P.A.F. Repro Reference Pickups Face Off | No. 1 | Long Alnico 2 vs Long Alnico 5
Upgrade your guitar with ThroBak Pickups 👉 https://www.throbak.com/

Welcome back to the ThroBak Guitar Lounge Podcast! In Episode #064, we're excited to launch the first installment of an all-new P.A.F. Magnet Duel series with the debut of the ThroBak Lucky 7's Reference Pickup Set. Two nearly identical Heritage H-150 Custom Core guitars, matched in weight and fitted with pickup sets wound to the exact same 7.7K ohm output, face off in the most controlled comparison we've ever produced. The only variable? The magnets. One guitar features USA-made long Alnico 2 magnets, while the other is equipped with USA-made long Alnico 5 magnets, allowing you to hear an honest, apples-to-apples comparison of two legendary P.A.F. magnetic recipes.

🎸 Gear Featured in This Episode
Heritage H-150 Custom Core Guitars
ThroBak Lucky 7's P.A.F. Style Repro Reference Pickups
Vintage 1979 Fender Silverface Deluxe Reverb
Nobels ODR-1 effect pedal

Show Run Down:

📬 ThroBak Mailbox

We begin the show by answering your comments and questions from Episode #063 before Jon introduces the brand-new Lucky 7's Reference Pickup Set. He explains how the project came to life, the winding philosophy behind it, and the technical details that make these pickups unique.

🎸 Pickups of the Week

The moment you've been waiting for! Jon puts two matched sets of ThroBak Lucky 7's Reference P.A.F. pickups through their paces in two nearly identical Heritage H-150 Custom Core guitars. Both pickup sets are wound to the exact same 7.7K ohm output, with the only difference being their magnets—USA-made long Alnico 2 versus USA-made long Alnico 5. You'll hear one of the most controlled P.A.F. comparisons we've ever produced through a 1979 Fender Silver Panel Deluxe Reverb with a Nobels ODR-1 adding just the right amount of "hair on the dog!"

⚡ The Guitargument – Lightning Round

Jon and Matthew jump into another spirited Lightning Round, tackling timely news, opinions, and hot-button topics from around the guitar world. Fast-paced, thought-provoking, and always entertaining, this has quickly become one of our favorite recurring segments.

🎵 Rorschach Riffs with Matthew

This week's challenge features Chordal Riffs! Matthew plays a collection of memorable guitar riffs built primarily around chords instead of single-note lines. Can Jon identify them all before time runs out?

🏕️ Matthew's Musical Musings – Yooper Edition, eh!

Matthew shares highlights from a family trip through Michigan's beautiful Upper Peninsula, including a visit with his daughter Kathleen to Yooptone Music in Marquette. Together they explore the store's impressive selection of guitars and gear, learn about its instrument repair services and music lessons, see a Peavey T-15, affectionately known as the "Mississippi Mustang." Matthew also reflects on why independent music stores like Yooptone Music continue to play such an important role in keeping the guitar community thriving throughout Michigan's Upper Peninsula.

👋 Outro

Whether you're chasing authentic vintage P.A.F. tone, curious about the differences between Long Alnico 2 and Long Alnico 5 magnets, or simply enjoy guitars, gear, and great conversation, you've come to the right place.

Tell us in the comments: Which classic P.A.F. magnet would you choose for your ideal tone—Long Alnico 2 or Long Alnico 5?

If you enjoyed this episode, please Like, Subscribe, and Ring the Notification Bell so you never miss a new episode of the ThroBak Guitar Lounge Podcast!

New vs. Used Fender Guitars — Has Fender Forced the Issue?
Upgrade your guitar with ThroBak Pickups 👉 https://www.throbak.com/

Is buying a new Fender still the best move, or has the recent controversy surrounding Fender's legal actions made the used market the better choice? In this episode of the ThroBak Guitar Lounge Podcast, Jon Gundry and Matthew Quail tackle that question in a spirited Guitargument Lightning Round as they debate whether Fender has unintentionally encouraged guitarists to buy used instead of new. 

Before the debate, Jon puts a used Fender Stratocaster loaded with ThroBak '63 MXV Strat pickups through its paces to demonstrate why a great used guitar can still deliver world-class vintage tone. Later in the show, Jon and Paul reveal the connection that has made ThroBak what it is today.

