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School me on Tobias basses
- Thread starter tms13pin
- Start date
Pre-Gibson they were spectacular instruments. I would contact Mike Tobias directly or try to talk to Gibson....What did you want to know? If my memory serves me correctly the Killer B did not exist until after the Gibson buyout. Others will correct me If I am wrong...
Please post pics and price.
Please post pics and price.
From Wiki "In 1990 Gibson Guitar Corporation purchased Tobias and moved production to Nashville. The first Tobias bass under Gibson ownership bore the serial number 1094. Michael Tobias left the company in 1992 to found Michael Tobias Design which produces a line of hand-made basses similar in spirit to the older Tobias basses. Basses below the serial number 2044 were built in the California factory headed-up by Michael Tobias; serial numbers after that were produced by Gibson with a transition period in which Tobias worked with Gibson and continued to produce basses."
...and lets not forget the ones made in Korea, affectionately known as Toby's and they were not very good.
Phantasm
I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For.
Yes, in my experience, if the serial # is <2044 then you've got a very nice bass. If it's above 2044 then it's just not the same.
Actually, they moved to Burbank after Gibson bought them out & continued with Mike & the Tobias crew until '92, bass #2044. Then they moved to Nashville & they were never the same, especially the early Killer Bs!
I own an early Killer B. It is without a doubt, one of the best playing/sounding basses I've ever owned or played. Many folks express opinions based on hearsay, or personal bias rather than actual experience. I play with many different musicians, many of whom are outstanding bass players also. We all enjoy checking out each others gear, and to the last, every bass player I know who has played my Killer B has liked it. I have also played other newer Tobias basses at local retailers and was so impressed it prompted me to buy the one I currently own.
The Killer B was introduced, by Gibson, as a bolt-on style bass, equipped similarly to the Basic model. More expensive than the Growler and Renegade's but less expensive than the Classic's and Basics.
Tonally I'm still finding new variations, there is seemingly no end to the possibilities. I currently have mine strung up with medium gauge nickel Elixirs. I like how long they last and am eager to try the new stainless steel sets.
Currently Killer B's go for around 850-1200 used. And are a steal at that.
The Killer B was introduced, by Gibson, as a bolt-on style bass, equipped similarly to the Basic model. More expensive than the Growler and Renegade's but less expensive than the Classic's and Basics.
Tonally I'm still finding new variations, there is seemingly no end to the possibilities. I currently have mine strung up with medium gauge nickel Elixirs. I like how long they last and am eager to try the new stainless steel sets.
Currently Killer B's go for around 850-1200 used. And are a steal at that.
I own 2 Gibson made Tobias's. Classic & Basic, these are neck thrus.
The Killer B is a bolt on model.
The last guy who tried and really loved my Classic 5 owns a Ken Smith.
I have never played a Pre-Gibson but both of my basses are excellent sound & quality.
Overall they are great basses.
The Killer B is a bolt on model.
The last guy who tried and really loved my Classic 5 owns a Ken Smith.
I have never played a Pre-Gibson but both of my basses are excellent sound & quality.
Overall they are great basses.
