Pre-Gibson Tobias Owners Club!

[Brad Johnson]

Originally Posted by phillybass101

Whenever I see a posting by Brad I have to check it out. I was totally unaware of his Tobias collection. All I can say is wow!!! The man has some killer axes in his arsenal.

Thanks, Walt. The four string was the first custom bass I ever owned. I bought it new at a little store in Virginia, long before Mike became the industry icon that he is. It was also the first crazy bargain boutique bass for me. The five string was the first custom bass I ever ordered.

Even back then it was obvious that Mike had it figured out from the begining.

[kokorollc]

Okay. I know somebody out there is thinking about a Fodera so it's time to sell. Just let your pre Gibson Tobias go so someone can enjoy it. They need to be played! I'm up for a Basic or Classic 5 fretted. ( or Signature, can't be picky) . Lets make a deal my brothers

[notejung]

Just take photo my Pre-Gibson Tobias Classic 5 again !!

[Highs&Lows]

hey everyone... so i was very lucky to get a pre gib tobias classic from 1990 .. crazy thing is, its in mint condition!! not a scratch, and the frets are as good as new as well.. its really one of the best basses i have ever played, and the best i have ever owned..
anyway i want to make a little tweak to the truss rod..so maybe you guys could help me a little on what tools to use (since this is a double truss rod i am not quite sure)..i want to get the neck as straight as possible with super low action. right now there is a little too much bow for my taste, but i am very picky.
pics to come.

[Highs&Lows]

got everything sorted now...super low action...the B string is the best i had on any bass (and its only a .125)...makes me wonder why these basses are so good? there are lots of basses with nice woods, through neck construction and good electronics..but this tobias pre gib is something else..michael tobias really knows his craft.

[basspro557]

Truss rod size is a standard 1/4

[BassLand]

Re: adjusting Truss Rod, depending on how long it has been since the TR was adjusted I suggest that you make the adjustments in 1/4 turn incriments adjusting both rods the same amount and waiting for the neck to respond (1 day should do it) always make sure the bass is in tune as string tention is one of the major components of TR adjustment.

I still have a Pre-Gib (I like the abbrev. term) Signature 5 with semi hollow body fretless but it is expensive. Anyone interested would have to contact me via Face Book (https://www.facebook.com/BassLand?ref=profile) or email at bassland2000@gmail.com as a rule I don't list things for sale on TB.

PS I worked for Michael Tobias at Tobias Guitars from 1983 to 1992 when Gibson moved the operation to Nashville and Burbank production ceased.

[kokorollc]

Well it's not every day you get a chance to post pics like these so here goes

[kokorollc]

And if that's Mr. Lee above my post let me thank you for your work and also the definitive history you provided for our beloved basses. I would love to see that Signature fretless.

[KCOBLE]

Can't recall if I ever posted photos of my Pre-Gib Signatures...

https://picasaweb.google.com/kac123/...eat=directlink

and

https://picasaweb.google.com/kac123/...eat=directlink

[Highs&Lows]

wow the SN 1207 must be one of the most beautiful basses i have ever seen...i bet it sounds just as good.

[KCOBLE]

They're both amazing sounding.

[bucephylus]

Two stunning basses!

[Brad Johnson]

For the first time in a long time. Did a couple of services at church and this bass sounded absolutely nuts. I had semi-retired it, it had been my workhorse for several years and today reminded me why. Amazing depth and punch. I don't have anything else that sounds like this... and it looks better IRL than the pics.


Back story: I had found my long misplaced digital camera and decided to try to takes some decent pics of some basses I have for sale. My pics usually suck so when these started coming out better than suck I ended up taking pics of several other basses (Eshenbaugh, Bone Avatar 6, the Contrabass, etc.). While taking pics of the Tobias the tripod tipped over and the camera went face-first into the stoop. Oh well. That's why there's no full frontal shot.

1984 Tobias omega cut 5











It has the TCT preamp with mids. +/-18V. Active/passive toggle. I had Mike do two volumes and a pickup selector toggle so I could quickly go to any pickup config. has the early rounded top Bartlinis with no logo... they almost look tiny by today's pickup standards. Alder wings, Maple/Purple heart neck, Padauk top, Rosewood board.

I ended up playing with either of the pickups soloed or both together. I don't normally solo the neck pickup on my other basses, this one sounded so good I didn't realize I had switched to neck only. The bridge pickup burp was nuts. Penetrating.

The output is pretty hot , I set the gains on my amp lower than normal which was kind of surprising considering how hot the NTMB preamps in my Brubakers are set.

If I had to describe the sound in one word it would be massive. And with great power I had to exercise great responsibility... I could've buried the other instruments. This thing hit hard and quick. Or just sat that and sustained like crazy. Intoxicating.

[bucephylus]

Nice Brad! Retiring that bass might not make total sense.

[Brad Johnson]

Originally Posted by bucephylus

Nice Brad! Retiring that bass might not make total sense.

Seemed like a good idea at the time. I didn't want to stop playing when we were done today. It'll definitely see some more action.

[notejung]

I'm finding Pre-gibson Tobias Classic 5 String.

Please PM to me if anyone want to sell

Thank u

[Highs&Lows]

and while we are at it ;-) i am looking for a tobias standard 5 or 6 string..so if anyone wants to sell his, lemme know. thanks.

[Angus]

I've been looking for the right pre-Gibson, early 90's signature 6 (or even 5) for the last 10 years. It takes a while. :\

[Highs&Lows]

there is one for sale in japan:

http://www.digimart.net/bass/inst_de..._id=DS01794283

maybe they will ship to the states as well.