## 🎸 Episode #063 Show Rundown

📬 **Pickups of the Week**
Jon Gundry plugs a **used Fender Stratocaster** loaded with **ThroBak '63 MXV Strat pickups** into the amp to explore the unmistakable sparkle, chime, and vintage character that made the Stratocaster a legend. Can a great used Strat deliver everything you'd ever want from a classic Fender?

⚡ **The Guitargument – Lightning Round Edition**
It's a fast-paced round of timely guitar debates! Leading the discussion is this week's headline topic: **New vs. Used Fender Guitars — Has Fender Forced the Issue?** Jon and Matthew also weigh in on several other current topics making waves throughout the guitar world.

🎼 **Rorschach Riffs – Jon Gundry Edition**
It's Jon's turn to challenge Matthew and the audience with mystery guitar riffs. Will you recognize them immediately?

🎄 **Matthew's Musical Musings**
Matthew kicks things off with a fun **Jon & Paul Travelog**, sharing the story behind an event they attended last weekend. Then it's time for **Christmas in July**, as Matthew offers gift ideas and inspiration for the guitar player on your shopping list—or perhaps for your own wish list!

👋 **Outro**
Thanks for spending time with us in the ThroBak Guitar Lounge! If you enjoyed the conversation, the guitar tones, and this week's Guitargument, be sure to **Like**, **Subscribe**, and **leave a comment** letting us know where you stand on the debate: **Would you buy a new Fender—or go used instead?** We'll see you next week!

👉 Explore ThroBak Pickups:
https://www.throbak.com

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

One Great Guitar or Five Average Guitars? The Debate Every Guitarist Has

What would you rather own: one truly great guitar or five average guitars? It's a question that every guitarist eventually faces, whether you're just starting your collection or have been chasing great tone for decades. In this episode of the ThroBak Guitar Lounge Podcast, Jon and Matthew tackle this classic dilemma in this week's Guitargument, debating whether it's better to invest in a single exceptional instrument or spread your budget across several good ones.

Along the way, we put a truly special vintage guitar in the spotlight during Pickups of the Week—a beautiful 1967 Epiphone Riviera loaded with its original Gibson Mini Humbucker pickups. Plugged into a classic tube amp, this iconic semi-hollow delivers the unmistakable chime, clarity, and bite that have made it a favorite of legendary players for over six decades. Whether you're a collector, a gigging musician, or simply searching for your next great guitar, this episode is packed with vintage tone, spirited debate, and plenty of inspiration.

🎸 Gear Featured in This Episode
Vintage 1967 Epiphone Riviera with Mini Humbuckers
Vintage 1979 Fender Silverface Deluxe Reverb
Nobels ODR-1 effect pedal

## 🎙️ Episode #062 Show Rundown

📬 **ThroBak Mailbox**
We kick off the show with a great viewer comment from a longtime listener who shares why the **ThroBak Guitar Lounge Podcast** has become a bright, positive, and enjoyable part of his week. Jon and Matthew reflect on the importance of building a guitar community that celebrates great music, vintage gear, and the joy of playing.

🎸 **Pickups of the Week**
Jon Gundry plugs in a stunning **1967 Epiphone Riviera** equipped with its original vintage **Gibson Mini Humbucker** pickups. Through a classic tube amp, we explore the clear, articulate, and unmistakably rich voice that has made these pickups a favorite among blues and rock guitarists for generations.

⚖️ **The Guitargument**
**One Great Guitar or Five Average Guitars? The Debate Every Guitarist Has**
If you had the same budget, would you invest in one exceptional guitar that inspires you every time you pick it up, or build a collection of five solid instruments that cover a variety of sounds and styles? Jon and Matthew debate one of the biggest buying decisions every guitarist eventually faces.

🎵 **Rorschach Riffs**
This week, Jon Gundry steps into the spotlight with a collection of **Chicago Blues-inspired riffs**. Can Matthew identify the influences and legendary players behind the licks? Play along and see how many you can recognize before the answers are revealed.

