The Steel Guitar Forum

Ray Walker · Post by **Ray Walker** » 24 Feb 2002 5:43 am

Just before Christmas I purchased an MSA that Jim Lindsey used to play. 10string E9 and 12 String C6. 10 foot pedals and 7 knee levers. I have read many articles posted here but have yet to hear anyone bragging on an MSA or even mentioning one for that matter. Starting to believe I might not have such a great guitar afterall. It's ok cause I made the decision. Since I just got back to playing the steel and admitedly pretty shabby...just wonder if I should have made another choice. I did contact Bud Carter's people and learned that Bud Made only 4 of these and I have heard that Bud knows his stuff. Just wondering folks. Anyone like to give me a bit of their input??? Thanks ...Ray

Bill Moore · Post by **Bill Moore** » 24 Feb 2002 6:10 am

Welcome to the forum, Ray. If you will click on the "search" link in the upper right side of the page, and enter "MSA" you will find MANY posts about these fine guitars. The one I owned was a fine guitar and I know there are many others owned/played by forum members. Everyone has their favorites, but there are many MSA fans out there.

Donny Hinson · Post by **Donny Hinson** » 24 Feb 2002 6:12 am

The MSA Micro (especially the "Classic") was the "Rolls Royce" of steels. None was ever built better than this, and none ever will be. The strength and stability are legendary. Sure, it's heavy...but it stays where you put it! Some don't care for the tone, but too many players worry about their "tone" when they should be worrying about learning how to play.

Relax...you've got all the steel you'll need for quite a long time.

Ray Walker · Post by **Ray Walker** » 24 Feb 2002 6:41 am

Thanks Bill & Don. I am not sure what the differences (Mica...etc.) but it is very heavy. It is a wood grain (dark green stained finish. As I indicated.. It was signed on the bottom by Bud Clark so I contacted Clark Guitars. I was told that only 4 were made and that this guitar is the great great grandfather of the Clark Steel and that it is the model from which all Clark guitars are built today. Now I know they are proud of their products but just wondering. Thanks for the post fellas

Ray

RON PRESTON · Post by **RON PRESTON** » 24 Feb 2002 7:02 am

Ray, Welcome to this great forum. You are one lucky.....oh, well, as I was going to say, My 3rd steel (back in 1985) was an MSA "Classic", 8 floors and 4 knee. I produced my first steel album in Salt Lake City (1989) using this very guitar. I have the "Master", and every once in a blue moon, I will play this "Master" for some of my picking friends, and they always comment on the "TONE" that I conjured up. I used a "Nashville 400" amp, and just a little reverb and delay from an old "stompbox". When I was in the studio, at the time, I really didn't like the "tone", but as time wore on, the more I listened to the tape, the more I liked it. I think most steel players (including myself) are good at "bashing themselves" when it comes to "their tone"

It Never is "quite right". We are our worst enemy, because we are always hearing the other steel players' "tone". That MSA D-10 was a heck of a battleaxe on stage. I wish that I had it back, but, all of us will tell you the same thing about their past steel guitars that they have owned one time or another. I envy you, my friend, I wish that I had an MSA like yours. Hang in there, and I would suggest that you hang on to that wonderful steel guitar.

Larry Miller · Post by **Larry Miller** » 24 Feb 2002 8:13 am

MSA is a fine guitar and built like a tank. Your MSA will be around a long time. Reece is a very nice man and will answer any questions concerning your guitar. Curley Chalker played one, also Keith Whitley's steelman played one when Keith was on HEE HAW[This message was edited by Larry Miller on 24 February 2002 at 09:00 AM.]

Derek Duplessie · Post by **Derek Duplessie** » 24 Feb 2002 10:48 am

I have a great sounding MSA classic that I
just posted for sale for $650.00.It's in mint
condition and includes a case!Let me know if
anyones interested! -Derek

Jerry Horner · Post by **Jerry Horner** » 24 Feb 2002 12:42 pm

MSA has been the only guitar I have played for the last 25 years. Mine is a S12 and over the years has just become part of me. Everyone has one they like the most and Msa is mine.

