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Official Tobias Club
- Thread starter magneezius
- Start date
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What is that? A Carl Tobias? A Michael Thompson?
What is that? A Carl Tobias? A Michael Thompson?
Yes. I love it. This thing plays pretty good! I'm surprised how balanced it is. Zero neck dive. Seems to stay put and any strap level.
Welcoming to the house two new (to me) Killer B's! (Pictures below.)
The zebrawood beauty I picked up from @scubaduba in early August. Best as I can tell from researching TB classifieds that list both year and serial numbers, it was probably made in 1999-2000. I've been looking for a zebrawood Pedulla Thunderbass for years with no luck. When I caught scubaduba's ad – well, it's the most stunning zebrawood example I've ever seen. I had to have it! I'd describe its sound as aggressive and forward. I really like it.
As for the green one, knowledgeable Tobias fans will notice this one is unusual. It was recently the subject of discussion on TB (here), and even way back in 2008 (here).
Basically, everyone was scratching their heads trying figure out what this thing was. The neck construction and pickup locations confirm it's a Killer B and not a Growler (which was the other contender on the 2008 thread).
An email to Gibson back in 2008 helped clear up the mystery: It's a 1996 custom order. Having it in hand, I can confirm that it's seriously custom. Basically, it shares absolutely nothing with a stock Killer B.
For starters, the string spacing is 19mm, not the standard 17.5mm (like the zebrawood bass). This means the neck is a custom build, as is the body. You would not be able to bolt a standard Killer B neck to this body, nor this neck to a standard Killer B body. You can clearly see the difference in neck width between the two in the picture below.
Next up we have the gold hardware. As far as I can tell, Gibson offered only black on the KB's. The tailpiece - here's one for the books. It's identical to what's on my 19mm Pedulla Thunderbass.
In addition, Killer B bodies were one solid piece of wood. It's barely visible through the finish color, but this one has a highly-figured quilt maple top plate (see closeup pic of the body below). Not sure what the bottom wood is, as the finish obscures any clue you'd get from its natural appearance.
The hunter green color is unique to this bass, and not an option that appeared in the sales brochures.
And of course, Gibson never offered EMG pickups on any Tobias.
Even the Tobias-labeled plate covering the truss rods is likely custom. That's typically a Growler-specific piece, but one lifted from a 5-string Growler would not be wide enough for a 19mm neck.
I have to wonder why someone would go to the considerable expense of something like this, instead of spending their money on one of the more upscale Tobias models? I suspect the original owner was a worker on the factory production floor, or perhaps had a close friend or relative that was.
Whatever its story for "escaping into the wild" - the neck is absolutely wonderful to play, and the weight is 9 lbs., which I find more manageable than the zebrawood's hefty 10 lbs.
Not sure I'm liking the EMGs though. The bass sounds wonderful acoustically, but that sound isn't coming through electronically. At all.
However, I have to say the EMG tone control layout is actually pretty slick. There are two concentric knobs. The forward stack is midrange gain (top) and frequency sweep (bottom). Much better than the stock Tobias three-way mid switch. The rear knob stack is bass and treble.
But any way you cut it, this is a unique Killer B, the only one of its kind in existence. It's probably one I'll keep forever.
Regards,
Wayne A. Pflughaupt
Pedulla Club #45 Unique Arrangements of Hymns, P&W Standards, and Original Tunes
Administrator, Official Tobias Club #133
Administrator, Fretless Club #943
Big Cabs Club #23
My Basses
My Rig: Stage and FOH Friendly
here
The zebrawood beauty I picked up from @scubaduba in early August. Best as I can tell from researching TB classifieds that list both year and serial numbers, it was probably made in 1999-2000. I've been looking for a zebrawood Pedulla Thunderbass for years with no luck. When I caught scubaduba's ad – well, it's the most stunning zebrawood example I've ever seen. I had to have it! I'd describe its sound as aggressive and forward. I really like it.
As for the green one, knowledgeable Tobias fans will notice this one is unusual. It was recently the subject of discussion on TB (here), and even way back in 2008 (here).
Basically, everyone was scratching their heads trying figure out what this thing was. The neck construction and pickup locations confirm it's a Killer B and not a Growler (which was the other contender on the 2008 thread).
An email to Gibson back in 2008 helped clear up the mystery: It's a 1996 custom order. Having it in hand, I can confirm that it's seriously custom. Basically, it shares absolutely nothing with a stock Killer B.
For starters, the string spacing is 19mm, not the standard 17.5mm (like the zebrawood bass). This means the neck is a custom build, as is the body. You would not be able to bolt a standard Killer B neck to this body, nor this neck to a standard Killer B body. You can clearly see the difference in neck width between the two in the picture below.