🎼 **Matthew's Musical Musings**
Matthew explores the fascinating history behind **Keith Richards' famous Open G tuning**, how it became the signature sound of the Rolling Stones, and why one simple tuning change helped create some of the most iconic guitar riffs in rock history.

👋 **Outro**
Thanks for joining us for another episode of the **ThroBak Guitar Lounge Podcast**! If you enjoyed the show, be sure to like, subscribe, and leave a comment letting us know where you stand in this week's Guitargument: **Would you rather own one great guitar or five average guitars?**

👉 Explore ThroBak Pickups:
https://www.throbak.com

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

Irate Guitar Influencers: Is Outrage Good for Guitar?
Upgrade your guitar with ThroBak Pickups 👉 https://www.throbak.com/

Is outrage becoming the new currency of Guitar YouTube? In Episode #061 of the ThroBak Guitar Lounge Podcast, Jon and Matthew dive into another fast-paced Guitargument Lightning Round, tackling one of the hottest questions in the guitar community today: "Irate Influencers: Is Outrage Good for Guitar?" Does controversy strengthen the guitar community by encouraging honest debate, or is it driving players away in search of clicks and views? 

Before the sparks begin to fly, we plug a set of ThroBak KZ-115 MXV P.A.F. reproduction pickups with long Alnico 2 magnets into a 2025 Gibson 1957 Historic Reissue Les Paul Goldtop to explore the rich, dynamic vintage tones inspired by some of the finest original late-1950s P.A.F.s. It's another episode packed with legendary tone, spirited discussion, and everything that makes the guitar world endlessly fascinating.

🎸 Gear Featured in This Episode
2025 Gibson R7 1957 Historic Reissue Les Paul Goldtop with ThroBak 'KZ-115 MXV Alnico 2 pickups.
Vintage 1979 Fender Silverface Deluxe Reverb
Nobels ODR-1 effect pedal

Show Run Down:

📬 **ThroBak Mailbox**
We kick off Episode #061 by reading viewer comments from Episode #060, where our debate over **"The End of Tube Amps"** generated plenty of passionate feedback. Matthew shares comments from viewers who aren't convinced the era of vacuum tube amplifiers is coming to an end..

🎸 **Pickups of the Week**
This week's featured pickups are the **ThroBak KZ-115 MXV P.A.F. reproductions with long Alnico 2 magnets**, installed in a **2025 Gibson 1957 Historic Reissue Les Paul Goldtop**. Along with plenty of vintage-inspired tones, Jon demonstrates his recommended pickup height measurements and explains how proper setup can dramatically influence output, clarity, dynamics, and overall P.A.F. character.

⚡ **The Guitargument – Lightning Round**
It's another fast-paced Lightning Round as Jon and Matthew tackle several timely topics from around the guitar world. Headlining the discussion is **"Irate Influencers: Is Outrage Good for Guitar?"** Has controversy become the secret to success on Guitar YouTube, or is constant outrage doing more harm than good for the guitar community? Expect spirited opinions, plenty of laughs, and opportunities for viewers to weigh in with their own perspectives.

🎼 **Matthew's Rorschach Riffs**
Matthew celebrates the release of the latest **Rolling Stones** album with a brand-new Rorschach Riffs challenge. Can Jon and Paul identify the musical inspiration behind Matthew's original riff, or will this tribute to one of rock's greatest bands leave everyone guessing?

📰 **Matthew's Musical Musings**
This week Matthew takes a nostalgic trip through the **May 1977 issue of Guitar Player magazine**, highlighting memorable articles and fascinating vintage advertisements that capture the state of the guitar industry nearly fifty years ago. From classic gear to iconic brands, it's a fun look back at what guitar players were reading—and dreaming about—in 1977.

👋 **Outro**
Thanks for joining us for another episode of the **ThroBak Guitar Lounge Podcast!** If you enjoyed the discussion, please like, subscribe, and leave a comment with your thoughts—especially on this week's Guitargument. We'll see you next time for more vintage tone, great guitars, and lively conversations from the Guitar Lounge.

If you enjoy vintage guitars, authentic P.A.F. pickups, P-90 tone, classic Fender and Gibson gear, and spirited guitar debates, be sure to Like, Subscribe, and Ring the Bell so you never miss an episode of the ThroBak Guitar Lounge Podcast.

