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Topic: Carpsteel vs. Stage One and other question |
Paul Haun
From:
Pennsylvania, USA
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Posted 14 Jul 2010 6:22 am |
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Ok, so I'm back in the market for a PSG...In January I was between the Carp and Stage One. I know Carpsteel is not a PSG anymore, but might be able to find one (actually one for sale right now on the forum)...
Also, was looking at the Genesis made by Bob Simmons...main difference I see is it has an arm pad...what are the pros and cons to arm pads for a beginner? I must say the arm pad is quite tempting.
Further, I was offered an MSA D10 for right at my 1k budget. Looks like a great guitar, but must admit a little overwhelmed by the double neck...
So, let me have it...which and why?
Thanks y'all |
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Michael Robertson
From:
Ventura, California. USA
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Posted 14 Jul 2010 8:02 am Armrest/pad
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Paul, I don’t know of any disadvantages in regards to an arm rest.
In fact the arm rest provides you (me) with a convenient place to lean on when you (I) hang your head in frustration as you learn to play.
The other factor to consider is, typically the arm rest/pad is usually placed where the second neck would be.
Some folks believe that the double neck body produces a more preferred tone than a single neck body.
The jury is still out on that for me. I’m sure others can comment on this more than I.
As for being overwhelmed by the double neck you’re not along. As time goes on you may want to tinker with the second neck and who knows it might be right up your alley.
Ultimately Paul, pick the guitar that you like (for whatever reason) be happy with your decision and attack it.
In fear of being too philosophical, an instrument is a tool for you to express yourself.
Good luck and have fun.
Michael |
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Mike Perlowin
From:
Los Angeles CA
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Posted 14 Jul 2010 8:25 am
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If you can handle the weight, get the MSA. The other guitars you mentioned are all student models. The MSA is a professional grade guitar. The only drawback is that it weighs a ton and you will not like carrying it around.
_________________
Please visit my web site and Soundcloud page and listen to the music posted there.
http://www.mikeperlowin.com http://soundcloud.com/mike-perlowin |
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Karen Sarkisian
From:
Boston, MA, USA
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Posted 14 Jul 2010 12:03 pm
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I recommend going with either the carpsteel or stage one. I ahve a stage one and i love it. plus now that i have a pro model which has a pad, i use the stage one for practices with my band when i need to leave the house. weight is a huge factor imo. i dont think i will ever get rid of my stage one, it plays and sounds great, stays in tune and is easily portable. Plus after playing for a while you will have more idea of what to look for in a pro model. thats my 2 cents !
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Emmons, Franklin, Mullen |
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richard burton
From:
Britain
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Posted 14 Jul 2010 12:10 pm
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One thing to consider is that the Stage One and the Simmons are pull-release steels, so they may have a longer pedal throw on strings that raise and lower.
I don't know what type of changer the Carp has.
If the MSA is in good mechanical condition (eg. no grooves in the fingers, little cabinet drop) then that is the one to go for, if you can handle the weight. |
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Paul Haun
From:
Pennsylvania, USA
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Posted 14 Jul 2010 12:44 pm
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I think I'm shooting for the Stage One...I have heard far too many good things on the forum re: this PSG. First, Doug has been great to me during this search and very honest. And since I'm new at PSG, I really think I would like to learn the setup and nuances before getting a used pro and knowing what I'm dealing with.
Although I really considered the MSA, the weight is an issue. As my band practices at a number of different places and playing out, I think a lighter steel will be key. I already have a BF Pro Reverb so I don't really want more weight 
Unfortunately I lost the bidding war on the nearly new Stage One on ebay; but Doug deserves the money anyway.