Next up we have the gold hardware. As far as I can tell, Gibson offered only black on the KB's. The tailpiece - here's one for the books. It's identical to what's on my 19mm Pedulla Thunderbass.
In addition, Killer B bodies were one solid piece of wood. It's barely visible through the finish color, but this one has a highly-figured quilt maple top plate (see closeup pic of the body below). Not sure what the bottom wood is, as the finish obscures any clue you'd get from its natural appearance.
The hunter green color is unique to this bass, and not an option that appeared in the sales brochures.
And of course, Gibson never offered EMG pickups on any Tobias.
Even the Tobias-labeled plate covering the truss rods is likely custom. That's typically a Growler-specific piece, but one lifted from a 5-string Growler would not be wide enough for a 19mm neck.
I have to wonder why someone would go to the considerable expense of something like this, instead of spending their money on one of the more upscale Tobias models? I suspect the original owner was a worker on the factory production floor, or perhaps had a close friend or relative that was.
Whatever its story for "escaping into the wild" - the neck is absolutely wonderful to play, and the weight is 9 lbs., which I find more manageable than the zebrawood's hefty 10 lbs.
Not sure I'm liking the EMGs though. The bass sounds wonderful acoustically, but that sound isn't coming through electronically. At all.
However, I have to say the EMG tone control layout is actually pretty slick. There are two concentric knobs. The forward stack is midrange gain (top) and frequency sweep (bottom). Much better than the stock Tobias three-way mid switch. The rear knob stack is bass and treble.
But any way you cut it, this is a unique Killer B, the only one of its kind in existence. It's probably one I'll keep forever.
Regards,
Wayne A. Pflughaupt
Pedulla Club #45 Unique Arrangements of Hymns, P&W Standards, and Original Tunes
Administrator, Official Tobias Club #133
Administrator, Fretless Club #943
Big Cabs Club #23
My Basses
My Rig: Stage and FOH Friendly
here
Last edited:
Man that is an awesome story, case closed haha. I'm glad it found a home with you.Welcoming to the house two new (to me) Killer B's! (Pictures below.)
The zebrawood beauty I picked up from @scubaduba in early August. Best as I can tell from researching TB classifieds that list both year and serial numbers, it was probably made in 1999-2000. I've been looking for a zebrawood Pedulla Thunderbass for years with no luck. When I caught scubaduba's ad – well, it's the most stunning zebrawood example I've ever seen. I had to have it! I'd describe its sound as aggressive and forward. I really like it.
As for the green one, knowledgeable Tobias fans will notice this one is unusual. It was recently the subject of discussion on TB (here), and even way back in 2008 (here).
Basically, everyone was scratching their heads trying figure out what this thing was. The neck construction and pickup locations confirm it's a Killer B and not a Growler (which was the other contender on the 2008 thread).
An email to Gibson back in 2008 helped clear up the mystery: It's a 1996 custom order. Having it in hand, I can confirm that it's seriously custom. Basically, it shares absolutely nothing with a stock Killer B.
For starters, the string spacing is 19mm, not the standard 17.5mm (like the zebrawood bass). This means the neck is a custom build, as is the body. You would not be able to bolt a standard Killer B neck to this body, nor this neck to a standard Killer B body. You can clearly see the difference in neck width between the two in the picture below.
Next up we have the gold hardware. As far as I can tell, Gibson offered only black on the KB's. The tailpiece - here's one for the books. It's identical to what's on my 19mm Pedulla Thunderbass.
In addition, Killer B bodies were one solid piece of wood. It's barely visible through the finish color, but this one has a highly-figured quilt maple top plate (see closeup pic of the body below). Not sure what the bottom wood is, as the finish obscures any clue you'd get from its natural appearance.
The hunter green color is unique to this bass, and not an option that appeared in the sales brochures.
And of course, Gibson never offered EMG pickups on any Tobias.
Even the Tobias-labeled plate covering the truss rods is likely custom. That's typically a Growler-specific piece, but one lifted from a 5-string Growler would not be wide enough for a 19mm neck.
I have to wonder why someone would go to the considerable expense of something like this, instead of spending their money on one of the more upscale Tobias models? I suspect the original owner was a worker on the factory production floor, or perhaps had a close friend or relative that was.
Whatever its story for "escaping into the wild" - the neck is absolutely wonderful to play, and the weight is 9 lbs., which I find more manageable than the zebrawood's hefty 10 lbs.
