I have been using a contrabass flute in my orchestra since 1991. With the addition of a contrabass, my ensembles have a depth that is not possible in any other way. The contrabass flute supports the bass flute section, as well as articulating in a similar manner, creating a very beautiful ensemble sound. A cello, string, bass, or similar instrument with flute ensemble, can mask the beautiful timbre of the bass flute section and articulates very differently. With the addition of the contrabass flute to an ensemble, the repertoire possibilities are endless.Paige Dashner Long, Director of the Metropolitan Flute Orchestra in Summer Residence at New England Conservatory:

The Kingma system® is a unique and revolutionary design which has changed the future of the flute. The system is fuel for the imagination, providing a huge variety of alternative fingerings, microtones, multiphonics and other techniques, and allows composers and performers to create ground-breaking work and to extend the expressive and musical capabilities of the flute. My work encompasses the C flute, alto and upright bass Kingma system instruments, and composers throughout the world have embraced the capabilities of these flutes, producing over 600 works so far in a range of styles. For me, the Kingma System® is an essential part of every day flute playing, and the possibilities it offers have completely shaped both my career and the status of the alto and bass flute as solo, recital instruments.Carla Rees

This unique instrument is very versatile, and fills the gap between the Contrabass and the double contrabass. In choirs it supports the Contrabass, and it literally propels the double contrabass. The Kingma Subcontrabass Flute in G is a great addition to the family of low flutes.Paige Dashner Long, Director of the Metropolitan Flute Orchestra in Summer Residence at New England Conservatory:

The Kingma System® flute is a very radical expansion of the flute's possibilities. It might not seem as such a big thing, but it is really Mega when we will look what will happen in expanding the instruments' musicality. Having a Kingma System® flute made my life so much betterRobert Dick

The most interesting comment I've heard while playing the contra was from another flutist. She told me that until she heard the contra, she had never really been able to hear how the bass line of the music functioned and contributed to the structure of the music.Linda True, Falls House Press:

I have tried bass flutes every year at the NFA conventions just to see if there was an instrument out there that actually had the response and flexibility that would allow me to make music. This year was the first time I found that instrument—a Kingma large bore bass. From the moment she handed me the instrument, the music sang!! I could play both a whispery pp and a growly ff. The resistance was enough for me to carry a long legato phrase and the response was so quick, I could lightly tongue a fast gigue in all registers. I only played the flute for a short time, but I've been thinking about it (and projects in which I can incorporate it) since I've gotten home. I had NO intention to buy a bass flute this year, but this was an instrument too good to pass up! I hope the few months wait for my flute to be made and arrive will go quickly. Brava Eva!!Ellen Burr, solo flutist

Eva Kingma is not only a flutemaker, she has a vision of our future. Her 1/4 tone keys flute is the most interesting progress I saw in my flute life. The first wooden Kingma System® flute made by Eva Kingma and Chris Abell was ordered by me and I very often play it.Patrick Gallois:

I have the enormous chance to play a fantastic alto flute by Eva Kingma. I couldn't imagine a better instrument to play both solo and in the orchestra. It has a wonderful large and warm sonority, which projects very well in big halls, and which offers a big range of colors and dynamics. Technically very reliable, it also has an extraordinary good intonation, which makes it the perfect musical partner. I feel absolutely in harmony with this flute and it is a great pleasure to play it.Julie Moulin, Second flute, playing alto flute in the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra Amsterdam:

Eva was displaying her contrabass proto-type at the National Flute Association Convention in 1999 (Atlanta). I was so thrilled to play it that I ended up staying in her booth for most of the convention. I have spent my NFA conventions there since! I am very happy with all of my Kingma instruments- I love the versatility, which I have used in all my projects, whether it be jazz, contemporary classical, funk, electronica and even the Jethro Tull tribute band of which I was once a member. On each of my instruments it takes some time to learn all the intricacies of the keys and sound, but I am always learning new ways to use them.Marion Garver Fredrickson:

