Conklin Custom Color

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We turn good ideas……into great guitars! www.conklinguitars.com

Your guitar or bass should be an extension of your personality, a tool designed to

make the most of your unique musical abilities, and that is what Conklin is all about.

We work directly with you to create the exact guitar you have in mind…a one-of-a-kind

professional instrument of the finest quality.

At Conklin, each of us is dedicated to

creating instruments of unsurpassed

workmanship… instruments that

push the envelope of conventional

thinking and conventional standards.

Every aspect of construction at

Conklin is performed by hand. We

have no CNC machines, no robotics,

no computer aided design or drafting

— just a handful of experienced

craftsmen with keen eyes, skilled

hands, an unwavering attention todetail and an obsession for quality.

Conklin Guitars is a small, but proud

company dedicated to producing

uncompromising instruments for

discerning musicians. We aim to meet

or exceed your highest expectations.

If you can dream it…

Conklin can create it.

You have a dream…

We have the means.

Bill Conklin (left) and partner Phil Goschy. Two guys enrichingpeople's lives.

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Company Profile . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2Product Profile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3Extended Range Instruments . . . . . .4A Word About Woods . . . . . . . . . .10Signature & Custom Guitars . . . . .10

No holds barred…the sky's the limit . . . . . .

Mobile Electric Upright (M.E.U.) BassA revolutionary instrument . . . . . . . .13

New Century Series. We limited the optionsand lowered the prices . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

Hollowbody Guitars and BassesThe hippest of the hollowbodies . . . . .17

The Exclusive "Melted Top"Organic Graphics . . . . . . . . . . . . .20

The Power of Piezos & TheMagic of Midi . . . . . . . . . . . . .21

Team PlayersConklin owners and users . . . . . . . . .22

For More InformationWe want to hear from you . . . . . . . . .23

C O N T E N T S

We understand that the very heart and soul of

the instrument lies within the neck.

Therefore, we are extremely particular about the

materials and processes used to build our necks. All

Conklin instruments are constructed with a durable

multi-laminate neck. This standard feature provides

unparalleled strength and stability and resists twisting

and bowing like no one piece neck ever could. Otherbenefits of this design include a much more even

volume spectrum across all the strings and a livelier,

cleaner, focused response on every note.

Beautiful, Durable, Multi-Laminate Neck

Rugged Integral

Headstock

Exclusive Contoured

Neckheel

Conklin’s tapered and contoured neckheel provides the smoothest transition from neck to body andeffortless access to the highest fret.You'll swear you’re playing a neck-thru-body.

Conklin’s integral headstock, fully contoured body and tapered neck heel provide t he ultimate in comfort, playabilityand durability.

For added strength, the Conklin neck andheadstock is cut from a single multi-laminateblank, then inlaid, fretted and hand carvedfor a comfortable, somewhat “broken-in”feeling that fits perfectly into your hand.

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Conklin's tilt-back headstock increases tension over thenut for better sustain and the straight string pull designimproves tuning accuracy.


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Extended

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We wrote the book on…

Tuned in fourths

and spanning the limits of

range, these Conklin

Sidewinders combine contra bass

(below E), standard bass, tenor bass

(normally tuned A-C) and piccolo bass (an octive above

standard E-G) and allows you to play through all these modes without

any thought involved.

Range Instruments.

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Our intention, when designing these extended range instruments, was not so we could brag

that we had more strings than anybody else. These are incredibly versatile, totally practical,

serious “World-class” instruments.

Try not to view these instruments as some alien creature requiring super human strength and

huge hands to play…quite the contrary. The “Side-winder” is a very user-friendly

instrument, easily adapted to by any player with a basic knowledge of the bass and guitar.You may be amazed to know that many Conklin converts report that the 7-string is actually

easier to visualize and play than a six string bass! With the addition of the high F-string

chording becomes as natural as on a keyboard or guitar and even complicated scales

become easier and faster because of being able to play vertically without having to

transpose up the neck.

