MSA

Matthew Bradford · Post by **Matthew Bradford** » 7 Apr 2013 9:15 am

Hey Guys,

I'm a beginner pedal steel player. I scored an old MSA Classic D-10 pretty cheap. I was gonna have Jim Palenscar add a couple of knees(I only have 2), and set it up. Turns out, I could get a justice S-10 if I sell the MSA, for slightly less than the cost of two new knees and a setup.

So the question is this, is the MSA a good steel? I've heard "most under rated steel ever" and I've heard, "I know guys who won't even touch those."

Thanks for your input!
Matt

Larry Bressington · Post by **Larry Bressington** » 7 Apr 2013 9:31 am

They are phenomenal as far as build and quality, i always loved them, a bit heavy for live work. I'm all for single neck's these days, for what little i can do!

Here's how good an MSA can be from one of the greatest players.
http://youtu.be/bNaN4aZJiZU

Quentin Hickey · Post by **Quentin Hickey** » 7 Apr 2013 1:44 pm

My suggestion is play the MSA until you develop youre own opinion because trust me, going full circle the expensive way SUCKS!

Bob Blair · Post by **Bob Blair** » 7 Apr 2013 2:48 pm

There is no right answer to your question, because you have two excellent options.

You'll be getting a lot of steel guitar for your money with the MSA, especially with Jim setting it up. You can work on learning both tunings right off the bat, which is a plus. You can't lose with the MSA, even if you move on at some point. Yes they are on the heavy side, so get a wheeled cart. Over the years you might go through a bunch of different guitars, as have so many of us, but give yourself a little time to learn to play a bit.

That said, the Justice guitars seem excellent to me, and certainly are good value. They are light, which you will appreciate if you are gigging or going off to take lessons or to jam with people or whatever.

Whatever you do, have fun.

Dave Diehl · Post by **Dave Diehl** » 7 Apr 2013 3:05 pm

I have an MSA Classic D10 and have nothing but good things to say about it. The only thing I didn't care for was the pickups and it now has a Telonics pickup on the E9th side.... big improvement. It may be a little heavier than new ones today but, when you plant it's feet somewhere, it stays there. You can get good and bad in every brand guitar, depending on how it was cared for but if it's in good condition, you won't be sorry if you buy it.

Skip Edwards · Post by **Skip Edwards** » 7 Apr 2013 4:39 pm

I'm a believer that having a back neck - or a pad - to rest your forearm on helps your right hand technique on E9, therefore making things just a little bit easier for you to learn how to play the darn thing.
I vote for the MSA, unless you can talk Pali out of a nice SD10 Justice, or similar brand.

Matthew Bradford · Post by **Matthew Bradford** » 7 Apr 2013 5:07 pm

Thanks for all the responses!

Glad to know people are digging msa. Now to take it to Jim!

Matt

Mike Perlowin RIP · Post by **Mike Perlowin RIP** » 7 Apr 2013 11:52 pm

Another vote for the MSA. I used the one pictured in my avatar for 25 years, and when I sold it, I bought another, newer MSA.

Lane Gray · Post by **Lane Gray** » 8 Apr 2013 3:53 am

Those are indestructible and well-made. I enjoy having both necks (or equivalent), so in a choice like yours, the MSA wins.
Both are good options, in your shoes, I'd have Jim add 2 levers, or maybe even 3, to the MSA

Ian S. Cameron · Post by **Ian S. Cameron** » 8 Apr 2013 7:46 am

Just bought an MSA Classic S-10 and couldn't be happier. It's built like a tank (and weighs about as much to boot), but besides that it has killer tone and has no problems staying in tune. Can't go wrong with a good old MSA IMO.

chris ivey · Post by **chris ivey** » 8 Apr 2013 8:18 am

larry b. sez
Here's how good an MSA can be from one of the greatest players.
http://youtu.be/bNaN4aZJiZU

who might that be, larry?

no one could really identify him last time it was posted.

Mike Perlowin RIP · Post by **Mike Perlowin RIP** » 8 Apr 2013 9:14 am

Here is the correct URL

http://youtu.be/bNaN4aZJiZU

Donny Hinson · Post by **Donny Hinson** » 8 Apr 2013 1:50 pm

The MSA may be just fine the way it is. Find a teacher who doesn't stutter when he has less than 4 levers, and then play it the way it is for a couple of years. Later on, you can add levers or trade up.

Larry Bressington · Post by **Larry Bressington** » 8 Apr 2013 2:08 pm

Danny Dunn from Michigan...How's that for some smoking hot playing.

Robert Harper · Post by **Robert Harper** » 9 Apr 2013 11:30 am

I have a S10 EXT E9 good guitar. Cant go wrong with an MSA. I don't believe

Quentin Hickey · Post by **Quentin Hickey** » 9 Apr 2013 12:49 pm

That looks just like my steel. Is he still in the scene Larry?

Lee Dassow · Post by **Lee Dassow** » 9 Apr 2013 3:09 pm

HI praises for the MSA D-10 Classics. Built like a
German bunker! Tennessee Lee

Asa Brosius · Post by **Asa Brosius** » 9 Apr 2013 3:57 pm

I had a d10, which did everything I could ask, except carry itself, which is why I let it go. Even with an emmons d10, I sometimes miss the stability that comes with the weight of an old MSA.

Larry Bressington · Post by **Larry Bressington** » 9 Apr 2013 5:01 pm

Quentin Hickey wrote:That looks just like my steel. Is he still in the scene Larry?

I saw him on the forum not long ago, living in Nashville apparently...I don't like speaking for another man, but i ran a thread of him some time ago that's how we learned about him.... Greeeeaaat picker!

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