Kubicki Ex-Factor 4

kubicki ex-factor fretless from 1987 in a sorta purple burst. i've wanted one of these since the 80's and just recently bought my dream ex-factor on ebay. it's well worn yet plays like butter. it's the 18-volt model, pre fender.

no noise at all. i've used it through my gk 200rcb, peavey sessions and megabss heads and marshall ibs bass head. sounds differed but was able to dial in a close sound through each. a + factor when you need more or less amplification. my vintage fenders don't play so nicely.

this bass is a dream to play live and i think it's a little more durable than my vintage fender gear, only because it's at least 10 years younger. at brand new, i'd give it a 10 ROCK SOLID.

nothing yet.

been playing for almost 30 years. i own about 80 guitars, mostly vintage fenders.
if the kubicki was stolen, i'd have the joy of 18 years of martial arts training to almost kill someone. almost... i'd leave a breath.

The first time I saw the Ex-Factor was when Ronnie Cates of Petra was playing and I INSTANTLY said to myself, "I have got to get one of those!" I then saw the bass again when Vail Johnson was playing it on a tour with Kenny G, MAN that guy can make that bass sing. Ever since I first saw the bass, I knew that was the one. I now own one and I cradle it like it was my first born.

The electronics on it are superb. Even though mine was made from the Fender Custom Shop (yeah, yeah, yeah), it still has a really-really nice 18v electronics on it. I learned quickly that It's wise to carry extra 9v batteries in your case...word to the wise.

The Drop-D capo is what really caught my interest and how versitile tha bass can be. I find myself switching between standard E tuning and drop-D. Oh, I get so excited when I start talking about this bass. It is...simply the BEST!

The sound on this bass is phenom and one that is unmatched. I have 2 Ibanez bass and 1 Fender and they don't even come close to the sound that the Ex-Factor puts out. With its variable tone selection, there is plenty of room to adjust the Ex-Factor to its environment. I used to record with my Ibanez SR...not anymore. Move over because there is a new kid in town. The Ex-Factor is now my primary bass and the other 2 Ibanez are my 2nd and 3rd string.

The overall action, fit and finish is beyond words. Just like a new sports car, it only took me a few minutes to get used to the action and I was off and playing. I quickly got acustomed to the Drop-D capo and use that feature quite frequently. The bass fits well and I am amazingly surprised at how well balanced it is!!! I thought I would get fatigued during my gigs, but sometimes I don't even notice it is around my neck. And the finished is a nice metallic black; black being my absolute favorite color.

I have yet to take it on a drop test, nor will be doing so anytime soon. However, If I were to slip a grip on it, I am pretty sure that it will survive the fall and I can continue on playing. With its 32 piece laminated neck, I am convinced that the neck will not warp or split.

The only reason why I would take a backup with me is for some reason I happen to snap a string and I don't have time to restring it in the middle of a gig. Otherwise, it is my primary instrument.

The great thing I like about Kubicki is when I call Philip Kubick, I get to speak to the owner and maker himself. I don't have to go through 5 or 7 strings of phone transfers before I talk to someone. And even though I didn't buy my Ex-Factor from him, Philip has still offered to redress my bass and bring it up to showroom look. That right there telle me the integrity that Kubicki carries for his instruments.

I have been playing now for over 15 years and I have not had a better bass than the Ex-Factor. It is one of the few instruments that I own that I can say is AMERICAN made. From a scale of 1 - 10, 10 being the highest, the bass soars high above 10. I consider myself very fortunate to be able to own such a great instrument.

Thank you Philip Kubicki!!!

This is a 1990 FCS (Fender Custom Shop) version. Serial number puts it about in the middle of Fender takeover of Kubicki manufacturing. Made in USA albeit not by Philip Kubicki himself.

Not gonna bother with specs as they're pretty identical with the specs of the 'real' Kubickis.

Most obvious differences: 4 position selector switch and 9v preamp vs 6 position switch and 18v preamp on the 'real' Kubicki basses. BTW Position 1 is a MUTE. Ingenious idea putting a MUTE on the instrument for quicker and easier access than going to your amp or pedals!