Much of Conklin's notoriety has come from the fact that we thrive in areas that any other

company would fear to tread. Nothing exemplifies this more than our extended range

instruments. Basically any instrument that has range beyond the normal 6-string guitar or 4-

string bass could be considered extended range. However, Conklin has become famous for

taking range and versatility to the limits. Since the introduction of our sidewinding 7-string

bass in 1992, Conklin has built hundreds and hundreds of custom order 7, 8, and even 9-string

basses; and the response has been similarly overwhelming to our 8-string guitars.

Why so many strings?

Since the release of our Sidewinder 7-string bass in 199 2, Conklin has pioneered more advancements in the field ofextended range instruments than any other company and more recently we've made history with our 8- and 9-stringbasses, tuned in fourths from Low F# to High F or even High Bb!


4/13 We turn good ideas……into great guitars! www.conklinguitars.com

Extended Range Instruments

Tight, punchy presence

The Superior construction of our super strong maple/purpleheart neck offers several

advantages. The need for graphite reinforcements which sterilize your tone is eliminated and

it provides punchy, focused lows and mids, bright, clean glassy highs, incredible sustain and

the tightest low “B” on the p lanet.

The tight bottom end response also enhances right hand technique by allowing for lower

action and a lighter touch while creating more even dynamics.

Unparalleled comfort and playability

The Sidewinder bodystyle is also perfectly balanced and seemingly weightless making the

Conklin bass a dream to play for hours at a time. The Sidewinder bass features a 34" scale,

double expanding truss rods, a custom made bridge, available with narrow or wide string

spacing and a wonderfully thin, fast neck. The extended arch of the fingerboard created by

the wider neck is more ergonomically suited to your hand which actually reduces fatigue and

improves playability.

Guitarists need added range too!

Conklin’s standard 8-string guitar has added range in both directions making it a lead player’s

dream. Modern jazz guitarists will find the chordal possibilities wide open, and country

pickers will love the versatility of the low “B” for baritone range and the high “G” for slide

work. Or, for those who like their Lows, the 8 can be tuned with two lower strings for a

walking bass line or devastatingly low chords.

String spacing on the 7 & 8 string guitars is virtually identical to

standard electrics. Five piece laminated necks are standard, and both models feature a

custom made Conklin bridge.

All Conklin extended range instruments are available with Conklin’s exclusive “melted tops”,

custom electronics, and many other options.

A radical design that’s quite comfortable and very playable; this 36 fret 7-string is the epitome of extended rangeand versatility.

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Extended Range Guitars

This pair of 8-strings featuremulti-scale fingerboards(licensed by Novax). Thefanning of the frets creates alonger scale length on the bassside to allow for tunings wellbelow the normal range of a 6-string. The shorter scale on the treble side allows for tuning to

High A.

3 on/off switches;3 band EQ. Totalcontrol…

totally cool

For the traditionalistlooking for extendedrange we offer thisSidewinder 8-stringwith wooden “Melted”pickguard.

Check out the custom Conklin tremelo on this shreddin' 7.



Extended

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This georgeous satin finished 7-stringfeatures a one piece figured walnut top.

While this one features a one piece solid

figured maple body. Bo th utilize Lane Poorpickups and full EQ.

This simple beauty features neck-thru-bodyconstruction, a beautiful, curly maple top andBartolini pickups.

Two beautiful custom basses. A quiltedmaple 5-string built for Danny DeMoraleswith Wayne Newton and a “Melted Top” 6-string made for Kieth Nelson with Diana

Ross and Donna Summer.

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Range Basses

It just doesn't get any nicer than this. A stunning one piece figuredwalnut top hammers it home.

Bill “The

Buddha”

Dickens

leaves

crowds

wiped out

with his technical prowess. Here he is on the world's

first 9-string bass. Bill's Custom Basses feature stereopanning, parametric EQ and a 12-volt power supply.

This“to die for”

Sidewinder7-string

screams for attentionwith its one-of-a-kind

“Melted Top”, piezo andmagnetic electronics and

incredible tone and playability.

