Will Tariffs & Modelers Destroy USA-Made Boutique Guitar Pedals? 🎸🇺🇸
Upgrade your tone with ThroBak Pickups ➜ https://www.throbak.com/

Are rising U.S. import tariffs, skyrocketing component costs, and the explosive growth of digital modelers putting the American boutique guitar pedal industry at risk? In this episode of the ThroBak Guitar Lounge Podcast, Jon Gundry and Matthew Quail break down whether U.S. pedal builders can survive — or if the future of guitar effects is heading overseas.

Inside This Episode

• Viewer Mail – ES-335 + ThroBak PG-102 MXV Demo
We kick things off with a deep dive into the tones of the ThroBak PG-102 MXV P.A.F. humbuckers loaded into a 1967 Gibson ES-335. Jon and Matthew jam, answer viewer questions, and explore why the PG-102 is one of the most accurate PAF reproductions available today.

• Player Grade Vintage – Inside a 1967 Gibson ES-335
Jon gives a detailed look at an incredible player-grade vintage ES-335, sharing history, features, and what makes this particular 1967 model so special.

• Guitargument – Will Tariffs & Modelers Crush U.S. Pedal Makers?
We debate the big question:
👉 Are tariffs driving up pedal-building costs?
👉 Will boutique pedal makers be forced overseas?
👉 Can analog stompboxes compete with digital modelers and multi-FX units?
If you care about USA-made gear, this is a must-watch.

• Lightning Round – Guess the Riff!
Matthew brings four iconic riffs, played back-to-back. Can YOU identify all of them?

• Matthew’s Musical Musing
We close out with thoughts on the Gary Moore gear auction, plus a quick trip through Cars (the band) history.

Gear used in video: 
Guitars:
1967 Gibson ES-335 with ThroBak PG-102 MXV pickups installed
1963 Epiphone Newport Custom bass

Pickups:
ThroBak PG-102 MXV P.A.F. Repro Pickups
https://www.throbak.com/peter-green-paf-style-pickups.html

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.