MSA Millenium -- a review...

Donny Hinson · Post by **Donny Hinson** » 15 Dec 2002 6:24 pm

For those people who have asked me for my opinion of the new D10 Millenium...read on.

Looks...

No doubt about it, the guitar is drop-dead gorgeous! Sporting more chrome than a '58 Buick, it literally "sparkles" like city lights on a clear night. (Their website photos really don't do it justice.) Even with the black C/F legs, it is still quite impressive.

Everybody's been wondering about the size & weight issue...

Well, packed up, it's a full 20 pounds lighter than a similarly-equipped MSA Classic, and almost 10 pounds lighter than a similarly-equipped Emmons P/P. It's also very compact...3" shorter, lengthwise, than the MSA Classic, and a full inch shorter than the Emmons P/P. Depth (front to back) is almost an inch less than the old Classic, and just slightly smaller (1/4") than the P/P. The Millenium is probably the smallest and lightest keyed guitar you can buy. Total carrying weight in the impressive Dell (flight-style) custom case is about 56 pounds. Lighter than most anything out there...but still substantial. It certainly won't "blow away" on a windy day.

The sound...

Nothing like the old MSA's! No...not even close. The sound is very reminiscent of the '60s vintage P/P's...slightly metallic, and with screaming "bell-like" highs. With the stock E66 pickup, think "Black Album" and you're pretty close...awfully close, as a matter of fact. The sustain and clarity up in "Hughey land" (above the 15th fret) are remarkable. Dance around at the 24th fret? No problem...the sound is there!

Mechanics, fit, and finish...

Mechanics are quite good (with only a couple minor adjustment problems that I took care of myself), and the fit and finish are excellent. Though I don't think they mention it on their website, the reason for the cabinet-mounted pedal height adjusters becomes obvious fast...the pedal rods are all the same length! No more fumbling with "which rod goes where"? The top rod-socket attachment takes some getting used to, though, and it will be a while before I break my 3-minute "from case-to-playing time" barrier of my old MSA. The pedal-board to leg snap-connectors are a joy. Snap-snap, and it's on. The knee levers are the most comfortable (contoured) design I've come across. Verticals have a nice wide paddle-type surface, too.

How does it play?

Very nice. Tuning is uncommonly stable...here's the proof. I tuned it up the Thursday before a Saturday/Sunday steel jam. I took it apart, cased it up, and drove 20 miles to the Jam. I set it up there, and just started playing. No retuning, no "touch-up", no nothing! It was "in". I did the same thing the following day, and never touched the keys or the tuners. So, if you want one that will really "stay in tune", this might well be your next guitar. It's not quite as quiet, mechanically, as I had anticipated. No doubt some of this is due to the low-mass body (which amplifies all those mechanical sounds just like it does all those musical ones), and some is due to the fact that I haven't really "fine-tuned" all the mechanics yet. (This process may take me several months.) Also, it's a very new guitar design, and improvements are still being made...they will get better in time, as all guitars do. From my own standpoint, a little noise is a small price to pay for the tuning stability and weight/size advantages. I haven't actually measured the hysteresis and cabinet drop, yet. Suffice it to say that they are "inaudible" to me.

Finally...is it really worth it?

Well, you'll have to decide that for yourself. I was in the market for a new steel, and have played the same MSA for 29 years. The old one never let me down, and I figured there was no good reason (other than saving money) for me to buy anything else. I wanted the best there is...period. Wait time was just over 5 months for mine, and the list price is the price. There'll probably be no "deals", no "dickering" with the price, as there is on other steels. If you want it...you gotta have the cash. My suggestion would be to save your coins and "load it up" if you're going to get one. Adding a crossrod for another pedal could be a major undertaking, as the entire undercarriage must be removed to do so. Also, the splits are tuneable at the end plate, so the end plates are modified for these splits. Be safe and just "split" something on both necks. That way, you'll always have the capability right at hand. Choose the E66 pickups if you like the classic "Emmons sound", or the BL-710 if you want something just a little fuller. Also, be advised that this thing will never sound like the old MSA's, regardless of what pickup you use. Should you have any other questions about the guitar, or my deal, feel free to e-mail me. All in all, I think they've got a "winner" with this new guitar, and others (much more capable than me) are beginning to think so, too.

Lastly, my guitar was "paid in full" before it was shipped! Though my wait-time was a couple months longer than had been projected, I never had any doubt I'd get my guitar.

That oughta set some minds at ease.

