Yeah, I've got to see how much a shop will charge to get the Artley properly playable again. Sentimental value isn't worth much if economic value is through the roof to have it done. :CP If I got a base student one I think it'd probably be a Yamaha.

I'm not much of one for pretty looks, at least not in instruments. I can appreciate a nice set of engravings but overall to me (for the ones I'd look at) they're all silver-ish in color with basically similar appearances. The style of the keys may differ some and some other really minor aesthetics but overall the pretty factor doesn't come into play much. The reason I'm looking at the ones I am is for the quality and durability that they seem to be known for, overall ease of use and good mechanisms/craftsmanship in a lower to intermediate level instrument with a sound/quality that I wouldn't have to trade up to get if/when I get to the point I was at before (or better).

I've read and acknowledge the comments made here and in other threads about being able to play well on a starter flute, but those go along with all the ones folks have mentioned that moving to an intermediate one has produced a fuller sound than others as well. Considering a student one is still $500-$1k depending I don't think paying for a decent intermediate is all that unreasonable (nor that much different in price considering the pricing ranges) since I'm not a complete duffer. I can still play some Mozart and other pieces I have I used to do solos on, my scales are just rusty. The fingers don't have quite the same memory as they used to at the moment.