Our 8-string

basses add an

F# below B or a

high Bb above F.

This one also has an on-

board parametric EQ and

direct out XLR.


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Signature & Custom Guitars

Redefining custom

At Conklin Guitars, custom means just that…the customer is free to choose every

specification of the instrument including design, woods, colors and componentry.

High-performance

refinement

Before construction, every detail of your

custom Conklin design is carefully

evaluated for balance, weight and overall

player comfort (whether seated or

standing). Conklin helps you refine your

ideas, to assure that your guitar delivers

unmatched performance regardless of

how radical the design. And, of course,

every guitar is fully inspected and set-up

prior to delivery by a professional

technician/musician for perfect tuning,

intonation and playability.

A word aboutWoods

As a general rule of thumb the lighter

more porous woods will give a warmer

woodier, more resonant response and the

heavier, denser woods will have the

brighter, snappier more focused tone.

Keep in mind that each piece of wood is

merely an ingredient of the overall result.

There is no right or wrong.

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Extremely rare curly Koa highlights thisspectacular

7-string featuring an on-board Parametric EQ(PEQ).

Could this be the most incredible feat of custom guitarengineering ever?

The result of this obsession is Conklin’s extraordinary

“Standard Set-up” - a wealth of options available asstandard equipment on every custom Conklin Guitar.

These include your choice of bodystyle, neck width,

scale length and fingerboard radius, standard woods and

standard colors, as well as any type of bridge or tremolo

system, tuning machines and pickups. And that’s not all.

Other standard features include:

A multi-laminate neck and unified headstock for superior

strength, beauty and durability.

Your choice of fine maple, rosewood, or ebony, fingerboard.

Chrome, gold or black hardware.

An ergonomically designed body, featuring our exclusive tapered neckheel.

A recessed straplock system for worry-free stage movement

and low profile strap attachment.

A locking input mechanism to prevent accidental cord

extraction.

Mother of Pearl position markers located on the upper edge

of the fingerboard that double as top and side dots allowing

easy viewing from any angle.

An Ultralite case from Modern Case Company.

Conklin Guitars’ unprecedented limited Lifetime Warranty

against defects in custom workmanship for as long as you

own your guitar.And if that’s not enough…Absolutely unlimited custom options

can be specified.

All Conklin instruments can be orderedwith an earth-friendly, fully resonant,urethane/oil finish. Many players prefer the “woody” feel and sonic properties of this hand-rubbed finish. Also note thedetailed mother-of-pearl inlay work on thiswenge and purpleheart bass.

Our standard case is the form-fit

"ultralite" from Modern Case Co.

Bill shapes and sands the edges of ahollow body bass.

Conklin Guitars is dedicated to creating the ultimate

level of instrument. One whose standard features

include higher standards…an obsessive attention to

detail for those who will not settle for second best or

compromise commitment.

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Phil puts the final touches on anexquisite 8-string bass. Controlcavities are competely shieldedand each instrument is hand-

wired with meticulous attention to detail.

All new stylesAll new standards.


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Brilliant tropical colors highlight thiscomfortable, well-balanced guitar.

This ferocious-looking bulldog was three-dimensionally carved and then air brushed. Acartoon brought to life.

A trio of custom

basses…a solid

“honeycomb” quilt

maple lefty 7;

a 3 octave

Wenge/Bubinga neck- thru with Ziricote top

and a one-of-a-kind

4-string in the same

shape as our

Crossover guitar. The

“Melted” pick guard

on the arched top 4 is

made of Cocobolo and

curly maple.

This MIDI 7-string has it alland does it all.Call or write forowners manual(just kidding)!

“HeavenlyHardbodies”Somemouth-wateringmorsels of “MeltedTops” and3-D relief carving.The 8-stringdragon bass wasmade for Victor Wooten.

