Gibson has owned the Tobias model since 1990, making use of it to mid-priced devices, principally imports. In January, it introduced the Tobias Authentic Assortment, consisting of six Indonesian-made fashions that mark a return to founder Michael Tobias’ ’70s idea of utilizing “unique” woods, laminate necks, and high-quality {hardware} and electronics. All have a 34″ scale and are supplied in four- and five-string codecs (together with left-handed). We tried a pair of four-strings.

The mid-priced Killer B IV has a two-piece sapele physique and five-piece maple/purpleheart neck with the Tobias Asym (subtly thicker on prime, narrower on backside) profile and topped with 24 frets on a wenge board that measures 1.61″ on the nut, 23/8″ the place it joins the higher bass bout on the twentieth fret.

Weighing 8.9 kilos, the bass hangs on the physique with good steadiness. Its physique has rounded edges and a stomach contour, making for a excessive diploma of consolation that carries over to a neck that may agree with fingers of all sizes (nit: the bone nut would profit from a fast submitting alongside the sides). Motion on our tester wanted no adjustment. {Hardware} is a Babicz bridge, Gotoh tuners, and knurled knobs, all in black.

Plugged right into a pair of powered three-way displays and a passive 2×10 cab, the Bartolini Soapbar pickups mated to an 18-volt preamp introduced greater than ample oomph for any event, and the management set – Treble, Mid, Bass, Quantity, and Mix knobs teamed with a three-way mid-frequency change for speedy, nuanced tweaks at your fingertips (no knob turning required) – granted a excessive diploma of management. Irrespective of your most popular tone or wants, it’s definitely there – snappy highs and punchy mids for the Larry Graham devotees, and thick low-end with a variety of cream that’ll present the world (and your cab in case you’re not cautious!) who’s boss.

As its title implies, the top-line Basic IV most carefully resembles an authentic Tobias. It brings similar dimensions, measurements (together with pickup spacing), and weight. Neck form and supplies are additionally the identical, however very totally different is the neck-through “stringer” building that attaches to a physique made from walnut with a wenge veneer and quilted-maple prime that ends simply shy of the highest fringe of the decrease bass bout, in additional homage to early Tobias axes. {Hardware} is similar, however in gold as a substitute of black.

Given the similarities, it’s no shock the 2 really feel a lot the identical in-hand – till the time comes to succeed in for the very best notes, when the Basic IV’s neck delivers that heel-less sensation some gamers crave and can gladly pay a premium to get.

Electronics are the identical besides the Basic will get commonplace Bartolini humbuckers paired to that 18-volt preamp and management set (which greater than compensates for variances in wooden), so selecting a favourite between them could be a taste-testing good time! – Ward Meeker

This text initially appeared in VG’s August 2025 problem. All copyrights are by the creator and Classic Guitar journal. Unauthorized replication or use is strictly prohibited.