Tobias Basic 5 Bass - Pre Gibson1985 Fretted Converted to Fretless American Black Walnut

1985 Tobias Basic 5. Serial 440. Made in Hollywood California.

This is a consignment piece at our store. Any offers will have to be presented to the owner.

Condition is excellent for a bass of this age. A repair to the back of the headstock was done in the mid to late 80's. Possibly by Mike Tobias at his shop. The crack has been stable for over 20 years going on 30 years. It was a minor crack, never through the headstock.

This bass represents an early use of a Phenolic Fingerboard

We communicated with Mike Tobias regarding this Bass. Some things he was able to confirm, others he could not remember after all this time. The owner of the Bass told us Mike did the repair on the back of the headstock. Mike does not remember that, but says it's possible, as both customer and Mike were in California at the time.

The original dealer M.A.E. (Music Arts Enterprises) was in Fort Lauderdale Florida, which is where our customer bought it. He is the original owner.
The owner has reported that it was originally fretted, and that Mike Tobias made it fretless. Mike was not able to confirm that. Mike did say that it would have originally been fretted because he would not have inlaid anything on a fretless board.

Specs:

• Wood on horns and neck is American Black Walnut with Purple Heart Stringers and a Holly Center Stripe.
• Bartolini Active Pickups
• Bass Clef Inlay on Fretboard
• 5 Piece Laminate Neck Through Body
• Phenolic Fretboard
• Pre Gibson Tobias
• Original Hardware
• Case included (not original)