The Steel Guitar Forum

Paul Norman (RIP) · Post by **Paul Norman (RIP)** » 16 Jun 2006 10:03 am

What does the S stand for in MSA GUITAR.

Gary Watkins · Post by **Gary Watkins** » 16 Jun 2006 10:09 am

Reece Anderson recalls the history of the MSA name:

As one of the founders of the original MSA steel guitar company, and past president of MSA/ Micro Inc., I have assumed the responsibility to maintain the heritage and history of MSA steel guitar company.

The intent of this statement is to continue to preserve the heritage and history while making it a matter of record as to the rebirth of the MSA of the 21st century after an almost two decade absence in the art of steel guitar manufacturing.

From 1962 until today, the letter "A" has designated the initial of my last name. In the early years of MSA, the “M” and “S” also signified the last name initials of the other individuals who, with me, founded the company.

In 1971 a new corporation was formed called MSA/Micro. It was so named because it was jointly founded by MSA and Micro Instrument Corporation (a manufacturer of precision equipment and parts for the defense, geophysical and medical industries). At that time MSA continued to signify the initials of the three founders of the original MSA company, although shortly after the founding of MSA/Micro, I was the only one of the original three who continued.

After we closed MSA/Micro in 1983, I started another company called MSA, which was filed with the state of Texas to represent Musical Services & Accessories. Within my personal MSA company, I still today maintain my mail order business, accessory business, entertainment booking agency and playing engagements. Musical Services & Accessories has absolutely no relationship with the original MSA, MSA/Micro or the new MSA, other than I have been involved with each one.

In late 2001, Jerry Anderson, Kyle Bennett and I, all of whom had some involvement with the former MSA – Jerry from 1969 to 1983, Kyle from 1971 to 1983, and I, from 1963 to 1983- began exploring the possibility of re-entering the steel guitar business.

After much study, we concluded that together we had the production facilities, design capability, management experience and marketing skills to produce and sell a dramatically advanced concept in steel guitars that would truly “raise the bar of excellence and innovation” in the world of steel guitar.

After much work in planning and design we re-established the MSA name, which now stands for MicroSpace and Anderson.

The new MSA management team is composed of four principals: Jerry Anderson, Kyle Bennett, Dave Horner and, of course, me. In 1982, Micro Instrument Corporation was renamed MicroSpace and has continued to be involved in precision machining and manufacturing for the medical and defense industries. Kyle is also a VP of MicroSpace.

So, there you have it. The new MSA is born and is bringing products for the 21st century to the steel guitar market. The management team is in place to ensure success in serving and satisfying the needs of steel guitarists worldwide.

[This message was edited by Gary Watkins on 16 June 2006 at 04:48 PM.]

Charles Davidson · Post by **Charles Davidson** » 16 Jun 2006 10:10 am

Seymour,Im almost sure,Is that right Bobbe?

Donny Hinson · Post by **Donny Hinson** » 16 Jun 2006 11:04 am

The "S" stood for Danny Shields...or Bobbe Seymour, depending on who you ask.

Mike Perlowin RIP · Post by **Mike Perlowin RIP** » 16 Jun 2006 11:17 am

As far as I'm concerned, it stands for SUPER!!!!

------------------
My web site

Charlie McDonald · Post by **Charlie McDonald** » 16 Jun 2006 11:22 am

I think of my Red Baron as an early prototype of the future--forming some space-age material that didn't yet exist....

My 70's Classic was enough to show me I wanted another MSA, maybe a maple one.
So keep up the good work.

A. J. Schobert · Post by **A. J. Schobert** » 16 Jun 2006 11:44 am

Gary you guys make stuff for the medical and defense industry and pedal steel industry? I don't need to know about the defense side but what do you make for the medical field?

Ken Byng · Post by **Ken Byng** » 16 Jun 2006 1:20 pm

Here we go again.....

Sidney Malone · Post by **Sidney Malone** » 16 Jun 2006 1:39 pm

I'm with Mike....let's just say it's SUPER and end it there.....PLEASE!!!

Darvin Willhoite · Post by **Darvin Willhoite** » 16 Jun 2006 2:52 pm

I too agree with Mike, SUPER. My fourth one should be here next week, a 12 string Super Slide.

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

A. J. Schobert · Post by **A. J. Schobert** » 16 Jun 2006 3:13 pm

What am I missing here? seriously. I just asked gary a question and then puff he edited his post? I would haver never guessed MSA makes medical and defensive stuff. please dont close topic yet just kind of shed some light on me then close if ya want thanks

Michael Weaver · Post by **Michael Weaver** » 16 Jun 2006 3:38 pm

If I remember correctly, I was told(many years ago) that the initials stand for as follows---M(Morrell)-S(Shields)-A(Anderson)

Kyle Bennett · Post by **Kyle Bennett** » 16 Jun 2006 4:22 pm

A.J.
The medical and defense related items that were mentioned above are manufactured by Microspace. The medical items include titanium implants and orthopedic devices. Microspace is also a manufacture of defense related items to the DOD and many other defense related companies. Last but not least, we also build all of the MSA steel guitars including Millennium, Legend and Superslide.