👉 Explore ThroBak Pickups:
https://www.throbak.com

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

The Tube Amp Era Is OVER! | P-90 vs P.A.F. Out-of-Phase Shootout + America's 250th Anniversary.
Upgrade your guitar with ThroBak Pickups 👉 https://www.throbak.com/

Happy Independence Day from all of us at the **ThroBak Guitar Lounge Podcast!** 🇺🇸

Episode #060 is a special Semiquincentennial Edition celebrating the 250th Anniversary of the birth of the United States, and we're marking the occasion with vintage guitar tone, guitar history, and one of the biggest debates in the modern guitar world.

This week's Guitargument asks the question that has guitar players talking everywhere:

Is the Tube Amp Era officially over?

With more touring professionals relying on digital modelers than ever before, are traditional tube amplifiers nearing the end of their reign? From legendary players embracing digital rigs to the continued love for classic Fender and Marshall amplifiers, Jon and Matthew debate whether tube amps are becoming obsolete—or whether they'll remain the gold standard for guitar tone for generations to come.

🎸 Gear Featured in This Episode
2006 Gibson CR6 1956 Historic Reissue Les Paul Goldtop with ThroBak Special-SB MXV P-90 Soap Bar pickups.
2004 Gibson R7 1957 Historic Reissue Les Paul Goldtop with ThroBak '57 SteelHead Alnico 4 pickups.
Vintage 1979 Fender Silverface Deluxe Reverb
Nobels ODR-1 effect pedal

📬 ThroBak Mailbox
We answer viewer comments and questions from Episode #059, including reactions to our vintage 1959 Gibson P-90 Dog Ear comparison and how the ThroBak P-90 Dog Ear stacks up against one of the finest original vintage pickups we've ever tested.

🛠 Fullerton 457 Update
Jon provides the latest update on the historic Fullerton 457 vintage Fender pickup winding machine and discusses the exciting pickups ThroBak will soon be producing on this remarkable piece of American guitar history.

📰 Guitar News
We discuss the surprising departure of both of Bob Dylan's touring guitarists and the addition of acclaimed Chicago guitarist and ThroBak artist Joel Patterson to Dylan's touring band.

🎸 **Pickups of the Week**
This week's tone shootout features the **ThroBak P-90 SB Special** installed in a chambered Gibson Historic R6 Goldtop. We explore its unique out-of-phase middle position through a vintage Fender Silverface Deluxe Reverb before comparing it directly to a set of ThroBak '57 SteelHead P.A.F. humbuckers, also demonstrating their classic out-of-phase middle position. Which delivers the most inspiring out-of-phase tone?

👨‍🔧 Checking in with Paul
Paul gives us a look inside the shop as he winds a new set of Reference P.A.F. pickup bobbins that will be used in future episodes to demonstrate how different USA-cast Alnico magnets influence authentic vintage P.A.F. tone using a pair of Heritage H-150 Custom Core guitars.

⚡ The Guitargument
The Tube Amp Era Is OVER!
Digital modeling has reached an astonishing level. With artists such as Alex Lifeson and many other touring professionals embracing modelers for live performance, is the age of the tube amplifier coming to a close? Will classic tube amps become collector's pieces, or will they always remain the benchmark for great guitar tone?

🎼 Rorschach Riffs
Matthew celebrates Independence Day by challenging Jon with four patriotic guitar riffs. Can he identify them all?

🇺🇸 Matthew's Musical Musings
To celebrate America's 250th birthday, we look back at the musical interests of two of the nation's Founding Fathers—Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin—and explore their appreciation for stringed instruments and early American musical culture.

If you enjoy vintage guitars, authentic P.A.F. pickups, P-90 tone, classic Fender and Gibson gear, and spirited guitar debates, be sure to Like, Subscribe, and Ring the Bell so you never miss an episode of the ThroBak Guitar Lounge Podcast.