Kyle Bennett · Post by **Kyle Bennett** » 15 Dec 2002 7:15 pm

Donny,

I thought I would clarify your comment on additional crossrods. If you decide to add an additional crossrod to your Millennium, we offer a telescoping crossrod kit that you can install in a matter of minutes with no need for removing the undercarriage. The carriage is already predrilled and bushed on all Millenniums for this kit.
Thanks for the good report on your new D10. It was a pleasure to work with you.

Kyle

Paul Warnik · Post by **Paul Warnik** » 16 Dec 2002 6:31 am

Donny H-you are absolutely right that the new MSA Millenium sounds NOTHING like the older models-I was loaned a new Millenium to play for over a week-and I agree with you that with the E-66 pickups the sound is like the old P/P with great tone clarity in the upper register

Frank Estes · Post by **Frank Estes** » 16 Dec 2002 7:29 am

With the stock E66 pickup, think "Black Album" and you're pretty close...awfully close, as a matter of fact.

With all due respect, I highly doubt it...

------------------
Frank Estes - 1978 Emmons D-10 8+7 #2441D

Gene Jones · Post by **Gene Jones** » 16 Dec 2002 8:18 am

.....No doubt about it, the guitar is drop-dead gorgeous! Sporting more chrome than a '58 Buick,....

.....Donny, how about fins too, like a 58 Cadilac?....

Gene

Donny Hinson · Post by **Donny Hinson** » 16 Dec 2002 8:45 am

Well Gene, I guess you could add tailfins...if you wanted!

Frank...I'm not unaware of the loyalty of some Emmons owners. As for the subjective opinions of the P/P sound, well...let's just say that I own an Emmons P/P, too. As I have said before, I've heard Zums and Mullen that sound remarkably similar to the "old P/P Emmons sound", as well. To me, a good sound is a good sound, period. I revere the "sound" of a good guitar...any guitar. Names don't impress me.

Gene Jones · Post by **Gene Jones** » 16 Dec 2002 9:36 am

..Good answer Donny...I dig... .) www.genejones.com

Bobby Lee · Post by **Bobby Lee** » 16 Dec 2002 9:44 am

The biggest part of that "black album" sound came from Buddy's hands, IMHO.

Bob Hoffnar · Post by **Bob Hoffnar** » 16 Dec 2002 10:01 am

Donny,
Great news about the MSA ! I'm passing through your town for the holidays. I would love to check it out if you have time.

Bob

Rick Schmidt · Post by **Rick Schmidt** » 16 Dec 2002 12:43 pm

Thanks Donny! I really appreciate reading your take on the Milleniun. Youve always had had me nodding my head in aggrement on many other issues here on the forum, so your
review is good as gold for me.

Now sing after me: (in a yiddish accent)

"If I were a RICH man...dya di da di dya di... etc."

Enjoy...you deserve it! Merry Christmas!

VERNON PRIDDY · Post by **VERNON PRIDDY** » 16 Dec 2002 2:39 pm

Where Is All The Chrome? Black Legs .Pedal Bord. Don't See Much Chrome. SONNY.

------------------
SONNYPRIDDY

Gary Lee Gimble · Post by **Gary Lee Gimble** » 16 Dec 2002 3:06 pm

I would like to take this opportunity to endorse Donny's' critique of the new MSA. Why you axed? Well, let me tell you. This man plays and picks steel well above the average, and trust his opinion on other topics he feels a need to interject. Whom am I you axed? Well (again), my ear supersedes my playing expertise. Oh well! Donny, I'm jealous of you, and Curry whats his name cause he picks damn good too. Bottom line is, a couple of shots of MaCallan red label cask strength will allow me to sleep in the fetal position all night. Enjoy your new MSA!
Gary Leeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

Jeff A. Smith · Post by **Jeff A. Smith** » 16 Dec 2002 3:08 pm

Donny, Thanks for taking the time to do an excellent and comprehensive review. I appreciate hearing about the new MSA from someone else who plays and has positive feelings about the old ones.

Donny Hinson · Post by **Donny Hinson** » 16 Dec 2002 4:38 pm

Where Is All The Chrome? Black Legs,Pedal Board. Don't See Much Chrome.

Well Vernon, I have a set of the chrome legs on the way...they weren't ready to be delivered when I got the guitar, though. As for the chrome, well...the necks (sides, frets, pickup doors, and pickup surrounds) are chromed, the keyheads are chromed, the keys are chromed, the changer pillow and back-blocks are chromed, and the end-plates are chromed.

Also, they do offer a "polished" (aluminum?)pedalboard, if you really want one (which I did not).

Gary Lee, thank you for the compliment. I'm decent (read..."very commercial") on E9th, but don't have anywhere near your knowledge or skills on C6th. And Curry, well...he's "monster class" on both necks, in my book! Everybody else (Paul, Gene, Rick, Jeff, et al), thanks for the "flowers".