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Cus•tom (kus'tem)adj. 1. Made or done to order, or, made extra fine; 2. Making things to order, or dealing in

things made to order [a custom luthier]; 3. Made according to personal or individual

specifications, according to the customer's specifications …syn. SEE ALSO CONKLIN.

Conklin Means Custom


“It

melts in

your hand

not in yourmouth. ”

We call this bass

the “Ultimelt”

because of its liquid

looks, precision

craftsmanship and superior

performance. We think

it will melt

your heart.


8/13 We turn good ideas……into great guitars! www.conklinguitar s.com14

The instrument that was originally designed to

allow upright players to move around on stage

and electric players to easily adapt to upright

style has evolved into a revolutionary instrument

that continues to amaze even its designers. The

Conklin M.E.U. or Mobile Electric Upright is a

fully mobile, fully portable, extremely well-balanced electric upright that is strapped on like

an electric bass but hangs on the body in

upright position. A combination of precisely

placed strap buttons and an ingenious balance

block on the back of the instrument allows the

lightweight M.E.U. to hang effortlessly just off

the player’s body at a perfect playing angle and

height.

The secret to the M.E.U.’s size and mobility lies

in its 34” scale length, but don’t think for a

second that the M.E.U. can’t run with its long-

scale acoustic counterparts. The Conklin hasan incredible acoustic tone, even down to the

“thud” produced when plucking an upright

string and the vibrating top effect produced by

bowing an acoustic. You won’t believe your

ears!

The M.E.U. bass shownwith the removablebalance block andadjustable strap whichallows the instrument torest in perfect uprightposition on any sizeplayer.

Kyth Trantham demonstrates the bowability of the5-string M.E.U.

Mobile Electric Upright

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Even with its drastically downsized body, thin

profile and lack of arching or F-holes; the

M.E.U. sounds like it’s two

feet wide, six feet tall and

pushing air! Die hard

acoustic players are

amazed at how theM.E.U. neck and

fingerboard

replicates an

expensive full

size upright and

even transmits

vibrations into

the left

hand; a

characteristic rarely found on any electric

upright.

The strap on design and compact shape of

the body also allows the player to “become

one” with the instrument making the M.E.U.

easier to play, even in thumb position.

Another advantage of the M.E.U. is its

traditionally styled body. When combined

with its realistic acoustic, sonic

capabilities the M.E.U. will surely be

welcomed in virtually any musical

forum just short of the symphony.

The M.E.U.’s size makes it a hands

down winner in yet another

category; transportability. At only

52” the M.E.U. can be zipped into its

custom Ultralite Case and easily carried

across campus over the shoulder, tossed

into the back seat of any subcompact car

and even placed in the overhead

compartment of most planes!

No more of those shipping

nightmares for acoustic

upright players.

If you currently play acoustic

upright, electric upright or

standard electric bass, you

owe it to yourself tocheck out the Conklin

M.E.U. bass. From

Conklin and no one else!

“M.E.U.” Bass

Players include:Allen Woody - Government MuleVictor Wooten - Bela FleckKevin Chown - Studio Musician0

Paul Arntz - Nashville session player.Paul IL - LA Session Player

The M.E.U. sounds like it’s two feetwide, six feet tall and pushing air!



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Understanding that not every player has the need for a completely

custom instrument or even the budget to acquire one, Conklin is

proud to offer a limited production series of guitars and basses, priced

within the reach of virtually anyone.

These instruments are not mass-produced, down-grades of our

renowned signature and one-of-a-kind models, but are standardized

versions of our most requested designs and options. The NEW

CENTURY SERIES™ guitars and basses are hand made to the same

exacting standards, by the same craftsmen, using top grade hardwoods

and name brand hardware, right in the same shop as our finest custom

instruments. By limiting options, instead of lowering quality, we are able

to streamline production and lower costs.

Every instrument produced at Conklin features the same craftsmanship,

playability, and lifetime warranty, regardless of price.

