Cost/Pros/Cons of Breadwinner?
Stephen P
Posted 2005-06-11 9:57 AM (#148007)
Subject: Cost/Pros/Cons of Breadwinner?


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Location: Maryland, USA
My elecric guitar is currently an Ovation Viper 1281 .

It is modified with the lower pickup being a humbucker rather than the duplicate pickup that was originally there.

I've been looking at Breadwinners, and would like to know your opinions on whether the breadwinner is better than a Viper or not.

Could you also please list the average price of a Breadwinner now a days?
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Jeff W.
Posted 2005-06-11 10:06 AM (#148008 - in reply to #148007)
Subject: Re: Cost/Pros/Cons of Breadwinner?


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Seems like breadwinners are going around $700-$800

If you put a humbucker in your viper, you might well like the sound of a BW,

but it's hard to compare what are two really different guitars. Stephen T would be a good source of info for you on this subject, as he owns and plays both.
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moody, p.i.
Posted 2005-06-11 10:12 AM (#148009 - in reply to #148007)
Subject: Re: Cost/Pros/Cons of Breadwinner?


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Keep in mind that the Breadwinner has active electronics and the Viper doesn't. You'll get different sounds more based on that than on the pickups (altho' there's difference there as well).
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Jeff W.
Posted 2005-06-11 10:24 AM (#148010 - in reply to #148007)
Subject: Re: Cost/Pros/Cons of Breadwinner?


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I believe the active electronics in the BW are battery powered which some folk don't like due to the battery life issue.
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moody, p.i.
Posted 2005-06-11 10:26 AM (#148011 - in reply to #148007)
Subject: Re: Cost/Pros/Cons of Breadwinner?


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Sure, but the fact remains that they are different in that regard.
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Jeff W.
Posted 2005-06-11 10:30 AM (#148012 - in reply to #148007)
Subject: Re: Cost/Pros/Cons of Breadwinner?


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...you are right they are different in that regard. No arguement, Paul-- just passing along the info.
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GrilledCheese
Posted 2005-06-11 10:46 AM (#148013 - in reply to #148007)
Subject: Re: Cost/Pros/Cons of Breadwinner?


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Location: Evansville,IN
Originally posted by Jeff W.:
I believe the active electronics in the BW are battery powered which some folk don't like due to the battery life issue.
I have been using Mallory ProCell batteries in mine, and haven't had any battery issues. These aren't available for retail sale, so you won't find them at the store. I buy mine at a local music dealer. These are the same people who make Duracell, just a better grade, and closer to the actual 9 volts, makes a difference in the sound, and they seem to last longer. :)
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Stephen P
Posted 2005-06-11 10:51 AM (#148014 - in reply to #148007)
Subject: Re: Cost/Pros/Cons of Breadwinner?


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How many hours do most batteries last in the active electronics?
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GrilledCheese
Posted 2005-06-11 10:56 AM (#148015 - in reply to #148007)
Subject: Re: Cost/Pros/Cons of Breadwinner?


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Location: Evansville,IN
Originally posted by Steve Parsons:
How many hours do most batteries last in the active electronics?
A lot depends on how much you use them. I've had mine in for at least 2 months, but it's not used everyday. The only time they are used is if the amp cord is in, so I make sure it's unplugged but the guitar is normally in it case, so that isn't a problem. :)

By the way, Welcome! :D
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Stephen P
Posted 2005-06-11 10:57 AM (#148016 - in reply to #148007)
Subject: Re: Cost/Pros/Cons of Breadwinner?


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I normally play around 2 hours a day plugged in.

How long do you think they would last with this information?
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GrilledCheese
Posted 2005-06-11 11:00 AM (#148017 - in reply to #148007)
Subject: Re: Cost/Pros/Cons of Breadwinner?


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You know that's a great question, and I don't have any idea. Maybe with the vast amount of knowledge in the OFC, someone will know. :)
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Mark in Boise
Posted 2005-06-11 11:22 AM (#148018 - in reply to #148007)
Subject: Re: Cost/Pros/Cons of Breadwinner?


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Location: Boise, Idaho
I had battery issues with my Collector's edition. The tuner would come on by itself at night and would burn up a battery in one day. It never really got too bad, just to the point where the low battery light would come on. I found out I could recharge the Energizer batteries in a battery charger and if I took the battery out after I finished playing, the batteries last for weeks. I probably average less than 30 minutes a day on that guitar, though.
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stephent28
Posted 2005-06-11 11:51 AM (#148019 - in reply to #148007)
Subject: Re: Cost/Pros/Cons of Breadwinner?