Happy Fourth of July, and thanks for watching!
👉 Explore ThroBak Pickups:
https://www.throbak.com

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

Tone Unleashed! | 1959 Les Paul Junior Through a Marshall — The Meanest Dog in the Yard?
Upgrade your guitar with ThroBak Pickups 👉 https://www.throbak.com/

Can a 1959 Gibson Les Paul Junior with a single original 7.6k Dog Ear P-90 deliver one of the greatest rock guitar tones ever recorded? In Episode #059 of the ThroBak Guitar Lounge Podcast, Jon, Matthew and Paul plug this legendary vintage guitar into a Marshall SV20H amplifier to discover why the Les Paul Junior remains one of the most revered rock guitars ever built.

We begin in the ThroBak Mailbox, answering viewer comments and questions from Episode #058 before moving into this week's Pickups of the Week. You'll hear an original 1959 Les Paul Junior with its factory Dog Ear P-90 delivering everything from articulate cleans to aggressive, harmonically rich overdrive through the Marshall. If you've ever wondered why players have loved vintage P-90s for more than sixty years, this demonstration explains it all.

This week's Guitargument asks:
Are Microtonal Guitars the Future of the Electric Guitar?

The discussion was sparked when Matthew was surprised to discover albums by the French-Canadian band Angine de Poitrine for sale at his local Target alongside records by Olivia Rodrigo and Taylor Swift. Has microtonal music moved beyond a niche audience and into the mainstream? Could guitars with additional frets and expanded tuning systems represent the next evolution of the electric guitar, or will traditional instruments continue to dominate? Join the debate and let us know your thoughts in the comments.

We'll also share the Marshall SV20H amp settings used throughout the episode so you can recreate these classic vintage tones yourself.

Next, Matthew returns with another edition of Rorschach Riffs, challenging Jon and Paul to identify famous guitar riffs using only their ears.

Finally, in Matthew's Musical Musings, we take another look at the growing interest in microtonal instruments as Matthew discusses Eastwood Guitars' unique 4/6 double-neck microtonal bass/guitar, inspired by the distinctive instrument used by Angine de Poitrine. Is this an exciting glimpse into the future of guitar design—or simply a fascinating specialty instrument?

If you enjoy vintage guitars, 1959 Les Paul Juniors, P-90 pickups, Marshall amplifiers, classic rock tone, guitar history, and thoughtful discussions about where the electric guitar is headed next, be sure to Like, Subscribe, and ring the notification bell so you never miss an episode of the ThroBak Guitar Lounge Podcast.

🎸 Featured Gear
• 1959 Gibson Les Paul Junior with original 7.6k Dog Ear P-90 Pickup
• Gibson Les Paul Junior Single Cutaway with a ThroBak P90-DE 7.8k bridge pickup.
• Marshall Studio SV20H Amplifier

What do you think? Is the 1959 Les Paul Junior still the meanest dog in the yard, and could microtonal guitars really shape the future of the electric guitar? Let us know in the comments!

👉 Explore ThroBak Pickups:
https://www.throbak.com

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

**The Forgotten Guitar Tone Everyone's Missing | P.A.F. Pickups Out of Phase**
Upgrade your guitar with ThroBak Pickups 👉 https://www.throbak.com/

Before high-gain amps, pedalboards, and modern guitar rigs, many legendary players discovered a unique secret weapon hidden inside their guitars: the out-of-phase pickup sound. In this episode of the ThroBak Guitar Lounge Podcast, we explore the distinctive tone of vintage P.A.F. humbuckers wired out of phase—a sound that is thinner, sharper, and surprisingly expressive, yet often overlooked by today's players. From blues and classic rock to the iconic tones of players like Peter Green and T-Bone Walker, we examine why this forgotten guitar tone became legendary and whether modern guitarists are missing one of the most inspiring sounds ever created. Tune in as we put authentic vintage-style P.A.F. pickups through their paces and rediscover a tone that deserves a second look.

🎸 Gear Featured in This Episode
Vintage 1952/57 Gibson Les Paul Standard Goldtop conversion with ThroBaK SLE-101 Plus MXV pickups.
2004 Gibson R7 1957 Historic Reissue Les Paul Goldtop with ThroBak '57 SteelHead Alnico 4 pickups.
Vintage 1979 Fender Silverface Deluxe Reverb
Nobels ODR-1 effect pedal

Could one of the most distinctive vintage guitar tones be hiding in plain sight?

