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1991 Tobias Basic question

Dragonlord

Dragonlord

Rocks Around The Glocks
Aug 30, 2000
2,573
464
46
Greece, Europe
#1
I've found a 1991 Tobias Basic 6, serial no 1576. Has a few dings, nothing too extreme. Mike Tobias appears to have said about this:
"#1576 was probably made in early 1991 and is a Basic, maple and wenge neck alder wings and a pauferro fingerboard. It is technically not a preGibson but is pre Nashville. We built it before Gibson closed Tobias and moved it to Nashville. It is still considered to be one of the more valuable years….anything before #2044 is considered collectable in the US."
So, would 1700 euro (something like $2100) be considered a good deal? What's the difference between those and his current MTD line? If you had to choose based on the instrumental alone (I mean not because it's rare etc), would you go for this or for a better condition, newer MTD 635 and why (for the same price)?
 
#2
Taking a closer look, the dings and scratches are quite a few, still nothing extreme. There are a few modifications though, like the original bridge having been replaced for a brass ETS bridge, and some messing with the knobs (haven't figured that out yet).
 
#4
For the same money, I would take the MTD if it was in EXCELLENT shape vs an abused Tobias, though I would much prefer an older Tobias in excellent shape. Even in the US at those prices a 635 would be a good deal, where the Tobias if it's been modified and beaten on might not be worth $2100.
 
#5
Dragonlord said:
What's the difference between those and his current MTD line? If you had to choose based on the instrumental alone (I mean not because it's rare etc), would you go for this or for a better condition, newer MTD 635 and why (for the same price)?
Click to expand...
The 1991 should be from Burbank, the string spacing at the bridge will be 16.5mm and I believe the MTD's use 19mm. So that's a major difference. The MTD will likely be lighter but that will vary from example to example. The old one will be 34" scale, the MTD 35".

Every bass I've seen that was made under Mike Tobias' direct supervision has been top notch. If you like the feel and tone jump on it. :hyper:
 
#6
It seems to me that all of the original production that I have seen has neck-through construction, while the MTD's have bolt-on necks. Those basses sound different and have a different playing feel and response. If that makes a difference to you, take your time and check it out carefully.

I have found that the value of basses in the vintage market move more slowly and a lot less than the prices of guitars. Still, the rarity factor might push the value of that "pre-Nashville" instrument somewhat. That price doesn't sound bad. The hardware and even the electronics and pickups can probably be brought back to near-original condition, and you would have a great player that might even appreciate on the minor-vintage scale as a little bonus.
 

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