The Last Bass Outpost
Gear Discussion Forums => Gibson Basses => Topic started by: Andrew on December 22, 2012, 12:43:13 PM
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Hey all, the impossible has finally happened and Gibson is issuing left handed basses. So I have a Thunderbird on order. I've put some time in on a right handed 2012 Thunderbird for reference and I'm wondering if anyone can recommend a replacement pickup for thunderbirds with a bit more top end clarity?
I also tried a stock Epiphone Elitist Thunderbird and preferred it's sound to the Gibson one, if that helps show closer what I'm after.
Thanks!
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I like Thunderbuckers, best repro Thunderbird pickup out there imho. I have them in a number of bases, they really cut through.http://www.thunderbuckerranch.com/
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Well, I like Mike Lull's, they're sold as 8k, 9k sets. Exactly like early '60s Gibsons, even the covers are made by the same company Gibson used - Chrome, Polished Nickel, Raw Nickel, Black and Gold ;)
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... but do either of those pups sound like those fitted to Elitists...
Did Uwe say they were "similar" to TB+ pups...?
Andrew... if you really like the sound of those pups, wait until you new Lady arrives, see how you get on with the sound, and if you really like the Epi Elitest pups, swop them out and offer the Gibbie pups up for sale or swop once you are satisfied... people but T'birds for one of two things: the look or the sound... when you have both, the stage is your playground...
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The pickups in the Epi Elitist are the guitar humbucker size, right? They are the same as found in the LP Standard basses and are more aggressive than regular TBPlus. I have one in my Bach and two in my Epi Goth Rebuild http://bassoutpost.com/index.php?topic=7178.0 because I like them so much. The ThunderBucker Max is probably a good comparison to those pickups.
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The pickups in the Epi Elitist are the guitar humbucker size, right? They are the same as found in the LP Standard basses and are more aggressive than regular TBPlus. I have one in my Bach and two in my Epi Goth Rebuild http://bassoutpost.com/index.php?topic=7178.0 because I like them so much. The ThunderBucker Max is probably a good comparison to those pickups.
ThunderBucker MAX is a very different concept than TB Plus style pickups. MAX uses Alnico 5 magnets and a very large amount of thin copper wire, the same gauge used in vintage Gibson Thunderbird pickups but MORE. TB plus have ceramic magnets and smaller amount of thicker wire. MAX has a darker and fuller sound, may not be what you're looking for if you like TB+.
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I didn't mean to infer the pickups sound the same. I meant if he liked the more aggressive sound of the humbucker sized pickups then the Max was probably more up his alley.
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The MAX kicks ass. I have it in my Cataldo signature. Some video was shot at the last gig, it just hasn't been downloaded yet :-[ I'll try and get it posted as soon as I can.
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Thanks guys. Of the samples on the Thunderbucker Ranch website, I like the sound of the '63 pickups the best.
Which i read elsewhere on here is generally the least liked one from TBR. :-\
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Also, has anyone swapped the hardware on a new Thunderbird to all chrome? If so, got a pic?
Recommend a chrome elephant ear tuner that fits the modern t-bird headstock and a chrome aftermarket bridge?
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Jason Lollar Makes a Bad-Ass Thunderbird Pickup as well.
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Now if I only get around to fitting my one... ;)
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I like the sound of the '63 pickups the best.
Which i read elsewhere on here is generally the least liked one from TBR. :-\
I think it's more a case of people preferring a hotter pickup (rather than anyone not liking the '63). I just got a '66 set for one of my 70's birds. When I can afford it I'll be buying a '63 set for my other 70's bird. If you like the '63s I say go for it!
I chromed out a black modern bird around 10 years ago. Drbassman has it now. I love newer birds with the chrome mod. ;)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v47/gcarlston/auctions/96%20Thunderbird%20LE/96ThunderbirdLE.jpg) (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v47/gcarlston/auctions/96%20Thunderbird%20LE/96ThunderbirdLEbodyII.jpg)
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Thanks guys. Of the samples on the Thunderbucker Ranch website, I like the sound of the '63 pickups the best.
Which i read elsewhere on here is generally the least liked one from TBR. :-\
Steve and I decided to cover all bases (basses) with the VINTAGE Thunderbird sound, from original '63, NR'66 to MAX. He also custom winds them for other builders, Birdie of Fleetguitars.com being one.
Steve sells all of his pickups with a 30 day money back guarantee. So you can try any set and exchange it or return it for a refund, no questions asked...anyone else doing that?
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I think it's more a case of people preferring a hotter pickup (rather than anyone not liking the '63). I just got a '66 set for one of my 70's birds. When I can afford it I'll be buying a '63 set for my other 70's bird. If you like the '63s I say go for it!