Now off to finding a volume pedal (seems like everyone has their opinion there as well) and tonebar (more of the same
Thanks y'all...be good. |
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Paul Haun
From:
Pennsylvania, USA
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Posted 14 Jul 2010 1:02 pm MSA XL supersustain vs. stage one
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| Actually just saw a MSA XL supersustain for sale on the forum...now this might tempt me more then the stage one...how is this one on weight, build, etc? thanks...it's def going to be a bit more then the stage one but worth it? |
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Mike Perlowin
From:
Los Angeles CA
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Posted 14 Jul 2010 1:24 pm Re: MSA XL supersustain vs. stage one
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| Paul Haun wrote: |
| Actually just saw a MSA XL supersustain for sale on the forum...it's def going to be a bit more then the stage one but worth it? |
Comparing that MSA to a Stage One is like comparing a Rolls Royce to a VW bug.
GET THE MSA!!!!!!
_________________
Please visit my web site and Soundcloud page and listen to the music posted there.
http://www.mikeperlowin.com http://soundcloud.com/mike-perlowin |
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Bo Legg
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Posted 14 Jul 2010 1:45 pm
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Deleted to save space
Last edited by Bo Legg on 16 Jul 2010 3:21 pm; edited 1 time in total |
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Paul Haun
From:
Pennsylvania, USA
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Posted 14 Jul 2010 2:01 pm
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| Bo, must ask...is there sarcasm in this or is a old worn MSA where it's at? |
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Mike Perlowin
From:
Los Angeles CA
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Posted 14 Jul 2010 2:20 pm
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| Bo Legg wrote: |
| Yep there is nothing like learning to play PSG on an old worn out MSA. |
MSAs don't wear out. The green one shown in my avatar is 3 or 4 years older than the one for sale, and has been played HARD for many years, and still works perfectly.
(Full disclosure: it has been well cared for and periodically tweaked by either Tom Bradshaw or Jim Palenscar.)
MSAs are among the sturdiest steels every made. They are built like tanks. The one for sale was made between 1979 and 1982 or 3, during which time Bud Carter, who later became one of the founders of Carter Steel Guitars, worked at the company as chief engineer. Chances are he personally built this one.
Since this guitar was built there have been some technical innovations. Square cross rods to make it easy to remove the bell cranks, tuneable splits etc. But most all-pull guitars today copy the pulling system used by those old MSA guitars. And the lacquer ones like the one for sale, are simply wonderful instruments.
Unless they have been abused, they are as good today as they were when they were brand new.
_________________
Please visit my web site and Soundcloud page and listen to the music posted there.
http://www.mikeperlowin.com http://soundcloud.com/mike-perlowin
Last edited by Mike Perlowin on 14 Jul 2010 2:47 pm; edited 1 time in total |
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Andy Hinton
From:
Louisiana, USA * R.I.P.
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Posted 14 Jul 2010 2:42 pm Carpsteel vs--
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| Paul; I don't want to influnce you too much, but I'd listen to Mike Perlowin. He KNOWS what he's talkin' about. Andy H. |
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Rick Schacter
From:
Portland, Or.
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Posted 14 Jul 2010 4:13 pm Get the MSA
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| Mike Perlowin wrote: |
-MSAs don't wear out.
-MSAs are among the sturdiest steels every made. They are built like tanks.
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These two points seem to be true for my MSA.
I bought a used MSA semi-classc that had been upgraded from a 3x1 to a 3x4 for a bargain price.
The guitar is extemely reliable. It's bullet proof.
The action is incredible too.
I would go with the MSA.
If you ever decide to change the copedant, you'll be able to do it with the MSA.
They are heavy, but that's what a hand truck is for.
Rick |
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Allan Jirik
From:
Wichita Falls TX
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Posted 14 Jul 2010 6:37 pm
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I'm gonna throw in with the Stage One. I don't consider it a "student" steel, even though you can't change the setup. It sounds and plays great, looks great too. Yeah, I bought an old MSA that I'm restoring, but I'm in no hurry. The Stage One fulfills my needs!
I'm no piker, been picking steel since age 14... uh, since 1968. |
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Rick Winfield
From:
Pickin' beneath the Palmettos
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Posted 15 Jul 2010 3:11 am Heartbroke
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Due to financial crisis, I had to sell off one of my steels. My "Ex"- A 73 MSA D12, sold in one day. I still miss it! Yes weight is a problem, but...IMHO, those old MSA's are the GREATEST, and worth the struggle of transporting.
