This beautiful Tobias bass came in for a minor wiring fix. According to the owner, it is a prototype, built in 1978 or 1979. It has Bartolini pickups, and the TBIBT active preamp. I was able to date three of the pots to 1978, and one to 1977. I cannot confirm that this was a prototype build, but it does not appear to have a serial number or model number on it anywhere. Also, when I posted these photos on Instagram, I was contacted by a former Tobias employee, who confirmed that it is “a very rare bass” and quite valuable.
Guitar Electronics Design & Repair 