Does it always need relief taken out of it? Or is it a seasonal thing?
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- Jun 30, 2010
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- musician/artist/owner - Gildaxe
It's interesting to note that although many aspects of Phil's Factor were unique/proprietary to him, a multi-lam neck was not. Tightly spaced multi-lam necks are found on production MIJ basses from the 60's-70's. He most likely sourced out a high-quality version for his necks, but he didn't innovate its use for necks.
Yes I've seen those as well, I'm asking about it here because I'm considering using baltic birch, which is similar to what he used, and quarter sawn oak in a build and I figured this thread would be a good source of information on the many piece laminate neck's stability.
My neck is pretty stable. I guess you would say it is a seasonal thing though here in Southern California we don't really have drastically different seasons or humidity swings.
- Jun 30, 2010
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- musician/artist/owner - Gildaxe
I would have to think that if it's a high quality pressure-fitted multi-laminate, it will be as stable as wood can possibly be. Oak would be a strong wood resulting in a strong neck, but I'm not familiar with its use as a tone-wood. Not sure about birch either. The neck is where most of an instruments tone comes from after the pu's so tone-woods use are optimal.
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I'm not sure of the tone of oak or birch either
I'm not sure I buy into specific woods have different tones, although I do know that the stiffness and density of the neck has an effect on the tone, so we don't side track this thread we can continue this in the luthiers corner.Triple Bucker 4 string build
I'm not sure of the tone of oak or birch either
Triple Bucker 4 string build
I'm not sure I would have an ear for toanl differences on a bass, but I can tell you on drums it is quite significant. Maple v. birch for example are quite different sounds.
- Jun 30, 2010
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I'm not sure of the tone of oak or birch either
Triple Bucker 4 string build
It is a contentious topic (amongst others) here on tb, but WADR as someone who has designed and built a number of basses of different woods and designs - I personally have experienced how wood and how it's designed can make for individualized and unique tonal quality. Relating drum shells tonal differences is an apt comparison.
- Jun 30, 2010
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- musician/artist/owner - Gildaxe
Nice! The 1st Factor I was made aware of was a red one pictured in Tony Bacons "The Ultimate Guitar Book". I bought a black '86 and when I 1st talked to Phil on the phone I mentioned how I liked that red (looks more like tomato/Fiesta Red) and he pointed out it looked very different in reality. I have a more recent WD J body in what they call Fiesta Red that looks a whole lot like your Factor though. FR is a colour that comes in many varieties.
- Jun 30, 2010
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- musician/artist/owner - Gildaxe
Phil sold his own Kubicki brand (made by one of the top makers w/his name on them) in both nickel and stainless steel. As it's a 32" scale headless, some strings work better than others due to their wrap (if they have it). His NOS strings pop up on eBay from time to time.
I have a '90 FCS and it is my main gigging bass.
To answer the neck stability question....I am in central VA and usually have to adjust the neck a couple of times a year. In winter it will need to be tightened to remove too much relief and in summer I will need to let some relief back in. Never more than a 1/4 turn.
Strings....Hybrid Slinkys were OK. Currently strung with DR Pure Blues ....real nice on it.
I just received 2 new sets of Kubicki Nickels. THEY CAN STILL BE ORDERED.
I used the Kubickis in between the Slinkys and the DRs. Going back to them once I get tired of the DRs but so far I'm good.
* Disclaimer* --- I leave strings on my Basses for a looong time. I like them to mature.
To answer the neck stability question....I am in central VA and usually have to adjust the neck a couple of times a year. In winter it will need to be tightened to remove too much relief and in summer I will need to let some relief back in. Never more than a 1/4 turn.
Strings....Hybrid Slinkys were OK. Currently strung with DR Pure Blues ....real nice on it.
I just received 2 new sets of Kubicki Nickels. THEY CAN STILL BE ORDERED.
I used the Kubickis in between the Slinkys and the DRs. Going back to them once I get tired of the DRs but so far I'm good.
* Disclaimer* --- I leave strings on my Basses for a looong time. I like them to mature.
- Jun 30, 2010
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- musician/artist/owner - Gildaxe
That's cool that you can still buy them - so are they new or NOS?
I ordered mine in January directly off of the web site. I got a confirmation email from Carla.
Interesting about the strings...cool. I've had DR Sunbeams on mine for quite some time. I too keep them on for quite a while as I don't gig much and have several basses in the rotation. They really need changed now. Just for kicks I may try the Slinky Cobalts. 
