For Sale: 1990 Tobias Basic 4 Pre-Gibson – Hawaiian Koa | Bartolini Electronics | Rare Burbank Era Bass w/ HSC

Up for sale is a very rare 1990 Tobias Basic 4 Pre-Gibson bass guitar in beautiful Hawaiian Koa, complete with a very nice non-original Fender hard-shell case.

This is a genuine Pre-Gibson Tobias built during Michael Tobias’ highly regarded Burbank, California era — widely considered by many players and collectors to be the finest period of Tobias production. These early Tobias basses are famous for their exceptional craftsmanship, incredibly ergonomic necks, and rich, articulate tone.

This example features gorgeous figured Hawaiian Koa body wings, Bartolini pickups, the classic Bartolini TCT 9V preamp, and the now very rare Bartolini TQB Quad Buffer system, which contributes heavily to the bass’s huge tonal range and unmistakable hi-fi response.

These early Pre-Gibson Tobias basses are becoming increasingly difficult to find, especially clean original examples like this.

Condition

Very Good – 8.5/10

• Light scratches and dings from normal use
• Some visible play wear near the neck pickup
• Honest cosmetic wear consistent with age
• No cracks, breaks, or structural issues
• Electronics function perfectly
• Neck is straight and stable
• Frets are in excellent condition
• Professionally set up and plays beautifully

Please review all photos carefully for the most accurate representation of condition.

Specifications

• Model: Tobias Basic 4
• Year: 1990
• Era: Pre-Gibson / Burbank, California
• Serial Number: 1505
• Weight: 8 lbs 12 oz
• Scale Length: 34"
• Nut Width: 1.67"
• Neck Depth: .80" at the 1st fret, .85" at the 12th fret
• Neck Profile: Thin Tobias Asymmetrical Shape
• Body Wings: Highly Figured Hawaiian Koa
• Body Core: Figured Maple
• Neck Construction: 5-Piece Maple with Purpleheart Stringers
• Fingerboard: Rosewood
• Frets: 24
• Pickups: Bartolini Soapbar Humbuckers
• Preamp: Bartolini TCT 9V Active Preamp
• Additional Electronics: Rare Bartolini TQB Quad Buffer
• Bridge: Wilkinson Quick-Release
• Hardware: Black
• Case: Non-Original Fender Hard-Shell Case

Electronics & Features

One of the standout features of this bass is the incredible Bartolini electronics package. The combination of Bartolini soapbar pickups, the classic TCT preamp, and the rare TQB Quad Buffer gives this bass an enormous tonal range with exceptional clarity, punch, and responsiveness.

The TQB system is especially desirable and is becoming increasingly difficult to find. It adds additional tonal shaping and low-end authority that helps give these early Tobias basses their unmistakable studio-quality sound.

The neck is another huge part of what makes these basses special. Michael Tobias’ asymmetrical neck design feels incredibly natural and ergonomic in hand, and this example has an especially thin, fast-playing neck that feels effortless.

Tone & Feel

This bass has the kind of articulate, piano-like response that made Pre-Gibson Tobias basses legendary. The Koa body adds warmth and richness, while the Bartolini electronics provide exceptional clarity, punch, and dynamic range.

It excels for fusion, funk, jazz, gospel, progressive rock, studio work, and modern fingerstyle playing, but it is versatile enough to handle virtually anything.

The low end is deep and controlled, the mids are incredibly expressive, and the highs remain clear and musical without becoming harsh.

At only 8 lbs 12 oz, it is also very comfortable and well balanced.

Transparency & Photos

As with all Guitar Chimp listings, detailed photos are provided of the actual instrument. At the end of the photo set, you’ll find close-up images taken under direct lighting to highlight any wear. We don’t just describe the condition — we show it in detail so there are no surprises.

Many customers tell us our instruments often arrive in better condition than expected.

Why Buy From Guitar Chimp?

With over 18 years of experience, Guitar Chimp is trusted by players and collectors worldwide for high-quality, player-ready instruments.

Every bass is thoroughly inspected and professionally set up by our in-house luthier.

We are experts at shipping and have safely shipped thousands of guitars and basses all over the world. Every instrument is professionally packed, fully insured, and shipped with signature confirmation.

Buy with confidence knowing your instrument will arrive safely and exactly as described.

📞 Call/Text: (801) 317-9013
💬 Message anytime — always happy to help!

This 1990 Tobias Basic 4 Pre-Gibson is an exceptionally cool and increasingly hard-to-find Burbank-era bass with gorgeous Koa figuring, legendary Bartolini electronics, and the unmistakable feel and tone that made early Tobias basses so respected.

🎸 Jerald – Guitar Chimp
Providing The Finest Guitars, Basses & Amps Since 2006