New Century Seriesguitars and bassesfeature cherry bodies,multi-laminate necks,rosewoodfingerboards and ourexclusive“off-sides” dots.All 4,5,6, & 7-stringbasses are availablein 3 models and 3

option packages.•

We’re with you for life… That’s integrity!

*See New Century Series price list for full details.

The “New Century Series” Instruments of Integrity

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The New Century Series

The versatile bodystyle of the Conklin“ Crossover” can be set-up in several different variations.

Note how well this design lends itself to strat-style, tele-style and Les Paul*-style

configurations. All pick guards are made of wood.

All 6, 7, 8-string New Century Guitars are available in 2 bodystyles, 3 models and 3 option packages.

*See New Century Series price list for full details.

*Strat, tele, and Les Paul are registered trademarks of Fender Musical Instrument Co. and Gibson Guitars. Conklin is in no way affiliated

with these companies.


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We turn good ide as……into great guit ars! www.conklinguitars.com18

“The Hippest of the Hollowbodies”

Conklin Arch Tops...

Sing the same construction techniques that allowed us

to produce our highly praised Mobile E lectric Upright

(M.E.U. Bass) Conklin is now offering a new line of hollowbody

guitars and basses. These

wonderful instruments are

built around the samecompact body style as our

solid bodies for a more intimate feel

and comfortable playing position than

can be achieved on a full size jazz box.The

neck, pickups, electronics and bridge are also

set up in a more familiar fashion to allow electric

players to feel right at home at all times.

Because the

deep,hollowbody

design features both

magnetic and piezo

pickup options these

hip little hollow bodies

can do it all from a

screaming lead guitar , a th ick chunky rhythm

guitar , a beautiful warm jazz box or a rich glass-like

acoustic guitar .

Once you see, hear and

feel the new Conklin

hollow-bodies you may

decide this is the only

guitar you need.Conklin hollowbodies can be decked out with piezo

and magnetic pickups, preamps, EQ's, on board

MIDI electronics, “Melted T ops” and even multi-

scale fingerboards as on this beautiful Sidewinder

hollowbody .(T uned Low B to High A).

Piezo pickups in the bridge of this georgeous 6-

string Crossover hollowbody produce incredibleaccoustic tones while the neck position

humbucker gives it a wonderful warm

jazzbox tone.

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Conklin hollowbodies includ e an

easy-access control cover, contoured

neckheel and arched back.

A Les Paul lovers

archtop.

This spectacular piece features walnut back and sides, 5 pc. “Melted

Top”, 3 band EQ, MIDI electronics and custom Conklin bridge.

Dave Wood, New

York City jazz,

funk &fusion

session artist.

T o celebrate their 15th year

of business and the release

of their new hollowbody basses;

Conklin is proud to offer this Limited

Edition 15th anniversary model. A

special finish, select hardware, exotic

wood binding and custom electronics

highlight this hollowbody

7-string Sidewinder

bass.


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We turn good ide as……into great guit ars! www.conklinguitars.com20

How do they do that?

It's a work of art that works!

The Magnificent “Melted Top”

Conklin Guitars has become known for its many unique creations and exclusive innovations,

but nothing sets us apart from the pack like the

“Melted Top”. The world class Conklin craftsmen have developed what may be the ultimate

construction technique. In a special process the Conklin design team uses only the finest

exotic woods to create stunning organic graphics; two or more different types of wood are

combined into a unique visually stimulating pattern to portray the illusion of movement,

harmony and colorful excitement.

Once the boards are chosen, the Conklin craftsmen must figure out how each of the woods

will interact in the pattern to create the finished top. From there, Conklin uses a secret

process to “melt” each piece into the pattern with super precise airtight joints. It’s hard to

believe these woods didn’t grow this way in nature! Every finished Melted Top is a one-of-a-

kind creation as unique as the woods that go into it and the artist that owns it.

Conklin offers four basic patterns in 2,3 and 5-piece tops which allow for an infinite number of

designs that can be created using different species of woods and grain patterns. Custom

patterns are also available.