Not sure I'm liking the EMGs though. The bass sounds wonderful acoustically, but that sound isn't coming through electronically. At all.
However, I have to say the EMG tone control layout is actually pretty slick. There are two concentric knobs. The forward stack is midrange gain (top) and frequency sweep (bottom). Much better than the stock Tobias three-way mid switch. The rear knob stack is bass and treble.
But any way you cut it, this is a unique Killer B, the only one of its kind in existence. It's probably one I'll keep forever.
Regards,
Wayne A. Pflughaupt
Pedulla Club #45 Unique Arrangements of Hymns, P&W Standards, and Original Tunes
Administrator, Official Tobias Club #133
Administrator, Fretless Club #943
Big Cabs Club #23
My Basses
My Rig: Stage and FOH Friendly
here
@WayneP
how are the B and G strings relative to the fingerboard?
Cool story and nice purchases!!
how are the B and G strings relative to the fingerboard?
Cool story and nice purchases!!
Are they still giving out numbers to this club?
I picked up this Killer B 4 from GC and in my research prior I noticed it had been sold a few times over the years on Reverb so I had kind of set myself up for disappointment prior to receiving it. I adjusted the truss rod and tried to lower the bridge saddles (which are a little strange)but still couldn't get the low action I prefer. The electronics cavity cover is also super snug and not easy to remove. Then there is that G string flavor that I was not accustomed to. I wasn't initially thrilled with what I was hearing from it during the brief testing. I thought, this baby is going back for a Lakland or Bassmods. This morning though I sat down with her and put a set of Dunlop steels on and went through the many different tones this thing has and boy was I pleasantly surprised. I don't think will be leaving anytime soon.
JayT
I picked up this Killer B 4 from GC and in my research prior I noticed it had been sold a few times over the years on Reverb so I had kind of set myself up for disappointment prior to receiving it. I adjusted the truss rod and tried to lower the bridge saddles (which are a little strange)but still couldn't get the low action I prefer. The electronics cavity cover is also super snug and not easy to remove. Then there is that G string flavor that I was not accustomed to. I wasn't initially thrilled with what I was hearing from it during the brief testing. I thought, this baby is going back for a Lakland or Bassmods. This morning though I sat down with her and put a set of Dunlop steels on and went through the many different tones this thing has and boy was I pleasantly surprised. I don't think will be leaving anytime soon.
JayT
Yes indeed, Sir! You'll be #172! Welcome to the club!
Wow, just noticed Sirfishalot is only the second new member for the whole year! Bummer...
Updated list:
1. magneezius
2. Flintc
3. Eaglemoon
4. Vladpire
5. ireidta
6. saxofunk
7. Kesslari
8. ctmullins
9. rice128
10. westrock
11. grifo
12. kerenn
13. Jackholexxxx
14. rotassator
15. mrbassman de
16. Fealach
17. Debased
18. alexofc69
19. tombowlus
20. Phantasm
21. Tony G
22. Scubaduba
23. bucephylus
24. greenbass
25. johnpaulbass
26. rad87gn
27. manjonning
28. Basshole
29. capnsandwich
30. Flintc
31. Wadge
32. whoapower
33. Hella
34. Mungibunga
35. skb5string
36. toby23
37. NoFrets4Me
38. Gubna
39. Bassflute
40. ZionBound
41. tiz 1
42. abarson
43. Indigo
44. xk3smith
45. fitzy73
46. gr8fulhiker
47. jam.majors
48. aeonmouse
49. basspro557
50. svoncampe
51. sdbss
52. gbarcus
53. Agito (retired from club)
54. marvelous
55. shakey slim
56. Mattsochistic
57. joevcool
58. ClassicJazz
59. 73jbass
60. bassballs dk
61. architect
62. IvanMike
63. JMBassist
64. sayman
65. Holdsg (retired from club)
66. bass4worship
67. dofranco
68. MrLenny
69. Markus Tobias
70. w_bass
71. Carlosrzz
72. oystein
73. RoosterRusek
74. PlanetariumERB
75. el_crawfordo
76. gregwatts2008
77. sonyho
78. bwoodman
79. oystein
80. jo_mix
81. shade615
82. Red Planet
83. sneha1965
84. blackjack76
85. daerbass
86. maupek
87. meatwad
88. midijab
89. BrandonA119
90. pb9717
91. Mousekillaz
92. genmed42
93. thatinstrument
94. oldno.7
95. wolfmancharlie (retired from club)
96. Phil Smith
97. notejung
98. armybass
99. dkterry
100. basic5
101. Freezer
102. Mtnman
103. McSchwaiger
104. 77jazzbass
105. BARMALEY
106. seventhsunbass
107. Jason Wilson
108. Webtroll
109. dap
110. west*coast*bass
