| Author |
Topic: Early Review of MSA Superslide |
Bill McCloskey
From:
Nanuet, NY
|
Posted 20 Apr 2005 6:39 am |
|
It just arrived.
I will give a more in depth review once I get a chance to really put it through its paces. But here are some early thoughts:
First, as I expected, the photos don't do justice to how absolutely beautiful this instrument is. It is just breathtaking.
Now the sound:
I think it is not an overstatement to say that the sound represents quantum leap for any guitar. The sustain is just completely unbelievable. The separation of notes and the tonal quality of the guitar is like nothing I've have ever heard. I can't imagine going back to the other lap steels I have, and you can look for them all to be put up in the for sale section soon. There is just no way I'm going to play another lap steel besides this one. The sound is mind boggling!! and the ease of playing is just phenomenal. I wish I could take the rest of the day off just to play.
As I've gone through my lap steel purchases, I've been looking for "the sound". I've found it in spades with this instrument.
Thank you Reece, Kyle, and everyone else involved in designing this instrument. If you were looking for the instrument that will allow crossover into the world of popular music and rock and roll, this is it. A new standard has been set.
[This message was edited by Bill McCloskey on 23 April 2005 at 09:53 AM.] |
|
|
|
HowardR
From:
N.Y.C.-Fire Island-Asheville
|
Posted 20 Apr 2005 8:35 am
|
|
So, you're OK with it then?
 |
|
|
|
Gary Boyett
From:
Colorado
|
Posted 20 Apr 2005 8:44 am
|
|
I'm not sure I understand what you mean.
Can you send it to me for a second opinion?
I get it "right" back,,,, I promise...
------------------
JCFSGC member since 2005
Boyett's Glass Bars
|
|
|
|
Fred Shannon
From:
Rocking "S" Ranch, Comancheria, Texas, R.I.P.
|
Posted 20 Apr 2005 8:45 am
|
|
I gather he likes it Howard. 
phred
------------------
"From Truth, Justice is Born"--Quanah Parker-1904
|
|
|
|
Bill McCloskey
From:
Nanuet, NY
|
Posted 20 Apr 2005 9:42 am
|
|
| Sorry I've been equivocating on this. It is not like me to be so wishy washy. |
|
|
|
Jon Light
From:
Saugerties, NY
|
Posted 20 Apr 2005 12:40 pm
|
|
First he loves it. Then he loves it. What's it gonna be?
Congratulations. |
|
|
|
Bill McCloskey
From:
Nanuet, NY
|
Posted 20 Apr 2005 8:45 pm
|
|
Okay,
Review continued. It's late and I've been playing for hours. Earlier in the evening my son I and played duets, him on mandolin and octive mandolin and me on the SuperSlide. My son had a huge smile on his face: at one point he just said - that sounds amazing.
After he went to bed, I just played through the tiny Roland Minicube in my office. Tried to figure out some of the hawaiian stuff I'd done in the Jerry Byrd book and tried to find my way around Reece's 12 string lap string tuning. It doesn't seem possible to find a bad note on this thing and Reece's tuning is a miracle. Slants just slid right into place with no problem in the intonation department.
Then I got into playing Amazing Grace. Figured that was a good tune to find my way around. my god. I was able to play chords I've never attempted before - simple, but the sound on this thing just has to be heard to be believed. I've never heard tone and sustain like this. I know I keep saying that, but I'm speechless. I am without speech. I could easily see getting rid of all my instruments except for the MSA pedal and the MSA Superslide and be fullfilled the rest of my life. One runs around looking for something without knowing what it is.
It's this.
Unfortunately, I'm headed out of town next week but I'll try and get something down on tape when I get back. [This message was edited by Bill McCloskey on 20 April 2005 at 09:47 PM.] |
|
|
|
Jim Phelps
From:
Mexico City, Mexico
|
Posted 20 Apr 2005 9:19 pm
|
|
| Quote: |
| It doesn't seem possible to find a bad note on this thing |
Then that's what I need!
What makes this little lapsteel sound so great, anyone know? I suppose it must be a combination of everything from the wood to the pickup, pickup placement, bridge design, all of it.... but is this the only lapsteel to get it right? Anything new, different or unusual in its' design that gives it such a great sound?
I see the body is obviously wood but the necks are ebony-colored.... are the necks wood too or carbon-graphite or aluminum?
[This message was edited by Jim Phelps on 21 April 2005 at 02:01 AM.] |
|
|
|
Reece Anderson
From:
Keller Texas USA, R.I.P.
|
Posted 21 Apr 2005 2:21 am
|
|
Jim....as we all know and discuss from time to time, many things contribute to an exceptionally great sound which becomes a benchmark of the industry, consequently the exact combination for success very seldom comes together.
Even after years of experience, planning and designing, something unexplainable and magical must happen. This is exactly what I and others truly belive has occurred with the SuperSlide.
A comparison could be the little 283 Chevrolet engine that could outrun anything in it's day, and yet today in the opinion of many, it's magic is legendary and has never been duplicated relative to size, dependability, consistency and output.
For fellow pilots, you might also consider the magical legends of the DC-3 and the P-51!
In answer to your specfic question, the neck of the SuperSlide is ebony colored birch.[This message was edited by Reece Anderson on 21 April 2005 at 06:23 AM.] |
|
|
|
HowardR
From:
N.Y.C.-Fire Island-Asheville
|
Posted 21 Apr 2005 2:52 am
|
|
| Quote: |
| I could easily see getting rid of all my instruments |
He's gone off the deep end. I've seen this happen before. It's not uncommon. I can see that intervention is required at this time.
