The most versatile one-pickup bass ever.

The American-made Growler features one large, quad-coil custom-designed Bartolini pickup mated to an 18V, dual-channel stereo preamp. Add to this a pair of custom-designed tone-shaping switches, and you'll get everything from killer slap to punchy Latin tones, and every sound in-between. 24-fret, double-octave range. Wenge fingerboard. Massive ABM brass bridge. Swamp ash body.

Tobias Growler 5-String Bass Features:

• Bolt-on neck
• Heel-less neck joint
• 3-piece asymmetrical maple neck with dual truss rods
• Swamp ash body
• 24-fret, double-octave range
• Wenge fingerboard
• Custom quad-coil Bartolini pickup
• 18-volt, dual-channel stereo preamp
• Black hardware
• Massive ABM brass bridge
• Hand-rubbed oil finish

Tobias Growler 5-String Bass Includes:

• Tobias hardshell case

Whatever your style, you'll love this bass. Order today.

Tobias Growler 5-String Bass

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Average of 7 User Ratings

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Don't ever use a pick.

Posted by Jimmyjammer from Iowa on May 2, 2008

Experience w/product: I own it

Reviewer's Background: Pro/part time musician

Reviewer's Play Style: Rock/Country/Jazz

I quickly discovered that when using a pick, the down stroke on the A string was half volume, weak and totally unbalanced. My local guitar tech found the same problem on all the local stores 5 and 4 string Growlers. To save getting the runaround from Gibson/Tobias, I traded it in immediately for a Music Man Stingray 5. Good move! If you use a pick, forget about this flaked out excuse for a Tobias!

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Sounds so nice

Posted by BuddytheWizard from Chico, CA on Feb 25, 2008

Experience w/product: I own it

Reviewer's Background: Music Major

Reviewer's Play Style: Rock, Metal, Funk, Blues

It has so much tone control in it. You can go from a crunchy slap sound to deep growling low bass. The only complaint of mine is how fast it goes through 9V batteries. But the active electronincs are worth it.

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The good, the bad, and my opinion

Posted by Ed from Ambridge, PA on Sep 17, 2005

Experience w/product: I own it

Reviewer's Background: Active recording and playing musician

Reviewer's Play Style: Modern Rock...

The only feature I could warn anyone about on this bass is the lack of finish on the body, which, don't get me wrong, works wonders for sustain, volume, and tonality, but it is only polished swamp ash, and it does deteriorate, so be careful because you can't have your cake and eat it too. Otherwise this is the finest bass I've ever heard.

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Incredible Tones

Posted by GuitarLover from Wichita, KS on Aug 22, 2005

Experience w/product: I own it

Reviewer's Background: Active Musician

Reviewer's Play Style: Rock, Jazz, Alternative

After seeking a versatible bass for months I came across a Tobias. I couldn't afford it at first, so kept looking for something cheaper. Nothing else compared. This Growler just kept calling my name. It's feel, it's range of tones, it's smooth sounds drew me back to the guitar shop again and again. I checked out other basses like Music Man, Fender, Washburn, Worlock, Spector, etc but couldn't find one that matched the quality of this one. I fell in love. It's my one and only!

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Well to be honest I don't own it...

Posted by Funk_Master from Lawrenceville, NJ on Aug 19, 2004

Experience w/product: I own it

Reviewer's Background: Active Musican?

Reviewer's Play Style: Rock, Funk, Jazz, Reggae, etc.

Well to be honest I don't own it anymore. I played it for a few days and decided it wasn't for me. The low B was loose and had nowhere near the same punch and attack as the other strings. Very swampy. The D and G didn't really have much punch or attack either. I expected a lot more from the Bartolini than I got. The neck was comfortable and fast, but before adjustment the action was WAY too low. The controls were a bit hard to use and needed adjustment quite often. The bridge was nice and sturdy and easy to adjust. The only thing I really liked about this bass was its appearance. The wenge neck was beautiful and the swamp ash body was as well. A very handsome bass. Bottom line: an "alright" bass, not worth the price, though. Not very satisfying. Not a whole lot of playability either. Get a Stingray 5.

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Tobias Growler 5-String Bass

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