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I find the Breadwinner/Deacons to be unsurpassed for playing rhythm guitar but IMHO they sound a little thin for lead work.

The Vipers sound like a Tele on steroids giving a piercing lead sound and an good rhythm sound.

The Vipers sound good with effects (OD, Distortion, Fuzz, etc.), while the Deacon/BW do not.

I have both in my gallery that are for sale.
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stephent28
Posted 2005-06-11 11:57 AM (#148020 - in reply to #148007)
Subject: Re: Cost/Pros/Cons of Breadwinner?



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Steve,
There is a post from 2-3 weeks ago where I posted a little sound clip for Jeff called "Jeff's Lament" that featured a Viper 3 on it. Be a good source for what I was talking about from the lead perspective.

Jeff...do you remember the topic title or location?
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MWoody
Posted 2005-06-11 12:35 PM (#148021 - in reply to #148007)
Subject: Re: Cost/Pros/Cons of Breadwinner?



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Location: Upper Left USA
After hearing it from MoodyPi and thinking about it for a while I have to add that (for me) the Deacon neck is my favorite to play. I have had three Vipers and feel they are "Tele" like in play and sound but I haven't let my confused BW/Deacon six or Deacon 12 out of the house.

I don't have the original Deacon pups in either but the instrument itself is just pleasing.
The best answer Steve is that you go to the OFC Tour and swap guitars with as many as you can! A little hands on GAS attack!
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BruDeV
Posted 2005-06-11 4:09 PM (#148022 - in reply to #148007)
Subject: Re: Cost/Pros/Cons of Breadwinner?


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Location: San Bernardino, California
The preamp on a Breadwinner/Deacon gives a lot of gain, so you'll probably have to turn the volume on the guitar down to 4 thru 7 in order to avoid over-driving the input of any sound fx you use.

The design of the preamp causes very little drain from the batteries.
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Stephen P
Posted 2005-06-11 4:37 PM (#148023 - in reply to #148007)
Subject: Re: Cost/Pros/Cons of Breadwinner?


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Posts: 274

Location: Maryland, USA
StephenT,

Where is this gallery you speak of? I'd very much like to purchase a BreadWinner to acompany my Viper (however I'm broke so I probably won't be able to purchase it).
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stephent28
Posted 2005-06-11 5:11 PM (#148024 - in reply to #148007)
Subject: Re: Cost/Pros/Cons of Breadwinner?



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Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066
Galleries for all the members are in this forum.

On the left side of the screen you will see the option of "MEMBER ACCESS".

Click to enter and then go to photo galleries. I am listed under Stephent28 but if you have never been in this section.....prepare to spend some time enjoying some of the fab collections that our members have!
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Stephen P
Posted 2005-06-11 5:15 PM (#148025 - in reply to #148007)
Subject: Re: Cost/Pros/Cons of Breadwinner?


Joined:
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Location: Maryland, USA
Where on the left side of the screen? I just see a little strip of white :/

Sorry if I sound like an idiot.

EDIT: Oh it's on the main page. Nvm Sorry.
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Stephen P
Posted 2005-06-11 5:22 PM (#148026 - in reply to #148007)
Subject: Re: Cost/Pros/Cons of Breadwinner?


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Location: Maryland, USA
StephenT,

I'm looking at all your galleries but are only finding Deacons...where is your breadwinner that is for sale?

Also, what about Breadwinner Limiteds? I find I like their body much better than the original.
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stephent28
Posted 2005-06-11 5:30 PM (#148027 - in reply to #148007)
Subject: Re: Cost/Pros/Cons of Breadwinner?



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Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066
I only have the Deacon for sale. Deacons are just upgraded Breadwinners.....usually sell for $200-300 more. The limited's show up on ebay from time to time....currently selling in the $1200 + range.
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Stephen P
Posted 2005-06-11 5:46 PM (#148028 - in reply to #148007)
Subject: Re: Cost/Pros/Cons of Breadwinner?


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Location: Maryland, USA
Whoa...no thanks then, sorry.

Don't have enough money for a Deacon.