All other specs are generally the same. The gearheads on the message boards could tell you the specific differences between the FCS and real Kubicki hardware, neck, body, etc. and bash the FCS version.

Whatever...FCS, Real Kubicki Pre Fender, Real Kubicki Post Fender, it's all good. It's an Ex Factor that's all that matters to me! Besides you can send your FCS Factor to Phil and he'll install the real Kubicki electronics for a fee (that's not a typo it's FEE not FREE)!

I rated it an 8 only b\c when it comes down to it, it's really a 'castrated' version of the original. But still head and shoulders above a lot of other basses out there today!

Came with OHSC, owners manual, DiMarzio Cliplock strap

Sounds incredible for an 18 year old instrument!

There are countless tone shaping options even though it's 'castrated' (minus 2 switch positions and minus 9 volts).

Pos 1: mute
Pos 1: Active mid boost + 2 band Treble\Bass + Pan = pick a tone any tone! Note: mid boost output can be adjusted via pot on preamp).
Pos 2: Active flat + 2 band Treble\Bass + Pan = pick a tone any tone!
Pos 3: Passive + Bass (acting as standard Tone Control) + Pan = pick a tone any tone! No significant loss of output as what you might expect when switching from active to passive!

It does EVERYTHING rich\full, dark, warm, bright, super bright, piano, steel cable, whatever!

In my experience (have 2 friends that own original Kubickis) they are great for both stage and studio. My particular FCS version I have no doubt would fair well in both also, even though I use it mainly for stage.

It's 18 years old. I'm the 4th owner. So a setup is definitely in order. Not to mention just basic cleaning.

Dings, finish is stained (supposed to be white, now yellowish white), minor rust\oxidation, slightly scratcy pots and output jack, but all FULLY FUNCTIONAL!

Not a big deal. The bass is 18 years old and traveled across the country to get to me (Cally to Florida).

No rating due to age.

It's withstood 18 years of playing and traveling. I doubt I could do anything in my playing\gigging routine that will harm it.

Again, this bass was built in May 1990. The day I received it, I took it out of the case and played it straight away without any tweaks or maintenance. Played fine, sounded great even with the dead D'Addarios that were on it.

After playing for a bit, I wiped it down, changed the battery, sprayed a little DeOxit on the output jack, restrung with DR Lo Riders.

This thing KILLS! Still need to set it up to my personal taste. Once I do that it'll be lights out!

As stated the finish is stained and there are dings but that's pretty much a given considering it's age. Consider them 'marks of experience'.

Haven't dealt with Fender nor Philip Kubicki but I've read nothing but glowing reviews from people who have spoken to him on the phone, in person and via email.

Have read glowing reviews from people who have had their Factor basses refurbed by Phil.

I don't know how he reacts to people calling to have their FCS Factors refurbed since he didn't actually build these but can't imagine him turning his nose down to them. They are ALL his babies after all. He's the creator of these great basses, regardless of whether they came out of a Fender factory or his own workshop. No way Fender would've come up with this design. I don't care if mine's an FCS version, the design is ALL PHILIP KUBICKI. Shoot, it even boldly says it on the front of my bass!!

Besides, he'll also retrofit his 6 selector, 18v preamp into your FCS Factor for $300 or so. Then you can tell all the FCS detractors to shove it!

So my rating is based on 2nd hand knowledge.

Been playing bass for 2 years but been in music for 20.

I bought it used on Ebay, without seeing it in person or playing it. I bought it based on name and prior experience from friends who own them.

If it were lost or stolen I'd find that person and stick the tunerless headstock up this hind parts! Then I'd get on the web and start looking for another one.

I love the looks, weight, balance, playability, the overall perfectly thought out and designed ergonomics and despite it's 'castration', the electronics are still better than a lot of the brand new basses in stores right now!

There is no comparison other than to the original Kubicki Ex Factor basses by which there is no comparison b\c those are in a class of their own!

Wish the paint job would've stayed intact. I know it's a lot to ask for from an 18 year old bass but in pictures, the white looks really white! Looks great! But in person it's yellowish. Oh well...

