- Fretless
- Y
This is a beautiful and rare bass, made in 1991 by Michael Tobias and co, before he left his company in the hands of Gibson. I believe this is the only line of basses ever made with the curved Bartolini pickups (stock). The electronics have a 9v pre-amp (active), and a true bypass, so you can play it in passive mode even with a dead battery. If you're looking at this post, you probably don't need an explanation of how great these old Tobias basses are.
I am the original and only owner. I have been a professional bassist my whole adult life, and have taken excellent care of this treasure. I have played her all over the world, and there's a ton of vibe and history here. It's hard to let go, but I don't play it anymore, so it needs a loving home. Would really love to see this bass go to someone who knows and cares about it. If you're in the Los Angeles area, you'd be welcome to meet up and play it, or I'd be happy to record and send a few samples.
I bought it in January 1992, from Sluggo Music in Tacoma Washington. All stock, except the Hipshot "D"-tuner, and the epoxy-resin coated rosewood fingerboard, Jaco-style (both added by a tech at Bass Northwest in Seattle). The resin can be removed (by a professional tech), if desired, but I like it because it protects the fingerboard and brightens up the tone. The epoxy resin has some rough spots on the bottom side of the neck, which can be easily sanded down if desired (I left it there because it helps me feel where I am on the neck, like braille). Lots of awesome looking normal wear, no cracks or damage or repairs, ever.
Tobias 1991 "Killer-B" 4FL fretless bass, serial 1307xxx
Includes original Tobias hard-shell case
Passive/Active Bartolini pickups, with true bypass switch
Rosewood fingerboard, black hardware
Hipshot "D"-tuner added, epoxy resin fingerboard added
Professionally set up and maintained
Straight, super-thin neck, great action, easy to play!
I am the original and only owner. I have been a professional bassist my whole adult life, and have taken excellent care of this treasure. I have played her all over the world, and there's a ton of vibe and history here. It's hard to let go, but I don't play it anymore, so it needs a loving home. Would really love to see this bass go to someone who knows and cares about it. If you're in the Los Angeles area, you'd be welcome to meet up and play it, or I'd be happy to record and send a few samples.
I bought it in January 1992, from Sluggo Music in Tacoma Washington. All stock, except the Hipshot "D"-tuner, and the epoxy-resin coated rosewood fingerboard, Jaco-style (both added by a tech at Bass Northwest in Seattle). The resin can be removed (by a professional tech), if desired, but I like it because it protects the fingerboard and brightens up the tone. The epoxy resin has some rough spots on the bottom side of the neck, which can be easily sanded down if desired (I left it there because it helps me feel where I am on the neck, like braille). Lots of awesome looking normal wear, no cracks or damage or repairs, ever.
Tobias 1991 "Killer-B" 4FL fretless bass, serial 1307xxx
Includes original Tobias hard-shell case
Passive/Active Bartolini pickups, with true bypass switch
Rosewood fingerboard, black hardware
Hipshot "D"-tuner added, epoxy resin fingerboard added
Professionally set up and maintained
Straight, super-thin neck, great action, easy to play!
