The Steel Guitar Forum

If both guitars are in equal condition which is the better guitar? I found this MCI that is local. I found 2 black MSAs online. The MSAs will be detailed and setup by a professional tech. The MSA has True Tone pickups.

Here are pictures of the MCI. The seller inherieted the guitar and he doesn't know anything about them either. If the guitars are equal quality guitars I will probably lean toward the MSA because of the setup, detailing and new strings I will be getting. Thanks for any help.

Thanks everyone.

Both are Bud Carter designs, the MCI is the next generation. I'd buy it and have someone knowledgeable check it out.

Can't go wrong with either,however, if they're pretty close in price I would buy that MCI. It has a 3 raise 3 lower changer,while the MSA's are 2 raise/lower. Both guitars I believe Bud Carter had a hand in designing. There may be some debate but Bud Carter was the father of modern (nylon tuning system)all pull steel guitars .

Thanks. I'm taking a friend with me to play the guitar and check it out. The seller has several for sale. This is probably the only doubleneck in my possible price range. Right now the seller was asking retail prices on ebay. ($2500) He said would let me have it for less. I guess the selling fees are high on ebay. If I was going to pay retail I would buy from a shop with a good tech. The MSA is 1599 plus shipping and insurance As Is. Plus another 300 to covert it to an Emmons setup and new strings and detailing.

Thanks

I haven't seen any videos of Buddy playing a MSA, but there's a few where he's playing a MCI, get my drift.......?

I'd choose the MCI. They're roughly equally good mechanically, but the MCI won't weigh as much. MSA are legendary for the mass. If you're gonna gig it, grab a guitar that won't make you dread the loadout.

My vote would be the MCI, too. Great guitars and I think they're pretty simple to work on. I had one briefly and had to switch it from 'Day' to 'Emmons' in order to make the sale when I ordered my new Zum.

I remember its terrific sustain up the neck.

Believe me - if I can switch changes on one then anyone can - I'm hopeless.

MSA is a great guitar , but if price is the same price I would grab the MCI .It will have much better tone and is much easier to change setup on

Square cross-shafts are better.

But round shafts allow perfect pull timing, more variables even than the Emmons 14 hole

Lane is quite correct. I've had several MSAs and several MCIs. If I had to choose between the two brands, I'd pick the MCI.

BUT, that's because I have played both brands for extended periods and know what fits me best. Ed, you may prefer the MSA. The only way to know is to sit down behind each one and see for yourself which you like better.

As said previously, they are both fine steels that will give you many years of reliable service. The real question, and the only one that matters, is which one do you prefer.

MCI, no contest.

You're all wrong. Get the MSA and send the MCI to me. Welded frame MCI's are terrible instruments on which only Buddy Emmons could sound good. I will dispose of it in an environmentally responsible fashion.

get the mci for as cheap as you can.

say, 'hey man, they don't even make these anymore. i'd be taking a chance. i'll give you $1400!'

That is a good question. If my friend checks this guitar out and everything is good, What is fair value for the MCI in a private individual sale?

Only drawback I see w/MCI is the Barcus Berry pickups. Get someone to install different pu's. With older MSA's, it's the round cross shafts and weight. Me personally, I'd spend the money on a new S-10, especially if it's your first psg.

The MCI because its lighter by far, and much more rare.. MSA is a GREAT pedal steel, but they are around by the thousands and go cheap... The MCI is a much more rare steel.. thats what I would go for... bob

Just noticed the MCI asking price. Too much IMO especially considering the BB's, which I also didn't notice. Not more than $2K if I'm buying, less if possible. Feel free to disregard my comments however.

Thanks a ton Sir! No more than $2k was where I was at but I seriously didn't want to insult anyone by making a low ball offer.

Strictly speaking from my experience buying used stuff, you're in the good position buying from someone who inherited it and knows nothing about it, here's what I'd do:
If you can and feel comfortable doing so, bring cash with you when your friend goes to check it out with you. If all is well, offer to buy it cash now, have a predetermined amount in a wad in one pocket, say $1500. If he's like most people in his position, he'll go for the sure thing. If that doesn't work, offer to up it $200, which your friend will be holding and you will ask to 'borrow'. If that's still a no-go, say that's my offer and here is my email or phone # if you decide later on to sell to me. Don't be a jerk about it. Really, cash on the spot is a good strategy. I once bought a snowmobile during a snow storm for 25% below the asking price.
If it's not meant to be, it's not meant to be. Good luck.

I have an EMCI, same as an MCI and for tone, you can't beat them with a stick.
I have played Sho-Bud, and Emmons and sound beats them all hands down.

Either way you'll geta great steel, but the MCI would be my choice. The old MSAs had a reputation of being made out of solid lumps of a neutron star - very, very heavy!

Tommy Shown wrote:I have an EMCI, same as an MCI and for tone, you can't beat them with a stick.
I have played Sho-Bud, and Emmons and sound beats them all hands down.

Hands down ?

Dustin, not all msa's are double raise and double lower? I have an msa d10 vintage xl, and just traded an as d10. Both are triple/triple while the mci is much lighter, they are not as stable.l han a new mci, and it wobbled when you hit a knee lever,however l do like square cross shafts. Makes changes much easier. If l were a young man, I would probably take the msa.never had a problem with them. I've many msa's. Just my opinion.