Kubicki club, part 2

[smperry]

Continued from Kubicki club?

Originally Posted by zuma

Sad news all. Phil Kubicki passed away this morning. I learned this through a private e-mail a friend sent to me just now. I will leave you with the last words of his e-mail - "What an awesome man!"

[stuhammfan]

I'm still in shock. Man, what a truly nice guy, Phil was so wonderful and polite to talk with, and the Exfactor really got my attention in 88, 89' when stu hamm released his first solo albums. That was the first time id seen or heard the Exfactor. It was a truly innovative design and they sound amazing. I used to dream of owning a factor bass as a teenager in 89'! I always admired phil for thinking outside the box, and the Exfactor truly is a totally unique design. He will be missed and I've been thinking about Phil all day, and feel blessed to have one of his masterpiece creations, and to have talked with him over the phone. My sincere condolences to his family, truly a sad day today.

[JIO]

This is some pics of the 1st Factor I bought used in May '94. I later refinished it and later still sold it, but only after much of my own use. Originally, it was black and had hardcore professional wear. I knew very little about it and this was before "google" so I found his info and called the number hoping to learn more about the bass I just bought. Phil answered himself which took me back, and we talked a while and he answered all my inquiries. A bit later I sent it to him to install and set it up w/a new fretless neck. He called and asked if I wanted him to do some cosmetic work on the body. The original owner had gouged a divot where he rested his thumb above the neck pu, and there was a dent on the lower edge. (where the rhinestone is in the pic) I said, it's ok- I kinda' like the signs of it's past. He said..."if only the original owner had clipped his thumb-nail" It made me smile because he really was concerned about any instrument w/his name on it. At that point I fully realized what I was now part of. I've owned a few over the years and feel his design is a true modern classic. I can discern one w/o seeing it - the tone is that distinctive and engineers always love the way it records.

Every time someone hears one being played keeps his spirit alive. Rock on Factor players.

[Johno Dunn]

Sad news indeed! I new Phil pretty well, and played an XFactor for decades. I visited him at his shop often while he was here in Santa Barbara. Great mad genius of a man! RIP Phil!

J!

[jbybj]

I just read recently, probably here on TB, of a conversation someone had with Phil, and Phil had said, and I paraphrase, "if you want me to make you a bass, I wouldn't wait too long, I won't be around forever........"

I too had the pleasure of a brief personal interaction, as he refurbished my 89 Exfactor just last year.

Not many people get to leave this earth with such an awesome legacy in their wake.

[DrDAV14]

I had spoken with Phil quite abit in the last 3 months. I knew he wasn't doing real well. He would often tell me we would have to talk later, that he was just too tired. I just recieved my 3rd bass from him a month ago. I had a build in mind, but he talked me into one he had in the shop that he had dropped a tool on in final assembly. He said he wasn't sure he was going to order any new parts in the near future, so I went with "dinged" one in his shop. Jewel his friend or assistant called to confirm the delivery and said Phil sent his best............I count myself lucky to have had many conversations over 20yrs of playing his handy work and listening to his story's and advice. Having received my newest Ex-Factor just a month ago, with a CUSTOM tool ding from the man himself. My prayers and heart felt wishes go out to this GREAT man and his loved ones!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[peledog]

Sad news today. My condolences to his family and friends.

[Macrocosmcwh]

Originally Posted by jbybj

I just read recently, probably here on TB, of a conversation someone had with Phil, and Phil had said, and I paraphrase, "if you want me to make you a bass, I wouldn't wait too long, I won't be around forever........"

I too had the pleasure of a brief personal interaction, as he refurbished my 89 Exfactor just last year.

Not many people get to leave this earth with such an awesome legacy in their wake.

That was me..... Sadly.... I felt this was coming.... so sad!

[guitardr]

I had the distinct pleasure of meeting Phil in Santa Barbara in 1989. He was always gracious in letting me hang out at the shop on Bond Ave. and patient with what must have seemed a barage of questions. If I had known that he had built guitars for the likes of George Harrison I might have thought twice about taking up his valuable time. Truth is I didn't learn of this till after I left CA. You know how some people reach a cetain level in their field and then become complete assholes? Not Phil! He was always a kind a caring person. I often listened in on phone conversations where he politely answered the most ridiculous questions. When my wife asked me what I wanted for my 50th birthday, I couldnt think of anything else but an Ex Factor. Just a marvel of engineering; genius. The world has lost an amazing craftsman, and a better man. I love you Phil.

[bassteacher99]

I think we all have the same regard for this man , we all seem to have the same exact experience with him. He was a special man. I'm gonna post my collection in my next post and I'd love see what you fellas have too. Post some pics pals ..... Show some love for Mr Kubicki and keep the stories coming

[bassteacher99]

I hope the pics load

[bassteacher99]

Originally Posted by guitardr

I had the distinct pleasure of meeting Phil in Santa Barbara in 1989. He was always gracious in letting me hang out at the shop on Bond Ave. and patient with what must have seemed a barage of questions. If I had known that he had built guitars for the likes of George Harrison I might have thought twice about taking up his valuable time. Truth is I didn't learn of this till after I left CA. You know how some people reach a cetain level in their field and then become complete assholes? Not Phil! He was always a kind a caring person. I often listened in on phone conversations where he politely answered the most ridiculous questions. When my wife asked me what I wanted for my 50th birthday, I couldnt think of anything else but an Ex Factor. Just a marvel of engineering; genius. The world has lost an amazing craftsman, and a better man. I love you Phil.