In Episode #058 of the ThroBak Guitar Lounge Podcast, Jon, Matthew, and Paul explore the fascinating world of **out-of-phase P.A.F. humbucker tones**—a forgotten sound that helped define some of the most recognizable guitar recordings ever made. We compare **electronic out-of-phase wiring** versus **magnetic out-of-phase pickups**, explain exactly how each works, and demonstrate the dramatic tonal differences through a series of guitar jams featuring ThroBak's legendary low and medium output P.A.F. reproductions.

Along the way, we check in with Paul as he builds a set of **SLE-101+ P.A.F. pickups** destined for a Collings guitar, answer viewer comments from Episode #057, and dial in vintage-inspired tones through a **1979 Fender Deluxe Reverb** and **Nobels ODR-1**.

Then things get heated in this week's **Guitargument** as we react to recent comments made by Fender CEO Bud Cole during a dealer meeting. Was the repeated use of foul language appropriate? Did his remarks help or hurt Fender's standing with guitar players and dealers? We even hear from a vacuum salesman responding to Bud Cole's infamous comments and make our case for why YouTube's Rick Beato might be the perfect candidate to become Fender's next CEO.

In **The Cool Down**, we offer our final thoughts on the controversy surrounding Cole's remarks and what it could mean for Fender's future relationship with the guitar community.

Plus:

• A new "Rorschach Riffs" with Matthew
• And finally Matthew muses musical about the upcoming RUSH "50 Something" Tour macking a stop in Detroit later this Summer. 

Whether you're chasing vintage P.A.F. tones, curious about out-of-phase wiring, or following the latest developments in the guitar industry, this episode has something for every tone enthusiast.

**Subscribe, leave a comment, and let us know: Which out-of-phase tone do you prefer—Electronic or Magnetic?**

👉 Explore ThroBak Pickups:
https://www.throbak.com

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

Vintage P90 Legends Face Off: '56 Goldtop vs '57 Les Paul Special
Upgrade your guitar with ThroBak Pickups 👉 https://www.throbak.com/

Episode #057 the vintage P90 showdown! Jon and Matthew put two incredible vintage instruments head-to-head: a 1957 Gibson Les Paul Special with its iconic wraparound bridge and a 1956 Gibson Les Paul Standard Goldtop equipped with a Tune-o-matic bridge. Both guitars feature  vintage P-90 pickups, giving us a rare opportunity to hear how construction, bridge design, and overall guitar architecture influence tone. Can the stripped-down simplicity of the Les Paul Special deliver a more direct, aggressive P-90 sound? Or does the Goldtop's Tune-o-matic bridge provide the sustain, clarity, and refinement that players have chased for decades? We put both guitars through their paces so you can hear the differences for yourself.

Show Rundown:

In Episode #057, we kick things off by diving into the viewer feedback from Episode #056, where we asked the question: **Have Vintage Guitar Tones Become a Rich Man's Game?** Many of our viewers pushed back on the idea, arguing that vintage-inspired guitar tone is still attainable—but like any worthwhile hobby, it requires commitment, patience, and investment. Jon, Matthew, and Paul discuss the responses and what they reveal about today's guitar community.

Next, we take a look at one of the biggest stories in guitar news this week. After entering bankruptcy proceedings, **Höfner**, the legendary German guitar maker best known for Paul McCartney's iconic Beatle Bass, has found a new owner. We discuss what the acquisition means for the future of the company and why preserving historic guitar brands matters to musicians and collectors alike.

In our **Pickups of the Week** segment, we compare two extraordinary examples of vintage Gibson P-90 tone. Jon plugs a **1957 Gibson Les Paul Special** with vintage P-90 pickups and wraparound bridge alongside a **1956 Gibson Les Paul Goldtop Standard** featuring original P-90 pickups and a Tune-o-matic bridge. Both guitars are played through a **Marshall Studio MKII amp**, allowing you to hear how bridge design, construction, and setup influence the sound of these legendary pickups. Which one delivers your favorite P-90 tone? You'll have to decide.