Jerry

Charles Beshears · Post by **Charles Beshears** » 24 Feb 2002 12:50 pm

welcome Ray. You can't beat a MSA!
I own a d10 classic SS and s12 Universal.
You have purchased the best.
Charles in alabama

Susan Alcorn (deceased) · Post by **Susan Alcorn (deceased)** » 24 Feb 2002 2:45 pm

Ray, it sounds like you have a fine guitar. The MSA's were very well built and intrelligently engineered. I'm still playing on an MSA I bought in '82 or '83 -- perhaps one of the last ones built. I for one love their tone. It's not an Emmons, but more . . . wooden. It always reminded me for some reason of a clarinet -- a nice round wooden tone.

Everett Cox · Post by **Everett Cox** » 24 Feb 2002 2:50 pm

Ray-- I used to play non-pedal and, wanting to get back in after many years, bought an MSA Classic D10 8/4. (It cost less than many lap steels I considered.)

Figured it wouldn't be much of an instrument since they were so available and cheaper than other brands. Reading the "MSA Story" tipped me over the edge. There are some history 'revisionists' (and they might be right), but Mr Anderson's words made me believe he'd really tried to produce a quality instrument.

I'm GLAD I got it!!! Had a question and emailed Mr Anderson and 'Reece' responded immediately and offered continuing assistance
Very gracious and knowledgable man.

Still can't play the pedals too well and the thing IS heavy, but all of us, including family and neighbors, are happy.

As for tone -- I'm surely no expert. I played at my Mom's 100th B-day recently. In a large church hall half filled with 162 folks. Used a Digitek RP100 to a small Fender Champ25. Got emails from TWO pro's I didn't even know were there and BOTH commented on the great, full sound. (They didn't say what they thought of the playing.)

Neither the Fender nor the RP100 are 'steel' gadgets but do quite well and were not expensive. Can't believe that Fender is only 25 watts -- it's plenty for small gig's.

You got a fine guitar. Wish I had those extra C6th strings. --Everett

Michael Johnstone · Post by **Michael Johnstone** » 24 Feb 2002 5:32 pm

That would be Bud Carter,NOT Bud Clark.

Hap Young · Post by **Hap Young** » 24 Feb 2002 8:37 pm

Ray
Ive had my MSA now for 25 years or better. Its Still in great shape and the tone through my Sho- Bud amp (also about 25 years old ) is great. You have a good guitar and it will probably last a lifetime. Enjoy.

KENNY KRUPNICK · Post by **KENNY KRUPNICK** » 24 Feb 2002 9:55 pm

Hi Ray, I own three steels,and one is an MSA Vintage XL double-10 that I bought new from Reece back in 1981.Great guitar and still going strong. It's the Emerald Green color.

Ray Walker · Post by **Ray Walker** » 25 Feb 2002 4:43 am

Michael... HOW EMBARRASSING!!!! YOU ARE RIGHT. Looking back on my post I did type Bud Clark. Oh well stupidity runs in the family(hehe) You are right the gentleman is Bud Carter and if he get's wind of this... SORRY BUD>

Reece Anderson · Post by **Reece Anderson** » 25 Feb 2002 7:42 am

I'm delighted to respond to all questions or inquiries concerning MSA, it's history or it's heritage, and I most sincerely appreciate each one who has ever owned, or now owns an MSA.

I also want to take this opportunity to personally welcome Ray Walker to the MSA family.

When I read the wonderful comments such as those contained within this thread, it again reinforced the fact as to how blessed I truly am that God lead me to the steel guitar which provided me the privilege of meeting, corresponding and building guitars for many many thousands of people all over the world.

The only thing I can do is thank each of you, which does not convey the depth of my true appreciation.