What's different about the Deacon anyway?
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stephent28
Posted 2005-06-11 5:49 PM (#148029 - in reply to #148007)
Subject: Re: Cost/Pros/Cons of Breadwinner?



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Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066
Don't be so sure you can't afford the Deacon from me. OFC members almost always give each other better deals than you will find on ebay. Probably could pry it away from me for ebay Breadwinner pricing.

The electronics are the same. Deacons just had better wood so the finishes were more translucent in appearance (versus solid sprayed on colors for BW) and the fretboards were usually a little fancier along with the hardware.

So far as playing and sound, I think they are basically identical.
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Stephen P
Posted 2005-06-11 5:53 PM (#148030 - in reply to #148007)
Subject: Re: Cost/Pros/Cons of Breadwinner?


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Location: Maryland, USA
If I could get a Deacon for the price of a Breadwinner, I'd probably rather wait and get a Breadwinner for a reduced price.

Too bad I can't find any Breadwinner limiteds, they look really nice.

Thanks for the info though.
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stephent28
Posted 2005-06-11 5:59 PM (#148031 - in reply to #148007)
Subject: Re: Cost/Pros/Cons of Breadwinner?



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Prices continue to escalate but you never know what bargin might be found. Good luck in your search!
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Stephen P
Posted 2005-06-11 6:05 PM (#148032 - in reply to #148007)
Subject: Re: Cost/Pros/Cons of Breadwinner?


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Location: Maryland, USA
Prices escalating...how much was a breadwinner going for...say a year ago?
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Jeff W.
Posted 2005-06-11 6:47 PM (#148033 - in reply to #148007)
Subject: Re: Cost/Pros/Cons of Breadwinner?


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Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub
Steve Parsons,

Take a breath.

If you want one of these instruments, Stephen is a very good source.
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Stephen P
Posted 2005-06-11 6:52 PM (#148034 - in reply to #148007)
Subject: Re: Cost/Pros/Cons of Breadwinner?


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Location: Maryland, USA
Is that a hint to definitely buy from Stephen?
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Jeff W.
Posted 2005-06-11 7:28 PM (#148035 - in reply to #148007)
Subject: Re: Cost/Pros/Cons of Breadwinner?


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Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub
Steve,
No, it is not a hint.

You seem to be struggling between guitar and price point.

You have and will get good info from folks on this board...

Stephen has sold many guitars both on ebay and here at OFC.

Look around this site...people trust each other... this is more than a message board.

All the best and have fun here....
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stephent28
Posted 2005-06-11 9:06 PM (#148036 - in reply to #148007)
Subject: Re: Cost/Pros/Cons of Breadwinner?



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Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066
A year ago Breadwinners were in the $400-500 range and Deacons were in the $650-750 range. Now add $250 - 300 to those prices depending on condition and color.

Occassionaly you will still find one with a BIN for those prices but anyone with knowledge and who is looking will snap them up within moments of the auction start.
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GrilledCheese
Posted 2005-06-12 7:44 AM (#148037 - in reply to #148007)
Subject: Re: Cost/Pros/Cons of Breadwinner?


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Location: Evansville,IN
The rise in prices is an ongoing thing, not just for Ovation's, but just about any US made guitar, as so many are imported nowadays. Hard to find bargains on US made guitars anymore. People are fairly aware of what they have, but that's not to say the bargains aren't out there. They just don't last long. :)
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Stephen P
Posted 2005-06-12 9:52 AM (#148038 - in reply to #148007)
Subject: Re: Cost/Pros/Cons of Breadwinner?


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Location: Maryland, USA
I see...

Stephen, I've sent you an email concerning the guitar.

Please reply as soon as you can :)

Thanks all.
I really like this community. Feeling at home already :)
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Jeff W.
Posted 2005-06-12 10:06 AM (#148039 - in reply to #148007)
Subject: Re: Cost/Pros/Cons of Breadwinner?


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Steve,
Glad to have ya aboard. Where in Maryland?
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Stephen P
Posted 2005-06-12 11:40 AM (#148040 - in reply to #148007)
Subject: Re: Cost/Pros/Cons of Breadwinner?


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Location: Maryland, USA
Southern Maryland :)
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Jeff W.
Posted 2005-06-12 11:57 AM (#148041 - in reply to #148007)
Subject: Re: Cost/Pros/Cons of Breadwinner?


