The production of Gibson’s Tobias bass is being brought home to America. The new line of instruments will be handcrafted in Conway, Ark., and will feature exotic wood combinations, custom Bartolini electronics, neck-through-body construction and other unique design elements.
“Tobias set a standard for professional-quality instruments that is still unmatched in the bass industry,” said Henry Juszkiewicz, chairman and CEO of Gibson Guitar Corp., Tobias’ parent company. “The return of Tobias to the U.S. means that bass players can be assured of the highest level of quality control, and, more important, they can look forward to a new era of innovation and refinement of bass designs from Tobias.”
Tobias basses offer a wide range of tone qualities and voicings from different tone woods. By combining different soft and hard woods, the sound is tailored to the needs of the player, making for an extremely versatile instrument. Tobias basses are fitted with highly respected Bartolini electronics; Bill Bartolini is working with Tobias to design new pickups for the U.S. models.
he new USA Tobias basses will be made in a facility previously used for Baldwin grand piano production; Baldwin was acquired by Gibson in 2001.
The Toby line will continue to be offered through Gibson’s Internet-based direct sales division, www.Musicyo.com.
