Hey all,
I'm not generally a forum post-er, nor a bass player, but I signed up so I could post here because I really need some help. I've acquired a Tobias bass that I am having trouble even identifying. I've googled tons and read several posts here and elsewhere re: serial numbers and pre-Gibson, Gibson, post-Gibson models, and still have no clue even about the model. I think I have a Killer B4 (???), but also suspect the guitar was pieced together. And I'm not sure if I should be contacting Gibson or MTD for its history. But I do want to be an informed owner, so I can decide what I should do with what seems like a franken-bass.
Here's what I know (and photos are included below):
4-string RH bass
maple/bubinga? (definitely not purpleheart), bolt-on neck
2 bartolini pickups (1 9V battery)
original Tobias (adjustable?) bridge
five knobs (one does not look like the others..replaced maybe?)
one bypass switch
Grover tuning pegs
Mother of pearl Tobias logo inlay on black headstock
red unknown wood (but not lacewood) body with right side slice out (terminology?)
The kicker is, the neck has one serial number (2542) and the body has another (2516) (I think I understand that this makes it an early Gibson model?). However, I'm not sure this makes it 'unauthentic' as I've seen stories about Gibson mismatching serial numbers on parts.
ANY information on model or history, or help is MUCH appreciated! Apologies for the long post or any post faux pas and thank you for your kindness!
I'm not generally a forum post-er, nor a bass player, but I signed up so I could post here because I really need some help. I've acquired a Tobias bass that I am having trouble even identifying. I've googled tons and read several posts here and elsewhere re: serial numbers and pre-Gibson, Gibson, post-Gibson models, and still have no clue even about the model. I think I have a Killer B4 (???), but also suspect the guitar was pieced together. And I'm not sure if I should be contacting Gibson or MTD for its history. But I do want to be an informed owner, so I can decide what I should do with what seems like a franken-bass.
Here's what I know (and photos are included below):
4-string RH bass
maple/bubinga? (definitely not purpleheart), bolt-on neck
2 bartolini pickups (1 9V battery)
original Tobias (adjustable?) bridge
five knobs (one does not look like the others..replaced maybe?)
one bypass switch
Grover tuning pegs
Mother of pearl Tobias logo inlay on black headstock
red unknown wood (but not lacewood) body with right side slice out (terminology?)
The kicker is, the neck has one serial number (2542) and the body has another (2516) (I think I understand that this makes it an early Gibson model?). However, I'm not sure this makes it 'unauthentic' as I've seen stories about Gibson mismatching serial numbers on parts.
ANY information on model or history, or help is MUCH appreciated! Apologies for the long post or any post faux pas and thank you for your kindness!
