Did MSA make any 12-string Classic SS Guitars?

Marty Broussard · Post by **Marty Broussard** » 15 Apr 2016 4:02 pm

I'm referring to the lightweight/compact model. I know they made D-10's; I had a buddy who owned a gorgeous Burgandy one that sounded and played really good.

I think the "SS" meant super small and that Bud Carter designed it by taking the Classic and Vintage xl and made them 2" shorter and 2" narrower.

Here's a pic of a D10:

chris ivey · Post by **chris ivey** » 15 Apr 2016 4:07 pm

that model was the classic ss...

Bob Blair · Post by **Bob Blair** » 15 Apr 2016 5:23 pm

I had a D-10 - Marty is correct that the "SS" stood for "super small", but the word "Supersustain" was on the front of the neck just like the one in the picture. Mine was burgundy but otherwise looked just like that. "Supersustain" was what they called the stock pickups. I put 705's in mine and liked them better. Good guitars. I got my head turned by an EMCI and sold it, but I regretted doing so almost instantly.

I am pretty sure they never made a 12 string SS. The key head was very compact - in fact a couple of the tuners were shaped differently than the others so they would not collide with their neighbours when they were turned. They were really jammed in there. I think to put 12 strings on they would have to have made the body a bit longer.

Marty Broussard · Post by **Marty Broussard** » 15 Apr 2016 6:01 pm

Chris, just so the rest of the world doesn't get confused about ur post, in my original post/title I incorrectly called the model a Super Sustain and subsequently added the pic and corrected my errors.

Rocky Evangelisti · Post by **Rocky Evangelisti** » 15 Apr 2016 6:46 pm

If I'm not mistaken, there is live footage of Boxcar Willie and his steel player played a burgandy-coloured MSA12-string SS Supersustain. Why it stood out was I played a D-10 SS Supersustain (same colour)for 17 years. I purchased it from Bobbie Seymour back in 1992.

Rocky Evangelisti · Post by **Rocky Evangelisti** » 15 Apr 2016 6:49 pm

It was a Classic SS & Supersustain 11 is on the side of the wood neck.

Bob Blair · Post by **Bob Blair** » 15 Apr 2016 6:51 pm

Is this the one? It's a 12 string with the "Supersustain" logo, but it looks like one of the "Vintage" models rather than the SS.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TwTROAG_1uc

Marty Broussard · Post by **Marty Broussard** » 15 Apr 2016 6:56 pm

I think Bob is correct--it appears to be a Vintage model.

Marty Broussard · Post by **Marty Broussard** » 15 Apr 2016 6:56 pm

Were the SS models Triple Raise/Triple Lower?

Bob Blair · Post by **Bob Blair** » 15 Apr 2016 7:00 pm

I'm pretty sure they were Marty, but the memory is a little hazy. Al Brisco would know for sure.

Bob Blair · Post by **Bob Blair** » 15 Apr 2016 7:05 pm

Here's a picture of an S-10 that was for sale a couple of years ago - seller said it was triple raise triple lower which accords with my memory. Exactly like mine but mine was a D-10. Sigh.

http://bb.steelguitarforum.com/viewtopic.php?t=266972

John Roche · Post by **John Roche** » 15 Apr 2016 11:58 pm

I had this one a few years ago, maybe the best sounding steel I ever owned

chris ivey · Post by **chris ivey** » 16 Apr 2016 10:38 am

yeah, but that's a different model.

Ben Edmonds · Post by **Ben Edmonds** » 16 Apr 2016 11:01 am

Marty I don't know if this is what you are looking for but this has. 3/3. Great steel too

John Roche · Post by **John Roche** » 16 Apr 2016 11:07 am

just a different name on the front...

Marty Broussard · Post by **Marty Broussard** » 16 Apr 2016 12:10 pm

Thanks for all of the feedback folks. After researching it for several hours on the net I can't reach a conclusion as to whether the Vintage XL or "The Universal" where basically the same as the Classic SS and only a little longer or totally different guitars. I've asked Tom Bradshaw and Jim Palenscar For some input.

Im very curious because I remember my buddy's D10 playing like butter and having a really good tone---overall a better machine than the Sho-Bud Super Pro I had. However, we were 15 years old too---I'm 52 now so maybe my memory is misleading me. As time goes by I'm leaning towards a S12 guitar in lieu of a D10 just for weight/practicality and I'd be interested trying a Classic SS model or something really close to it. (Minimum 3R/3L)

Thanks for posting those beautiful guitar pics folks.

Scott Truax · Post by **Scott Truax** » 16 Apr 2016 5:09 pm

Marty,
Check your email..

Scott

Mitchell Smithey · Post by **Mitchell Smithey** » 16 Apr 2016 7:17 pm

Marty, the small body SS guitars were only made in 10 string. I wish I still had mine.

Dave O'Brien · Post by **Dave O'Brien** » 17 Apr 2016 5:39 am

Classic XL had heavier pedal rack than The Universal and mine was open on the right side.

J R Rose · Post by **J R Rose** » 17 Apr 2016 4:57 pm

This Red MSA D-10 SS was the best weekend gigging guitar I have ever owned. Stayed in tuned like you could not believe. Built like a tank and tough as they come. It did not sound like a ShoBud or Emmons but was a good smooth working steel that got the job done. Carried it for years in rain, sleet & snow. Never failed me and very rarely broke a string. Marty, I never have seen one in a D-12. J.R. Rose

Daniel Beachy · Post by **Daniel Beachy** » 18 Apr 2016 5:29 am

I bought a Vintage XL a year ago. There was an original 45 rpm record with it where Maurice explained the different features of each model MSA made at the time. He said on the record that the SS model was not made in a 12 string version because that added too much weight to the guitar.

Marty Broussard · Post by **Marty Broussard** » 18 Apr 2016 4:52 pm

Thanks for all of the responses folks. I've enjoyed this subject.

Roger Hand · Post by **Roger Hand** » 19 Apr 2016 9:15 am

there is a black 12 string for sale on craigs list in topsfield maine for $ 2200.

Roger Hand · Post by **Roger Hand** » 24 Apr 2016 5:14 am

MSA D 12 new price $ 1750 looks good in pic.

Ben Lawson · Post by **Ben Lawson** » 24 Apr 2016 5:59 pm

I got this one a few years ago. Reese told me it was a '74 and it had 5 pedals and four knees when new. Someone took two pedals off and tuned it to E9 and the two lower strings aren't connected to any pedals.
I couldn't get used to 12 strings so I took the bottom two off and just keep it set up for practice.

The Steel Guitar Forum

Did MSA make any 12-string Classic SS Guitars?

Did MSA make any 12-string Classic SS Guitars?

Did MSA make any 12-string Classic SS guitars?

MSA Classic

Correction

msa-12

12 string