Tobias Guitars sought the help of outside Vendors, creating models such as the “Model T” and “The Standard" basses.
In early 1990, Gibson provided the resources and facilities necessary to satisfy the demand and continued production of Tobias Guitars. While the business prospered, the growing need for Tobias instruments remained a challenge. We added several people during 1990 and ended up with a great 10-man shop.”- Michael Tobias Basses built during the 1990-1992 era were built by the same crew that had helped establish Tobias Basses, as one of the most sought after basses on the planet. "Gibson was instrumental in moving us to a bigger shop in Burbank and setting us up with a great spray booth and dust collection system. Tobias Guitars continued on, riding a wave of cult-like popularity. After several attempts to acquire larger and more equiped facilities to satisfy the demand for Tobias Guitars, it was time for a change- on January 1st of 1990, Michael Tobias sold Tobias Guitars to Gibson.
In June of 1988, we had so many back orders that we could not accept any new orders until the January NAMM show in 1990.”- M.Tobias. Kevin Almieda (Music Man) left Tobias Guitars and was succeeded by the additional members Bob McDonald and Makoto Onishi. Tobias Guitars continued the repair and construction of custom instruments, (basses and guitars) with the help of long-time friend (and MTD family member) Bob Lee and Kevin Almieda.Ī year after the relocation to Hollywood (1623 Cahuenga Blvd.) Tobias Guitars was able to retire from the repair business and focus solely on the creation of custom instruments. Continuing on his creative journey, Michael Tobias relocated to Costa Mesa California, in May of 1981.Īfter several months of operating a repair shop in Costa Mesa, Michael Tobias relocated the business to Hollywood California. A short-lived endeavor, Sierra Guitars produced about fifty instruments before Michael’s departure. Opening Tobias Guitars in April of 1977, Michael Tobias sold instruments through his first business, known as The Guitar Shop. The first Tobias Guitar (serial number 0178), followed soon after in January 1978.įollowing the sale of The Guitar Shop in 1980, Michael Tobias relocated to San Francisco, where he partnered with manufacturing business, Sierra Guitars. Renowned for his passion, skill, and craftsmanship, MTD founder Michael Tobias began making guitars in the 1970s. The instrument must satisfy the creative and emotional needs of the owner and it must play in tune. Music has evolved over the years but there are still a few basic and fundamental constants- rules that must be dealt with. By using different woods for body and neck, I am able to offer a wide variety of speaking voices and tonal capabilities. By experimenting with different types and combinations of wood, I seek to get the best possible tone from an instrument.
Throughout my career, I have tried to apply this principal to everything I build. If an instrument sounds weak acoustically, adding pick-ups will just amplify its shortcomings. The most important thing I learned is that, no matter what the instrument is, it is first and foremost acoustic. I worked on a great variety of instruments including Martin, Gibson, Fender, Kohno, Ramierez, banjos and mandolins, harp guitars, and even a few sitars.Īfter leaving Tobias Guitars at the end of 1992 and fulfilling my contractual obligations for consulting and non-competition with Tobias, I started building MTD (Michael Tobias Design) instruments at the beginning of 1994.
Most of my early work was on acoustic instruments. I started in Washington, D.C., working in The Guitar Shop and doing repairs for a time, to learn about other luthiers' instruments and construction methods. I am Michael Tobias, and I have been building instruments since 1974.
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