Pre-Gibson Tobias Owners Club! - Page 16

dkterry · #**301** 11-28-2012, 08:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 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.

I have this exact signature model in a 5 string and have been craving a signature 6 just like this one!

kokorollc · #**302** 12-23-2012, 12:18 PM

Have a question for the experts here. I've got #1366 basic 5 fretless and I'm missing one of the very small threaded screws used to adjust saddle height. I believe it's one of the old Wilkinson bridges. No markings, no Tobias stamp. Would anyone know where I could find one of these or what size it might be. Maybe StewMac? Not sure of the size, I've checked hardware stores, etc and can't find anything small or short enough to do the trick.

BassLand · #**303** 12-23-2012, 12:31 PM

1986 Signature 5 chambered fretless

whoapower · #**304** 01-07-2013, 03:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kokorollc

Have a question for the experts here. I've got #1366 basic 5 fretless and I'm missing one of the very small threaded screws used to adjust saddle height. I believe it's one of the old Wilkinson bridges. No markings, no Tobias stamp. Would anyone know where I could find one of these or what size it might be. Maybe StewMac? Not sure of the size, I've checked hardware stores, etc and can't find anything small or short enough to do the trick.

Stew Mac... maybe. But, sent PM, might have a spare.

BassLand · #**305** 01-07-2013, 05:09 PM

My easiest answer is to take an existing screw from one of the other saddles to a hardware store and they would most likely be able to match it.

Angus · #**306** 01-07-2013, 05:54 PM

If you aren't handy, go to a hardware store and have them help you size the diameter and thread count, then order the same size screw from McMaster-Carr (www.mcmaster.com). Hardware stores will not likely have the same screw in stock, but you should be able to order the exact same unit to the same finish and length from McMaster for very, very cheap.

If you find the length, diameter and thread count, I can also point you to the right part # on McMaster.

It will likely be less than $2-3, and you'll get enough to replace all of them if you want.

Diddler · #**307** 01-15-2013, 07:00 PM

I own #1060 for now

I bought this used and thought I would want to learn five strings but I guess I don't. Every time I play I always grab my p bass , this Tobias sounds great but....
Does anyone know what the wood types are? I can post more pics

Also the tuning pegs are Yamaha is this correct?

BassLand · #**308** 01-16-2013, 03:20 AM

Your bass s/n 1060 is a Wenge top with a Walnut body

Diddler · #**309** 01-16-2013, 07:33 AM

Thanx for the input

Highs&Lows · #**310** 02-23-2013, 11:42 AM

I was just able to get a great deal on a Tobias Standard Fretless...wow I cant believe how good even the Standard line is/was (they were the ones built in Japan, about 400). Its really amazing how much Michael Tobias and his crew got right with these Basses and I feel really grateful & blessed that I am able to play one.

BassLand · #**311** 02-23-2013, 03:39 PM

That is great that you got a good one! I remember they were not all well received at first. They were good basses but I guess people were too used to associating us with the level of craftsmanship the original crew produced in California. I think Mike is really happy with the MTD Kingston line he currently markets.

Highs&Lows · #**312** 02-24-2013, 01:33 AM

thats interesting. must be a really good one, as i think that it is not that far away from my pre gib tobias classic. i did play one of the mtd kz basses once and really wasnt too happy. but then again it was at a music store and the bass had a really bad setup. I am sure there is some nice ones amongst the, especially the gouche z bass with the good preamp.

BassLand · #**313** 02-24-2013, 11:20 AM

proper setup is always critical...

kesslari · #**314** 02-26-2013, 12:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BassLand

proper setup is always critical...

Right. But there is a huge difference in ergonomics between MTD and Tobias - scale length, neck profile, string spacing.

For me - the old Tobias basses fit "just right", whereas the MTD's I tried (very well set up, I will add, US basses) felt "nice" but not like "wow, I'm HOME!"

BassLand · #**315** 02-26-2013, 01:18 PM

I switch regularly between Tobias and MTD and find not much difference even though the scale length is different.

notejung · #**316** 03-14-2013, 02:54 AM

I just got it last night !!

"Pre-Gibson" Tobias 5 String Bass Signature Model 1493#

Spec:
- 9 piece thru-neck design with 5 piece body wings
- Pau Ferro fingerboard
- Walnut Neck and Body
- Zebrawood Top and back

And This pic from Ebay,show overall of bass

Angus · #**317** 03-14-2013, 03:15 PM

Nice!!

bobt3719 · #**318** 03-30-2013, 01:54 PM

That is a beautiful bass ..
I have question about the one I own ... the serial number is 112033 ... I know it is made in japan. Is the actual serial number 2033?. I have been inactive for a number of years and have recently got back to playing. I got this bass new in the early 90's when I went to a 5 string. It was the only one I could play comfortably and it does sound great ...

This is not a photo of my bass but it is exactly like mine.

whoapower · #**319** 04-01-2013, 11:21 AM

No, you don't truncate the serial number. However, if your bass is from Japan, it could be a Standard, which is a rare pre-Gibson, but not made in USA at Tobias' shop.

bobt3719 · #**320** 04-01-2013, 01:13 PM

I'm surprised to hear that about the serial number. I was doing some research, wondering what it was worth and I never came up with any number over 4 digits. As much as I love this bass I have a modulus on my wish list. Years ago on a lunch break in NYC I tried one out, I do not remember the model, but what I do remember is the neck seemed to be a copy of the Tobias I had. It sounded like. in my head, a bass should sound ...