I now own a bright yellow '89 Ex Factor, from the original Kubicki shop. I posted the review below this one as well, but that 90's Ex Factor has been sold to another enthusiast.

It features the 32"/36" scale, ebony fretboard, maple neck. The body is probably made of Alder, but I'm not sure as it's much lighter than the '90 Ex Factor I've owned.

Now here's the fun part, I can compare the two pre-amps! The Fender-era pre-amp seems simpler to use and it's easier to dial in the right tone. The original 18V is a bit harder to dial in, but sounds more open and definitely has more options, soundwise.

In the end, I'd be happy with both pre's. It's comparing apples and pears, because there so different. They both have their pros and cons.

The sound is, as I explained, more open than the 90's FenderKubicki. I've only had the thing for 2 weeks, but now I have found the ideal setup for me. I use the treble-boost setting with the treble/bass both facing the point on the back pickup with the screwholes. Both pickups selected, this gives a really full, snappy sound. I love it.

This thing can sound like anything, but will always be a Kubicki. I use it for funk, reggae, ska, punk, dub..everything can be dialed in to fit.

The electonics a very quiet, even after almost 20 years.

When I got the bass, the action was a bit high for me (I'm used to the creditcard-setup, if you know what I mean).

The bass is in immaculate condition. I'm suprised at the difference between the 90's Kubicki and this one. The '89 is so much better when it comes to the finished product. The neck is smoother, the body's lighter. It feels faster. Of course, this is purely personal, as I know the new owner of the 90's Kubicki is very happy with a bit of extra weight and roughness...it does feel more solid, I have to agree on that.

It's lasted for almost 20 years, it will probably hold up for another 20 to come.

It's my only bass, as I've sold my Fender Urge as well. I'd trust it with my life, so to speak.

Now here I have to disagree with the other reviews. I've sent three emails with questions, never heard back from them.

I've sent another email, hoping for a reply..

This is an incredible bass, best I've had so far.

For my other gear, check out my reviews on the 90's Kubicki Ex Factor and my Fender the Urge.

I've recently bought a fretted 32-36" scale 1990's Kubicki Ex-Factor in "Pearlescent Powder Blue". It says Fender Custom Shop on the back and according to some here at harmony central this seems to mean it is an inferiour instrument. I disagree. This thing sounds incredible.

It's an alder body with a ebony fingerboard on a 34-laminate maple neck. The electronics feature 1 passive mode, 2 active modes and a standby, which I was used to from having a Fender Stuart Hamm signature from the first series (almost the same electronics). The last active mode has a tuneable mid-boost which I haven't fiddled around with yet. Standard Kubicki humbuckers do the rest. The bridge is a great invention and is very precise, but sometimes it kind of has a will of its own it seems. Because of this, i gave a 9 as rating.

I just love the sound this thing makes. It's so in tune for slapping the hell out of it and when playing fingerstyle it growls and purs like tiger.

The one thing I have to say that could be conceived as negative, is that it suffers from the 'stingray-syndrome'. It sounds like a Kubicki and it will always sound like a Kubicki, whatever way you turn and twist the controls. This might be conceived as negative, if the Kubicki sound wasn't exactly what I have been looking for!

This thing cuts right through any mix, on stage and on tape. The electronics are dead-quiet, except for some crackling when I turn the pots..but that's just dust from almost 20 years of wear and tear.

I REALLY DO LOVE IT!

When I bought the bass, the setup was a bit crappy to say the least. It's a second hand one and this guy had the strings setup so incredibly low, that they ate away a piece of the front pickup and there was fretbuzz comparable to a horde of killerbees.

When I got home, I immediatly took the whole thing apart and then put it back together again. Also needed the strings replaced, they were dead as a doornail. This bass really sets up nicely, although I would have liked a bit more control over the string height.

I;ve had this bass for a couple of days now and I think the setup is now just the way I like it. My Fender (see "features") still plays better, but this bass sounds more allround without having to turn 20 or so knobs.

