New MSA is Incredible!

Bill Simmons · Post by **Bill Simmons** » 21 Aug 2003 4:47 pm

I just returned from the MSA factory today as my dear friend Johnny Cox picked up his new 'green' MSA. What an incredible sounding and playing (yes, Johnny even let me play his new MSA!)

I was very impressed as I watched each MSA worker inspect every detail and went the extra mile on making certain the guitar was 100%. Needless to say, it doesn't hurt having on your team Johnny Cox and Jr. Knight working and testing the MSA'S!!

I am unbiased in my evaluation of the new MSA as at this time I have great ZUM and a '79 EMMONS coming from Jerry Roller. I think it's terrific to see the qualtiy of all the steel makers. However, this new MSA is like owning a Lexus! Great steels.

Doug Seymour · Post by **Doug Seymour** » 21 Aug 2003 5:33 pm

Does this mean that Joan gets the blue one?

Jim Smith · Post by **Jim Smith** » 21 Aug 2003 5:42 pm

Geez Bill, Tuesday it was the Finish Line, and today the trip to MSA, and you didn't let me know about either one until it was over!

What's happening tomorrow?

[This message was edited by Jim Smith on 21 August 2003 at 06:44 PM.]

Johnny Cox · Post by **Johnny Cox** » 24 Aug 2003 5:12 pm

As Bill said I did get my new Millennium at the factory in Dallas on Thursday. I played the Opry Friday night and two one hour shows in Indiana on Saturday. All I can say is WOW. This is the most incredible playing and sounding steel guitar I have ever had my hands on. The tone is so clean yet so warm. The pedal action is to die for. MSA has redesigned it's changer for 2004 and it is awsome. My guitar along with others will be on display at the MSA booth and suite next weekend during ISGC. You gotta test drive one.

Johnny Cox

Mike Perlowin RIP · Post by **Mike Perlowin RIP** » 25 Aug 2003 5:57 am

MSA has redesigned it's changer for 2004 and it is awsome.

How is it different?

Paul Warnik · Post by **Paul Warnik** » 25 Aug 2003 9:03 am

It will be interesting to see what changes have been made for the new model-Since I have had one order for awhile-I opted to wait a little longer to get my black D-10 with the new features-It might be ready in time for Scotty's

First new pedal steel that I have bought in 20 years!

Jim Smith · Post by **Jim Smith** » 25 Aug 2003 9:57 am

The last time I visited with Kyle and Sonny Bennett was over a month ago, but they had several new and exciting ideas either in the works or already implemented. I don't know if they will all make it into the 2004 model, but I was very thrilled by what I saw.

The future of the pedal steel guitar is in very good hands with these two as they bring 21st century technology to our beloved instrument. Be sure to spend some time at their booth in St. Louis and check out their handiwork.

Paul Warnik · Post by **Paul Warnik** » 25 Aug 2003 10:35 am

Sidney Malone · Post by **Sidney Malone** » 26 Aug 2003 11:20 am

I would also like to hear what new features are on for 2004!! From what I've seen I thought they had all the base's covered pretty well.

Is the changer a new design or an improvement of the current style??

Johnny Cox · Post by **Johnny Cox** » 27 Aug 2003 1:05 pm

Hey guys sorry it has taken me so long to answer your questions.
The first thing MSA did for 2004 was re-design the keyhead. The new one is a closed end one piece keyhead. It also is designed to hide the tuning key nuts and washers. The change has enhanced the already great tone of Millennium.
Next comes the brand new Millennium II changer. At first glance this new changer appears the same as last years but it is not. The Millennium II changer incorporates two new features.
First is the E.R.S. (Enhanced Resonance System). This system allows the changer to become more a part of the cabinet and thus makes the entire guitar more resonant.
Second is the T.B.S. (Tension Balance System).
This new system allows MSA to adjust the ratio of tension between the string and the finger thus lowering the amount of pressure required to move the string. This effectively gives Millennium a smoother, easier pedal action. Hope you can all come by the MSA booth or suite and check out the new Millennium.

edited for spelling
------------------

Johnny Cox (Team Millennium)
<A HREF="http://www.johnnyandjoancox.com" TARGET=_blank>www.johnnyandjoancox.com
</A>
www.thetimejumpers.com
<A HREF="http://www.msapedalsteels.com" TARGET=_blank>www.msapedalsteels.com
</A>

[This message was edited by Johnny Cox on 27 August 2003 at 02:08 PM.][This message was edited by Johnny Cox on 27 August 2003 at 02:09 PM.]

Roger Rettig · Post by **Roger Rettig** » 28 Aug 2003 7:48 am

I'm too scared to look at these guitars - I have a horrible feeling that, once I do, I'll be figuring how to raise $6000....

RR

Sidney Malone · Post by **Sidney Malone** » 28 Aug 2003 5:01 pm

Thanks for the info Johnny, sounds like MSA is full steam ahead!! I guess it's true that the best never rest!!