
Ability-intermediate
education-self taught
other-

Brand- Powell and Yamaha
Model- Powell-handmade, Yamaha 211
Like it?- LOVE IT!
keys-open
foot-b
metal-solid silver with 14 Karat rings.
other features- 14 Karat solid gold lip and riser
Different Brand head- I use the original and sometimes a Sankyo NRS-1
play piccolo?-yes
modifications to flute-Yes
Ability-Professional
education- lessons with John Curran
other-

Brand-Yamaha
Model-581 (before Yamaha renumbered their line, now it would be a 684H)
Like it?- sure, I just wish it had an offset G and a different headjoint (my flute has the CY headjoint)
keys-open
foot-b
metal-solid silver with plated keys
other features- french pointed arms and white gold springs
Different Brand head-no
play piccolo?-yes
modifications to flute-no
Ability- advanced
education- played in my university`s orchestra and top band and have took lesson from 7th grade up til my senior year of college.
other- I absolutely love playing the piccolo. I consider myself to be more of a picc player than a flute player so I was shocked when nobody at my university wanted to play picc, I just couldn`t understand why anyone would not want to play it. The other flute players at my university thought I was crazy. But those days are over so I`m sad about that. I think I need a hug

Brand-Ponderosa
Model-Cheryl Tiegs
Like it?-Always
keys-Rhodes, Hammond M3, Korg Monopoly
foot-Left
metal-Strictly pre-metal, not even proto-metal
other features-You mean besides eyes, ears, and nose?
Different Brand head-My head has not been branded.
play piccolo?-No.
modifications to flute-No.
Ability-Used to be able to climb rope fast.
education-M.M. in Music Theory and various other degrees.
other-Yes.

Brand-Gemeinhardt
Model-25P (I think)
Like it?-somewhat. I have had it for about four years, but I want to upgrade.
keys-Closed
foot-C
metal-silver plated (I think)
other features-none I can think of
Different Brand head-no
play piccolo?-yes
modifications to flute-no
Ability-define the ability levels and I will come up with mine
education-Started in fifth grade when band teacher asked, "Who wants to do band?" Went to band camp at East Carolina University for two summers. Private lessons since October 2004
other-nothing much

Brand:-Jupiter Di Medici
Model:-911(me thinks)
Like it:Adore everything about it!
Keys:-Open hole
Foot:-C foot
Metal:-Sterling silver head and plated body and foot
Other features:-Split E and offset G
Different brand head:-Not that I know of.
Play piccolo:-Yup and loving it.
Modifications:-Not yet but hope to get lip plate and keys engraved soon.
Ability:-Advanced intermediate.
Education:-Private lessons aswell as attending the Royal Irish Academy.
Other:Hmmmm........I`ll have to think about that.

Leprachaun

Brand:-Brand:-Miyazawa
Model:-Type II with brogger mech and thumb(type II boston equivelent)
Like it:love it! My dream flute
Keys:-Open hole
Foot:-C foot and B
Metal:- Sterling silver and platinum head, Sterling silver body, foot, keys and mech
Other features:-Split E and offset G
Different brand head:-no
Play piccolo:-yeah. it really helps my flute technique. Also play alto
Modifications:-engraved lip plate and keys, c# trill key and 24K riser
Ability:- Advanced , University level, profesional.

Brand-Armstrong
Model-800B
Like it?-Not at all
keys-open
foot-b
metal-solid silver
Different Brand head-no
play piccolo?-yes
modifications to flute-Left Hand Bo-Pep
Ability-advanced
education-currently working on my BM at Florida State Univ. Been playing for 11 years

Brand- Jupiter
Model #- 7000s
Like it?- absolutely
Keys- open
Foot- B
Metal- Sterling Silver Headjoint, Silver Body and Foot
Other Features- Gold plated lip plate with engraved keys and lip plate
Differnt brand head- No
Play piccolo- Yes
Modifications to Flute- No
Abilitly- High School
Education- Advanced High School

What are the ability levels?

i hate da flute!!

That what the heck are you doing on a flute forum. Wow, that takes brains!

I`m guessing something like beginner, intermediate, advanced intermediate, advanced, virtuoso.

Flute
Brand-Gemeinhardt
Model-3SB
Like it?-yes
keys-open
foot-b
metal-solid silver body
other features-
Different Brand head-Natsuki P2 w/concave cuttings in riser
play piccolo?-Not if I can help it!
modifications to flute-no
Ability-advanced intermediate
music education-self taught, private study, some college
other-Purchased new from WWandBW years ago when they were only mail order.

Piccolo
Brand-Armstrong
Model-290
Like it?-yes
keys-closed
foot-d
metal-solid silver body
other features-
Different Brand head-
play piccolo?- Not if I can help it!
modifications to flute-no
Ability-advanced intermediate
music education-self taught, private study, some college
other-used from Ebay

Flute
Brand-Buffet
Model-228 Cooper
Like it?-Yes, but not the head
keys-closed
foot-C
metal-silver plated
other features-
Different Brand head-
play piccolo?- Not if I can help it!
modifications to flute-no
Ability-advanced intermediate
music education-self taught, private study, some college
other-

Flute
Brand-Armstrong
Model-104
Like it?-10 years ago (lol)
keys-closed
foot-C
metal-silver plated
other features-
Different Brand head-
play piccolo?- Not if I can help it!
modifications to flute-no
Ability-advanced intermediate
music education-self taught, private study, some college
other-used from Pawn Shop

Flute
Brand-Yamaha
Model-385
Like it?-NO, upper range terribly sharp. Forced to pull out a great deal when tuning in orchestra which throws out entire range and makes high E crack prone.
keys-open
foot-b
metal-solid head, plated body
other features-
Different Brand head-
play piccolo?-Not if I can help it!
modifications to flute-no
Ability-advanced intermediate
music education-self taught, private study, some college
other-used from classifieds

Other assorted instruments:
Blessing Alto Sax (donated to band), Helmke Piccolo (donated to band), Loree Oboe, Lesher Oboe, Platz Oboe, Yamaha Oboe (Ebay`ed).

"I`m guessing something like beginner, intermediate, advanced intermediate, advanced, virtuoso."

Ah...elaborate on which grade level or something each is...

Like this? (I`m American... just guessing from looking at the ABRSM syllabus)

beginner = ABRSM 1-3
intermediate = ABRSM 4-5
advanced intermediate = ABRSM 6-7
advanced = ABRSM 8+
virtuoso = Galway, Pahud, Still, etc