Kubicki Basses in the Pacific NW?

Great idea. I had really high expectations when I bought one years ago and it didn't end up being my thing at all. Good luck in your search, I can't think of anyone I know around here that has one.

 

I've seen a few lately pop up on the local CL. Wished I jumped on the blueburst one I saw.

 

They're not for everyone - but usually those who own them are pretty devoted to them. I've owned a few. The drop-D capo is brilliant and still unique on an electric bass guitar. The Key Factors (Factors w/o capo's) are ok, but although I've never played one, the 5'r Key Factors are probably amazing. Kubicki's have big sound (and medium scale) so well suited for a B string. Oh, and don't be swayed by FCS Ex-Factors being considered 'less real' than a Kubicki Kubicki. I've owned both and actually prefer the 9v FCS preamp - the 18v had setting I never used. The two are exactly the same otherwise. FCS Factors used to go for less because of this bias, but anymore they all are climbing in price.

 

They're very comfortable to play, even though some of the curves and angles on the body might make you think otherwise. Very smooth and fast neck as well. The X Factor bass is actually a 32" scale instrument, where the standard is usually 34". When opened up by the onboard capo to bring the E string down to D, the length of that string is then 36". The functional 32" scale may account for a difference in feel compared to a longer scale bass.

There's a preamp setting on the X Factor bass that is loud as hell and has enough bass boost to blow up any unprepared amplification source. I forget what click number it is on the selector knob, but it needs to be handled with care. Other than that concern, the X Factor was one of the most unique, expertly crafted and well-designed offerings ever, and I wish I still had one.

 

Kubicki necks sit, IMHO, right inbetween a J and a P. As you know Phil started his business by making replacement necks for P's and J's, and was known as the best at it. They are smooth and fast. The fingerboards are 7.5" radius, sitting closer to vintage instruments (which to me makes them more comfortable to play.

The usual discussions you get on Kubicki's are the electronics, which are 100% Phil designed, and there is a marked difference in volume when switching from the active modes to the passive modes. But that of course is a nice touch, as if for some reason you run out of battery you can still bang out that gig.

Both the "standard" 18v circuit and the "Fender" 9v circuits were designed by Phil, and he offered them on all his builds post the Fender days. As for differences between the basses, it is little known that all of the FCS Kubickis were built by Phil in his factory. There is a great story behind that, but whether it says FCS on it or not, its Phil.

They are always worth the money.

I have a one of a kind 32" scale Key Factor4 that Phil built for a friend that has a 32 laminate neck (like the X Factors, as Key Factors never had multi-lam necks) AND a multi-lam fingerboard as well. One of my favorite basses of all time.

The nice thing about Factors is that if you buy one and decide to sell it, they basically hold their value, so you won't have to worry if it turns out you don't like it.

 

A odd discloser for someone interested in this bass.., I'm sure it will also be great as a passive instrument, but the active tone is what a Kubicki is all about. I can hear a Kubicki before I see it - it's that distinctive, and studio engineers loved it. It will still offer the ergonomics, D-capo and superior neck etc… lots to like about a Factor.

I read somewhere that the FCS bodies (maybe parts?) were produced in Japan and Phil did all the necks and assembly. Maybe you can illuminate -

 

I gassed hard for one of these back in the 80's. I distinctly remember A/B playing a Factor against my Steinberger XP-2. The sound was actually somewhat similar, but the D-tuner capo really sold me on the Factor. Unfortunately, I was just out of college and couldn't afford the higher pricetag on the Factor. They disappeared for a long while after headless basses fell out of fashion, glad to see people picking them up again, superb design and QC.

 

No, Phil basically made them all. The bodies were sourced through Fender but were not Japanese. I believe at the time they came from the Fullerton factory. Phil REFUSED to ever use anything that was not USA made. I loved that about Phil. That was why there are NO authorized or official licensed Kubicki basses, period.