The finish was built to last. There's such a huge amount of coating and paint on this thing. This is no problem though, I like my basses nice and sturdy as they sometimes hit things by accident. Some people are just too carefull with their basses..mine's built for gigging and gigging HARD.

Almost 20 years old, but except for the very outdated eighties look, you would never notice. These things are built to last and this one certainly has.

Any bass that can be played for 20 years without breaking down is an incredible instrument.

If it dies on me all of a sudden, I still have my Fender. But I am confident I can gig this thing without backup.

I've heard such great things about Philip and I am not going to contradict this. I have however sent him an email last wednesday and have yet to hear from him, so the whole 24-hour service thing does'nt seem to fly for me.

No harm no fowl, he'll probably get around to it next week or so.

I have been playing for 5 to 6 years now and this is my second quality bass. I also own a Fender the URGE 1 (Stuart Hamm signature).

Although the Fender is my sweetheart, the Kubicki seems to overshadow it a bit in sound. It's going to be hard to choose between them on gigs and rehearsals.

If it was ever stolen, I'd be sure it couldn't be sold because of the extraordinary form and colour. This means that whoever is stupid enough to steal it from me, will have to deal with me personally. He or she will not like this, I promise.

i have 2 x-factors. why? because i wore one of them out after having it for 20 years and was not about to do without one while it was back it the arms of it's creator phil going through it's phoenix-resurrection.
My x-factor is a menacing black-body ebony fretboard intimidating beauty of monster tone and form. It has the 18 volt set up. I dont care for the "FENDER CUSTOM SHOP" era preamp.So many others have already described the 18 volt set up, and i can only echo what all others have said. That this four string, dropped "D"tuner, alder bodied,active/passive preamped,ergonomically comfortable piece of art, --- still garners looks and comment of "wow" on stage & in the studio --after 20 years.

turn off the light
turn off all sound
clear your mind
think of the best bass sound you have ever heard
it is in the x-factor
it is in the x factor
it is in the x-factor ----- get it?

my x-factors is the only bass that i never "POPPED THE NECK" because i did not want to take a chance of messing up the set up-- it was & stayed perfect from the factory w/.45-105 strings @ the time the GHS M-5000 set.
The only flaw to me are these ----
1.the battery clips are too short for big hands like mine.
2.After 20 years & repeated help from Mr Kubicki --- I still have trouble some times figuring out the string changes with that fantastic bridge.
3.The "PAN" set up for the pick-ups are reversed to my natural assumptions.{i just reversed the pick-up wires --- quite ez to do with Philip's modular set up}

durability? It's 20 years old --- it toured with me --Shelly West & others-- Today i still play out every night with 4 days of work ---2 days of open mike ---and ---sundays are for my somebody special:)-- and still the frets have not needed replacement just dressed --- i have worn out the jack and the vol/tone controls and the preamp selector --just now. If the neck ever needs adjusted --- i do it with the strings on and and tuned it takes about 4 seconds from the adjustment screw located at the top of the headstock ----how cool is that? My roadie[when i had one ] dropped it one day and the cracked body near the jack -- it plugged up and never looked back.

Imagine talking to leo fender.
Philip Kubicki talks with his customers, like they were the only ones.
After 3000+ basses he is still accessable by phone & e-mail and he is a legend for doing it. I am told he also built the "mahogany tele" for George Harrison" but i never asked. This guy is as cool as his basses

i am 56 and have been playing music since high school except for viet-nam. I switched to bass full time in 1980. i have a 68 tele bass strung w/flatwounds, a custom warmoth bass with an alembic AE-1 PJ set up, a sweet mex fender precision, a J-P-J pick-up fender urge bass,and an 85 x-factor i got off EBAY to use while my other x-got it's rest. Since 1985 my amps have all been MESA BOOGIE which i am now phasing out because of their HORRIBLE small customer support and inability to LISTEN. Right now i am using am Alembic Fx-1 ---a crown amp and various configurations of bag end speakers to amplify.
If it got stolen i'd call philip right away for one of his new custom basses. If i found who stole it .......you can guess.

