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Local MSA Uni. What do y'all think?
Posted: 20 Jun 2025 2:27 pm
by Justin Shaw
It's in my province, so reasonably close. Price is $2000 Canadian for an apparently 70s MSA 12 string Universal.
https://www.kijiji.ca/v-guitar/kingston ... 1719343082
How does it look? I always consider buying a steel that comes up close to me because it only happens maybe twice a year.
Re: Local MSA Uni. What do y'all think?
Posted: 20 Jun 2025 2:51 pm
by Jerry Overstreet
Missing 2 pedals on the left, but yeah, fair price. Parts pretty much available. Appears to be in decent shape.
Can't tell anything about the tuning. It's possible it's set up as an extended tuning with only 6 pedals, but appears to be worth the price, in today's market, even if you need to spend a few bucks later.
Re: Local MSA Uni. What do y'all think?
Posted: 20 Jun 2025 6:01 pm
by Dennis Detweiler
Yes, grab it! I have one exactly like it. Mine is 1975. It's well worth the money. Looks clean underneath also. If it's E9/B6, you may end up needing another floor pedal, depending on its current copedent. According to the markings inside the case, it had 7 floor pedals. It makes me think this may not be a standard copedent? However, it can be easily changed.
Re: Local MSA Uni. What do y'all think?
Posted: 20 Jun 2025 6:54 pm
by Justin Shaw
I'm a little shy to wade in because I have only a little experience making adjustments. I've never done a full tear down of a PSG, and this one might need it.
That said, what are the strong points of this type of steel if it's in good working order? How is the tone, stability, etc?
Thanks for your feedback I appreciate it!
Re: Local MSA Uni. What do y'all think?
Posted: 20 Jun 2025 7:28 pm
by Bobby D. Jones
The guitar is worth the price. With 6 P and 5Kl.
From the pictures, I can't see the bracket/brackets on the pedal bar, To say it has had pedals removed. Or if the guitar was built as an Extended E9th or Extended C6th, And the guitar was shipped from the factory, With 6P & 5 knee levers.
Re: Local MSA Uni. What do y'all think?
Posted: 20 Jun 2025 8:21 pm
by Justin Shaw
Bobby D. Jones wrote: 20 Jun 2025 7:28 pm
The guitar is worth the price. With 6 P and 5Kl.
From the pictures, I can't see the bracket/brackets on the pedal bar, To say it has had pedals removed. Or if the guitar was built as an Extended E9th or Extended C6th, And the guitar was shipped from the factory, With 6P & 5 knee levers.
As Dennis pointed out, the markings in the case indicate it must have had 7 pedals at some point.
Good to know that the consensus is that it's worth the price as is, thank you!
Re: Local MSA Uni. What do y'all think?
Posted: 20 Jun 2025 8:44 pm
by Dennis Detweiler
With the proper pickup, the guitar has excellent tone. Sustain is excellent. I've been playing this U-12 model for 49 years. It has served me well on the road and in the studio. They are indestructible and reliable.
Re: Local MSA Uni. What do y'all think?
Posted: 20 Jun 2025 9:18 pm
by Jerry Overstreet
Looks like a George L's. hard to tell which model.
Also, there are empty bushing holes in the rail where probably 2 additional pedals could have been. Most MSAs of this era were 8 + 5 on Universals.
I can't see any decals on the front apron which would positively i.d. the original model.
Depending on your browser type, you can right click on the photo, click on open image in new tab which will show a link in your header, click on that button then click on the + to enlarge the photos for a much better view.
Re: Local MSA Uni. What do y'all think?
Posted: 20 Jun 2025 9:30 pm
by Justin Shaw
Dennis Detweiler wrote: 20 Jun 2025 8:44 pm
With the proper pickup, the guitar has excellent tone. Sustain is excellent. I've been playing this U-12 model for 49 years. It has served me well on the road and in the studio. They are indestructible and reliable.
Oh wow good to know! What kind of pickup would you recommend?
Re: Local MSA Uni. What do y'all think?
Posted: 20 Jun 2025 9:39 pm
by Justin Shaw
Jerry Overstreet wrote: 20 Jun 2025 9:18 pm
Also, there are empty bushing holes in the rail where probably 2 additional pedals could have been. Most MSAs of this era were 8 + 5 on Universals.
I see that now, thank you. I've never installed pedals and the whole assembly for the pulls but there's certainly room.
Re: Local MSA Uni. What do y'all think?
Posted: 20 Jun 2025 9:47 pm
by Jerry Overstreet
Yes, just an FYI. Doesn't mean you have to add pedals, just that the guitar is already worked so you can if you want to....with additional parts of course.
Hope you are able to grab this guitar. It appears that it would be a decent buy. Love those lacquer finished MSA guitars.
Re: Local MSA Uni. What do y'all think?
Posted: 21 Jun 2025 6:21 am
by David Rattray
Hello Justin not often do I post anymore ...saw this and had to give you a heads up sold an amp to a fellow from Toronto last week he saw this MSA he told me about it could not give an opinion at the time ...upon seeing it well you best jump all over it again you may be a sorry fellow if you miss it..I have no dog in the hunt...a lot of players loved these and many still do a good go over and you will be a happy camper...I do not need another steel and luck on my side and not afford one...grab it while it is still there and available...best David...
Re: Local MSA Uni. What do y'all think?
Posted: 21 Jun 2025 6:50 am
by Justin Shaw
David Rattray wrote: 21 Jun 2025 6:21 am
Hello Justin not often do I post anymore ...saw this and had to give you a heads up sold an amp to a fellow from Toronto last week he saw this MSA he told me about it could not give an opinion at the time ...upon seeing it well you best jump all over it again you may be a sorry fellow if you miss it..I have no dog in the hunt...a lot of players loved these and many still do a good go over and you will be a happy camper...I do not need another steel and luck on my side and not afford one...grab it while it is still there and available...best David...
Hey David, thanks for your post and the info! I agree I'd like to get it but I've messaged them and unfortunately they are unwilling to ship. This is a problem because I don't have a car and they are several hours away. I told them I'd still be here if they change their mind. We'll see!
Re: Local MSA Uni. What do y'all think?
Posted: 21 Jun 2025 12:06 pm
by Justin Shaw
Actually now that I look at this again, does anyone else think the knees are set up closer together than normal?
Re: Local MSA Uni. What do y'all think?
Posted: 21 Jun 2025 9:09 pm
by Dennis Detweiler
I would recommend the Telonics X-12 pickup.
Re: Local MSA Uni. What do y'all think?
Posted: 21 Jun 2025 9:27 pm
by Justin Shaw
Dennis Detweiler wrote: 21 Jun 2025 9:09 pm
I would recommend the Telonics X-12 pickup.
OK thanks!