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MY DECORATED PRESENTATION
RAJA SAMADHI #2005
By Charles Schlueter
 In just over a quarter of a century, David Monette’s innovations in trumpet design have been more dramatic than any other change in over 150 years, since valves were added to the instrument.
I am indeed fortunate to have had him making trumpets for me for the last half of my professional career. My first Monette C trumpet was #005. That was the best trumpet I had ever played--couldn’t imagine any further improvements, but I was wrong.
I got the first E-flat trumpet #003, then the first D trumpet #012. There were several other C trumpet stages before #061, but that was the next big break-through. Through an accident to #005, it was reincarnated as the first STC model. There was a Bb #188. Then there was the STC2 C trumpet, #617, the first shepherd’s crook C cornet, #671 the first (and only) E-natural trumpet #302; then came the next generation C trumpets for me (I skipped STC’s: 3, 4, 5, 6, etc) Raja I #822, Raja II #889 and the first Samadhi #1061; (along the evolutionary path there also was the first “Rajette” Piccolo in A, #069). A couple other creations included: a natural posthorn in A, and a posthorn in C with rotary valves. Always, each one was unique.
Every new trumpet was a major breakthrough - enabling me to move towards what I had always strived for.
 And then came the Decorated Presentation Raja Samadhi #2005. (Notice the circle has been completed: #005 to #2005). Not only is this the first decorated C trumpet, it is the most beautiful ever made, thanks to the genius and artistry of Tami Dean. It also happens to be the most incredible instrument to play. It is the culmination of all the innovations of all of its predecessors. It allows me to have the widest range of timbre and dynamics - from the most delicate velvety texture to the most blazing brilliance; from a whisper pianissimo to earth-shaking fortissimo - all within my control. Likewise for articulation (which for me is how notes are connected): I am able to cover the entire spectrum from staccatissimo to marcatissimo, as well as the most liquid legato, through the entire dynamic range, whether on diatonic or arpeggiated passages.
 The trumpets made by David Monette are equivalent to the finest concert grand pianos, the most valued string instruments. And just as people have tried to discover the secrets of those instruments for centuries, many have tried to copy or imitate or discover the secret of what Dave has done. But because of his genius intellect, his imagination, his knowledge, and his ability to hear what needs to be done and to fix it, he is the only one with the keys to the secret. Not a day goes by without another innovation - always with the goal of making it easier for trumpet players to become musicians who play trumpet. And because of Dave Monette, those ranks are growing around the world.
Thank you Dave!
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by Dave Monette
