Unbelievable --- Corson Music!!!!!!

Joe Alterio · Post by **Joe Alterio** » 26 Sep 2005 5:11 pm

I just wanted to pass along some great experiences I have had in the past couple of months, courtesy of Dyke Corson and the nice folks at his store.

A few months ago I was in need of a Black Widow speaker, and everyone who sold one was out of stock (except the one place that quoted me full MSRP). Dyke told me he had a few on order and that I could have one when it came in. As I was in a pinch (my only amp had a blown JBL that was just getting me by), he was persistent in following up with both Peavey and myself in making sure that I got my speaker sooner rather than later. Plus, he sold it to me at a price that beat everyone else. Wow!

OK...so fast forward to about a month ago. I had an opportunity to play through a Steel King a second time and was blown away by the sound. I called a few of the dealers here on SGF and got prices....all of them fair. I then figured "well....maybe Dyke Corson sells Fender amps....he gave me a nice deal on the Black Widow, so I'll e-mail him and see." Turns out, he did sell Steel Kings. And he had them at a very good price. Yet, I was reluctant to buy a Steel King (I always like to *really* try before I buy...the one nice thing about thbig box stores, right?) so I told him I'd think about it.

Last week I contacted him again and told him I'd still be interested in buying one. He told me he'd still offer the same great price. When I told him about my initial reluctance (try before you buy) especially since it is hard to gauge how an amp will perform out on stage when trying it out in a store, he suggested...mind you, HE suggested....that I come by the store and try it, take it home and get comfy with it....heck, don't even worry about finalizing the deal until I am satisfied with it. And if I wasn't, I just bring it back, no problem.

Now, I know that the community of steel players is unlike anything most people experience. The Tom Bradshaw way (tell me what you want and I'll mail it to you....pay me when you get it) is still followed by many here. But for a full fledged music retailer that does NOT go by the name "Sam Ash" or "Guitar Center" to treat you this well...well, my faith in humanity creeps up a notch.

On top of all this, Dyke and co-hort Jerry were both extremely accomodating, letting me set up a virtual wall of pedal steel amps to try them all out (lessee.....I had my Session 400, as well as his amps that he had for sale....Vegas 400, Steel King, Twin Custom 15", Nashville 112, Session 400 LTD). He let me set up in a back room and blast away. He helped me move equipment. He and Jerry both played my guitar and completely blew me away with their playing. Geez...I thought I was in Nashville, what with the tons of equipment and top notch players at the store. All in Champaign-Urbana, IL (go Illini!)!!!

I swear....I felt as if I was being treated as one of the top pros would have been. I really do mean that.

Sorry for rambling folks....I really just want people to know how much I value how well Dyke treated me. Thanks, Dyke.

Joe

Joe Alterio · Post by **Joe Alterio** » 27 Sep 2005 12:06 pm

Lee Baucum · Post by **Lee Baucum** » 27 Sep 2005 12:46 pm

Yes, but are you happy?

By the way, did you buy the Steel King? Those are fantastic amps. I love mine.

Lee, from South Texas

Joe Fortune · Post by **Joe Fortune** » 27 Sep 2005 2:38 pm

I want to reiterate what Joe has said about Corson Music in Champaign, Ill. I have known Dyke and his wife Chrissy for several years and can truthfully state that they are great people to know and play music with. I have bought two amps from Dyke, a Steel King and a NV112. The whole business experience was as professional as it could be. The price was the best around, and the service and delivery was exceptional.
Dyke and his staff offer me, as a steel player, the experience and service that cannot be found anywhere else in central Illinois. Dykes experience in the business community enabled me to by a very special steel that I would have otherwise not have been able to purchase.
I highly recommend that anyone interested in puchasing musical or audio equipment of any type for any need, to contact Corson Music for the best service and price around. [This message was edited by Joe Fortune on 27 September 2005 at 03:39 PM.]

Steve Dodson · Post by **Steve Dodson** » 27 Sep 2005 6:40 pm

I know what ya mean Joe. I've had some verrrry good service, as well as respect from Duane's Music, in Troy Mo. Duane Dunard is a hard man to beat, when it come's to price, service and just plain old treating you right,he's at the top. And that goes for after the sale also. So give him a call or e-mail him and find out for yourself. You will be glad you did.

Joe Alterio · Post by **Joe Alterio** » 28 Sep 2005 7:25 am

Lee -- I did buy the Steel King, and I have not been happier with the sound of my steel. It has been a while since I have sat down to practice an evening without having to get up and tweak dials 20 times, never finding a satisfactory tone. You can pretty much set the Steel King's settings anywhere and find a GREAT tone.

It really does have the old Fender tube-amp sound that so many of my fave country/rock players used (Red Rhodes, Tom Brumley, Rusty Young).

