FS/FT Custom (Artist Model) Tobias Killer B 5 with Spalted Top

Saluki · #1 11-14-2007, 12:27 PM

All right TBers. I am putting up this Custom Tobias Killer B with spalted top. This bass was built in 2006 for an artist (believe it to be Jeff sharp from the band "The JTB) and has a custom spalted top and preamp. It is the Bart/Bart system but has extra trim pot for treble response. TBer Vic has been setting it up and helped find out some of the pedigree.

Check out the thread for more on the preamp and some of Vics observations:

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f8/tobias-killer-b-preamp-question-377322/#post4886114

Vic also provided this review to another TBer interested:

I did some playing around and figured out the internal controls on the preamp. This is definitely a custom job.

First, the spalted top is very substantial as you can see in the pics (link below). This is like an MTD top. Really high grade wood, and very thick.

Second, the preamp has an extra contour control not mentioned in any of the docs (including the manual that came with this bass, which is still in the case.) This preamp has the individual pickup gain controls and upper mid cut control that all Killer B's have, but it also has a treble boost trim pot. This reminds me of the internal controls for the slap contour switches on my old Growler. I really like the treble trim pot, because I like a smoother slap tone, so I like the treble to not be boosted much, if at all. The volume pot is the push/pull for the slap contour (pulled out is contoured).

I don't know if anything else is custom, but the fret level is better than any other Gibson Tobias I've played, as well. It looks like it's 18mm spacing on the strings. So far, it's taking to a pretty decent setup. I'm still getting it settled and dialed-in, but so far so good.

It's got the classic asym neck, which is a more pronounced asym profile than on the newer MTDs, but especially with my smaller hands, it feels good. I've always thought asym necks were a good idea.

The tone is really nice. The treble is smoother than on a typical MTD... reminds me a bit more of the high end on my Sadowsky 24-Fret. The B string is substantial. I can hear the low mid push of the mahogany body, but it's pretty nicely balanced in with the rest of the sound, and sits really well in the mix. To my ears, I wouldn't be surprised to find out the recording under the video was with this bass.

It shows some minor player wear, and there are a few small dents by the output jack (also pictured in link below), but nothing major or substantial. Nothing on the back of the neck I can find, and really, that's most critical to me. I HATE feeling bumps on the back of the neck when I play. I'm more particular about that stuff than my playing ability would lead you to believe, but I come by it honestly. I've been well spoiled by some pretty nice basses over time.

It's 9.7 pounds on my digital scale.

I give it a thumbs up. Compared to most/all the other Gibson Tobias basses I've played, I give it a thumbs way up. This is a "good one".

Pics...

http://www.vsbass.com/tmp/cory_kb.htm

Comes with Tobias hardshell and case candy. Will sell for what I have in it. $1800 plus shipping or will consider trades for MTD 535 and cash your way, Zon 519s, Skjold CS5, Roscoe SKB fretless, American Jazz deluxe with nordstrands and cash, Jazz FMT and cash or Epifani UL310 and cash.

swpyne · #2 11-15-2007, 10:56 AM

Very nice! PM sent..........

Saluki · #3 11-26-2007, 10:12 PM

Bump. Need to move this.

Vic · #4 11-26-2007, 10:29 PM

IMHO there simply has to be two reasons why this bass is still here...

1.) Everybody's broke due to xmas shopping
2.) The "Gibson" Tobias still carries "baggage."

The first one is understandable, and will be over around Februrary, the second one is just unfortunate... and undeserved for this bass... it really is a good one.

Saluki · #5 11-27-2007, 05:58 AM

Ya Vic, a lot of guys have expressed concern over the Gibson thing, but this thing was not a typical assembly line job. I agree the build quality on this one is very, very good, and if they could see it and play it they would have a different opinion. For this reason, if someone is interested and makes a reasonable cash offer I will give them a 48 hour inspection period just like any bass shop. If they don't agree that this is a fine high end bass that rivals the build quality of some of our favorite luthiers, then there only out shipping.

ElMon · #6 11-27-2007, 08:11 AM

I had a chance to play this bass when the original owner had it in Tulsa, and I was quite frankly blown away after reading all of the 'Gibson-Era Tobias' are crap' threads out there. I put this bass up there with every MTD I've either owned/played, except with a more comfortable 34' scale.

Vic · #7 11-27-2007, 09:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ElMon

I had a chance to play this bass when the original owner had it in Tulsa, and I was quite frankly blown away after reading all of the 'Gibson-Era Tobias' are crap' threads out there. I put this bass up there with every MTD I've either owned/played, except with a more comfortable 34' scale.

Well, to be fair, this bass is definitely an exception, and not truly representative of a standard production Gibson Tobias. IMHO, after playing (and fixing) many G T's, the bad rep is fairly well deserved, and this bass can not be used as a challenge to those comments because of it's special nature, but I'll leave it at that in this thread.

Likewise/conversely, since this bass is not a regular production bass, that rep is not applicable at all here, which is what Cory and I (and you) are trying to make clear.

In short, if I was looking for a G T, I'd snap this one up in a heartbeat. This is THE one I'd want.

Saluki · #8 11-28-2007, 04:31 PM

Just FYI, I have had some interesting trade offers, but none that I have wanted to pull the trigger on. Also have a possible cash deal working and wanted to give other TBers a shot @ $1750 if this one does not go thru.

vision · #9 11-28-2007, 04:47 PM

nice looking bass! hmmmmmmmmmmmm...

Saluki · #10 11-29-2007, 11:21 PM

Buying a new house tomorrow and could use the money Bump.

Walbodiddy · #11 12-01-2007, 04:11 PM

Nice to see a modern Tobias that lives up to its heritage...

I've come very close to taking this one home with me, despite the fact that I am much more at home with six strings.

Vic · #12 12-04-2007, 03:35 PM

Here's some info I JUST received from the original owner and endorsing artist (JTB band... they have a myspace page with the video mentioned below and the bass is in it):

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeff Sharp

Mine was hand made by the shop in AR.

I had it made specifically for that video, it's an aaaa spalt maple top on mahogany. 18v. Bartolini preamp and p'ups. String spacing is typical Killer B w/asym neck. Fretboard is pau ferro I believe, but not positive. It was custom made for me on an artist endorsement. It was cut and assembled in Conway, AR at the Gibson Prestige facility.

I loved this bass, got in a jam and had to trade off for some stuff and cash etc...