111. musiqisme26
112. vmabus
113. The Chuck
114. phatbass30
115. Brams77
116. tobias3469
117. sfearing
118. Ricky Caboverde
119. Nick supalerk
120. mntallpaul
121. Eugene B
122. mark35mi
123. Lo6man
124. noise_art
125. evilgus
126. higain617
127. barrel650
128. jbarn
129. kwdhsk
130. Basstovsky
131. Foal30
132. carvinbassplyr
133. WayneP
134. rufus.K
135. Chris McKenzie
136. Nightman
137. EdwardofHuncote
138. Mikkoantt
139. bassdudepat
140. TrcSeb
141. mustangcruise
142. dejan72
143. Brad Johnson
144. BlueAliceOasis
145. Buszkock
146. alzabass
147. jrussblues
148. Templar
149. Vuong Bass
150. Suresh
151. red_rhino
152. Echo008
153. Groove Doctor
154. guitarmutt
155. naetog
156. Spblat
157. Bruce
158. chupacerveza
159. darryl1965
160. BassistFTW
161. coyote1
162. John Stipicevic
163. xtremebassist1
164. Rohan Anderson
165. Afc70
166. jpataide
167. Thepoet62
168. Bassistcool
169. NotTheOx
170. kwallace
171.Corbusier
172. Sirfishalot
Regards,
Wayne A. Pflughaupt
Pedulla Club #45 Unique Arrangements of Hymns, P&W Standards, and Original Tunes
Administrator, Official Tobias Club #133
Administrator, Fretless Club #943
Big Cabs Club #23
My Basses
My Rig: Stage and FOH Friendly
Pedulla Club #45
Last edited:
Heads up Tobias lovers,
The Killer B4 I posted above has been sent back to GC as it does indeed have some issues with the electronics.
Not sure if it was just the output jack, but at times when playing it would fizzle out as if the battery was going out. I tried a couple different cords on it thinking that might have played into but to no avail. The other thing is that the action seemed high even with saddles all the way down. I'll keep my club number though for the Lacewood KB4 I picked up here from another TB'er.
JayT
The Killer B4 I posted above has been sent back to GC as it does indeed have some issues with the electronics.
Not sure if it was just the output jack, but at times when playing it would fizzle out as if the battery was going out. I tried a couple different cords on it thinking that might have played into but to no avail. The other thing is that the action seemed high even with saddles all the way down. I'll keep my club number though for the Lacewood KB4 I picked up here from another TB'er.
JayT
I expect that would be this one. Congrats!
Pedulla Club #45
Regards,
Wayne A. Pflughaupt
Official Tobias Club #133 Unique Arrangements of Hymns, P&W Standards, and Original Tunes
Administrator, Fretless Club #943
Administrator, Big Cabs Club #23
My Basses
https://www.talkbass.com/threads/tobias-killer-b.1633327/
My Rig: Stage and FOH Friendly
Pedulla Club #45
Yeah,
But I kicked myself for not being logged in on Sunday while at a family Christmas luncheon and missing out on that gorgeous Classic 5 that was for sale here all of about 10 minutes!
Congratulations. Looks like a nice bass.
I don't know about the output though. I guess you'll find out when it arrives. There are a few threads here on Talkbass that may help. (I'm sure there are more; this is just a quick Google search.)Tell me about Tobias Renegade 5 string - TalkBass.com
Dating a Tobias Renegade | TalkBass.com
Tobias Renegade 5 question | TalkBass.com
Tobias Renegade | TalkBass.com
The preamp may indeed have low output, or possibly other issues, and some people have replaced it. The overall impression people seem to have is that it's a good bass that may benefit from easy upgrades.
Please post more pics when you receive it.
You can also use the Search function at the top of the page to search this thread only for references to "Renegade". There some other people here in the club that own them.
does anybody remember the prices when those basses where listed back at 90's ?
I don't. But if you search for "Renegade" in the Classifieds you can see what they've sold for on Talkbass in recent years.
The Killer B's are great basses. I have owned a few through the years and still have my maple bodied 5 string that I bought new in 1990. That midrange control is unique in that it effects the bass and treble as well. Boosting the mids also adds some glassy highs that just cut so nicely in a mix. I really like nickel plated steels on mine. They seem to work well with the basses natural tone. I find that I toggle between the preamp and dry tones pretty often when practicing. The preamp adds a decent volume boost so I have always left the preamp on for a live set for consistency.