Bobby...you're right about Buddy, he does have that "Emmons' sound" on just about anything!

Frank...'ya gotta hear it to appreciate it.

Bob H., I'll e-mail you my phone number, and you can call when you get here. My schedule's a little "iffy" right now, but I'll sure try to accomodate you if I'm around. (Maybe you can show me some of those "advanced" chords I'm always missing?)

Bobbe Seymour · Post by **Bobbe Seymour** » 16 Dec 2002 5:47 pm

Sounds like a push-pull huh? Here we go again, using the Emmons as standard "by which to measure all others".
How many more times will Emmons be mentioned in this post? This is supposed to be a MSA post, why are you guys giving Emmons so much credit here? Is Emmons really the standard of measurement?

Jody Carver · Post by **Jody Carver** » 16 Dec 2002 5:57 pm

Hey Bobbe
Where you been? Missed you over here. Thanks
for helping me out,Smiley called and told me.

Let me know where you are.Things are too quiet since your'e gone.

Thanks again for your generosity. I really
appreciate it.

Merry Christmas to you and Mrs.

Keep in touch and dont be a stranger,unless
your'e a "Stranger in Paradise" If so let me
in.

Jody Carver · Post by **Jody Carver** » 16 Dec 2002 6:01 pm

They judge the rest by the best "EMMONS"

Bobbe Seymour · Post by **Bobbe Seymour** » 16 Dec 2002 6:20 pm

Jody, how could I charge you for anything?

Stephen Gregory · Post by **Stephen Gregory** » 16 Dec 2002 6:37 pm

Donny, Interesting post. It sounds that besides a "Classic" tone, the new Millennium has many other positive attributes not found on any of the other current guitars. I think Maurice and his crew are really on to something here, vintage tones, depending on the selection of pickup, light weight, tuning stability (imagine that) and many other advantages you listed. Thanks for the update!

Rex Thomas · Post by **Rex Thomas** » 16 Dec 2002 6:49 pm

...what Mr. Gregory said.

Bobbe Seymour · Post by **Bobbe Seymour** » 16 Dec 2002 7:09 pm

OR, you could always buy a push-pull to "get that classictone ",and buy a nice car with what's left over. Then in five years when the push pull is worth $6000.00, sell it and buy four five year old MSAs. Seems logical to me. What do you think?
I'm just doing some math here,.
I'd like to say "what Rex said", but Rex never ever says anything! He always says, "what someone else says". [This message was edited by BobbeSeymour on 16 December 2002 at 07:14 PM.]

Donny Hinson · Post by **Donny Hinson** » 16 Dec 2002 7:31 pm

Bobbe...you devil, you!

Actually, in all honesty, I know that there's a lot of players that use the Emmons as a benchmark...that's why I brought it up. As long as a player is happy with what he's playin', and he sounds good, I don't care what brand he's (or she's) playing. I also realize that, along with logic and finance, there's a lot of emotion involved when buying a guitar, too.

Personally, I feel that "how you play" is more important than "what you play", but that may put me in the minority around here...wouldn't be the first time!

Anyhow, Merry Christmas! And thanks for being so friendly when I was down in Nashville this year.

Bobbe Seymour · Post by **Bobbe Seymour** » 16 Dec 2002 7:33 pm

Please don't misunderstand me or my post guys, I feel sure that this guitar is the greatest guitar in the world for some players, as are other brands of steels for other people. I'm sure this is the perfect guitar for Rex and Donny and and anyone that wants one. Ford or Chevy? I have my prefences, and some of my good friends have opposing prefrences. They are still my friends, and I like them just as much, and I hope they feel the same about me.

Bobbe Seymour · Post by **Bobbe Seymour** » 16 Dec 2002 7:40 pm

Donny, you are a very easy guy to be nice to, I have always loved ALL your posts and I do this thread also. I have much respect for you and your wonderful wife, and I agree with you about buying steel guitars being emotional, that was a very intelligent thing to say , as is most of what you say in my opinion. Yes, I feel this is the perfect guitar for you and I believe I even told you this when you visited me in Nashville. I know you'll love it and I bet you'll keep it for 29 years.(like the last one.)
Your friend and antagonist in fun,
Bobbe

Bobbe Seymour · Post by **Bobbe Seymour** » 16 Dec 2002 7:45 pm

By the way, what ever happend to the great "Pat Burns"??? I'm sure he'd have a great comment with which to join in. Anyone know?
How 'bout a free set of E9th strings for the guy that finds him! I'll pay shipping!
Bobbe[This message was edited by BobbeSeymour on 16 December 2002 at 07:47 PM.]