The Steel Guitar Forum

One question, Tommy....Did Reese miss a perfect bullseye by not going keyless with a slightly longer scale? Opinion?

Gil Berry,
I know you asked TW, but I would like to chime in that in my opinion yes, a keyless model would just about be the ultimate. They probably didn't do it for marketing reasons and it was a good decision. Lots of folks don't like keyless just because of the appearance. If the conventional tuner model stays in tune well, and I'm sure it does with those good keys, I wouldn't expect to see a keyless any time soon.

Congratulations TW, and good job to all the folks at MSA. I hope they sell a bunch of 'em.


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Doug Earnest
The only Zum Keyless U12, Fender Cyber Twin

The decision of MSA to design the new Millennium with tuning keys was based on numerous things, all of which were compatible and consistent with our very highest priority of achieving our sound/tone goals.

We are confident our decision was the right one for MSA. Only time will tell if our goal oriented direction is compatible and acceptable to the majority. <FONT SIZE=1 COLOR="#8e236b"><p align=CENTER>[This message was edited by Reece Anderson on 18 October 2002 at 11:08 AM.]</p></FONT>

I'm sure the majority of players like the traditional keyed guitars, and that had to be a major influence in the design of the Millenium. (You can't succeed if you don't sell 'em). A question, though, Reece, is - or is not - there an advantage in keyless guitars because of the shorter length of string beyond the nut that has to be stretched - or slackened - along with the rest of the string for raises and lowers? I've never owned a keyless, but the concept sure makes sense. It should result in shorter pulls for the same change, which could be translated into easier pulls. I'm not knocking the Millenium - God knows I'd love to have one - but I was just thinking that no matter how good a product is, there is ALWAYS room for improvement.....Gil

I will expand on Reece's answer. I agree, he did make the correct decision by having keys for the new MSA. I've owned a few keyless guitars and only found them to be a hassle to change strings. Also, contrary to the myth,it has been my experience keyless guitars do not have any advantage in regards to tone, sustain or string return, especially compared to my MSA.
To sum up, I have every confidence in my MSA Millenium and would say that anyone who test drives one will know it stands the strongest and on it's own.
By the way, I've used my Millenium in some of Nashville's best studios all week and continually recieved compliment after compliment from engineers, musicians and producers. It is definitely "a new standard".
My best,
T.W.

Over the past twenty or so years most guitars have basically cosmeticly copied the Emmons Original design and tried to come as close as possible to their tonal characteristics. All and all, they all are competent designs that generally sound good. IMHO the only guitar that appears to have a signicant mechanical edge is the Franklin. I say that because even though it has some dated features(e.g. round cross rods),it has the capability to raise or lower any string two whole tones.
I am curious as to whether MSA has included this feature. If so this, with the endorsements of its tonal capabilities that have been expressed by both Tommy and Johnny and the unbelievably light weight, would lead me to believe that this guitar is on the leading egde.

<SMALL>I will expand on Reece's answer. I agree, he did make the correct decision by having keys for the new MSA. </SMALL>

I also agree, Tommy. I much prefer a guitar with a conventional keyhead for all the reasons you mentioned;___besides they are a sight prettier than the keyless.

Rick

Gil B....Thank you for your question. Possibly the shorter length of string beyond the nut on a keyless guitar could result in shorter action. MSA has never conducted the necessary experiments to make such a determination.

As we know, many things contribute to pedal ease and distance traveled to achieved desired pitch. MSA has of course done very extensive research in this area.

After doing so we are convinced a guitar with tuning keys which has the correct geometry throughout the entire mechanism, has the ability to have as short and easy action as a keyless guitar with the same compatible geometry.

You are absolutely right, there is ALWAYS room for improvement, and I can assure you, the lights are still on at MSA long after dark, and always will be.

Bruce H....Although admittedly I have not tried to raise or lower every string 2 whole steps on the new Millennium, I do lower my 12th string 2 1/2 whole tones with ease.

If you would care to share your tuning setup and string guages we will be glad to make an
evaluation and get back to you. Thank you for posing the question.

Graham,

Here are some pictures you requested of Tommy Whites D10 Millennium.
http://www.msapedalsteels.com/html/msa_family.html

Great pictures of "Killer" playing a killer steel. That ought to kick the production line into high gear.

...great pictures!

One doesn't see a lot of gray guitars; but I bet this one would really look good in the proper shade of gray.

Rick

Nice! If I'd kept my job at the TV station I could've afforded one of these things, but had no place to play it, and since returning full-time to music I can't afford it...what's wrong with this picture???

Hey, just outta curiosity, what's the little stompbox on the floor?<FONT SIZE=1 COLOR="#8e236b"><p align=CENTER>[This message was edited by Jim Phelps on 24 October 2002 at 11:40 AM.]</p></FONT>

Looks a lot like a DD-5 to me.

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<small>Larry Bell - email: larry@larrybell.org - gigs - Home Page
2000 Fessenden S-12 8x8, 1969 Emmons S-12 6x6, 1971 Dobro

Tommy, Just out of curiosity is the scale on your Millenium, 24" or 24 1/4" ? Thanks

<SMALL>One doesn't see a lot of gray guitars; but I bet this one would really look good in the proper shade of gray.</SMALL>

We can do that, through the magic of computer graphics:
<center>

</center>

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<img align=left src="http://b0b.com/coolb0b2.gif" border="0"><small>               Bobby Lee</small>
-b0b-   <small> quasar@b0b.com </small>
-System Administrator

Now you're talking color coordination. His MSA is now a perfect match for the ever so popular shark skin suit he's sporting.
Gary Lee

Congrats on one fine looking axe! Man that thing is pretty. Got my eye on a red U12 Millineum a little further down the road.

Rick Garrett

Actually, I think Tommy should get himself a red suit to match his guitar.
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You can blame Reece for this one. <FONT SIZE=1 COLOR="#8e236b"><p align=CENTER>[This message was edited by b0b on 26 October 2002 at 10:10 AM.]</p></FONT>

Thanks B0b,

That is one beautiful guitar,___just gorgeous. The gray color is near perfect.

Rick<FONT SIZE=1 COLOR="#8e236b"><p align=CENTER>[This message was edited by Rick Collins on 26 October 2002 at 10:13 AM.]</p></FONT>

My friend Abraham Stoklasa has informed me that he will soon be ordering one.
Nick

Bob,
I love it! Now, if only the tie matched.
Teresa

His new outfit doesn't match the tie. Try again Bob
Gary Lee

Jim Bob,
Millennium has a 24" scale.
Millennium also has a 5 year warranty parts and labor. However, it doesn't cover the color of Tommy's suit!

bob

What did you use to do that? Photoshop?

very cool

bob

Thanks Kyle. I have played both scales and that 1/4 inch doesn't seem to make a whole lot of difference, at least to me. Thanks for Replying. PS, does anyone have any thoughts on the difference in scales, longer = more sustain? Different tone?