| Author |
Topic: MSA Model Clarification - Classic SS vs. Vintage XL |
Jon Schimek
From:
Lyons, Co - USA
|
Posted 9 Feb 2010 9:39 am |
|
Hey Guys,
I spent my morning trying to find a search for previous posts that would explain this but I came up empty. I'm looking to buy a more portable steel to accompany my MSA Classic D-10. I had my sights set on a MSA Classic SS from the for sale section, but didn't have my finances together and missed the opportunity.
I've since come across a MSA Vintage XL that looks very similar. They are both the red laquor with the "Super Sustain" signature. It looks like the vintage XL is not an all wood body, but I'm wondering if anybody has thoughts on the Vintage XL. Are they heavier than the Classic SS. What are the differences between these two models?
Thanks in advance.
Regards,
Jon |
|
|
 |
Dave O'Brien
From:
Florida and New Jersey
|
Posted 9 Feb 2010 9:57 am Msa
|
|
The best sounding one I've had yet is my Classic XL 12 string with a G/L 12-1. Even better than my "The Universal" with same pick up which I foolishly sold when I went back to a D-10. I'd love for Reece to answer your question.
_________________
Dave O'Brien
Emmons D-10, CMI D-10, Fender Deluxe Reverb, PV 112, Fender Pro Reverb
www.myspace.com/daveobrienband |
|
|
|
David Higginbotham
From:
Lake Charles, Louisiana, USA
|
|
|
|
Jon Schimek
From:
Lyons, Co - USA
|
Posted 9 Feb 2010 10:36 am Yea..
|
|
Hey David,
Yes. I've been looking over this link quite a bit already. They seem to focus only on tone. It seems the C-SS and V-Xl are similar in that department, with the XL maybe having more low end.
I guess i'm looking for model differences beyond tone. Maybe info on weight and feature differences.
-Jon |
|
|
|
Jerry Overstreet
From:
Louisville Ky
|
Posted 9 Feb 2010 11:04 am
|
|
The Classic SS is one of the last models MSA put out in the 80's. Great little guitars. The SS stands for Super Small. These were all lacquer finished with silk screened fret boards.
The Vintage XL is from the same era, I believe. They are very similar in construction, but they are definitely larger and heavier than the SS. Either one sounds very nice though and, IMO, are the most modern sounding steels that MSA made up until they stopped building them....
Of course, they started up again a few years ago with some new and different models. |
|
|
|
chris ivey
From:
california (deceased)
|
Posted 9 Feb 2010 11:05 am
|
|
| the classic ss is the smallest, probably lightest (except the millenium), d10 msa made as far as i know. really nice good working and looking steels. all were lacquer wood bodies...the vintage xl was bigger. |
|
|
|
Chuck Martin
From:
Clifton, Virginia
|
Posted 9 Feb 2010 1:06 pm
|
|
Jon,
For portability, the Classic SS is the way to go. The Vintage XL is roomier and heavier than the SS. Unlike the MSA Classic which is a double raise and lower changer, both the SS and Vintage XL models have a triple raise and lower changer. |
|
|
|
Paul Wade
From:
mundelein,ill
|
Posted 9 Feb 2010 1:29 pm
|
|
| email sent |
|
|
|
Mike Perlowin
From:
Los Angeles CA
|
Posted 9 Feb 2010 1:33 pm
|
|
Something else: MSA used the term "Classic" was used to designate the double raise changer, and both the dieboard/Mica and maple/lacquer bodies with that changer, (including the one shown in my avatar,) are called Classic.
I think it might have been better if the company had started calling the maple bodies "Classic II" to differentiate them from the older guitars.
_________________
Please visit my web site and Soundcloud page and listen to the music posted there.
http://www.mikeperlowin.com http://soundcloud.com/mike-perlowin |
|
|
|
Dave O'Brien
From:
Florida and New Jersey
|
Posted 9 Feb 2010 1:41 pm ClassicXL
|
|
Mike - How does mine fit in then?
 |
|
|
|
Mike Perlowin
From:
Los Angeles CA
|
Posted 9 Feb 2010 3:08 pm
|
|
Dave, that's a new one on me. I've never seen one before or was even aware there was such a designation.
From the picture, it looks like it might have a triple raise, but double lower changer, and I've never seen one like that before either.
I'm stumped. But I bet Tom Bradshaw and Jim Palenscar would both know.
_________________
Please visit my web site and Soundcloud page and listen to the music posted there.
http://www.mikeperlowin.com http://soundcloud.com/mike-perlowin |
|
|
|
Dave O'Brien
From:
Florida and New Jersey
|
Posted 9 Feb 2010 3:17 pm Classic XL
|
|
| Mike - It's triple raise/triple lower changer just like my The Universal had. |
|
|
|
Mike Perlowin
From:
Los Angeles CA
|
Posted 9 Feb 2010 3:28 pm
|
|
Dave, my guess is that this is a transitional designation, post-classic, pre-Vintage XL and "The Universal." Probably from around 1979 or 80.
I could be mistaken.
At some point, MSA also changed their pedal racks to a lighter on with thinner metal. Which one does your guitar have? Can you post some pictures of the pedal rack?
_________________
Please visit my web site and Soundcloud page and listen to the music posted there.
http://www.mikeperlowin.com http://soundcloud.com/mike-perlowin |
|
|
|
Chuck Martin
From:
Clifton, Virginia
|
Posted 9 Feb 2010 3:30 pm
|
|
Nice guitar Dave. I agree with Mike that your Classic XL is probably a transitional model. My guess is that its circa 1977. Reece may know.
Jon: The literature I have on the Vintage XL says that it weighs 52 lbs without the case and measures 35" X 11 5/8". The Classic SS weighs 39 lbs without the case and measures 31 7/8" X 10 3/16". Both of the ads are for D-10 models. |
|
|
|
Dave O'Brien
From:
Florida and New Jersey
|
Posted 9 Feb 2010 3:44 pm Classic XL
|
|
Mike & Chuck - I think you guys are on the right path. The pedal rack is heavy old style not thin with the thin pedals like my Universal had. I think Reece told me it was a 77 in honey gold color - not many made in that color.
 |
|
|
|
Scott Howard
From:
Georgetown, TN, USA
|
Posted 9 Feb 2010 5:10 pm
|
|
A little off topic but still a MSA question.
On the classics ,On a single neck did they use the dieboard under most the mica guitars. I have a very early Classic that is maple under a very thin dieboard and then mica . Here is a picture of the end of my D-12 and the S-10.
_________________
"The Oddball" A MSA Keyless with pedals to the right. |
|
|
|
Jon Schimek
From:
Lyons, Co - USA
|
Posted 10 Feb 2010 9:12 am Very Helpfull
|
|
Chuck, Mike, David, Dave, Jerry, Chris, Scott
Thanks Very Much, this is very helpful information.
Chuck, I especially appreciate the effort in digging up a old catalog. This weight info is very relevant to my true concern.
Thanks!!!
Jon |
|
|
|
Jimmy Gibson
From:
Cornwall, England
|
Posted 20 Mar 2019 5:04 am Here’s mine
|
|
Great steels,imho.
Jimmy
 |
|
|
|
