The Steel Guitar Forum

Hello, Steeler Collective. I'm a veteran musician, but beginner steel player. I'm learning on a mid-80s BMI S10 3x4. I have the opportunity to buy a mid-70s MSA Classic S10 4x4. It looks to be in excellent condition, haven't played on it yet. The MSA comes with the original case and a pack a seat (not sure what brand or vintage; it has a sticker that says "professional performer series" on the front).

My question is this: assuming everything works as it should when I go check it out, is the MSA better quality instrument than the BMI? And what would be a fair price for the MSA package?


Thanks!

stick with bmi, they are still made today and parts are available


if you can get both, keep msa package under 1500 if possible

Stick with the BMI.

MSA are still made today as well, and they are absolutely fabulous.

The current MSA bears absolutely no resemblance to the old ones, and parts availability is not through the company. I would stick with the BMI.

And a lot of people thought the old ones were not fabulous, though they certainly were substantial!

I like how BMI steels sound. Clear and full tone. I prefer them to MSA.

My 2 cents.... stick with BMI

BMI

Depends.. If its a mica body MSA, I would stick with the BMI. Wood/lacquer body MSA?-Totally different animal.. That type of MSA Classic is a better guitar than a BMI in my opinion, although I really like BMI guitars.

You did say it was a mid 70's MSA which probably indicates a mica body, in which case I would pass..

ANY MSA Classic guitar is mechanically superior to a BMI... They play better in my opinion and are very dependable and trouble free.. However, the BMI has a better sound than an MSA Mica,,, MSA maple/lacquer body guitars have a lot better tone and sustain than MSA Mica body guitars do generally, but there are exceptions out there.. I have seen some and heard some very good sounding Mica MSA guitars, but have seen and owned some real mutts as well. They are both really good guitars, and you can't go wrong either way.. If you already have a BMI, why change?... bob

Bob's analysis is spot on. Wood verses mica tone .

Bob Carlucci,
The MSA is a mica rather than lacquered body. But everything you wrote is nearly word for word of what I wrote in the exchange of PM’s with Steve regarding his inquiry. That’s almost scary but shows we share the same thoughts regarding our experience with both of these steels. Great minds think alike, my friend!
Dave

I agree - stick with the BMI. I see no advantage to going to a mid-70s mica-body MSA. As has already been stated, BMIs are very good playing and sounding guitars, and beyond that, they are very easy to work on and you can get parts since they're still being made.

Don't get me wrong, MSAs are good guitars too. But I would not change unless there was some big advantage. If someone said Zum, Franklin, Emmons, new model MSA (which, as stated, is a very different guitar than the old ones), or something like that, it might make sense. If you're hell bent to get something different, keep your powder dry until something dynamite shows up.

That "Professional Performer Series" sticker on the MSA is bogus, somebody just stuck that on there. (It probably came from a speaker or a tennis racquet. ) The BMI is a decent steel, is still produced, and you can add pedals for $130 each, which is cheaper than any other steel. The mechs on an MSA are a little more precise, but unless you're having a problem, stick with what you have. For a beginner, going from one guitar to another is a fool's errand.

Good luck!

I have two MSA's. 1975 and 1976. Both are birdseye maple lacquer body and neck. Excellent tone and sustain. I think MSA transitioned from Mica to maple/lacquer in mid 1975. The wood necks are one inch thick.

get the one that weighs less They are both going to accommodate you as a NEW player for a very long time, like years !