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Help identifying this bass - Tobias IV standard or deluxe?

Polvo

Polvo

Jul 27, 2022
38
12
#1
I'm looking at buying one of these second hand, but as far as I can tell from online research there's a pretty big difference in the quality of the electronics between the Standard and Deluxe model... but no way to tell the difference just by looking at it!

Any advice? I have a serial number for the bass, is there some way I can use that to check what exact model it is?

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#10
Polvo said:
Sorry if this is a stupid question... but what are pole pieces?

And if it's a Korean import, how much does that impact the quality? It's advertised for £170, does that sound about right?
Click to expand...

Pole pieces are the little magnets that make pickups work. They are usually round. You can see pole pieces on this pickup:

839E01AF-BE45-49F9-8814-66D4F3825B88.png


As for being made in Korea, these days, Korean gear tends to be higher quality. In the past, it was more variable.
 
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#12
Tobias models are Basic, Classic, and Signature. There is no American manufactured “Standard” or “Deluxe” , AFAIK. There are also Growler and Killer B models made in Nashville by Gibson, as are all Tobias basses manufactured after 1990.. with the exception of the “Toby” line
 
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#13
aesopslyre said:
Tobias models are Basic, Classic, and Signature. There is no “Standard” or “Deluxe” , AFAIK. There are also Growler and Killer B models made in Nashville by Gibson, as are all Tobias basses manufactured after 1990
Click to expand...
The 90s Toby's were either Deluxe (j pups) or Pro (humbuckers). I owned a Deluxe. Was a decent bass with low output (perfect for upgrading the preamp). Finishes were natural and sunburst. These newer models are not the same. Just a gimmick to sell basses by Gibson. Just my opinion. Here's a pic of me playing the one I owned (long gone).

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#15
They aren't that bad. They aren't great either. These can be bought used in the U.S. for $150 or so. Expect to do some setup work and buy some strings. Make sure the truss rod works.

If you like the Toby/Tobias bass stylistically, shop around for a Toby Pro neckthrough model. They were considerably better.
 
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#17
These have actually decent fast necks. Pickups are dual rail mini humbuckers, so, no pole pieces and no trouble aligning them to look or sound better. 5 string models use the same pickups.

Bridge tone isn't bad, neck tone, not as good as a Precision pickup. But again, nothing sounds like a P pickup there, huh..

Deluxe model's pickups are hotter and it has actually a decent bass boost pre in it. I found that the circuit had a small design flaw and could be fixed with a resistor replacement or removal. All the hissing related issues was caused by too much boost on top of the bass boost.

Ask them if it has a battery in it. If so, it's the deluxe. Worth it for the neck IMO. After modding it, the pre is good as well. Pickups are always a personal thing and easiest to change anyway.
 
#20
The black bass in your picture is indeed an Epiphone Tobias Toby Standard IV. It differs from the Deluxe in that it has a painted finish instead of stained wood. The Standard has passive-only electronics, while the Deluxe has a built-in preamp with an "Active Tonexpressor Bass Enhancement Control".

Both the Tobias Toby and the Washburn XB400 are very good beginner basses. The electronics in the Washburn might be better, but both will get you off the ground for not much dough. Is there any way for you to try them before buying?
 
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