Ray Walker · Post by **Ray Walker** » 25 Feb 2002 4:48 pm

Reece you are a good man from the bottom of your heart. Thanks for the e-mail and especially the information. I feel great being a part of this forum and feel even better about being a MSA family member. I hope that not long from now I can show you all what a great guitar I have and how it sounds when a man plays it from his heart and soul. Feelin' lucky here in North Carolina...Thanks all

Ray

Tommy White · Post by **Tommy White** » 25 Feb 2002 5:24 pm

MSA. I can tell those interested in this particular subject on this thread , there is no better pedal guitar, and Maurice Anderson is one of the finest gentlemen I've ever met, not to mention, world class musician and steel guitarist. I played my first MSA classic in 1972 and wish I were still playing it. I've owned 4 MSA guitars and regret to this day having let them go. Although music and tone changes with the times and fads, I feel confident the MSA guitars I've played in the past years would still do the job today as they did back then.
To sum up, I will always support Maurice Anderson and any manufacturing/sales venture he pursues, as I know he is a man of great integrity and his products will be of no less.
My best to all MSA fans,
Tommy White[This message was edited by Tommy White on 25 February 2002 at 10:03 PM.]

David Wright · Post by **David Wright** » 25 Feb 2002 6:21 pm

Tommy,
Well Said..

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Reece Anderson · Post by **Reece Anderson** » 25 Feb 2002 7:02 pm

Tommy.....I'm totally stunned, appreciative, emotional and speechless!

Gary Walker · Post by **Gary Walker** » 25 Feb 2002 9:00 pm

Tommy, I have to say amen to your comments. Sure the D-12 Classic that I owned was a bit hefty but it played and sounded like it was built,"Super". I also deeply regret letting that wonderful instrument go when I upgraded. I feel it was an extention of Reece's talent and personallity and I miss it, thanks, Gary.

Steve Miller · Post by **Steve Miller** » 25 Feb 2002 10:06 pm

Yes, MSA's are Built. I've been playin' a Derby for the last 8 months after having played an MSA for the past 15 yrs or so. One day I measured the maximum cabinet drop on the Derby - about 2.5 to 3 cents. Out of curiosity I measured the MSA - about 1 to 1.5 cents. I am keeping the MSA.

I always loved my MSA. The main reason I switched is because it just got to darned heavy (and I got too old)to lug around!

Rusty Hurse · Post by **Rusty Hurse** » 25 Feb 2002 10:22 pm

Ray I also have to say that you have one of the finest guitars that was ever built.In 1972 Maurice and Bud built me a guitar just like Curly had and I think the late Gary Hogue also had one. All of the guys around the Dallas area was playing that guitar.They were heavy but the best constructed that you could get.That guitar of mine got stolen at the Reo Palm Isle Ballroom in 1973 and I have missed it ever since.The MSA guitars are noted for getting what I call the Dallas tone.There sure has been alot of Western Swing played on those guitars.My daughter is also name after Maurice as in Reecia.Maurice and his brother Jerry and Bud Carter did alot for us young players back then.I cant leave Junior Knight out either cause his was playing an MSA at that time too.There is not a better Westen Swing or Jazz guitar that you could get.PS(and the COUNTRY stuff dont sound bad either) LOL. Ray you have a guitar that will last you along time.

Bill Simmons · Post by **Bill Simmons** » 25 Feb 2002 10:28 pm

I totally agree with Tommy White's comment about the MSA and Reese Anderson. I still feel the MSA was ahead of its' time in many aspects. I've owned four MSA's over the years and presently searching for a MSA SS (D-10...wish I still had that beautiful 'Jamican Brown' MSA!!!

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Dave Horner · Post by **Dave Horner** » 25 Feb 2002 10:33 pm

I posted this comment under the pedal steel section but I see some MSA guys here and thought I'd touch base here as well. Not long ago, I read comments regarding what the MSA steel would be now if it were still in production. One post came from Reece himself. As I read Reece's comments about space age technology, carbon fiber, and how these elements might be incorporated in an MSA steel of today it made me think something like that may well be worth stepping up to, even though I'm still enjoying my 20 year old MSA single 12. Something did strike me though as I read on--Reece didn't talk like a guy who was musing about some hypothetical "what if"- his comments were far too precise and studied for that. Combine that with a few rumors I've heard around town about MSA being reinstituted and I'm thinking that "future steel" is about here. Has anyone else heard that? Reece- if you are reading this- what gives? Is MSA coming back? Space age technology? C'mon- fess up!