Gibson bringing back Tobias Basses in 2023?

[Snibborwocky]

I didn't find another post like this so hopefully I'm not repeating this if someone else posted it first. I stumbled upon a listing on AMS and it looks like Gibson is bringing back the Classic, Killer B, and Growler models(?). Not sure AMS was even supposed to make this live yet because I don't see them listed on the Gibson website at all but anyways, kinda got my eyebrows to raise if the quality is there. Not sure I dig the Babicz bridges on them either but it is what it is.

 

[musicman556]

Interesting. I hope they can get it right this time.

 

[JimiLL]

Let's see shall we where's lobster?

 

[foal30]

Nothing wrong with the first 2 runs of the Growler

Cool instruments

 

[Tori2013]

I guess I should ask why a 4 string model is named Killer B?

 

[MrAB4003]

I can't trust Gibson to get it right despite new management coming onboard a few years ago. Their QC is terrible, their prices are way too high, and they always seem to leave out certain features from original models when they do reissues. Hopefully they prove me wrong, but I doubt that will happen.

 

[Element Zero]

I can't trust Gibson to get it right despite new management coming onboard a few years ago. Their QC is terrible, their prices are way too high, and they always seem to leave out certain features from original models when they do reissues. Hopefully they prove me wrong, but I doubt that will happen.

So far Mesa still hittin it outta the park…

 

[TrustRod]

I guess I should ask why a 4 string model is named Killer B?

Originally it was for bolt on.

 

[tpaul]

I guess I should ask why a 4 string model is named Killer B?

I was asking myself the same thing.

 

[scuzzy]

the growler has a special place in my heart. it was the first really nice bass I ever played. they sound so good, punchy and growly. i hope gibson does the tobias name service this go-round.

 

[KB5]

I guess I should ask why a 4 string model is named Killer B?

It's a Bolt on neck.

 

[JimmyM]

I guess I should ask why a 4 string model is named Killer B?

Because they killed the B

 

[rockscott]

Were all the tobias basses longscales?

 

[burgerdj]

Everything from the 90s is cool again, so this isn't too much of a surprise. I'm just glad I kept my Doc Martens.

 

[skyline_01]

I owned an early Gibson Tobias Killer B5 lacewood (late '90s?) and it's build quality and sound were exceptional. It had an aftermarket Demeter pre and one of the best B strings I've ever played. I often wish I hadn't let go of it.

If Gibson could produce these with that level of quality they might have something on their hands, but color me skeptical.

 

[scubaduba]

I guess I should ask why a 4 string model is named Killer B?

More on the genesis of the Killer B here Brand NEW Pre-Gibson TOBIAS Killer Bs

 

[scubaduba]

I wonder about the electronics on the Growler. Specifically whether the electronics will be identical to the original Growler circuit. I had spoken with Bartolini at one point many years ago and they said they would never bring back that package.

 

[scubaduba]

Oh, and no thanks on the Babicz bridge.

 

[Lammchop93]

The new Gibson management team that took over in 2019 is putting out great stuff. The QC is significantly improved and the models they are releasing are great. I recently picked up an SG Standard guitar, and it is flawless. Well worth the money.

I have high hopes for these!

 

[Koshchei]

Get ready for Peavey Grindr quality at Les Paul Custom prices.