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Topic: MSA Sidekick vs. Carter Starter vs. (?) |
Brian Tong
From:
California, USA
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Posted 14 Feb 2008 10:12 am |
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| Have a chance to buy a used MSA Sidekick (two pedals, one lever) for $400 or a new Carter Starter for $795 from Musician's Friend. I'm new to pedal steel (play dobro and lap) so I want to 'try' out these guitars without breaking the bank but if I like it, have a guitar that can hold it's resale value and hopefully have decent tone. Any other ideas for sub $1000 pedals steels? Peace! Brian |
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Felix Blevins
From:
Dunlap, Tennessee, USA
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Posted 14 Feb 2008 10:41 am
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| Stage One - Zum. Click on the Links page, then click on Manufacturers, and you can click on the Stage One page to get information. From what I have read, this guitar is probably tops in its price range, which is $895 including a hard shell case. I currently have one on order, which should be ready any day now. Also, from what information I have been able to acquire, you may want to think twice before opting for the Carter Starter. |
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Casey Lowmiller
From:
Kansas
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Posted 14 Feb 2008 1:02 pm
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Lots of times you can get a used Carter-Starter for around $450. They are generally in great shape & still like they just left the factory. I would buy a used starter. You can always turnaround & sell it to someone else for $450.
The stage one is nice too...there is a decent looking older one for sale on ebay right now.
Now, if you found a MSA Pro-AM Sidekick for that price...it would be a steal on that steel!!!
Casey
_________________
Known Coast to Coast as
"The Man with The Plan" |
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Paul Redmond
From:
Illinois, USA
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Posted 17 Feb 2008 12:12 am
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You can't get any parts for a Starter, so a junk Model T would be a better option. You can still buy parts for them!!
PRR |
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Joey Ace
From:
Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
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Posted 17 Feb 2008 2:22 pm
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I'd advise against the MSA Sidekick.
They have a lot of issues that would frustrate a beginner. MSA makes (and made) fine Steels, but there are some older student grade ones that leave a lot to be desired.
The Carter Starter is a great place to start if a pro model isn't in your budget. |
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Donny Hinson
From:
Glen Burnie, Md. U.S.A.
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Posted 17 Feb 2008 3:21 pm
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| Quote: |
| Now, if you found a MSA Pro-AM Sidekick for that price...it would be a steal on that steel!!! |
The "Sidekick" and the "Pro-Am" are completely different guitars. The Sidekick was similar to the Red Baron model, with a single raise/lower, pull-release changer. The "Pro-Am" was very similar to the Classic models, with a double raise/lower, all-pull changer.
The Carter Starter has more levers than a Sidekick or 'Baron, so it's the better choice between the two. Generally, the more expensive the guitar, the more you might lose come upgrading time, but nearly anything will be good for a couple of years.
While you want to avoid junk, IMHO many players over-worry about their first guitar. It's not supposed to be a lifetime purchase, or a long-term investment. Like the first car most of us ever had, it should be chosen as something simple and reliable that gets you from "Point A" (rank amateur) to "Point B" (an intermediate level).
If the most important aspect to you is resale value, you're not a player, you're a dealer!  |
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