Tobias bass

[oxfordchiro]

I have a 5 string Tobias bass guitar. It's the best bass I've ever played, but it's become wall hanger. I play a lot of bars and don't want to take it because it's too nice. I've got plenty of other cheaper ones that I play out with. I've decided to sell it, but I'd like to know more about it. I've messaged Gibson with pics and numbers but they haven't messaged back. Can anyone give me more info on this guitar? Serial number can be seen on back of the headstock

 

[WayneP]

What's missing is a pic that shows if it's a neck-through or bolt on.

But – based on pickup location in relation to the neck and bridge, I'd say it's a Killer B, probably an early 2000s model based on the serial #.

I bought one just like it (i.e. zebrawood, although the neck wood is different and the hardware is black) here on TB last year for about $2000 shipped. It went pretty fast. Mine is serial #8521. Sifting through old Talkbass ads, I determined it was ~1999-2000 model; hence my guess at the age of yours.

It's a great sounding bass – having the pickups down towards the bridge gives it a really aggressive sound – lots of sweet and punchy mids but not bottom heavy (although you can certainly dial in some lows with the tone controls). It sounds drastically different than my 1999 Classic. You're gonna be sorry you sold it!

On the other hand, if it's a neck-through, then it's a Basic, and worth a few hundred more. But I'm pretty sure the Basics had the pickups pushed higher towards the neck.

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

 

[oxfordchiro]

What's missing is a pic that shows if it's a neck-through or bolt on.

But – based on pickup location in relation to the neck and bridge, I'd say it's a Killer B, probably an early 2000s model based on the serial #.

I bought one just like it (i.e. zebrawood, although the neck wood is different and the hardware is black) here on TB last year for about $2000 shipped. It went pretty fast. Mine is serial #8521. Sifting through old Talkbass ads, I determined it was ~1999-2000 model; hence my guess at the age of yours.

It's a great sounding bass – having the pickups down towards the bridge gives it a really aggressive sound – lots of sweet and punchy mids but not bottom heavy (although you can certainly dial in some lows with the tone controls). It sounds drastically different than my 1999 Classic. You're gonna be sorry you sold it!

On the other hand, if it's a neck-through, then it's a Basic, and worth a few hundred more. But I'm pretty sure the Basics had the pickups pushed higher towards the neck.

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

It is a bolt on, I would say you're dead on! Thanks for the info. Love this site

 

[rtslinger]

Ask the the man himself

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We are available to answer any question you may have regarding the construction, wood selection, tonal characteristics, and ordering of your new instrument, Monday through Friday 11am to 7pm Eastern Time Zone. For your nearest dealer, please give us a call or email us:
Michael Tobias : [email protected]
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Sales Inquiries: [email protected]
Michael Tobias Design
3 Lauren Ct, Kingston, NY 12401
(845) 246-0670

 

[WayneP]

From what I understand, Mr. Tobias does not have info on Tobias basses built after 1992. The OP's bass is perhaps 8-10 years newer, built long after the Gibson acquisition.

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

 

[MrLenny1]

Yes, Killer B's are bolt ons.
Gibson support was very skimpy when I inquired 15 years ago.
Still a vary nice axe.
I have 1994 Tobias Basic 5 that only goes out when the venue has a real stage.

 

[Mastiff_5]

Awwwww, bummer dude. I looked it up, and yours is actually a knock-off, made in Tahiti back in the late 1940's. I'll do you a favor, and take it off you hands for 8 bucks. Oh, alright. I'll cover shipping too.