MSA Custom Pedal Steel Guitar, Classic Imperial

Instruments, mechanical issues, copedents, techniques, etc.

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Rick Mastrude
Posts: 50
Joined: 18 Sep 2003 12:01 am
Location: Reno, Nevada, USA

MSA Custom Pedal Steel Guitar, Classic Imperial

Post by Rick Mastrude »

I started on out an MSA almost 40 years ago,then bought a Kline U-12 customized to my specs, but due to a catastrophe,had to sell it 4 years ago.
So now,I`m ready to go again and i`m looking for another U-12.
This steel is available right now and looks interesting EXCEPT
it has maurice anderson`s tuning on it...at this point i`m not going to gert into this version of universal tuning...too set in my ways I guess.
My question is,how much of a challenge do you all think it would be to switch it over?
Anyone have experience with this mechanism...it`s been awhile...
Last edited by Rick Mastrude on 22 Jul 2016 5:38 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Lane Gray
Posts: 13551
Joined: 4 Aug 1998 11:00 pm
Location: Topeka, KS

Post by Lane Gray »

If you're comfortable with the underside of the guitars, MSA is as easy as the best of them.
2 pedal steels, a lapStrat, and an 8-string Dobro (and 3 ukes)
More amps than guitars, and not many effects
Bobby D. Jones
Posts: 2235
Joined: 17 May 2010 9:27 am
Location: West Virginia, USA

MSA Custom Pedal Steel Gitar, Classic Imperial

Post by Bobby D. Jones »

I second Lane's post. If it is an older MSA it is very change friendly. Look at the Back Apron(Side toward you sitting at the guitar). If it has 3 or 4 screw heads visible this makes it easy. If you remove these screws that holds the cover plate. Remove the cover plate, and you are looking at the end of all the cross rods and bushings. on one end of the cross rods for pedals, and knee levers. The MSA's I have use 1/8 inch pull rods. Stainless steel Heli-ark welding rods work in a bind. Change the bell crank levers around to match the Kline and re-rod. Good Luck and Happy Steelin.
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Mike Perlowin
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Joined: 4 Aug 1998 11:00 pm
Location: Los Angeles CA
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Post by Mike Perlowin »

Another option is to ship the guitar to Tom Bradshaw or Jim Palenscar. If either of those guys do it, it will be done right.
Please visit my web site and Soundcloud page and listen to the music posted there.
http://www.mikeperlowin.com http://soundcloud.com/mike-perlowin
Rick Mastrude
Posts: 50
Joined: 18 Sep 2003 12:01 am
Location: Reno, Nevada, USA

Thanks for the responses..

Post by Rick Mastrude »

i have done some adjustments on the kline and got it close [although,Mr. kline would have balanced the mechanism better]
so if i end up eith this steel i`ll give it a go and if i need he4lp i`ll get tom`s input.
thanks again..
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