Anyone have a Metro North schedule? |
|
|
|
Andre Nizzari
From:
Bronx, NY
|
Posted 21 Apr 2005 3:18 am
|
|
Hey Bill, have you ever played a sierra? It looks like the pickups are similar. Just want to know how they compare in sound. Isn't it true that at least 70% of the sound comes from the pickup?
------------------
http://www.andreandthenighthounds.com/
|
|
|
|
Bill McCloskey
From:
Nanuet, NY
|
Posted 21 Apr 2005 3:22 am
|
|
Andre,
I think Howard and I are going to try and get together soon to do a side by side with his Sierra so we'll both be able to report back after that. |
|
|
|
Denny Turner
From:
Oahu, Hawaii USA
|
Posted 21 Apr 2005 3:34 am
|
|
Hey, any ah you fellers ever tried out the MSA Superslide?
 [This message was edited by Denny Turner on 21 April 2005 at 04:35 AM.] |
|
|
|
Jim Cohen
From:
Philadelphia, PA
|
Posted 21 Apr 2005 3:36 am
|
|
| If Howard R. shows up with a checkbook and a large moving van in tow, watch out. You know what the "R" stands for don't you? Vulture! |
|
|
|
HowardR
From:
N.Y.C.-Fire Island-Asheville
|
Posted 21 Apr 2005 5:47 am
|
|
Bill, I just happen to have a 12 string Sierra with the same (Maurice's) C6 tuning on it. If we play our cards right, perhaps we can get Vince McMahon to give us a spot on Wrestlemania. Jim Cohen can be the guest referee. We'll all chip in and get him the striped shirt. Jim, what size? Never mind, doesn't matter...
We should do a side by side. These are two excellent and well engineered steels. This is what the public wants. |
|
|
|
HowardR
From:
N.Y.C.-Fire Island-Asheville
|
Posted 21 Apr 2005 6:00 am
|
|
| Quote: |
| Hey, any ah you fellers ever tried out the MSA Superslide |
Denny, I was at the "Unveiling" of the SS in the MSA room at Dallas. There were a fair amount of people & players there. Maurice played a variety of tunes on the 12 stringer including a wonderful and masterful rendition of "Malagena". Right after he finished, he asked me if I would like to play it.
There was no way on this earth that I was going to embarress myself and everyone else present. Call it performance anxiety, call it inexperience, call it stage fright, just don't call me late for dinner.
Maurice began playing his U12 and then took the SS onto his lap. Both steels had a big sound. Of course, it's Maurice playing it.
Anyhow, I'm sure that Bill & I will sometime get together and give an unbiased report. |
|
|
|
Bill McCloskey
From:
Nanuet, NY
|
Posted 21 Apr 2005 6:11 am
|
|
Howard,
I know you are kidding about the Wrestlemania but maybe we could invite some local steelers down for the side by side comparison. We should schedule it and let others know so they can check out the Superslide for themselves. I'm off to a trade show next week, but any time after that. I'll contact you off list to arrange a time. |
|
|
|
HowardR
From:
N.Y.C.-Fire Island-Asheville
|
Posted 21 Apr 2005 6:42 am
|
|
| Quote: |
| I know you are kidding about the Wrestlemania |
Them's fightin' words, Bill!
"Let's Get Ready To Rummmmmmmble!"
|
|
|
|
Keith Cordell
From:
San Diego
|
Posted 21 Apr 2005 6:46 am
|
|
I don't EVER want to see that again...
------------------
'62? Fender 400 Pedal Steel, Sierra S8, Oahu Lap, bakelite bars
|
|
|
|
Denny Turner
From:
Oahu, Hawaii USA
|
Posted 21 Apr 2005 7:07 am
|
|
Howard,
Sometimes my delivery sucks!
Aloha,
DT~
|
|
|
|
HowardR
From:
N.Y.C.-Fire Island-Asheville
|
|
|
|
James Quackenbush
From:
Pomona, New York, USA
|
Posted 21 Apr 2005 8:45 am
|
|
Bill and guy's,
OK ....Now I'm going to have to step in here and offer my home as a neutral territory here for the " Slide Off " ......
I have plenty of amps and gear to hook things up , so we're just gonna have to do it up right here in Rockland County ...Plenty of parking, and we can play all night !!.....Gimme a hollar !!........Jim |
|
|
|
David Wright
From:
Pilot Point ,Tx USA.
|
Posted 21 Apr 2005 9:25 am
|
|
I want the Winner!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!))))
|
|
|
|
Bill McCloskey
From:
Nanuet, NY
|
Posted 21 Apr 2005 10:04 am
|
|
| Cool by me James, your 10 minutes from me. How about it Howard and others! Howard has laid down the guantlet. [This message was edited by Bill McCloskey on 21 April 2005 at 11:04 AM.] |
|
|
|
Bill McCloskey
From:
Nanuet, NY
|
Posted 21 Apr 2005 10:17 am
|
|
Of,
One can hope against hope, but I would be remiss if I didn't ask:
Reece, why don't you fly in and be my proxie in the slide off! Reece has already shown he can take Howard with 3 picks tied behind his back. |
|
|
|
