Difference between Classic SS and Classic XL?

Per Berner · Post by **Per Berner** » 5 Nov 2005 4:34 am

I have stumbled upon two MSA steels that both need new finishes, but are otherwise just fine as they are and would be ideal for a fun project.

One is a Classic XL, the other one a Classic SS. They both seem to be about 25 years old, one is 8+6, the other is 8+5 with a non-original vertical knee.

What's the difference, apart from the longer body and keyheads on the XL?

The asking price difference is negligible. Any advice on which to buy?

------------------
´75 Emmons p/p D10 8+4, '96 Emmons Legrande II D10 8+5, Peavey Nashville 1000

Chris Grotewohl · Post by **Chris Grotewohl** » 5 Nov 2005 5:47 am

I just bought an S10 XL and had the same question earlier. According to Reece Anderson the mechanics are identical, the XLs are more than likely all maple and most XLs have a triple changer. Mine is a 1980. Chris

Per Berner · Post by **Per Berner** » 5 Nov 2005 6:06 am

Both of these have plain maple bodies, and seem to have 2/2 changers. The XL seems to have an aluminum rear apron, though, and both have E-66 pickups.

Which would be likely to sound better (= least muddy, crisper, better sustaining)? Anyone know?

Donny Hinson · Post by **Donny Hinson** » 5 Nov 2005 10:27 am

The SS would be just a little brighter and lighter as well, since it's a smaller guitar. Both have good sustain. The XL is larger, and might sound a little fuller, but I don't think either of these models could be considered "dark sounding". That was the characteristic of the old plywood "Classic" models, which were heavier, as well.

Both the XL and SS are great guitars.

Bob Blair · Post by **Bob Blair** » 5 Nov 2005 11:00 am

I had a Classic SS D-10 and it was a great guitar. I've also heard and read a lot of positive things about that guitar on the Forum so if you do a search you might find some comments. Some people more knowledgeable than I am have suggested that the SS was one of the best guitars ever made by the "old" MSA company. I only sold mine because I had forsaken it for an EMCI and it was just sitting in its case, but if I had that to do over again I would''t make the same mistake. I've never played an XL - I think that is what Susan Alcorn is still using and she sounds fantastic.

Ted Nesbitt · Post by **Ted Nesbitt** » 5 Nov 2005 11:32 am

Per, the SS in question has a triple raise and triple lower changer.......Ted

Darvin Willhoite · Post by **Darvin Willhoite** » 5 Nov 2005 4:18 pm

I have a Classic SS that is a great looking, sounding, and playing guitar. Mine has Lawrence 710 pickups which gives it a really good tone. There is only a slight difference in the playability of it and my new MSA Legend. And Ted is correct, at least the SS is triple raise /triple lower. Just happened to have a picture.

------------------
Darvin Willhoite
Riva Ridge Recording

Bob Blair · Post by **Bob Blair** » 5 Nov 2005 5:23 pm

Darvin's is a dead ringer for the one I had, except I had 705's in mine. Everytime I see Darvin's picture I wish I had mine back. Nice and light, and compact.

Per Berner · Post by **Per Berner** » 7 Nov 2005 3:58 am

Thanks for the info, guys. Nice one, Darvin!

Ulf Edlund · Post by **Ulf Edlund** » 13 Nov 2005 10:53 am

Hallå Per.
I went for an SS and i guess i would do it again.
It's a well built- and well designed instrument. Plays and sounds great. I don't know of any differences other than the ones you mention yourself. Maybe the rear apron then?
However, i think the smaller body of the SS makes it better looking. But that's me.

Good luck
Uffe

Al Marcus · Post by **Al Marcus** » 13 Nov 2005 1:51 pm

I have had a MSA Classic SS D10 and a S12 XL .

Both with the aluminum pocket for the pickup.

Both wood maple lacquer, both Triple /Raise and Triple lower, (some new guitars today do not have Triple lower).

Both with an excellent changer and undercarriage.

Both Supersustain II pickkups. Both excellent guitars and both , in my opinion, had good sounds.

The Classic SS and the XL's and the U12 "Universals" are much nicer and more improved than the old plywood models. And lighter weight to boot.

The SS is slightly lighter and smaller than the XL, But I kind of go for the XL's....al

------------------
My Website..... www.cmedic.net/~almarcus/

<font size="1" color="#8e236b"><p align="center">[This message was edited by Al Marcus on 13 November 2005 at 01:55 PM.]</p></FONT>

Per Berner · Post by **Per Berner** » 13 Nov 2005 10:45 pm

Well, in the end I bought neither one. That's because, by pure luck, I found something much more exciting: an old, Swedish-built AWH Custom DeLuxe D-10 from the very early seventies - must be one of the very first.

It's a bit grimy, but certainly no basket case; the front neck was fully playable right out of the box.

The C6 part of the undercarriage is in pieces, but all parts are there and in good condition, including the lacquer. How's about these specs:

- 8+3, 2/2 all-pull changer
- Schaller tuning machines
- Gauged rollers
- Wood necks (including pickup surround)
- Aluminum sub-frame
- Two-tone lacquer (honey and natural) on highly figured birch wood, a bit like birdseye but more lively (veneer on maple)
- Ball bearings on the cross shafts
- Roller bearings on the changer
- White fretboards
- BL 705 pickups
- nice hardshell case

All for about $550...

Did I mention it arrived in tune, and has great sustain unplugged?

Pics will be posted when it's reasonably clean and shiny again; then I'm thinking of a rebuild to an SD-10 4+5 configuration.

------------------
´75 Emmons p/p D10 8+4, '96 Emmons Legrande II D10 8+5, '72 AWH Custom D10 8+3, Peavey Nashville 1000

Ulf Edlund · Post by **Ulf Edlund** » 14 Nov 2005 10:41 am

I used to have a starter "AWH Custom Viking".
They sound somewhat "Sho-Budish".
The "Viking" was built like a maverick.
Needless to say the MSA was a huge improvement.

Uffe

Per Berner · Post by **Per Berner** » 14 Nov 2005 11:12 pm

Oh yeah, the mighty Viking! That was my first steel, a blonde one bought second hand from Janne Lindgren in late 1977. Not that bad, and quite good looking apart from the cheapo tuning machines.

After the 1980 seminar with Jimmie Crawford in Båstad, I realised I could not live with just one knee lever any more, so I bought the prototype AVM Eagle S10 3+6 directly from Arne Holmedal. So much nice - why did I sell it?

------------------
´75 Emmons p/p D10 8+4, '96 Emmons Legrande II D10 8+5, ca '72 AWH Custom D10 8+3, Peavey Nashville 1000