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ALFRED WILLENER: WRITER, SOCIOLOGIST AND TRUMPET PLAYER!
 Alfred Willener, a well-known Swiss sociologist and author, first contacted our shop in 1985. As a good amateur trumpet player himself, he is a serious student of the history of the modern trumpet. He knew exactly what he wanted in a new, custom Bb trumpet that was missing from current production instruments at the time.
In the most detailed and specific description of a musical instruments qualities we have ever read, Alfred relayed what he was looking for in a five page, single spaced letter he wrote to Dave Monette when our young company was located in our first Chicago shop. Dave Monette designed a new horn for Alfred, our model MB-199 (taken from Alfreds serial number, #199). Alfred wrote back upon receiving his instrument, and told us he was 100% pleased and we had made exactly what he was looking for.
 This started a 25-year friendship between Alfred and Dave that continues to this day. Alfred is an academic, a philosopher, and in general a worldly, very wise man. His expertise in his chosen career field gives him what is in our experience a completely unique perspective on musicians, musical performance and even instrument makers around the world. Being close friends with the late Hal Oringer and the late Art Farmer, Alfred was in attendance for many of Dave Monettes New York consultations at Hals photography studio Ea popular meeting place for NY jazz musicians in the 80s and 90s.
 In the video interview on this page, Alfred shares his perspective on the last 25 years of development in Monette instruments. We look forward to Alfreds continued sage advice and friendship. Thanks for joining us for the party, Alfred!
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