I chromed out a black modern bird around 10 years ago. Drbassman has it now. I love newer birds with the chrome mod. ;)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v47/gcarlston/auctions/96%20Thunderbird%20LE/96ThunderbirdLE.jpg) (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v47/gcarlston/auctions/96%20Thunderbird%20LE/96ThunderbirdLEbodyII.jpg)
I love that bass George!
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Thanks guys. Of the samples on the Thunderbucker Ranch website, I like the sound of the '63 pickups the best.
Which i read elsewhere on here is generally the least liked one from TBR. :-\
Personally, I liked the soundclips from the '63 pickups best. That's what I'd put in my Bachs if I was going to make the switch.
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I think it's more a case of people preferring a hotter pickup (rather than anyone not liking the '63). I just got a '66 set for one of my 70's birds. When I can afford it I'll be buying a '63 set for my other 70's bird. If you like the '63s I say go for it!
I chromed out a black modern bird around 10 years ago. Drbassman has it now. I love newer birds with the chrome mod. ;)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v47/gcarlston/auctions/96%20Thunderbird%20LE/96ThunderbirdLE.jpg) (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v47/gcarlston/auctions/96%20Thunderbird%20LE/96ThunderbirdLEbodyII.jpg)
I LOVE the look of that bass!!!!!!
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Also, has anyone swapped the hardware on a new Thunderbird to all chrome? If so, got a pic?
Recommend a chrome elephant ear tuner that fits the modern t-bird headstock and a chrome aftermarket bridge?
Here's a pic of my MIK Epiphone Limited that I chromed out. I used Hipshot Ultralite Tuners, a chrome Epi bridge, and repro handrest and bridge covers from Ebay. The bridge pickup is a Lull, and I left the stock Epi pup in the neck position.
(http://i554.photobucket.com/albums/jj401/stiles72/Bluebird/LULLPUPS-700-038.jpg)
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Epi Pro IV: pups, bridge and bling from ThunderBucker Ranch.
(http://i976.photobucket.com/albums/ae241/cata1d0/THUNDERBUCKER/P1010474.jpg)
(http://i976.photobucket.com/albums/ae241/cata1d0/THUNDERBUCKER/P1010477.jpg)
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Man, I need that pg for my '76 Bicentennial! Is it an original?
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Here's a pic of my MIK Epiphone Limited that I chromed out. I used Hipshot Ultralite Tuners, a chrome Epi bridge, and repro handrest and bridge covers from Ebay. The bridge pickup is a Lull, and I left the stock Epi pup in the neck position.
(http://i554.photobucket.com/albums/jj401/stiles72/Bluebird/LULLPUPS-700-038.jpg)
That looks great!
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Epi Pro IV: pups, bridge and bling from ThunderBucker Ranch.
You sir are truly evil.
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Man, I need that pg for my '76 Bicentennial! Is it an original?
Nope. Photoshop, laser printer and waterslide laser decal paper.
You sir are truly evil.
I only design and sometimes prototype the stuff, Steve does all the production engineering work.
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Epi Pro IV: pups, bridge and bling from ThunderBucker Ranch.
did you have to route to fit the pickups?
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Chromed out T-birds look killer! I'm surprised Gibson hasn't done a chromed T-bird as a limited edition in the past few years.
Dadagobol, does the Epi pro come with a two piece bridge, or did you add it in place of the regular 3 bolt bridge?
OMC, where did the pearloid pickguard with the bird graphic on it come from?
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My '89 Gibson with Mike Lull pickups and a Gibson Bridge cover.
(http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd306/veronicasteed/1345831531.jpg)
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did you have to route to fit the pickups?
I used a router because I have the template but very little had to be removed. Paint is still visible on the sides of the pickup pockets. A file, scraper or knife blade would work.
Dadagobol, does the Epi pro come with a two piece bridge, or did you add it in place of the regular 3 bolt bridge?
I designed the bridge/tailpiece. ThunderBucker Ranch will be selling them next year.
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OMC, where did the pearloid pickguard with the bird graphic on it come from?
It was original to the bass, which is one of a limited edition Custom Shop run done in 1996. That and the ebony board seem to be the only difference from the production models in that era. A repair guy at Matt Umanov's in NYC had a pair of chrome TB Plus pickups from some unspecified Gibson project (he was a former Gibson employee) and was nice enough to sell them to me. I gathered the other parts and he did the conversion.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v47/gcarlston/auctions/96%20Thunderbird%20LE/96ThunderbirdLEheadstockbackII.jpg) (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v47/gcarlston/auctions/96%20Thunderbird%20LE/96ThunderbirdLEbirdII.jpg)
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I never knew "blinged" was a word. :)
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I never knew "blinged" was a word. :)
If that's the present tense, then "blung" would be past tense, right?