For this week's **Guitargument**, we're doing something a little different with a special **Lightning Round Edition**. We tackle several timely topics from around the guitar world, including one of the biggest questions facing guitar players today: **Will the Tube Amp Eventually Become Extinct?** Along the way, Jon shares the story of his latest gear acquisition—a **1981 Fender Silver Panel Princeton Reverb** that may need a replacement transformer before it can sing again. Is vintage gear still worth the trouble, or are modern alternatives becoming impossible to ignore?

In **Rorschach Riffs**, Matthew attempts to stump Jon and Paul using a **Custom Shop 1957 Les Paul Reissue** tuned to **Drop D**. Can they identify the riffs before time runs out?

Finally, in this week's **Matthew's Musical Musings**, we pay tribute to one of the most influential guitarists in rock history: **Duane Eddy**. Long before guitar heroes filled arenas, Duane Eddy pioneered the big, twangy lead guitar sound that inspired generations of players. We celebrate the legacy of the original guitar hero and discuss why his influence can still be heard today.

Thanks for joining us for another episode of the ThroBak Guitar Lounge Podcast. Be sure to like, subscribe, and let us know in the comments:

🎸 Which P-90 guitar sounded better—the '57 Les Paul Special or the '56 Goldtop?
🎸 Will tube amps still be around 20 years from now?
🎸 Who was your first guitar hero?

Subscribe for weekly guitar gear podcast episodes and let us know your opinion on this week's guitar argument in the comments below.

👉 Explore ThroBak Pickups:
https://www.throbak.com

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

Is Authentic Vintage Guitar Tone Only for the Wealthy?  | ThroBak Guitar Lounge Podcast Ep. 056
Upgrade your guitar with ThroBak Pickups 👉 https://www.throbak.com/

In this week's Guitargument, a thoughtful comment from one of our viewers sparks a bigger conversation about vintage guitar tone, authenticity, and affordability. After purchasing a used 2005 Gibson Les Paul Studio for just $800, the viewer dreams of achieving the iconic late-'50s Les Paul sound but struggles to justify spending more on a set of premium reproduction pickups than he paid for the guitar itself.

Have authentic vintage tones become a rich man's game? Is there a point where the pursuit of historical accuracy becomes financially unrealistic for the average player?

Matthew reads the viewer's concerns, while Jon carefully addresses each point and explores the realities behind modern boutique pickup manufacturing. The discussion covers the true cost of reproducing vintage P.A.F. pickups, the importance of historically correct materials, custom-made USA components, exclusive vintage winding machinery, and the countless details that separate a faithful recreation from an ordinary replacement pickup.

Along the way, Jon explains why ThroBak invests heavily in original vintage winding technology, American-made parts, and meticulous craftsmanship in the pursuit of recreating the finest vintage pickup tones possible. At the same time, the conversation acknowledges the challenges faced by everyday musicians who simply want great tone without breaking the bank.

Whether you believe vintage-correct tone is worth every penny or think the market has gone too far, this Guitargument tackles one of the biggest questions facing guitar players today: How much should authenticity cost?

🎸 Gear Featured in This Episode
Vintage 1955/56 Gibson Les Paul Standard Goldtop with P90's
Marshall SV20H Studio Vintage 20-watt Amplifier Head

Episode 056 Breakdown
Are Vintage Guitar Tones, Only for the Wealthy?

This week on the ThroBak Guitar Lounge Podcast, we tackle one of the biggest questions facing guitar players today. As the prices of vintage-inspired gear continue to rise, are authentic vintage guitar tones becoming accessible only to those with deep pockets? Inspired by a thoughtful viewer comment, Jon and Matthew explore the realities of chasing legendary guitar tone in today's market and whether authenticity is worth the cost.

Before diving into this week's Guitargument, we check in with Paul at the ThroBak shop as he shows us a genuine ThroBak KZ-115 bobbin being prepared for a customer order. From there, we head to the ThroBak Mailbox to answer viewer questions from last week's episode. Questions include, which ThroBak pickup is best for capturing Billy Gibbons' iconic guitar tone and our recommendations for guitar strings on several Stratocaster models, including Fender AVRI '54 and '56 Stratocasters, a 2008 Made in Japan '62 Reissue Stratocaster, and a Fender Jeff Beck Signature Stratocaster equipped with Noiseless pickups.

