2 new "epiphone" basses

[exiledarchangel]

http://www.epiphone.com/Products/Bass.aspx

Tobias = Epiphone as it seems.

[Basvarken]

The look a lot like the Embassy Standard Basses from the noughties (except for the headstock)

[Dave W]

Looks like they are keeping it as the Tobias brand, just selling it under the Epi banner instead of separately. Both still have the Tobias logo.

[the mojo hobo]

Probably grouped with Epi to indicate they are not made in USA. These models are available at zzounds for $199 and $249.

[Dave W]

Whoa! Way to cheapen the brand name. We shouldn't be surprised, Gibson has a lot of experience in that area.

[uwe]

Ouch. Perversely fascinating. In 2009 they bring out an up-market Growler as part of the Gibson USA GoM limited series and in 2011 the idiosyncratic Tobias heastock graces a budget bass. Way to go to not confuse the market.

I heard that Henry J has been no friend of the Tobias acquisition in hindsight and that it was him who stopped the Continental V singlehandedly which had been the brainchild of someone who had worked with Tobias before (there were no technical issues with that bass, it was strictly a matter of taste). So committing the Tobias brand to the Epi bin now shows at least some consequence.

[dadagoboi]

Average young player has no knowledge of the Tobias brand.  I see this as an attempt to get some of Ibanez/Dean, etc. market share...good luck!

[Barklessdog]

Looks like they are keeping it as the Tobias brand, just selling it under the Epi banner instead of separately. Both still have the Tobias logo.

Does that leave Uwe "an Out" not to have to buy them?

[Dave W]

Does that leave Uwe "an Out" not to have to buy them?

I would think so. Unless he needs more outdated-looking basses in his collection.

[Dave W]

Average young player has no knowledge of the Tobias brand.  I see this as an attempt to get some of Ibanez/Dean, etc. market share...good luck!

It will probably be just as successful as Gibson's attempt to revive the Kramer brand.

[Pilgrim]

The Tobias models look a lot like Ibanez to me - not a look I particularly wish to pursue.

[uwe]

"Unless he needs more outdated-looking basses in his collection."

I won't even ignore the snide insinuation that lies in that comment. All my basses are visually current.

[TBird1958]

Yummy! SCB and PCB 

[uwe]

Uhum! That is SRCB and SPCB for Silly Red Clown Bass and Silly Purple Clown Bass, respectively. Model names copyrighted by Herr John Fertig.

[Barklessdog]

The clowns are growing on me. I like the batwing headstocks- still hate the harlequin pickups.



The Van halen bass looks a little too clean & well done, I believe.