Hello-
My main instrument is a Musser M55 (A 440) that I purchased new in 1978. It is a great instrument with a wonderful sound. I want to purchase a second M55. As most vibes players know, it is difficult to find good used instruments plus it is equally difficult to actually try out the various makes and models of vibes because so relatively few musicians play the instrument. Our situation is not like the one of a guitarist who wants to try out different Fender Stratocasters. I hear a lot of chatter that the new Mussers are not as well-made as the earlier ones, plus all of the newer vibes are tuned to A 442 unless you make a special order on a new instrument. Yes, I know that you can have the bars tuned to A 440. I have had that done on two other vibes I've owned.
I would be interested to hear from those of you in the Online Vibe Commuity who have played both older and newer Musser M55s. How do they compare in terms of sound, playability, durability, and reliabilty?
Also, if you are trying to sell an older (60s-70s) Musser M55, let me know. You can contact me through my email (gsmvibes1947@gmail.com) or via my Craigslist post (Western Massachusetts). I am actually currently trying to sell my Deagan Aurora II.
Thanks,
Gary Miller