Step-up instrument recommendations

[audri]

Newbie here. Adult beginner. Been playing flute for 6 months, on a hand-me-down F.E. Olds & Son. My instructor tells me that I may want to consider a step-up instrument and I'm here to ask for recommendations. I'm looking for a good used flute (open-hole, off-set G, B foot joint).
Mainly, I'd like your thoughts on what brands/models are likely to be worth buying used, what to look out for when buying a used instrument and where you might think would be a good place to buy from.
Alternatively, if you have any advice on similar things about a new instrument, I'd love to hear that too.
Price range is: up to $1000. My initial research shows that this is possible.

[pied_piper]

There are many different well known brands that you could consider.

The Fluteland FAQ has a lot of great information about selecting a flute and lists a number of reputable brands that you could consider (both new and used) Fluteland FAQ2.1

I suggest you take a look at that first and then post any specific questions here.

[audri]

Thank you, pied_piper, for pointing me to the FAQ (I know, I should have looked there first )
I guess the question I have left here would be: When buying a used flute, are there brands/models that are more likely to have held up better, or worse? Brands to look for or avoid, in a used market?

[pied_piper]

In the $1000 range, Yamahas seem to hold up well. Parts are readily available and they also seem to hold their value pretty well too. Moving from the Olds flute that you currently play, a Yamaha would be a great step instrument. A Yamaha 300 series or 400 series should do nicely for you. A used 400 series might stretch your budget though. The 300 and 400 are essentially the same design, but the 400 series has more sterling silver parts. The 300s have a silver plated body while the 400s have a sterling silver body. Both have a sterling silver headjoint and silver plated keys. The last two digits indicate certain features like closed hole or open hole, inline or offset G, etc. You'll also need to consider whether you want a C foot or B foot. The B foot flutes generally cost a bit more but are not essential for most casual players.

[audri]

Thanks again, pied_piper! I had been thinking that Yamaha seemed like the best bet. My partner, in his zeal to support my interests, has gotten very involved in getting me what I want and he found a used 471, that seems in very good condition, from what seems like a reliable seller, for a nice price (he declined to tell me how much though!). It should arrive in the next few weeks. I'm excited!

[new2flute]

I'm also an adult learner and have been playing a Di Zhao 400 for about a year. It's held up well under everyday use (1 ~ 2 hours of practice every day) and tone quality, at least based on the individuals that have heard me play, is pleasing. There are a few Youtube videos of individuals playing different models (the DZ 200 was reviewed by Joanna "JustAnotherFlutes") so you can take a listen and get some sense of sound quality and comments from someone with much more expertise than I have. You can also check out the history of the company on line and given I haven't come across any negative critiques about them in all my searching prior to buying the flute it might be an option for you.