If you're reading this, you probably already know the features of this bass; 18v preamp, 6 way switch with active and passive modes, drop D capo. The neck is set with metal sunk bolts, not regular wood screws, so they will never wear out.

IMHO, this is one of the best-sounding basses ever developed. Few basses have a 'signature' sound that is instantly recognizeable but this is one of them. Nothing sounds like a Kubicki. It has a great throaty growl with a pronounced mid presence.

When I bought the bass, it was re-setup by Kubicki. The setup was immaculate in every way. Hands-down the best setup I've ever seen.

With the laminate necks, these basses are tanks. I gig it regularly and have no worries.

Phil Kubicki is quite accessable and helpful - and that was BEFORE I bought a second-hand bass.

I've been playing for 25 years and I consider it quite unlikely that I will ever be without a Kubicki in my arsenal.

I own 2 Kubicki Ex-Factors; [#283-05/86]-was gloss black, refinished in translucent burnt orange stain w/a hand rubbed tung-oil satin finish and [#407-09/86]-pearlescent powder blue] Both have ebony fingerboards and that beautiful multi-slat maple neck. They both have the superior 6 position switches (2 active/3 passive/1 standby) The now orange factor has a fretless neck [#3476-11/94] installed by PK in 94. Both Ex-Factors are 4 stringed (only version), w/low D "Ex"tentions. The Kubicki electronics are hugely variable, accessed though 2 stacked tone/volume pick-up controls, and the one 6 way active/passive switch.

The sound is rich and defined in the active modes and full of subtilties throughout the passive range. I tend to favor the first position active (treble boost) in general and fine tune tone from there. I use DR's on the fretted (blue) for that chime-like ring/sustain, and I use Dean Markley Fretmaster med/lt strings on the (orange)fretless which really benifits from the range of options tonally.

I bought my first Kubicki used w/no knowledge of it prior to playing it. I was 'just looking' but once I sat down with it I was sold. I'm really particular when it comes to fit and feel so I knew that this was the bass for me. It was pretty beat up, as it had been most likely played professionally, alot. When I recently stripped the battered finish, I noticed the thick multi-layered primers and finish coats. Amazing! The machine/tuner (still a unique design) is easily accessable for subtle tuning on the fly. I relocated the top strap-pin in the center of the 4 neck bolts on the back for a personal fit. The only quirk I've found was that the low D lever tends to buzz unless fidgeted with when it occures, which is not always. A very minor detail against universally top drawer design/quality.

As I described my (origionally) black factor; it was abused but still very playable. PK designed essentially one superior bass in the late 80's, and he did it right the first time. It was designed to last, both in form and function. Now mine are both 20 yrs old and still swingin'. I back up my (fretless) Kubicki only w/another (fretted)Kubicki.

Not knowing a factor from a sign-post back in 93, I called the Kubicki # thinking I would talk to a support person to fill me in. Mr K himself answered any questions I had, later installed the fretless neck and continues to help in all things factor. I'm drawn to a business that is here for the long run, and puts integrity and customer support at the top of the list. Bravo Philip.

I've played bass nearly all my life, starting in 7th grade. (I'm 53 now) I own a 64 Gibson Thunderbird and a self-designed custom hybred T-Bird/Kubicki Ex-factor w/EMG j-style active p/u's. I have an old but sweet Polytone mini-brute and SWR Goliath amp, and a battery of effect pedals. I played my Thunderbird professionally for many years, as I loved the big tone and long thin neck/fingerboard feel. I love the Kubicki for much of the same reasons (feel/playability and exceptional tone) and it's also alot more comfortable/ergonomic than the T-bird. (and can take more abuse!) A better 4+low D bass doesn't exist. (a good bet anyway!)

Made in 12/1984 (#477). I purchased this bass 20 years ago.
All Ex-Factor 4 specs and hardware. My bass is glossy black (FYI: used gloosy black nail polich for touch-ups).
Definitely tons of unique quality features.
The neck shape/width (which reminds me of a cross between a P bass and Jazz bass) and length (32") is very comfortable to play. Indestructible frets.
Accessibliity to the truss rod at the top of the head is fantastically convenient.

