I've seen the "Blaster" copy, but have never seen this white version. Phil Kubicki designed a great instrument, and did it right the first time. I've owned a few and they can do it all. The only less than ideal aspects were the huge boost of active from passive (or huge drop from the other way around) and the capo buzz that occasionally occurs on the Ex-Factors. G&L's L-2000 system as a comparison, have more manageable (live) level between active boosts from passive. The buzz thing wasn't uncorrectable but just niggling to deal with. But that's about it. I'm not going to bad-mouth Steinberger, but at the end of the day, I'll take an Ex-Factor any day over his headless bass. Everyone has their personal favorites for as many reasons as there are choices, but IMHO Kubicki's represent a nearly perfect design in the 4-string department of an instrument introduced in the past 30 yrs.
Related to this thread, PK also has integrity and does not compromise quality. That's why the Fender association didn't last and it may have had something to do w/the attempt at Japanese deal. So I can understand him being less than pleased to have his unique design copied. On the other hand I guess he really can't do much w/o litigation like Fender does. He doesn't have that big corporation clout and probably doesn't lose any sleep over it anyway. Copies seem unavoidable. Just the fact that you can buy a used Ex-Factor for less than 1/2 what they cost new to this day, is a bargain. And lastly, when you call Kubicki - you talk w/Phil. Nuff said.
