Tobias Officially Back

[BaltBass5]

Growler 4’s weigh between 5 lbs 12oz and 6 lbs 2 oz on average!

 

[ahbass2500]

I had one of the original Growlers. Fretless 4 string. It was extremely light. Pickup/preamp setup was unique and extremely versatile. Tempted to buy a 5 from the new run, but do not really need a new bass (granted that does not always stop me).

 

[tb-player]

Back in the early 90s, I used to have a Tobias Classic V. It had a nice, active jazz-bass(ish) tone. Unfortunately, the new ones have pickup spacing that more resembles a Ken Smith. I’d be genuinely curious to hear them now, but I’m guessing I won’t like it.

 

[fuzzychaos]

They look pretty good. Hopefully some reviews will be coming soon.

 

[monsterthompson]

 

[Element Zero]

The 5 string with the single pickup look right up my alley.

 

[Mastermold]

Nothing against Gibson here but today if I wanted a Tobias I’d get an MTD from the man himself.

 

[Dr. Cheese]

Thread 'Tobias Growler 5 (New Indonesian Import)'

Mar 14, 2025

The Tobias 5 I ordered came in today. I won’t be taking it home until after Memorial Day, but I came, checked it out, and put more money on it today.
It weighs 8-8.5lbs. The string spacing is about 17.5-18mm at the bridge. The neck has the traditional Tobias profile. I will simply say that I take Mike Tobias at his word that he did not design the Growler, but I am pretty sure he examined a Growler pretty closely before he came up with the Super 5. The Growler is basically a 34” scale Super 5 with a single pickup in the Stingray...

• Dr. Cheese
• Replies: 186
• Forum: Basses [BG]

• 

I bought a new Growler 5 and played the new Tobias Classic too. You can check the link above if you are curious.

 

[Bassistcool]

Nothing against Gibson here but today if I wanted a Tobias I’d get an MTD from the man himself.

You decide before you even hear the bass?

 

[evilgus]

You decide before you even hear the bass?

Yes, because for some people, it's about loyalty and quality, not just getting the cheapest.

 

[WayneP]

Back in the early 90s, I used to have a Tobias Classic V. It had a nice, active jazz-bass(ish) tone. Unfortunately, the new ones have pickup spacing that more resembles a Ken Smith. I’d be genuinely curious to hear them now, but I’m guessing I won’t like it.

I have a 90s Classic and a Killer B. They sound significantly different, IMO mainly due to the difference in pickup locations.

The Classic now has pickups in the same position as the Killer B, so I have to wonder how much difference in sound we can expect between the two of them. I can't see how a bolt-on vs. neck-through can make a tremendous sonic difference.

It’s almost like the Classis is now just an appearance package.

Regards,
Wayne A. Pflughaupt

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[mrperkolator]

I wonder if they’re coming out of a Cort factory. If Cort, then they should be similar in quality to Ibanez. Depending on which factory Gibson uses, we may have to worry about QC.

 

[Bassistcool]

Yes, because for some people, it's about loyalty and quality, not just getting the cheapest.

You probably might miss some chances in your life - hopefully not.

 

[Dr. Cheese]

Yes, because for some people, it's about loyalty and quality, not just getting the cheapest.

Michael Tobias sold his name and designs to Gibson and he was not some poor, broke guy who was rolled by a big company. Gibson did nothing underhanded in rereleasing and slightly modifying the Tobias designs they own. Furthermore, the Growler, is a design that was created by a Gibson employee, not Michael Tobias. In fact, I am pretty sure the MTD Super 5 was inspired by the Growler. I had a Super 5 for a few years, and I like Growler better tonally and the neck has a thinner profile too.

Having owned and played a number of offshore MTD’s and having bought a new Growler, I can say Gibson is cutting no corners. The new versions have great hardware and electronics and the fit finish is definitely in the upper echelon of Asian factory made basses like Lakland Skyline or Dingwall.

 

[basslayer]

Yes, because for some people, it's about loyalty and quality, not just getting the cheapest.

LOL at a new Gibson being the cheapest option

 

[fuzzychaos]

Nothing against Gibson here but today if I wanted a Tobias I’d get an MTD from the man himself.

Even MTD knows that some peeps don’t want to spend a lot, or cannot afford, a hand built MTD, hence the Kingston line.

 

[ric4682]

Are these being made in the US?

 

[Dr. Cheese]

Are these being made in the US?

No, they are made in Indonesia. There is no way these basses could be made in America for $1,600-$2,600 in 2025.

 

[gt96g]

Are these being made in the US?

No, just checked sweetwater for a shot of the back of the headstock. They're indonesian-made.

 

[Dr. Cheese]

Even MTD knows that some peeps don’t want to spend a lot, or cannot afford, a hand built MTD, hence the Kingston line.

Also, some like old Tobias designs more than the later MTD designs. Both are great basses.