who thinks the "new era" tobias are heavily overpriced/overrated?

I haven't heard many good things about 'em, so I don't think they're overrated.

Perhaps by overrated he means in the companies eyes.

I have no knocks for them. However, for my needs I can think of many ways to better spend 5 grand.

Definitely overpriced...I would much rather have an MTD made by Mike Tobias himself...and the new Gibson Tobias basses are more expensive!

vision said:

Definitely overpriced...I would much rather have an MTD made by Mike Tobias himself...and the new Gibson Tobias basses are more expensive!

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+100

funkycarnivore said:

I haven't heard many good things about 'em, so I don't think they're overrated.

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+1. In fact, I haven't heard ANY good things about them. For that money and quite a bit less there are many "proven" choices out there. Given the track record on these "post-Mike" basses, I wouldn't. YMMV

I'd like to hear from someone who has actually PLAYED a Gibson Tobias, because it seems the only distaste for them is based purely on assumption and hearsay.

I have a mid-90's Growler, which is touted as their cheap bass. It is an awesome piece of work. I would love to A/B one of the more expensive ones with an MTD someday.

(Taking off "Roscoe Hat")

I've played 'em. They aren't worth what they are charging. Not even close.

They aren't worth HALF that.

They aren't worth HALF of THAT, in my opinion...

:scowl:

I was in Nashville shortly after they announced the new Tobias line and actually noodled around on a number of them at the Gibson store (though never plugged any of them in). My first impression was clearly sticker shock - for what they were asking for these basses, I immediately got very high expectations. I've drooled over MTD 535s for a long time and was skeptical that the Gibson Tobiases would be any better for the extra dough. My experience with them is very similar to experiences I've had shopping for Fenders at GC. Their QC was all over the place, with noticable imperfections in fit\finish (eneven frets, marred fingerboards, tops not that great) - moreso in some basses than others. Some were pretty good, but generally they were just average. Certainly no where near MTD quality and IMHO only worth about 1/3 the asking price). I also found that these basses had been beaten up a bit - very poor setups across the board, obvious wear and tear from being on the showroom floor, etc. Even if I felt I had to have one, it wouldn't have come from the Gibson Store. When I think of the alternatives out there for the same\less money (MTD, Sadowsky, Ken Smith, etc.), it is almost comical...

I think they're so expensive because they're made with really high-class material.

That thing is damn sexy though.

Still, would you rather have this or 2-3 Valentis?

First of all, that bass IS beautiful! Damn! Even if it fell apart in 10 minutes, it's quite a looker.

Second, people around here are way to happy to spread second-hand, third-hand, and internet rumor as fact. Unless you've played a new Tobias recently or owned one, you don't know. Don't forget that a Gibby Toby from one year ago might be WAY different that one today. Maybe they got their act together.

Third, even if Gibby makes these, the design is Michael's. It's classic, functional, and beautiful. Those that have oldies know how great they sound and play, so the potential for that is still there.

Fourth, Musician's Enemy Private Reserve prices are generally high compared to a lot of the dealers that are well-respected by TBers. AND Gibson likes to price their axes on the high side -- so add it up, and you have a recipe for Big Buckos.

Fifth, Gibson is REALLY the reason most folks diss the new Tobys. And I can't blame them. Gibson has got some real problems when it comes to arrogance and corporate policy. But if you want a Les Paul, a Jr., a 335, or a Johnny A, they (the custom shop) can still deliver the goods. Not that it's cheap. Plus, Gibson has a really sh*tty rep for their basses (forgive me Thunderbird lovers). It's never been their area of expertise. And TB tends to love the boutique-style over the corporate. Personally, I'd stay away from the Toby, but that's no reason to trash an instrument that you've never played. Maybe we can get a few folks who have some first-hand experience with some recent models.

In any case, that bass is pretty enough to make me want to start playing a 6.

Not really.

$5K and the best they can do is put on a Rosewood fretboard! The Birds Eye maple on my Carvin looks 1000% better! I guess you are paying for those Ebony knobs!

And if you like spalted type wood, would you pay $5K for the
Tobias (picture below)



or $2600 for this beautiful Skjold (picture below)?

Gard said:

(Taking off "Roscoe Hat")

I've played 'em. They aren't worth what they are charging. Not even close.

They aren't worth HALF that.

They aren't worth HALF of THAT, in my opinion...

:scowl:

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Agreed.. Have a local dealer who has several that (not surprisingly) have never sold... They're freakin' boat anchors too!!! Shoulder killer!!