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"bling": n. def - pimpified shit, chrome, nickel
"to bling": def. - to apply chrome or nickel, pimpify
"blinged": v, past tense - an object which has been pimpified, chromed, nickeled, tarted up
"blung": v, past tense - obsolete, see "bling"
"blang": v, past tense - obsolete, see "blung"
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:mrgreen:
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I guess I can post this here too, why just chrome the pickups?
Anybody else got a chrome plated Opti - Grab? ;)
(http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd306/veronicasteed/NikkiII002.jpg)
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Mark, I think that's the best example of taking a signature model and making it your own!
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Mark, I think that's the best example of taking a signature model and making it your own!
;D Nikki who?
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Mark, I think that's the best example of taking a signature model and making it your own!
And in the process, making it a much prettier bass as well.
;D Nikki who?
Yup! ;)
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With all due respect for Herr Hills and his generally excellent taste: nope. Black is beautiful and black and red a much better combo than red and silver. Even the most immaculate one can err once in a while. That is then no cause for celebration, my color-blind brethren.
"'Cause chromin' ain't allowed in schoo-hool!!!"
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Yeah but ya gotta agree....Chrome on a 1956 Red Corvette is cool......
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Everything has its place and time. Automatic weapons made sense in the hands of GIs in the Battle of the Bulge and chrome on a '56 Vette.
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With all due respect for Herr Hills and his generally excellent taste: nope. Black is beautiful and black and red a much better combo than red and silver. Even the most immaculate one can err once in a while. That is then no cause for celebration, my color-blind brethren.
"'Cause chromin' ain't allowed in schoo-hool!!!"
I can freely admit that bass isn't for everyone, but on this bass since it's body is a satin finish a bit of shine really helps give it some life - On that bass the black hardware was just lifeless to me, now I could see a black/white/black PG on it in the fashion of many EB's - Probably would look nice in fact.
IIRC Black and Red were the colors of a certain regime........... ;)
Chrome is Life!
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You forgot the white!!!
And Glenn Tipton is no Nazi either.
(http://studionauta.zenfolio.com/img/s11/v33/p370630430-3.jpg)
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Is being a chromosexual offensive to certain religious sects...?
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Thanks guys. Of the samples on the Thunderbucker Ranch website, I like the sound of the '63 pickups the best.
Which i read elsewhere on here is generally the least liked one from TBR. :-\
FWIW it is my favorite but i am a fender guy
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What a way to kill the discussion. :-\
;) ;) ;) ;) ;) ;) ;) ;) ;) ;) ;) ;) ;) ;) ;) ;) ;)
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Jason Lollar Makes a Bad-Ass Thunderbird Pickup as well.
Anyone using these?
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FWIW it is my favorite but i am a fender guy
I'm a Fender guy too, by default if nothing else. ;)
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Epi Pro IV: pups, bridge and bling from ThunderBucker Ranch.
(http://i976.photobucket.com/albums/ae241/cata1d0/THUNDERBUCKER/P1010474.jpg)
Did this bass come stock with a two piece bridge? Can the two piece bridge be used on modern Thunderbirds without leaving holes behind?
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Did this bass come stock with a two piece bridge? Can the two piece bridge be used on modern Thunderbirds without leaving holes behind?
Bridge was designed by me and made by Steve at ThunderBucker Ranch. It doesn't cover the holes left by a 3 point.
...speaking of '63 Thunderbucker pickups, here's a set in a $200 Squier Jaguar bass
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wVh7txHyPNE
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Bridge was designed by me and made by Steve at ThunderBucker Ranch.
Could you please enlighten when these will be available for sale?
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Could you please enlighten when these will be available for sale?
I'll check. BTW I found out this morning the bridge uses the original large 3 point studs and anchors. I didn't design it that way, it's just how it worked out.
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Mark, you recommend the Lulls, ja? Do they fit a Bicentennial too? My 86 TB II Japan only mini series bass (the one I got from George) is nearing the end of its days pickupwise (that particular Bicentennial sidewinder was never strong to begin with, weaker than my 76 Bicentennial certainly and that is not particularly strong either). The loss of volume is dramatic (comparable to a Triumph now in low impedance mode) though it does have the charm of making that bass sound sharper and clearer - P-Bassish in fact - than any other TBird I own, including the Blackbird. But the end is nearing I believe. I'll have the sidewinder rewound probably (or remagnetized?) but that is going to change its sound for sure so I might just as well try a Lull.
