MSA Millineum

Jim West · Post by **Jim West** » 3 Sep 2002 6:24 am

I did not go to the show but I heard the new MSA Millineum steel made its debut. Did any of you attendees play it and if so what are your comments.

Jim Smith · Post by **Jim Smith** » 3 Sep 2002 7:53 am

I didn't play one but took a pretty close look at the guitars. Typical excellent MSA quality of mechanics and looks. The pulling mechanisms and reversing knee levers are very similar to the old MSA's, updated to square cross shafts and slotted pullers.

The entire undercarriage can be removed from the guitar after removing all the pull rods. The cross shafts are all mounted in two long pieces of angle aluminum, which I think would help cabinet drop on any guitar. The undercarriage is assembled outside of the guitar, then installed as a unit. As such, the only way to move or remove a cross shaft is to remove the entire undercarriage. New pedal and knee lever kits will be "hinged" so they can be installed without removing anything.

The peghead is unique in that they use different length tuning key shafts so the strings pull straight over the nut rollers.

I especially liked the carbon fiber legs. To me that seemed to make the biggest reduction in weight as they were feather light. I didn't get to heft a pedal bar, but since it is also made of the same material, it would surely reduce the weight a lot as well.

There weren't any scales available to weigh the guitar, but it really didn't feel that much lighter to me than other guitars at the show. I would have liked to be able to weigh the new MSA and some others set up the same side by side.

Frank Parish · Post by **Frank Parish** » 3 Sep 2002 3:47 pm

I had a close look at these fine guitars. It's a 28 pounder folks! I culdn't believe the weight myself. I can't remember what the body is made of but it wasn't wood I don't think. I didn't get to play one because there were no amps to try one out there. It was clearly the best looking guitar I'd ever seen with some really great features like the pick-ups that will simply slide out for a quick change if you want to. Talk about a tone change, you could really get it like that! I liked the looks and the features but would liked to have played it. About $6000 for an 8/5 guitar.

Tommy White · Post by **Tommy White** » 3 Sep 2002 6:54 pm

Frank,
The new MSA Millennium retails for $5995.
That's a D-10 with 8 and 5, worth every cent.
I had the distinct honor of playing a Millennium in the MSA suite and was quite taken with the instrument. Zero cabinet deflexion and tone as wide as the mighty Mississip, not to mention its prestigious and elligant appearance. The Team Millennium fellows have outdone themselves.
T.W.

Rex Thomas · Post by **Rex Thomas** » 3 Sep 2002 8:10 pm

If Tommy says it's a babe, then it's a BABE. Way to go, Reece!!

Jim West · Post by **Jim West** » 3 Sep 2002 8:41 pm

Wow! A Tommy White endorsement! Space age steels here we come!

<FONT SIZE=1 COLOR="#8e236b"><p align=CENTER>[This message was edited by Jim West on 03 September 2002 at 09:42 PM.]</p></FONT>

Jim West · Post by **Jim West** » 3 Sep 2002 8:43 pm

Wow! A Tommy White endorsement! Space age steels here we come!

Gary Walker · Post by **Gary Walker** » 3 Sep 2002 9:33 pm

That's just like Reece to come up with a first class steel but then he's always been that kind of classy guy and player.

b0b · Post by **b0b** » 3 Sep 2002 9:43 pm

Moved to 'Pedal Steel' section of forum.