Hi everyone.
Alright so long story short, I purchased a 3-year-old Gemeinhardt M2 when I first started playing the flute (I was about 11). I've played it for 7 years now, and it's been a great flute, but I'm looking to upgrade to an intermediate/professional level flute. I've discussed with my band director and he recomended a higher end Gemeinhardt or Yamaha. I'm wondering what experience anyone has had with these types of flutes, or which other brands they might suggest.
I'm just starting my search for a new flute... so any advice would be much appreciated!

I play a 674 yamaha. I like it very much. I love having an offset G, my previous one was in line. It's solid silver head body foot and plated keys. It cost me about $2,200. I don't know how it is now or you could probably try to find used ones too. One flute player I know recently got a powell flute and said it was AWESOME but I think was like $6,000 :O( Good luck! My gemeindhardt 3shb I played for 7 years and still plays nice and sturdy for me but I take care of them good. But I do really enjoy my yamaha better.

Gemeinhardt's sometimes have bad sound quality. and yamaha's can sometimes be pricey. hope it helps!!!