I've been playing a Gemeinhardt for many years (although I started out with an Armstrong). But I keep reading about how wonderful Yamahas are (I do like their guitars, pianos etc). So I'm wondering if switching to a Yamaha might be a consideration and improvement in my sound. I currently play a Gemenihardt 3SHBO and I am happy enough with it, but is there something better to move up to with a comparable price? What might be a step up for me? Any suggestions?

I actually have heard a good handmade Yamaha headjoint on a similar Gemeinhardt flute (my old student model from long long ago - heh) and even with a little impromptu tape to shim it in place, the sound quality nearly tripled.

My recommendation is to look into replacement headjoints first if you are on a budget. What they are doing with headjoints recently is amazing compared to even twenty years ago.

If you want to get a different flute because you heard that it is better, try it first. In fact, try as many as possible.

This has been said many many times on this forum and it is true. Before you go out and spend the money on a new flute, try as many different ones as possible.

I once thought that I wanted a Yamaha. Then I tried a Sonari. Then an Altus. I tried a whole bunch and ended up with a Muramatsu. That's what ended up working for me.

Personally, I think that my Armstrong is worlds better than my Gemeindhardt.

That is just my opinion.

I wouldn't bother trying to put a better headjoint on the Gemeinhardt because the mechanism on them are not all that great to begin with. IF you do decide to go for a nice headjoint, I personally would not go for a Yamaha head. There are MUCH better handmade headjoints out on the market that would be more worth the money. Just my two cents.
Also, I agree with vamp, go out and try other flutes. We can't tell you if you should change or not, that is entirely up to you. It depends on what level of playing you are at also. The Gemeinhardt may be sufficient and just fine for your level of playing right now. If you are at a higher level, you will know when your flute is holding you back and when it is time to upgrade.

I mentioned the headjoint because of how effective it is. The Yamaha in question and the Gemeinhardt were both mind and I was goofing around.
(obviously they don't come close to fitting - the Yamaha is quite a bit smaller diameter).

But if the Gemeinhardt is working fine, it can't hurt to try out a few better used headjoints at a local shop. Even stepping up to a handmade Gemeinhardt headjoint from a basic student level one is a huge difference.(and at $200-$300 or so used, a steal)

I studied flute in college as my minor instrument. Back then, Gemeinhardts were "the flute" to play. Currently, I play at weddings, Church services, coffee houses and in a local ensemble. I'm happy with my Gemeinhardt but just wonder if there's something out there that would be exceptionally better in the same price range.

If you have the money to spend, why not upgrade?

Price range is what? Personally, I dont like Yamaha flutes and think theres much "more" out there. You know that you deserve the best you can afford, right?