5 reasons why Tobias basses rock!

• 1. Active Bartolini electronics
• 2. Exotic tonewoods
• 3. Rock-solid Babicz bridges
• 4. Ergonomic designs
• 5. Gig-ready from the get-go
• Tobias Classic, Killer B & Growler basses: specs compared

Tobias, the original boutique bass brand that changed the game with its forward‑thinking instruments in the late ’70s, came back with a bang last year. Now part of the Gibson family, the refreshed Tobias basses range features three iconic models: the Classic, the Killer B and the Growler. And there’s something for every type of player too, with each model available in both four and five‑string configurations — plus a few lefty options.

So, what exactly makes these bass guitars stand out from the rest of the pack? We’ve highlighted five key features shared across Tobias’ revived and refined lineup that show just how special these instruments are… especially for the money!

Tobias basses

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1. Active Bartolini electronics

All Tobias basses come equipped with active Bartolini pickups backed up by advanced 18V preamps. The result? A super‑punchy, articulate sound with heaps of headroom, so your tone stays clear and controlled even when you really dig in.

The Classic and Killer B models feature a pair of Bartolini MT4C‑T1 or MT5C‑T1 humbuckers (depending on whether you’re rocking four or five strings), giving you a wide and versatile sonic palette for any style. While the Growler sports a single fat‑sounding quad‑coil ‘bucker that absolutely lives up to its name.

You also get plenty of tone‑shaping options at your fingertips, with each model offering a selection of onboard EQ controls and switches. That means if you’re playing live, you can set‑and‑forget your amp settings and use the bass’s own controls to fine‑tune your sound on the fly.

2. Exotic tonewoods

Alongside early boutique pioneers like Alembic and Wal, Tobias was one of the first bass brands to build instruments from some seriously eye‑catching woods — with transparent finishes to show off every bit of grain and character. These days, you see that style everywhere, but it’s still closely tied to those original, boundary‑pushing makers.

The resurrected Tobias lineup proudly carries that legacy forward. These basses are crafted using striking tonewoods including Quilted Maple, Royal Paulownia, Sapele, Walnut, Purpleheart, Ebony and Wenge, which sound just as exquisite as they look. Their necks also feature a layered multi‑piece ‘Stringer’ construction for superb strength and stability.

3. Rock-solid Babicz bridges

Babicz is one of the hottest aftermarket hardware brands around, yet you rarely see their stuff on production guitars and basses. Tobias, however, are trendsetters — and they’ve fitted their Classic, Killer B and Growler models with Babicz’s awesome FCH Z‑Series bridges.

What sets these bridges apart is their high‑mass “Full Contact” design, featuring clever eCAM saddles that offer up to 50 times more contact surface than traditional saddles. That means dramatically improved sustain, dynamic response and tuning stability. Plus, you can fully lock the saddles in place for perfect string spacing.

4. Ergonomic designs

Tobias basses aren’t just pretty — they’re practical too. Here are a few of their signature design features that make them a joy to slap, pop and pick on:

• Tobias ‘Asym’ neck profiles: Their asymmetrical neck shape fits beautifully in the hand, helping you play long sets without fatigue and giving you great control all the way up the fingerboard.
• Contoured offset bodies: Not only do they look very cool, but their sculpted offset bodies help keep things nice and balanced. The elongated upper horns allow for ideal strap placement. And deep belly cuts mean they rest comfortably against your body.
• Satin finishes: These basses feel silky-smooth and fast everywhere. No sticky gloss will be slowing you down!
• Compact Gotoh tuners: These high‑quality, Japanese‑made machine heads keep your tuning locked in, and their small, lightweight design helps prevent pesky neck dive too.

5. Gig-ready from the get-go

All Tobias basses come with a rugged premium gig bag that offers great protection. Plus, we even QC every single model that comes through our warehouse. That means right out of the box, you’ll have an instrument that’s ready to play and easy to take to your next rehearsal, gig or studio sesh.

Tobias Classic, Killer B & Growler basses: specs compared

Can’t decide which Tobias bass suits you best? Our handy spec table below should help point you in the right direction…

Who’s played Tobias basses?

Tobias basses have found their way into the hands of some seriously iconic players over the years — from Yes legend Chris Squire and Fleetwood Mac’s John McVie to Dream Theater virtuoso John Myung and, more recently, Metallica powerhouse Robert Trujillo.

Tobias bass guitars in action!

We’ll be filming our own video on these beauts soon. But for now, check out the official Tobias bass demos down below — they’re the next best thing!

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