I imagine the newer ones are even greater, due to less weight, and modern technology.
Sorry to go "off topic"
Rick |
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Bo Legg
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Posted 15 Jul 2010 8:26 am
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Deleted to save space
Last edited by Bo Legg on 16 Jul 2010 3:20 pm; edited 1 time in total |
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Mike Perlowin
From:
Los Angeles CA
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Posted 15 Jul 2010 8:52 am
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Bo, I'd agree with you if you were talking about some other brands like an old Sho-Bud or a ZB or an Emmons P-P that is out of adjustment. But MSA is possibly the sturdiest steel ever made. They are, as has been mentioned many times elsewhere, built like tanks, and as I said, they do not wear out.
I've played a Stage One. There's nothing wrong with them, and they are certainly more than adequate for a beginner or even and advanced student. But they are just not in the same league as an MSA.
Paul, if you buy the Stage One, eventually there will come a time when you will want something better. If you buy the MSA, chances are that will not happen. If you decide to get something different, it will most likely be because you want a D-10 or 12 string.
BTW, the Vintage XL series was their top of the line.
_________________
Please visit my web site and Soundcloud page and listen to the music posted there.
http://www.mikeperlowin.com http://soundcloud.com/mike-perlowin |
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Earnest Bovine
From:
Los Angeles CA USA
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Posted 15 Jul 2010 10:38 am
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| Mike Perlowin wrote: |
B But MSA is possibly the sturdiest steel ever made. ... they do not wear out.
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In my experience many of them are worn out. Parts of the changer are worn away and can't move smoothly. Worst is where string meets changer surface which has become flat or deeply grooved (hopeless to fix).
I suggest getting a Stage One while you can. |
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Bo Legg
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Posted 15 Jul 2010 12:40 pm
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Deleted to save space
Last edited by Bo Legg on 16 Jul 2010 3:20 pm; edited 1 time in total |
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Paul Haun
From:
Pennsylvania, USA
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Posted 15 Jul 2010 1:52 pm
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Bo, very true...it started as a Carpsteel vs. Stage One....That was my fault throwing in the MSA...
It's going to be a tough decision I feel after reading all the posts...I'm trying to see if the price of the MSA will move at all...between either the Vintage XL or an SD-10 classic I saw as well...
Not to say though that the Stage One is out of the running, but very much so. I admit though I've played 6string for nearly 21 years, I don't know much about the ins/outs of a steel...I wish I knew the people selling these MSA's, and not saying they aren't honest, but as mentioned, if something were wrong or broke, I'd be completely lost...and I don't know anyone near me that could repair them...
I do admit though the wood body though heavier is tempting...and although heavier, I'll already be dragging around my '66 Pro Reverb, so I'm used to the weight...
I'm just gonna have to decide one way or the other...MIke, I agree, I will probably want something else later if I go with the Stage One, but hopefully I'll get some return on the steel when/if I sell and can go for another later...
It's a toughie...I shall see how the price point can compare with the XL or the SD...thanks for all the input... |
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Chris Dorch
From:
Wisconsin, USA
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Posted 15 Jul 2010 6:34 pm
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A lot of people look at the Carpsteel/Legend vs. Stage One but fail to look at BSGs. Price is inline with both, quality is the same or better. Fully changable all pull setups with triple raise/lowers. And, Don is fantastic to work with...
Throw that one into your debate... |
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Paul Haun
From:
Pennsylvania, USA
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Posted 17 Jul 2010 11:08 am
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Update...quite a turn from original and other thoughts that I've been tinkering with...as i'll be moving around quite a bit with the guitar, weight defintely had an impact on the decision...
talked to an old friend of mine whom plays and does some session work...and looks like I'll probably be picking up his old GFI expo...a buddy bought it from him after he got his show pro and never used it, now back for sale...
Thank you to everyone for the input, honesty, advice, etc...quite a good group on here and looking forward to learning more...
be well.. |
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