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Mr. Willie Berg founded our
company in 1935. Willie was a struggling
musician working in Chicago. He would go to all the clubs in the
area and sell the band members valve oil, reeds, cymbals, and many
other supplies out of a bag he carried with him. He also played
jobs whenever he could get work.
Many famous musicians took a liking to Willie, great names like
Duke Ellington, Harry James, Count Basie, Woody Herman, The Dorsey
Brothers and the list goes on and on. The real inspiration came
from Glen Miller who encouraged Willie to make mutes for brass
instruments so that he could blend the brass section. Willie then
invented Stonelined Mutes. He and his wife Faye would make the
mutes in their small apartment on the south side of Chicago and
Willie would sell them to the musicians that traveled through
town.
Duke Ellington |
Harry James |
Woody Herman |
In 1941 Willie was drafted. One evening when Glenn Miller was
in Chicago he mentioned to Glen that he would not be coming around
any longer to supply the members in the band with mutes as he was
drafted. Mr. Miller told him that he was going to stay home and
make Stonelined Mutes for all the Armed Services Bands throughout
the world.
Count Basie |
The Dorsey Brothers |
Glenn Miller |
Willie borrowed from relatives and friends so he could open a
small shop to begin making mutes full time. From Stonelined Mutes
came other items that musicians needed and asked him to make.
In 1948, the small factory was moved to its present location in
East Chicago, Indiana. It is still located here today, although
additional acreage was purchased over the years to make it the
sprawling campus it has become.
In 1962, the small factory in East Chicago burned to the ground
leaving nothing to salvage. Because Willie was a dedicated person
to his business, and so did love the Music Industry, he wanted to
continue his life's work. His son Irwin was just finishing his
hitch in the Military when the fire occurred. Irwin, seeing his
father needed help offered to help him rebuild the business. The
two of them continued to work closely together to rebuild the
business. Their close association throughout the following years
produced many new products, which are known throughout the world
for their QUALITY unsurpassed by anyone in the industry.
In 1992, Mike Berg (Irwin's son, Willie's grandson) came to
work at the company. Willie passed away in 1996. Irwin and Mike,
with so many of their dedicated staff, run the company today.
Humes and Berg products are supported by our network of over
3,000 Dealers in the USA and are distributed in nearly 50
countries worldwide. Our goal is to supply you with quality
products for your perfect performance, designed with durability
and innovation and always at a fair price. Our entire staff is
dedicated to your complete satisfaction at all times.
On behalf of all of us at Humes & Berg Mfg.
Co., Inc. we would like to thank you for visiting our web site.
Should you need any assistance, our friendly staff is always ready to
help. Please call us toll-free at 800-348-9737
Irwin and Mike
You can count on us in providing you with latest and best products
on the market today! |
