Tobias Toby Pro 5 Bridge Upgrade

[Rando McNally]

I have an awesome Tobias Toby Pro 5. I love it. Cost me next to nuthin', well made out of great wood. It's great for rowdy bar gigs, and great for people like me, who won't compromise on tone, but sometimes don't want to take expensive instruments into uncertain situations.

ANYWAY!

The hardware on this thing is definitely where they cut the corners to make their price point.

I've replaced the preamp with a bart, BIG upgrade. BUT, I think the bridge is the worst thing about it. My bridge is bending away from the body at the tail. The gap is now around 1/8"!!!!

The bass has been losing volume since I got it, likely as the bridge has deteriorated. I listend to some earlier recordings and it's very "up front" and that's with the old preamp in it!

I need that contact back. SO, I need a new bridge.

The string spacing on this thing is 16mm, or I'd just get a Badass V and be done with it.

Can I switch to 17mm spacing (the min allowed by the Badass V) without losing playability of my B and G strings up high (not that I use the B up there, but I use the G)?

Should I go with the Badass V anyway? Should I consider another Bridge?

I want something that is HIGH quality both in durability and tonality.


Thank you TB. Elucidate me!

[vlad41965]

I need this info as well...even contacted epiphone for it....I played it recently as was blown away bythe feel/tone of it...

[DWBass]

I'd put a Hipshot on there instead of the Badass. That's odd regarding the bridge. I had one of those basses and never had an issue with the bridge. Is it screwed into the wood properly and securely? Is it the original bridge?

[4StringTheorist]

I agree about going for something like a Hipshot A style bridge. The 5 string model comes in a 17 mm spacing, and is adjustable for string spacing.

[dave64o]

Originally Posted by DWBass

....Is it screwed into the wood properly and securely? ....

That was the first question I thought of as well, especially if it's not the original bridge. If you're not sure if the wood around the screws is good, do you know of a luthier who could check it out for you?

I bought a Toby Pro 4 string from a pawn shop about a year ago and the bridge is fine. In fact, the bass was in outstanding condition. There's not a lot of info on them here on TB and the little I found is mostly negative. But I'm really enjoying mine.

[ModulusQ5-122]

I have one if those and didn't have issues either. I'd go with the hipshot option as well though. I think you'd be alright at 17mm. But hey I'm no expert.