In Pickups of the Week, Jon plugs a vintage 1955 Gibson Les Paul with original P-90 pickups into a Marshall Studio MKII amplifier to explore the raw, dynamic tones that helped define rock and roll.

The conversation then turns to this week's featured Guitargument: Are Vintage Guitar Tones, Only for the Wealthy? Using a viewer's letter as the starting point, Jon and Matthew discuss the costs associated with historically accurate vintage reproduction pickups, the value of craftsmanship, and whether great tone is still within reach for everyday players.

Later in the show, Matthew challenges viewers with four classic guitar riffs in another installment of Rorschach Riffs. Finally, in Matthew's Musical Musings, we share practical tips for protecting your guitars, amplifiers, and effects pedals during the summer gig season, including how heat, humidity, sunlight, sunscreen, and insect repellents can affect your gear.

👉 Explore ThroBak Pickups:
https://www.throbak.com

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

To Clone a P.A.F., Destroy It? | The P.A.F. Paradox
Upgrade your guitar with ThroBak Pickups 👉 https://www.throbak.com/

How close can a pickup maker really get to cloning a legendary vintage Gibson P.A.F.? In Episode #055 of the ThroBak Guitar Lounge Podcast, Jon Gundry and Matthew Quail tackle one of the biggest questions in the world of vintage guitar tone: can a P.A.F. ever be perfectly reproduced? Or does achieving a true one-to-one clone require taking apart—and potentially destroying—the very pickup you're trying to preserve? This thought-provoking Guitargument explores the fascinating paradox at the heart of vintage pickup research, restoration, and reproduction. If you've ever wondered what separates a great P.A.F. reproduction from the real thing, this episode is for you.To Clone a P.A.F., Destroy It? | The P.A.F. Paradox
Upgrade your guitar with ThroBak Pickups 👉 https://www.throbak.com/

Episode 055 Breakdown

📬 **ThroBak Mailbox**
We discuss the continuing fallout from Fender's cease-and-desist campaign and examine how the guitar community is responding.

🎸 **Pickups of the Week**
A set of cloned high-output P.A.F. pickups through a Marshall amplifier. Hear the punch, harmonics, sustain, and classic rock authority that define these legendary pickups.

⚔️ **The Guitargument – To Clone a P.A.F., Must You Destroy It?**
Can a pickup truly be cloned 100%? Or does complete knowledge require disassembling—and potentially destroying—the very pickup you're trying to preserve? Jon and Matthew debate the limits of reverse engineering, preservation versus discovery, and whether a perfect clone is even possible.

❄️ **The Guitargument Cool Down**
After the debate, we put theory to the test by comparing our ThroBak cloned high-output P.A.F. pickups directly against a vintage set of high-output P.A.F.s so viewers can judge the results with their own ears.

🎭 **Rorschach Riffs with Matthew**
For the first time on the show, Matthew presents a special Rorschach Riffs segment in Drop D tuning, exploring new sonic territory and riff ideas inspired by this classic tuning.

🎵 **Matthew's Musical Musings**
Matthew reviews "The Late Great Paul," the moving presentation by British actor David Kossoff about his son, Paul Kossoff of Free and Back Street Crawler. Beyond celebrating Paul's remarkable guitar playing, the presentation serves as a powerful warning about the dangers of drug addiction and the importance of protecting your dreams, talents, and future.

🔬 **Outro**
Jon Gundry closes the show with a brief discussion about the magnetic permeability of ThroBak's custom-made 1008 and 1018 steel pole screws and why details like these matter when pursuing authentic vintage pickup performance.

Whether you're fascinated by vintage P.A.F.s, passionate about guitar tone, or interested in the intersection of preservation, history, and engineering, Episode #055 is packed with insights, great tones, and spirited debate.

🎸 Upgrade Your Guitar with ThroBak Pickups: [www.throbak.com](http://www.throbak.com)

This episode has a strong central theme: **the P.A.F. Paradox**—the conflict between preserving a vintage pickup and learning everything necessary to clone it. That theme ties together the Mailbox, Pickup Demo, Guitargument, and Vintage-vs-Clone comparison particularly well and should perform strongly with the vintage guitar audience.

👉 Explore ThroBak Pickups:
https://www.throbak.com

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