Darvin,
Your forth one will arrive on Monday.

Kyle Bennett

Sidney Malone · Post by **Sidney Malone** » 16 Jun 2006 5:02 pm

Edited: I just saw Gary's post up top.

[This message was edited by Sidney Malone on 16 June 2006 at 06:07 PM.]

A. J. Schobert · Post by **A. J. Schobert** » 16 Jun 2006 5:20 pm

Thank you Kyle I would have never known... and thanks to gary for his post as well

Charles Davidson · Post by **Charles Davidson** » 16 Jun 2006 11:08 pm

Regardless what the S stands for,I'm glad some one built them,My 34 year old d-10 classic is indeed a hernia maker,but still SOLID as a rock.The inspection sticker underneath is signed by Bud Carter.Maybe the S stands for Superior,supreme,surreal,superb,superfine,Superfluous,superinduction,supernormal,or maybe just plain Super,Glad they built them like this thirty years ago,sure can't afford a new one today.

Ron Kirby · Post by **Ron Kirby** » 17 Jun 2006 7:05 am

Theres two "S"s First was Seymour, after Bobbe left the company, The "s" stood for Shields.[This message was edited by Ron Kirby on 17 June 2006 at 08:33 AM.]

Bobby Lee · Post by **Bobby Lee** » 17 Jun 2006 7:21 am

I always assumed that S was Maurice's middle initial. Wrong.

I've heard that original company's founders were Tom Morrell, Bobbe Seymour, and Maurice Anderson. Bobbe left for Nashville before the company really got off the ground. Danny Shields (who's last name conveniently also starts with "S") then joined the company. People then started saying that Danny was the "S" in MSA.

I wasn't there of course, so I might be totally wrong. The paragraph above is what I've been able to piece together from various sources. It doesn't conflict with Reece's story - it just fills in a few details.

------------------
<img align=right src="http://b0b.com/b0b2005.gif" width="78 height="78">Bobby Lee (a.k.a. b0b) - email: quasar@b0b.com - gigs - CDs, Open Hearts
Williams D-12 E9, C6add9, Sierra Olympic S-12 (F Diatonic)
Sierra Laptop S-8 (E6add9), Fender Stringmaster D-8 (E13, C6 or A6) My Blog

Ron Kirby · Post by **Ron Kirby** » 17 Jun 2006 7:41 am

Bobby I always thought the S was for Maurice too,, You are right!!! Now its Harley Time !! good day & adios

Gene Jones · Post by **Gene Jones** » 17 Jun 2006 8:00 am

The medical items include titanium implants

I'm in the process of having a titanium implant installed in my jawbone. Expensive little booger at $3100.00.....about half the price of a new Millenium guitar and no strings or pedals on it!

------------------
<img height=100 width=70 src=http://genejones.bizland.com/Scan10095.jpg>
www.genejones.com

Mike Perlowin RIP · Post by **Mike Perlowin RIP** » 17 Jun 2006 8:56 am

I have a titanium implant too. They had to replace part of my skull after my bicycle accident 4 years ago. (I shudder to thnk of what would have happened if I had not been wearing a helmet.)

I've not flown since then. I wonder of I'll set off the alarms at the airport.

BTW I've completely recovered from my injuries. Good a new.

------------------
My web site

Stephen Gambrell · Post by **Stephen Gambrell** » 17 Jun 2006 9:24 am

"From 1962 until today, the letter "A" has designated the initial of my last name. In the early years of MSA, the “M” and “S” also signified the last name initials of the other individuals who, with me, founded the company."

Interesting that Reese doesn't NAME these other two guys, whoever they are. Not that it matters, people who are MSA loyalists are the MOST loyal players I've seen---And I live in Emmons country!!

Steve Alcott · Post by **Steve Alcott** » 17 Jun 2006 11:08 am

Perhaps Reece is trying not to reopen a can o' worms. This subject has been covered at great length in other threads, and seems to cause bad vibes without accomplishing anything.

Mike Perlowin RIP · Post by **Mike Perlowin RIP** » 17 Jun 2006 11:08 am

While there is some debate over whether the S stands for Seymour or Shields, there is no question that the M stands for (Tom) Morrell.

Reece wrote the entire MSA story from beginning to its demise in the early 80s. I believe it was published either in SGW or the PSGA newsletter.

------------------
My web site

Donny Hinson · Post by **Donny Hinson** » 17 Jun 2006 11:20 am

...people who are MSA loyalists are the MOST loyal players I've seen---And I live in Emmons country!!

No way. All you have to do is read this forum and you'll discover that there's no snob like an Emmons snob. (Although I must admit that the Zum owners are gaining ground pretty rapidly!

)

The Steel Guitar Forum

Msa

Msa