ThroBak Guitar Lounge
Guitar players, sit back in the ThroBak Guitar Lounge and be part of the internet's most informative guitar hang! Fun takes on tone, guitar collecting, repair and installation tips, guitar news of the day and much more.
ThroBak Electronics owner Jon Gundry and co-host Matthew Quail draw upon decades of guitar expertise and insights from their work at ThroBak Electronics making the finest reproductions guitar pickups available today.
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ThroBak Guitar Lounge
NAMM 2026 Verdict: Was the Show Actually Worth It? | Real Cost vs Real Value (Part 2)
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NAMM 2026 Verdict: Was the Show Actually Worth It? | Real Cost vs Real Value (Part 2)
Upgrade your guitar with ThroBak Pickups 👉 https://www.throbak.com/
In Episode 038 of the ThroBak Guitar Lounge Podcast, Jon Gundry and Matthew Quail deliver their final verdict on NAMM 2026 after actually walking the show floor. Is NAMM still worth the time, money, and effort for guitar players, builders, and industry insiders — or has the value equation changed for good?
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The episode kicks off with listener questions, including a deep dive into mixing Alnico magnet types in P-90 pickups, plus a discussion on correct vintage Gibson Les Paul M-69 pickup ring and pickguard colors and why those details still matter.
🔥 Pickups of the Week
Jon plugs in and plays the ThroBak ESG-102B MXV pickups installed in his Collings I-35LC, exploring tone, response, and why this set works so well in a semi-hollow guitar.
⚖️ The Guitargument: NAMM 2026
Jon and Matthew debate whether attending the 2026 NAMM Show was truly worth it for exhibitors, builders, and attendees — breaking down real costs versus real value now that the show is over.
❄️ Cool Down
Paul Hudson joins the conversation to share his first-time NAMM attendee impressions, offering a fresh perspective on the show.
🎸 Rorschach Riffs — Bass Edition
Matthew returns with another bass-focused round of Rorschach Riffs. Can you identify the songs just from the riffs?
🎵 Matthew’s Musical Musings
The episode wraps with photos and stories from the people we met at NAMM 2026, along with reflections on the personalities, conversations, and moments that made this year’s show memorable. Of special note Jon and Matthew discuss a new adjustable Amp Stand that will soon be available, the Amp Tiltor. https://amptiltor.com/
Whether you attended NAMM 2026 or stayed home, this episode gives you the honest, post-show reality check — no hype, just real talk from the floor.
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ThroBak Electronics is a world leader in classic reproduction guitar pickups. To learn more visit.:
https://www.throbak.com/p90-pickup.html
https://www.throbak.com/paf-pickups.html
https://www.throbak.com/stratocaster-pickups.html
https://www.throbak.com/telecaster-pickups.html
https://www.throbak.com/alnico-magnets.html
https://www.throbak.com/pedals.html
https://www.throbak.com/strings.html
ThroBak Electronics, located in Grand Rapids Michigan, was established in 2002 to bring the best of vintage tone back to the guitar player of today.Make sure to watch the ThroBak Guitar Lounge Podcast each Saturday on YouTube.