That must have been an incredible experience !!!! Thanks for the story

[gnarkill]

This is my 86. Bought it here on TB to replace one I had regretted selling for years.

[TRichardsbass]

I want to share this here, with you, about Phil. It is still painful today as I think about it.

Phil and I have talked over the years about many, many things, guitars and bass being the least of them. He had a love for music, especially classical, new age and Jazz that was just amazing. Phil would always let me know who he was listening too at the time. Interesting, and his taste was quite good.

Phil and I had a common experience, with our share of bumps and bruises over the years, both personally and professionally. Having been in many similar situations and experiences, Phil could always understand, and was an understanding ear. He also had a knack for always knowing what would put you in the right direction.

when Phil moved to New Hampshire, we had some really funny talks. Like what was a guy who was born and bread in Southern California and basically lived his whole life in a land where 60 degrees is considered "bitterly cold" doing moving to a state where 60 degrees is considered summer! He actually loved his place in NH, but often did escape south for some warmth and to break the winter chill.

Phil was planning to attend NAMM this year, the first time in nearly 20 years according to him. He and I discussed taking an evening, having a great meal, and enjoying some fine wine. Alas, Phil's illness did not allow him to make the trip.

I promised myself I would get up there right after NAMM, but never did. Phil had met a wonderful gal (Jewel) and was as happy as I've ever heard or seen him. I have never met her in person, but I had hoped to see this light in Phil's life.

As you know, I've been in this business for a while. I've met just about all the greats, some of the up and comers, and all of the bass building community by and large is made up of wonderful people. But Phil was in a category all his own.

I am saddened by his passing, and truly the bass world has lost a vital piece of our heart and soul.

[HypersoulRocks]

So weird...I was considering getting a custom quote just the other day....

[Bass42]

Hello !

Just to remember this Genius and nice person that changed the bass world forever !

2009 Custom Flamed Honduras Mahogany and 2007 Custom Spalted Maple

[Bass42]

Originally Posted by TRichardsbass

I want to share this here, with you, about Phil. It is still painful today as I think about it.

Phil and I have talked over the years about many, many things, guitars and bass being the least of them. He had a love for music, especially classical, new age and Jazz that was just amazing. Phil would always let me know who he was listening too at the time. Interesting, and his taste was quite good.

Phil and I had a common experience, with our share of bumps and bruises over the years, both personally and professionally. Having been in many similar situations and experiences, Phil could always understand, and was an understanding ear. He also had a knack for always knowing what would put you in the right direction.

when Phil moved to New Hampshire, we had some really funny talks. Like what was a guy who was born and bread in Southern California and basically lived his whole life in a land where 60 degrees is considered "bitterly cold" doing moving to a state where 60 degrees is considered summer! He actually loved his place in NH, but often did escape south for some warmth and to break the winter chill.

Phil was planning to attend NAMM this year, the first time in nearly 20 years according to him. He and I discussed taking an evening, having a great meal, and enjoying some fine wine. Alas, Phil's illness did not allow him to make the trip.

I promised myself I would get up there right after NAMM, but never did. Phil had met a wonderful gal (Jewel) and was as happy as I've ever heard or seen him. I have never met her in person, but I had hoped to see this light in Phil's life.

As you know, I've been in this business for a while. I've met just about all the greats, some of the up and comers, and all of the bass building community by and large is made up of wonderful people. But Phil was in a category all his own.

I am saddened by his passing, and truly the bass world has lost a vital piece of our heart and soul.

Yes ! This is a sad thing and I'm very shocked because I just talked with him through phone in Late Jan ! His voice was very weak on the phone and I did not that he was very sick ! So the notice of his death really smash me up ! Do you know if his legacy and workshop will be opened ? Who will take care of all the things ?

Thanks

[Bass42]

Originally Posted by bassteacher99

Attachment 325778Attachment 325781
I hope the pics load

Beautiful basses ! Checked my ones , I just posted some pics.

[Bass42]

Originally Posted by Macrocosmcwh

That was me..... Sadly.... I felt this was coming.... so sad!

Hello! Do you know if somebody will keep the Phil's business ? I'm very sad and I can't imagine a world without Phil and his basses !

[ThudThudThud]

It was asked in the previous (now closed) thread if Phil had passed the torch to anyone.
The answer to this is yes. However I don't believe 'production' will resume for standard models.

Phil's site refers all emails for maintenance to Mike Haney in Reading, PA. Mike is a dear friend, and a stunning luthier. If anyone could come close to Phil's attention to detail it's Mike.

Mike studied with Phil in Santa Barbara and remained a very close friend until the end. Phil made sure that Mike understood every nuance of his basses. Mike has also studied and worked with Frank Finocchio, and has also studied under Grit Laskin. I'll tell you that he makes a wonderful guitar.
I can attest to Mike's ability, and work ethic. Your Kubickis will be safe in his hands.