Dealer Focus: Corner Music
Interview with Joel Dobbins - Recording Department Manager
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Joel Dobbins, Russell Cox, & Ray Arsenault with an impressive assortment of UA gear.
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- Larry Garris- Owner
- Ray Arsenault- VP
- J.D. Williamson- Store Manager
- Joel Dobbins- Recording Department Manager
- Russell Cox- Recording Department Manager
- Todd Austin- Electric Guitar Department Manager
- Chris Kontpanos- Acoustic Guitar Department Manager
- Anthony Correll- All departments!!!
Company History
Starting out on the corner of Bransford and Iris in the historic Berry Hill recording district, Corner Music went against the normal music store model and started selling cutting edge instruments and electronics catering to the studio musicians, engineers and producers. If it was weird and hard to find, we either had it or could get it. We were the first store in Nashville to encourage our clients to take gear, and try it in their own recording environment. Our store hours even revolved around the 10, 2, and 6 o'clock sessions in Berry Hill. We opened at 9am so the studio guys could get strings and picks in the morning or late afternoon. We have always had the very best instrument and electronics repairmen on staff. If we sell it, we generally service it in house. One unique aspect of Corner Music, everyone on our sales staff is a professional musician with many years of experience, so we relate to our customer base in a way no other retailers can.
How long has Corner Music been in business?
Corner Music has been in business for 28 years with the staff having expertise in wholesale, retail, studio recording, electronic repair, and design.
Corner Music was instrumental in introducing high-end lines such as PRS, SWR, Matchless and Rivera amps on the guitar and bass side; and Universal Audio, Groove Tubes, Tube Tech, and T.C. Electronics to the pro & home studios in Nashville.
Typical Corner Music Customer?
From the seasoned pro to the beginning player, from the front of house engineer or back line assistants or praise team leader in the church, we see them all. Past and present clients include Johnny Cash, James Brown, Joe Walsh, Allman Brothers Band, Huey Lewis, and Leon Russell.
Why is Universal Audio important to Corner Music?
UA is important to our business because it is one of the few companies that subscribes to audio excellence throughout the entire product line. No "me too" products like some other manufacturers. Only the best of the best, at a price most people can afford, with reliability and longevity that has other manufacturers wondering how UA continues to do what they do.
Between UA's hardware and software products, which is more important to Corner Music's business?
We believe that hardware "front ends" will continue to dominate because most of our customers buy mic pre's for their computer based systems--but as computers continue to advance who knows when software will become equivalent? Also, they buy UAD-1 cards for these same systems for processing, so both are very important to us.
What makes selling UA gear cool?
Some of what makes selling UA gear cool is the retro look; and most of all, the great sound of all the pieces. We love watching customers and the big grin they get every time they plug their favorite mic into a 6176.
What makes selling UA gear a pain?
Sometimes availability is a concern and also there are those out there who don't value the products and sell them at absurd prices, making stores like us seem overpriced. That hurts both of us.
What new products would you like to see UA make?
A Ribbon Mic
Studio Monitors with Ribbon Tweeters
A Tube Parametric EQ
Tell us an amusing story about Corner Music.
A few years ago just before a NAMM show in Nashville, we opened the store a few minutes early because Leon Russell was outside waiting in his car to get a few supplies for one of his upcoming recording projects. A few minutes later in comes Joe Walsh with Seymour Duncan, followed by Paul Rivera and Paul Reed Smith. While everyone was talking about the famous people in the store, in walks Huey Lewis to purchase a harmonica. While all of this is going on, James Taylor shows up to just look around. A reporter for one of the local papers, who also is a customer, drops by and his jaw nearly hits the ground as he bought his strings. The next week we were voted the most likely place to see the stars in Nashville.
Corner Music
2705 12th Ave. S.
Nashville, TN 37204
615-297-9559
www.cornermusic.com
-Terry Hardin
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