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Author Topic:  Modding a Vintage MSA?
Jay Friedrich

 

From:
Dallas, TX
Post  Posted 10 Jun 2017 11:30 pm    
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I have a 1973 MSA Classic S10 with 3 & 4. It's all original except for a rod that failed and the ball joints that connect the rods with the foot pedals (not sure of the correct term...)

I like this guitar, it was my first stable PSG, and it's been the one I've learned the most on.

I've been wanting to add a 5th knee lever to it while the parts are still available, and I ordered a parts kit for the extra knee lever.

I should have thought of this before I ordered the parts, but will adding a knee lever hurt the value of the guitar?

I don't plan to sell her, and it would be nice to have that extra lever, but I want to make sure I'm not damaging the value of the instrument.

Also, as I said, I'm committed to buying the parts kit whether I have 'em installed or not.

I'm in the market for a new guitar as well... Should I leave the old MSA stock and spend the extra cash on the new guitar?

Or should I follow through, upgrade the MSA, and then get a new guitar as well?

Thanks in advance for your thoughts!
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Jim Palenscar

 

From:
Oceanside, Calif, USA
Post  Posted 11 Jun 2017 7:22 am    
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It will not hurt the value Jay- might even increase it a bit. For the most part, you will find that pedal steels are not like Les Pauls, early Teles, etc. where modding decreases the value.
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Jay Friedrich

 

From:
Dallas, TX
Post  Posted 11 Jun 2017 8:07 am    
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Thank you!
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Lane Gray


From:
Topeka, KS
Post  Posted 11 Jun 2017 5:22 pm    
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What Jim said. If you install it right, it'll increase, but unfortunately probably less than the cost of the kit.
If you are installing a vertical, remember that the lever stop is a wood screw into the deck under the "pull" that transmits energy from lever to cross-shaft.
_________________
2 pedal steels, a lapStrat, and an 8-string Dobro (and 3 ukes)
More amps than guitars, and not many effects
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Darvin Willhoite


From:
Roxton, Tx. USA
Post  Posted 11 Jun 2017 6:10 pm    
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I didn't care much for the old Classic original vertical knee levers, so I made my own, loosely similar to the newer MSA knee levers. I don't make them to sell, but I think Michael Yahl could.



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Darvin Willhoite
MSA Millennium, Legend, and Studio Pro, Reese's restored Universal Direction guitar, as well as some older MSAs, several amps, new and old, and a Kemper Powerhead that I am really liking. Recently added a Zum D10, a Mullen RP, and a restored blue Rose, named the "Blue Bird" to the herd. Also, I have acquired and restored the plexiglass D10 MSA Classic again that was built as a demo in the early '70s. I also added a '74 lacquer P/P, with wood necks.
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Jay Friedrich

 

From:
Dallas, TX
Post  Posted 11 Jun 2017 6:48 pm    
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Lane Gray wrote:
If you are installing a vertical, remember that the lever stop is a wood screw into the deck under the "pull" that transmits energy from lever to cross-shaft.


I'm having it installed professionally. I can barely keep the thing in tune when everything's put back together and working as it's supposed to... LOL

Darvin Willhoite wrote:
I didn't care much for the old Classic original vertical knee levers, so I made my own, loosely similar to the newer MSA knee levers. I don't make them to sell, but I think Michael Yahl could.



That's very nice, thanks for sharing. I will forward this to the person doing the work.

I don't have much to compare to, but apparently the "lever kit" was manufactured specifically for this year and style of guitar. I will post more info on the work after it's done.

Thanks for the encouragement! Cool
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