The process of making Melted Tops is a

radical departure from the standard

bookmatched top (i.e. figured Maple

tops) seen on virtually every guitar

manufacturers’ products today.

Conklin's highly skilled luthiers carefully

sort through hundreds of boards from

several different species of wood suchas burl walnut, curly, quilt or birdseye

maple, lacewood, cherry and purplehart

just to name a few. Each piece is

selected for its particular grain pattern or

color contrast when combined with the

other woods. Conklin is the first and only guitar company on the planetoffering this mysteriously beautiful and diverse construction

method, blending impeccable craftsmanship and artistic

creativity.

Piezo crystals imbedded in the saddles of

this ABM bridge ca n be used fo r a wide

variety of applications.

MIDI electrtonics hidden inside the control cavity of this bass allow it to produce the sounds of virtually

any other instrument. The only clues to its existence

are a patch switch, a synth switch and the

telltale 13-pin o utput jack. Other electronics include

a 3 band EQ, a magnetic pickup blend knob and a

piezo/magnetic blend knob.

The Power of Piezos

When people hear the term piezo pickup these days, they often think of the ones used

in acoustic/electric guitars and those that make solid bodies sound like acoustics;

that is correct, but that's definitely not all the piezo is capable of.

The Magic of MIDI MIDI allows your guitar or bass to digitally interface or communicate with other MIDI

equipped devices such as computers, controllers and converters so that you can write,

record and edit your music via your computer or create the sounds of virtually any other

instrument, live

or in the studio.

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Piezo crystals can be installed under each bridge

saddle giving the individual strings their own signal.

These separate signals can be used for splitting thebass and treble strings into separate outputs for doing

two hand tapping techniques without cross talk or for

true stereo panning. And because the piezo operates

on string pressure instead of vibration, the response is

virtually instantaneous making them the perfect

candidate for another challenging task…triggering

MIDI systems.

Our MIDI electronics are made by RMC and

are completely housed within the control

cavity of the instrument and triggered via

piezo pickups in the bridge. This methodallows us to do multi-string applications and

also tracks much faster and more accurately

than the old hex pickups. This system is

compatible with any 13 pin MIDI converter

and can be blended with the existing piezo

and magnetic signals from the instrument.

You can order MIDI electronics on any of our

custom shop, New Century Series or

hollowbody instruments.


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Ask the Experts.

Send us your dream.

So let your imagination soar…We’ll turn your goodideas into a great guitar.

All Conklin basses are available fretted or fretless. Fretless models can be ordered with or without lines and with orwithout a hard finish on the fingerboard.

If you need assistance with your design and hardware selection please don’t hesitate to call

our friendly, knowledgeable staff. That’s what we’re here for!

(417) 886-3525 or E-mail: [email protected]

A combination of your imagination and our craftsmanship — your Conklin will allow you to

reach unexplored musical horizons and discover new avenues of expression and untapped

potential within yourself.

If you have drawings or sketches of your dream instrument that you feel may help convey

your ideas to us; send them along with your other specifications to:

CONKLIN GUITARS & BASSES P.O. Box 1394/Springfield, MO 65801

OR FAX THEM TO: 417-886-2934

Copyright© 1991, 1993, 1995, 1998 Conklin GuitarsPhotos by J.T./Envision/Harmon Creative Photo

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Ask us about Conklin Wearables…Jackets, Shirts & Hats as well as Conklin

accessories…strings, cases and stands.

TEAM PLAYERS Notable Conklin Owners & UsersSee our Website for updated listings and bios on these

and many other incredible artists.

Conklin doesn’t have the

huge budgets that are often

used to "buy" endorsers,hand out free equipment or

sponsor major tours or

clinics.

These artists simply

wanted an instrument as

individual as they are and

had the integrity to pay us to

get them. Now that's an

endorsement!

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Pennal Johnson Ted Whitmore Jake Kot

John Jordan

Keith Rouster

Josh SmithEddie PruittMark Harris


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$300

Conklin Custom Color

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