Eva Kingma now has a fantastic evolution with her Bass flute. I played one of them at a concert and I was so happy that the public managed to hear me even in the low register in front of a big orchestra - 75 musicians is big for a flute concerto but huge for a Bass flute. I also was surprised to find a high register - the 3rd octava - with a beautiful real flute sound and, what is the cherry on the top of the cake, in tune! I am waiting now to see what her imagination will bring to us, but be sure that it will be revolutionary!Patrick Gallois, Conductor of Sinfonia Finlandia

The Kingma flutes have always been tremendous, the current generation takes the Alto and Bass flutes to the highest possible state of the art!Jim Walker, Principal Flutist Los Angeles Philharmonic

The contra bass is impressive and is a regular part of my recording projects filling the role of a cello or bass. It also is an amazing instrument with a full three octave range plus; low b to d above high c. I highly recommend the flutes of Eva Kingma, try one and you will fall in loveRobert Chadwick

Three years ago I bought my first Kingma Contra and Sub Contra flutes and was immediately impressed with the power and colors of these fine instruments brought to my flute ensemble. The latest edition to the Kingma range are the Kingma / Brannen alto flutes and these instruments were played by Jimmy Walker and Burak Besir in the last flute ensemble concert. Many people have come to the class with their own instruments, mostly Kingma and the difference three years later is enormous.. " "..The bass end of the flute ensemble had a new sound; more clearly defined and louder than anything I have heard previously. I am going to put an example of the concert in my web site so you can all hear what I am talking bout. I am very proud to recommend these fine instruments to you..Sir James Galway

I have played the Brannen Kingma and the Kingma Alto flutes almost daily for more than seven years and used them in performances that range from virtuoso modern music to free improv with interactive electronics. The abundant fingering combinations combined with a fine blowing flexibility offer me a seemlingly endless source of sonic possibilities. I still love the sounds that I continue to find. They allow me to make the music that says what I need to say. They keep my fantasy alive and hard at work.Ann LaBerge, Composer, Flutist

After many years of knowing Eva Kingma and meeting her at many flutefestivals, I finally made it to her wonderful house and work-place, in the North of Holland. My surprise , when trying her open holes Alto Flute was even bigger than I had expected.... Her reputation of quality, serious construction, beautiful sound and a never ending research to find more confort for the players and offering these "customers-friends-flutists-musicians" the highest quality instruments one can imagine, was more than confirmed....Thank you,Eva!Aldo Baerten, Flutist, Professor Flute in Antwerpen and Utrecht

When I decided to switch to the Kingma System® Brannen flute, my plan was to use it to develop more subtleties and expressive opportunities in contemporary and ethnic/folk music, which I am very keen on. What came as a TOTAL surprise, however, was my discovery of so many alternative fingering opportunities in traditional 'classical' music as well, leading to far more flexiblity of pitch and timbre in my playing generally. Lesson: A person never knows what they are missing - until they have been exposed to it.Wissam Boustany

We were looking for a new orchestra instrument. After trying out several alto flutes from different brands we were very happy to find the Kingma Brannen Alto Flute. It has a rich tone quality which is easy to focus. The sound is well balanced in the different registers. It is easy to change quickly from C Flute to this Alto. The ideal instrument for playing powerful orchestra solos!Rudolf Döbler, Rundfunk-Sinfonieorchester Berlin RSB:

The new Kingma & Brannen Alto Flute offers a huge range of expression. A consistent sound and perfect intonation throughout the whole range of three octaves and... with the new design it is most comfortable to hold it in your hands.Matthias Ziegler, flutist, professor Hochschule Zurich

I have played the Brannen Kingma and the Kingma Alto flutes almost daily for more than seven years and used them in performances that range from virtuoso modern music to free improv with interactive electronics. The abundant fingering combinations combined with a fine blowing flexibility offer me a seemlingly endless source of sonic possibilities. I still love the sounds that I continue to find. They allow me to make the music that says what I need to say. They keep my fantasy alive and hard at work.Anne LaBerge

The Contrabass Flute enriches the sound of the flute choir in so many ways, offering a true basso voce anchoring the ensemble and enhancing the orchestral potential of the music.Sharyn Byer, Director of the Columbia Flute Choir:

Your instruments have been consistently of the highest quality and your constant search for improvements, your innovations with the open-hole key work, your collaboration with Bickford Brannen on the new alto and custom designed keys layout for all sizes of individuals have made you the leader in the field of low flutes.Chris Potter

I am deeply impressed by the quality and playability of the Kingma System® Flute. It is a great challenge to find out how well one can play 'normal' standard repertoire and go for improvisation and new music with the same instrument. I believe this is contributing to the future of music and fluteplaying, opening new doors on new fields of developments.Emmanuel Pahud, Principal flutist Berliner Philharmoniker

I have been playing Eva's bass for several years now. When choosing a bass, I went to the flute convention and had yet to play a Kingma. When I went to her booth and played the bass, WOW! The tone was so much richer than the others around I could not believe it! It has a full three octave plus range. In addition she offered a low "b" and options for open holes; I chose both options and love the flute! I have played it twice with the Houston Symphony and once with the Dallas Symphony for the Howard Shore piece 'Lord of the Rings'. The flute was perfectly in tune and the rich tone carried across the concert hall like a dream.Robert Chadwick, Flute solist:

The Kingma System® Flute bridges the gap between the music of the past and the future. From barock ornaments to a limitless choice of chromatic multiphonics, extreme changes of dynamics and glissandi. Finally we have an instrument in our hands which enables us to express our musical imagination in the fields of interpretation and improvisation. This instrument is a true motor of creativity.Matthias Ziegler

My fascination with low flutes was born many years ago during lessons with my first flute teacher, George Opperman, who would often allow me to try his bass flute. My passion was rekindled when I had the opportunity to try an array of alto flutes at the 1993 Boston Convention—and trying Eva's flutes was an unparalleled experience. None of the others could compare to the beautiful flute sound of Eva's creations, especially the higher registers. I immediately ordered an alto flute. Shortly afterwards, a problem developed with my hands. Eva quickly came to the rescue, modifying that flute and building all my other (6) Kingma flutes using pictures of my hands and in house visits to perfectly refine the fit of the instruments. When I had the occasion to visit Eva's very special home and workshop to pick up my second alto flute, she showed me the prototype for a contr'alto and asked if I would be interested in owning one. Needless to say, I jumped at that chance, and now own my second contr'alto, this one with the Kingma system. This last year I added a contrabass to my ever expanding Eva Kingma flute family. Eva has been a visionary that has dramatically impacted the flute world; and her Kingma system and responsive low flutes have expanded our flute playing immeasurably. She alchemically infuses each of her instruments with creativity, love, imagination and soul —a piece of her heart can be heard in all her flutes. Her integrity, graciousness, and caring are legendary and it is an honor to also call her my friend. Bravo Eva!Sue Blessing

Not being a specialist in altoflute playing, when the opportunity came to record a work for alto flute, voice and backing track, by Andy Scott, I knew that I would require quite a special instrument. As a transcription of a work originally written for saxophone, there were many moments throughout which required note bending. I could 'sort of' get the effect on a conventional instrument, but a) it was hard work and b) not always guaranteed. Working with the new Kingma & Brannen open hole altoflute has been a revolution, even sound throughout the entire range, very easy to control and has the added worth of open holes. This instrument is by far the most interesting and enjoyable altoflute that I ever played.Paul Edmund-Davies, Principal flutist London Symphonia Orchestra

I wanted some extra keywork which had never been done before on the contrabass flute. Eva attacked these problems of mechanism with amazing energy, figured out a great system and made the incredible instrument I play today. As far as the tone of the horn, I can't tell you how often people are taken by the sound of her instruments. The flute seems to unlock a dimension of tone that has not been explored before by any instrument maker. I am very happy to show and play my big flute for anyone who will listen to it and I thank Eva Kingma for creating a truly astonding instrument which I can use in a classical context, jazz group or in flute quartet or choir.Vinny Golia, composer, multi-woodwind performer:

My new contrabass flute is magical!! Everything about it is crafted magnificently. It has a rich sound, a beautiful tonal/pitch center, and excellent response. The mechanism is comfortable and sophisticated. I highly recommend these instruments.Patti Monson, Director of TACTUS -the MSM Contemporary Ensemble and Sequitur New Music Ensemble: