Show us your MSA please.

Instruments, mechanical issues, copedents, techniques, etc.

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Mike Perlowin
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Post by Mike Perlowin »

That looks like it's from 1975 or 6
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Ken Adkins
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My MSA

Post by Ken Adkins »

yep, it is a 76
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Mike Perlowin
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Post by Mike Perlowin »

That's when they started making maple bodies, but still had the external fretboards, and glued on MSA and Classic logos. I think they started silk screening those things under the lacquer in '77.
Please visit my web site and Soundcloud page and listen to the music posted there.
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Al Evans
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Re: My MSA

Post by Al Evans »

Ken Adkins wrote:Image
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My MSA looks just like that, but not in as good an aesthetic condition. It's obviously seen a lot of honky-tonks. Sounds amazing, though.

--Al Evans
2018 MSA Legend, 2018 ZumSteel Encore, 2015 Mullen G2, G&L S-500, G&L ASAT, G&L LB-100, Godin A4 Fretless, Kinscherff High Noon
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David Decker
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Post by David Decker »

Here's mine !!


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Joe Alterio
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Post by Joe Alterio »

Mike Perlowin wrote:That's when they started making maple bodies, but still had the external fretboards, and glued on MSA and Classic logos. I think they started silk screening those things under the lacquer in '77.
Which is what ALL steel builders should be doing with their logos (or using a waterslide decal on mica).

Putting a big square clear sticker with your logo on it is about as tacky as can be, and for the thousands of dollars spent on a new guitar, it's the one thing done to a guitar (and arguably the last step in the process) that makes an otherwise beautiful instrument look like a generic knock-off.
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Mike Perlowin
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Post by Mike Perlowin »

David Decker wrote:Here's mine !!


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David, is there much difference between your Millie and your Legend?
Please visit my web site and Soundcloud page and listen to the music posted there.
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David Decker
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Post by David Decker »

No,not really! Love both guitars! The Millie has tone aligners. And the XL has 409's, I think the XL has a brighter tone.
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Mike Perlowin
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Post by Mike Perlowin »

The only way to truly compare their inherent tones is to play them with the same pickups.

BTW, after trying out a bunch of different pickups, I settled on an Alumitone.
Please visit my web site and Soundcloud page and listen to the music posted there.
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Matthew Walton
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Post by Matthew Walton »

I recently got my “new” S-12 back from being set up!

It’s my first universal copedent but I’ve already gigged with it once and will again this week, for better or for worse. :D

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If something I wrote can be interpreted two ways, and one of the ways makes you sad or angry, I meant the other one.

1981 MSA "The Universal" 9/5 | 2009 MSA S-12 SuperSlide | Peavey Nashville 112
Jeremy Moyers
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Post by Jeremy Moyers »

Here's my new MSA. Man this guitar plays like butter! Incredible guitars!

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Mike Perlowin
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Post by Mike Perlowin »

Jeremy Moyers wrote:

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That's gorgeous. I'm drooling.
Please visit my web site and Soundcloud page and listen to the music posted there.
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Terry Winter
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Post by Terry Winter »

yea my heart is fluttering too!! MSA has always been a soft spot for me...I've had three.
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Jacek Jakubek
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Post by Jacek Jakubek »

I've never played an MSA, but one interesting thing I noticed from seeing pictures of them on the forum is the large metal mass at the changer that supports the changer axle on both sides. It looks larger than on most other steels, and compared to my Carter, the difference in size is huge.

This large, nicely polished metal chunk is probably amazing for ergonomics and playing comfort to be able to rest the edge of the palm of your hand on there while picking. I would also guess that this heavier metal mass probably gives better tone and sustain compared to lighter/smaller changers.
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Bruce Repka
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Ser. #1S4900

Post by Bruce Repka »

Here's my 1975 Semi-Classic. Got sometime around 1985 for $300. Lots of miles on this one, has some stories to tell. Maurice told me it was completed in September of '75, originally a Charcoal color. Amazing what years of "ultraviolet light" will do to a finish.

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1975 MSA E9th s/n 1S4900
Goodrich 120
NOS Tweed Fender Blues Jr.
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Ron Shalita
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Just silly

Post by Ron Shalita »

I cant believe some people saying that Mica is brighter than wood with lacquer on it? Think about it... what is the mica glued too?
Been playing all of my life, Lead Guitar, and Pedal Steel, sing Lead and Harmony.. play other Instruments also but I hate to admit to it..
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Ron Shalita
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2018 Msa

Post by Ron Shalita »

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Been playing all of my life, Lead Guitar, and Pedal Steel, sing Lead and Harmony.. play other Instruments also but I hate to admit to it..
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Johnny Cox
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Post by Johnny Cox »

My SD12 Legend
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Johnny "Dumplin" Cox
"YANKIN' STRINGS & STOMPIN' PEDALS" since 1967.
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Ron Shalita
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Post by Ron Shalita »

I think we are so lucky to have these wonderful instruments and to still be able to play! I will never that for granted!
Been playing all of my life, Lead Guitar, and Pedal Steel, sing Lead and Harmony.. play other Instruments also but I hate to admit to it..
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Ellio Martina
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Show your MSA

Post by Ellio Martina »

This is my MSA The Universal 12-string from 1981.
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I made so modifications, such as a custom build pickup, added a chnter rail, adjustable return springs, sperzel tuners.
If you are interested look at:
http://www.pedalsteelguitar.info/em-msa-pu12s.html[/url]
MSA 12 string Universal - "The Universal supersustain II" - with custom made dual single coil pickup
Peavey Session 500 - TC Electronics M350 effect/reverb.
My Steel Pages
Me and Harry - Broken Wing
Steelhead trio - We live To Die
Music from my band MoonYard
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David Hodan
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trio

Post by David Hodan »

It took me a while to round these up. One usually stays at the Cowboy Church... They are all early 80's, with almost identical copedents now.
Two of these I rebuilt. The middle one is pretty much a match to Matthew Walton's 9X5...


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Sam Inglis
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Post by Sam Inglis »

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Here's mine, sorry about all the clutter -- we have smaller houses over here...

Any information would be welcome. I'm guessing it's a 70s model? I know nothing of its history other than that it came from the estate of a composer who lived on the south coast of England.
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Mike Perlowin
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Post by Mike Perlowin »

Sam, your guitar was made between 1970 and '75.
Please visit my web site and Soundcloud page and listen to the music posted there.
http://www.mikeperlowin.com http://soundcloud.com/mike-perlowin
Jos Roderkerken
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Post by Jos Roderkerken »

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This is mine :D
Why are you playing an ironingboard??


rriigghhtt
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Mike Perlowin
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Post by Mike Perlowin »

Very pretty.

Could you show us the endplate?
Please visit my web site and Soundcloud page and listen to the music posted there.
http://www.mikeperlowin.com http://soundcloud.com/mike-perlowin
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