There is a possible minor issue with the amp, and Dyke continues to bend over backwards to help me resolve it. Like the subject line of this thread says...."Unbelievable!"

I only wish I knew of Corson Music sooner

Especially since he's also a Gretsch dealer!

Joe

Steve Dodson · Post by **Steve Dodson** » 28 Sep 2005 8:17 am

I tryed to edit my last post, but for some reason it wouldn't let me. Anyway I was just wanting to say as Joe has already said. Dyke and the fine folks at Corson Music are great people to deal with,also they will go the extra mile to be sure you get what you want and that says a lot for them.

Tim Harr · Post by **Tim Harr** » 28 Sep 2005 1:19 pm

I am not suprised by this service at all.

Dyke and his staff are "top drawer" all the way.

Jerry "Muttonhead" Erickson is one of the finsest musicians I have ever heard/known/worked with etc... Joe you have no idea - hearing him in a Music Store is no indication - - it get's better in a club

I am happy to see Dyke's customer base spreading beyond the IL borders....!!

Glad you have caught on to Corson Music Joe Alterio!

You should come to our Steel Jam Show in Peoria next year we would love to have you!

Last year we had Doug Jernigan( which was great) This year we are featuring Joe Wright. Also, Corson Music is a corporate sponsor of the show and will have a very well stocked booth at the show in June.

Tim

PS: Hi Joe Fortune![This message was edited by Tim Harr on 28 September 2005 at 02:24 PM.]

Ricky Davis · Post by **Ricky Davis** » 28 Sep 2005 5:16 pm

If you think that's unbelieveable; then you really won't believe this...ha
This is the case that Dyke made for me(actually for Big Jim Murphy; but I have it now) and it is a soft shell case for my pedal steel; eventhough I have my Hawaiian steel in it right now.
It is a throw over your shoulder and go gig bag and with a hard foam to protect it(much MUCH lighter than a hard case). So if your just hoppin' gig to gig; and want to put your x____________(insert ANY steel here) steel in a case that you can throw over your shoulder bag: well here it is.

Ricky

Joe Alterio · Post by **Joe Alterio** » 29 Sep 2005 5:22 am

Ricky....I'm guessing the side pouch is where you put the legs?

Interesting!!!

Ricky Davis · Post by **Ricky Davis** » 29 Sep 2005 8:44 am

Joe; Actually there is a pedal bar and leg bag that comes with it; and you can either carry it separtate or lay in in there like I do; as it's padded also. I suppose you can put the legs in that side pouch; I haven't so I don't know if they fit or not> never tried...hummmm?
Ricky

Brad Sarno · Post by **Brad Sarno** » 29 Sep 2005 11:56 am

Another satisfied Corson customer here. Couldn't be happier with the friendly, good service.

Thanks Dyke,

Brad and Auset

Donald Jeunette · Post by **Donald Jeunette** » 29 Sep 2005 2:51 pm

Does anybody have a way to contact this store?

Joe Alterio · Post by **Joe Alterio** » 30 Sep 2005 5:57 am

www.corsonmusic.com

71 E. University Ave.
Champaign, IL 61820
(217) 352-1477
fax (217)363-4439

Corson Music Hours:
Mon-Fri 10:00am-6:00pm
Sat 10:00am-5:00pm
Closed Sunday

e-mail: corson6 AT hotmail DOT com

Chrissy Corson-Rigsby · Post by **Chrissy Corson-Rigsby** » 30 Sep 2005 6:04 am

Hello, this is Mrs. Chrissy Corson. (Dyke's better half). Why don't you all just hop in the car and come see us at our store in Urbana, IL this Sunday, Oct. 2. We're usually not open on Sundays, but this week we're having a FREE CLINIC with Cindy Cashdollar and Redd Volkaert. It would be a fine time to come check out one of our stores, chat with other musicians, and take in the clinic. Starts at noon. Call the Urbana store at (217) 367-3898 for details.

Chrissy

Rich Mounce · Post by **Rich Mounce** » 1 Oct 2005 5:05 am

I played four nights a week in Urbana for over eleven years and I can only add to what everyone has said about Corson Music. I have never been treated any better or fairer than with the entire gang at Corson's. I was dealing with Dyke when he was still working at the piano store and he had told me he was kind of scared going on his own and opening his store. Now to me there is not a better store around and I have dealt with them EXCLUSIVELY for over fourteen years. Yes Dyke, Jerry and all of the gang there go the extra mile to be sure you are satisfied. They still remember that customer serive is a very important part of dealing with the public. Everyone should check them out THEY ARE TOP NOTCH in my book!

Rich Mounce http://takeoff.to/steeljam