Repairing pups that still work, but are in a state of deterioration is tricky. I once had a Junior EB-0 (from Dave) with obviously a broken pup, it was all honkish, out-of-phasish and sounded different to any other mudbucker I had, lovely! Eventually it fell out completely and was rewired and now my 61 EB-0 sounds authentic, i.e. like any other mudbucking bass of the era. Duh! :-\
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Uwe, I really like my basses that have Lull pickups in them a lot, my '89, since it's conversion has never sounded better! I realize your talented luthier could easily change them out there in Ze fatherland, if however it need to make a trip to Lulls for the work I'm happy to be any help.
There are of course several vids of me and the band that would give you a good idea of the tone. :)
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(http://www.faz.net/polopoly_fs/1.851254!/image/4215570016.jpg_gen/derivatives/article_aufmacher_klein/4215570016.jpg)
One fundamental question, and of kourse vee haff ze vays to make you talk:
WILL ZE LULL DROP IN A BICENTENNIAL NECK PUP CAVITY WITHOUT ANY ROUTING AND WILL ZE ORIGINAL COCK PUP RING STILL BE INSTALLABLE?
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(http://www.faz.net/polopoly_fs/1.851254!/image/4215570016.jpg_gen/derivatives/article_aufmacher_klein/4215570016.jpg)
One fundamental question, and of kourse vee haff ze vays to make you talk:
WILL ZE LULL DROP IN A BICENTENNIAL NECK PUP CAVITY WITHOUT ANY ROUTING AND WILL ZE ORIGINAL COCK PUP RING STILL BE INSTALLABLE?
I readily submit to your interogation!..........Some cuffs would have been nice tho ;D
Yes, IIRC they should just drop in, the one thing that's different is the mounting. 76's having some funky chassis to sit in. '60s are of course much thinner and will need a shim - Clint used some hard foam, I've used that and mahogany blocks. Pretty simple stuff.
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Cuffs and hard foam? Are we talking about the handcuffed priest from Illinois again?
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8yGBwCgA4pg
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Germans.............They just have a way with me ;)
Happy to help on this if you need anything Uwe, I know they're getting ready for NAMM, an email to Paul Schuster the shop manager should be a good place to start tho.
BTW has the Epi arrived?
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Something has arrived (I was just notified today), don't know whether it is the Epi or the G-3 or both. I have a Customs Declaration from you here dated 12/28/2012, was that just the Epi or both?
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It's the Epi, I'm quite fond of the G-3 - Will reluctantly post this coming week.
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You are a sinful, bad, bad girl, Frau Professor and you know it! You can't really put "temptation" and "resist" in one sentence, can you?
:mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen:
Seattle stay of the G-3 is herewith extended while you get me a Lull and send that with (let me know how much it costs so I can transfer). Are all Lulls created equal irrespective of neck or bridge position? I need a neck one.
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8K neck, 9K bridge. With my '89 I roll off the bridge pup completely sometimes - it's SO GOOD!
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Then I should perhaps use the 9k on a single pup bass, why settle for less?
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Then I should perhaps use the 9k on a single pup bass, why settle for less?
That's up to you! I'll try to get up to Bellevue 1/17 or 1/18....... ;)
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Here's a funny one...My blue '65 T bird has a 7.5 pickup in it....and it's Louder and bigger sounding than any of my other basses. I put hotter pickups in it but they never sounded right.
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Hotter doesn't necessarily mean louder. I've heard too many hot pickups that were just more midrangy without being noticeably louder.
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darn physics .lets not forget capacitive reactance core saturation resonant peak and nimkilfitimch.
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Let Herr Lull decide then, Mark, whatever he thinks best for a TB II that should retain a certain brightness.
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Let Herr Lull decide then, Mark, whatever he thinks best for a TB II that should retain a certain brightness.
Back ASAP with news. ;)
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I've contacted MLCG several times for the last two-three weeks with no results. Btw, one of my questions was the better choice for TBII :)
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I've contacted MLCG several times for the last two-three weeks with no results. Btw, one of my questions was the better choice for TBII :)
Don't know what's up there, but I just got off the phone with Mike, they have plenty in stock. 8K vs. 9K one is a little hotter that simple. He didn't reccomend one over the other, personally I like the tone of both my '89 and N.S MkII with just the 8K neck pup solo'd. It's probably along the lines of Baz' thoughts I guess - For me it certainly isn't a volume thing.
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Could you please enlighten when these will be available for sale?
I'll check.
Any news? Thank you
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Any news? Thank you
Now. How time flies!
Contact Steve at the thunderbuckerranch.com website
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Thank you!