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Used to live on Md's eastern shore in kent county.
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Stephen P
Posted 2005-06-12 12:08 PM (#148042 - in reply to #148007)
Subject: Re: Cost/Pros/Cons of Breadwinner?


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Oh...I'm on the western shore. It's very quaint here, however. Used to live in New Jersey, it's quite a change, but I've gotten used to it.
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Jeff W.
Posted 2005-06-12 12:22 PM (#148043 - in reply to #148007)
Subject: Re: Cost/Pros/Cons of Breadwinner?


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Used to live in South Jersey as well...

gotta keep moving so THEY don't find me
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Jeff W.
Posted 2005-06-12 12:46 PM (#148044 - in reply to #148007)
Subject: Re: Cost/Pros/Cons of Breadwinner?


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Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub
Originally posted by stephent28:
Steve,
There is a post from 2-3 weeks ago where I posted a little sound clip for Jeff called "Jeff's Lament" that featured a Viper 3 on it. Be a good source for what I was talking about from the lead perspective.

Jeff...do you remember the topic title or location?
I found that post "FD-14 on Ebay" posted May 30, 2005 it is located in the "For Sale" section.

posted May 31, 2005 10:44 PM
quote:
Jeff W said:
Besides, what would I do at night if I wasn't plotting clever ways to abscond with yours
Learn to play......

Jeff's Lament

--------------------
Stephen
Posts: 1385 | From: Littleton, CO | Registered: Apr 2004 | IP: Logged |
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Stephen P
Posted 2005-06-12 1:11 PM (#148045 - in reply to #148007)
Subject: Re: Cost/Pros/Cons of Breadwinner?


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Location: Maryland, USA
Just listened to Jeff's lament.
Great playing, nice blues and jazz feel to it.

Makes me love my Viper even more :D
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Stephen P
Posted 2005-06-12 8:46 PM (#148046 - in reply to #148007)
Subject: Re: Cost/Pros/Cons of Breadwinner?


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Location: Maryland, USA
StephenT,
Can you please respond to that email I sent you?
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Stephen P
Posted 2005-06-12 8:49 PM (#148047 - in reply to #148007)
Subject: Re: Cost/Pros/Cons of Breadwinner?


Joined:
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Location: Maryland, USA
Originally posted by MWoody:
After hearing it from MoodyPi and thinking about it for a while I have to add that (for me) the Deacon neck is my favorite to play. I have had three Vipers and feel they are "Tele" like in play and sound but I haven't let my confused BW/Deacon six or Deacon 12 out of the house.

I don't have the original Deacon pups in either but the instrument itself is just pleasing.
The best answer Steve is that you go to the OFC Tour and swap guitars with as many as you can! A little hands on GAS attack!
In response to this, I wish I could go to the tour, however there are two problems:

1) By the time I joined this site, the registration date was over.

2) I'm not 16 yet
Maybe two years from now I'll go and we can swap guitars. I have family in Connecticut, could use them as an excuse to head up there ;)
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MWoody
Posted 2005-06-12 9:07 PM (#148048 - in reply to #148007)
Subject: Re: Cost/Pros/Cons of Breadwinner?



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Location: Upper Left USA
If your parent signed a release and put you in Al Pep's custody you could attend, sort out his guitar inventory and frame his garage!

Just tell them you met on the internet! :eek:


And have them read this post as well - to assure them you know better! Glad to see the next generation of Ovation Fans is coming up!
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Beal
Posted 2005-06-12 11:06 PM (#148049 - in reply to #148007)
Subject: Re: Cost/Pros/Cons of Breadwinner?



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Location: 6 String Ranch
alwasy good to have new fans coming along
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E.Sherman
Posted 2005-06-13 1:08 AM (#148050 - in reply to #148007)
Subject: Re: Cost/Pros/Cons of Breadwinner?


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Location: Chicagoland
I guess that means I'm no longer the youngest person around at 17. Welcome to the board. :)
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stephent28
Posted 2005-06-13 9:37 AM (#148051 - in reply to #148007)
Subject: Re: Cost/Pros/Cons of Breadwinner?



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Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066
Stephen,
Sorry out for most of the weekend. I looked and did not see any emails from you. Can you resend it?
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Stephen P
Posted 2005-06-13 9:48 AM (#148052 - in reply to #148007)
Subject: Re: Cost/Pros/Cons of Breadwinner?


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Location: Maryland, USA
Just re-sent it :)
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