Paint: Does the amount of paint and primer this bass has prohibit even more of its potential? This I do not know, but it certainly has been primed and coated like a Mercedes-Benz.

The notes are very clear, sustaining and tonally dynamic. This is a slap-happy bass, and can also generate warm, dark tones just pedaling along.

I prefer the passive settings (2) with the pickup balance on detent and the both tones relatively past 5. The active settings gives a tremendous 35db boost.

A very comfortable bass sitting or standing - finds its own balance as soon as you begin to play.
...about the neck. I have NEVER had any problems this neck, whether, intonation, warping, not permissible to climate changes, etc. This is a ROCK SOLID neck and beats any graphite neck out there since it is WOOD.

This bass has stood the test of time and the test of live playing without a back-up. I have never had any problems with strings breaking and electronic malfunctions.
One thing I do not do of course is to set it on the floor standing upright since the jack will interfere and cause problems internally (jack barrel), even chipping paint.

Years ago I called the shop since the heads on the "string-saddle- sliders" stripped due to my overtightening and re-re-re-adjustments. Geoff Richardson was very friendly and sent me replacment screws free of charge. Thanks Geoff.

I've been playing this bass since I got it 20 years ago, which was originally purchased to back-up my other one-and-only '65 Jazz Bass. I've been searching for another bass, and it has been very difficult to find a bass with the dynamics, comfort, playability and dependability this bass has.
Maybe, its time to invest in a White Ex-Factor.

FEATURES
- 1984; Made in the USA (Geoff Richardson and Philip Kubicki)
- 4-String Fretted with Extended 4th-string to Eb and open-D.
- Solid Alder body with Black finish. The neck, however, is the art of this bass. It is laminated 1/16" rock maple veneers (ebony fretboard)and it is ROCK SOLID without any bends, torques, etc. whatsoever. In the two decades I have NEVER HAD TO RE-INTONE OR RE-ADJUST the neck's action and/or truss-rod.
- 3 Rotary stacks: Master Vol/Pan Control, Bass Boost/Treble Boost, Pickup Selector (non-stack) with 6 positions Off; Passive Bridge and Neck; Active Bridge, B-N, and Neck.
- Kubicki Pickups (2)
- Active and Passive
- Bridge style: super-smooth tuners on the bridge (80:1), ie, "headless", too complex to describe, but very dependable and user friendly.
- 32" scale on the 1st fret; open the clasp then it is 34" (E-string only). To me the feel or contour of the neck is very much between a P-bass and Jazz bass.
-Hard case, Kubicki strings (orginally) now fitted with DR Low Riders 45-105.

SOUND
This bass is PUNCHY for slapping, tapping, etc. and very, very pronounced in string definition (tone and clarity). Once I pickup the bass it tells me to slap the hell out of it, although I am not prone to being slap happy. I prefer to peddle my fingers and rock-on with a million 8th notes and it does so too, although with some punch, then crunch. Once again this is very good in string definition and has enough WARMTH which also makes chording fun. Very accessible to the high frets, no problem.
- Noise: In my case, the sound engineer has had problems going direct (into the board) with this bass, and I advise against, especially on active, since it has a 35db boost! Choose the passive to record. A better live bass.
-Lots of tones: full round bass, and bright highs, rumble on the open-D, but not dark at all.
-This is a Kubicki sound, and what does this sound like... hmmm... a cross between a Warwick Thumb (bolt-on) bass and a Precision bass.
-I wish it had more wood tones. This may be limited due to the pickups over-riding with super voltage(Active), cut-outs for p/u's and heavy machines (bridge assembly) and lots of primer and paint.

ACTION, et al
When I got it about 20 years ago it was flawless... so much has not been done to it, and it has remained to this day.

I have played this bass live, and is now going through a mid-life crisis... it has stood the test of time, East-Coast 4-seasons, humidity, etc. without a problems.

Mr. Richardson has personally provided intial customer care for this bass and has supplied bridge screws when I lost them.
Great support.