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Gibson Tobias Killer B 4 string

M

MatthewT

Aug 9, 2011
13
0
#1
Hi,

I am a double bass and electric bass player who plays mostly jazz and is considering buying a 5 yr. old Tobias Killer B 4 string electric bass for $700, however I have heard horror stories about a certain Gibson factory at which these basses are manufactured. Specifically, I have heard that the necks of the 5 string Killer B basses (I would buy a 4 string) manufactured there are simply attached to bodies made for 4 strings and the resulting instrument is of poor quality. Should I be just as worried about the quality of the 4 string that I am looking to buy? Also, does anyone think that $700 is too much to pay and/or could I be getting a better quality bass for that price? If so, what other basses should check out? All feedback is appreciated.

Thank You
 
#2
The gibson tobias travesties Ive examined had horrible fretwork, Poor qaulity neck joints, and overall insult to tobias qaulity to them. Perhaps the one your seller has is one of the good ones thats had frets redone. The bass would have to be in premium condition with excellent fretwork and no easy to spot mfg defects/shortcomings before Id concider paying $700 for one. Theres lots of great basses to be had around $700 imo. While there may be some nice gibson tobias's out there, Id have to examine it close and hard to make sure it wsnt like the 4-5 I saw in a store yrs ago.
 
#4
In that price range, most of them. Lol. In $700 range theres plenty og great bases by most mfg for their upper end of the import lines. Plus some others by the likes of MTD, which is Tobias current real line of basses by Mr Tobias. Though theyre more fenderish in shape then the Tobias Killer line.
 
#5
Hey I'm trying to find out when the garbage Tobias Killer B 4 string basses were made, because I just found one used at guitar center, and it is absolutely a work of art. I have been playing a Peavy Cirrus 5 string for the last 10 yrs, and I love my Peavy, I think it's one of the best kept secrets when it comes to affordable higher end basses. I will put it up to a Ken Smith anyday. That being said, I went to GC to find a cheap $300 knock around 4 string bass, then I saw this Tobias sitting int he corner. Now I normally have to force myself to handle a 4 string for more than 5 mins, but this thing just felt and sounded like heaven. I honestly have not played a bass that articulates as well as this bass does. The slightest bend of my finger makes this thin change it's accent.So I guess I just found one that was built on a Tuesday, cause I'm getting rid of my entire rig in order to grab this Killer B
 
#6
I think Dark has an overly dim view of these instruments. There are some dogs, probaably later in Gibsons run. BUT. I think most are either good or great. I have an early KB 5er. and it was my main player for over 10 years and very well made. Almost never needed any adjustment, just a wonderful bass. I even had a Korean made 5er for awhile that was a very good bass.
In my view I would check it out and if it looks and plays good it IS good maybe even great, I know mine is and I have no intention of selling it.

peace Kirk
 
#7
Depends on when it was made. The early Nashville years were generally pretty great, although maybe not with the attention to detail as when Mike and co. were building them in California. The "reboot" years when they were made in Arkansas were pretty spotty. I paid $1000 for an early Nashville Killer B 6 about 12 years ago, it's absolutely perfect, and has been my main player ever since.
 

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