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Kubicki club?

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#242
Ha, finally I managed to get a photo uploaded....

So what the story:
Here's me with my recently bought Kubicki Ex Factor. I bought this bass to keep this Kubicki Club alive.... hahaha
Well what can I say. The bass is above all expectations! It's going on tour with me this summer, and I wonder how it holds....
 
#249
95svtcobra said:
The deep metallic green one I actually bought twice...

I found it used at a chain up in NH one day, but the electronics seem to be a bit FU when I got it home. I brought it back and they said they could fix it under their used warranty, but I really didn't trust their shop at the time so I returned it (DOH!). Anyway, about a year later, they had another store open in MA and had a huge sale. Same bass, only $250 cheaper...SO....I had them fix it (new shop) and they even shipped to NH to save me a few $$.

The custom top I found in another chain store in NH. Some poor bass player brought in this and a modulus 4 string and wasn't looking for a trade...just cash....If only I was in the store at the same time!!!!

Anywho, both bases are 18V, 6 position preamps. I'm going to get around sending the older one back to Phil one of these days
Click to expand...

This guys is always around for the deals....:help::hiding::cool:

I still want your Jazz that your not using since you got into these...:bassist:;)
 
#254
Not having owned any of the 9V systems (although that might change this week), all I can state is the 18v systems have a 6 position switch vs. the 5 position which I believe provides one extra eq contour (different boost/cut settings?)
 
#255
Actually, the 9v system's rotary tone selector is a FOUR-position switch, not five. It's presets are: standby; active with pre-settable mid-boot (access the preset control in the control cavity); active flat; and passive.

The 18v system's six-position rotary switch has three passive modes (flat, full, and mid-boost), two active modes (full and mid-boost) and standby.

Ask ten owners the same question about the differences between the SOUND of the two circuits, and you may get ten different answers. Most generally agree, though, that the 18v has somewhat more depth and detail, but isn't so very different in basic Kubicki tone from the 9v as to be a different bass altogether. Even Phil Kubicki himself concedes that the 9v system is really the same thing.

And while it was assumed for a time that the 9v FCS Factors were mass-produced at Fender with lower-quality hardware and less attention to detail that Phil's handmade models, Phil has reportedly debunked that belief as well, stating that the FCS models were made at his shop and stamped with the FCS badge.

Whether that's a fact or Phil is merely complying honorably with a non-disclosure agreement with Fender, nobody but Phil will ever know. The one and only Factor I've ever owned (and always will) is a '95, made well after the Fender contract ended, so I can't offer a hands-on comparison. Lots of other owners here can and have though. And reading back through them, there does seem to be a consensus that FCS Kubickis had somewhat lower quality hardware and build quality.

FCS Kubickis and 'real' Kubickis aren't apples and oranges, they're more apples and slightly redder apples. They're both, in my own humble opinion, the tastiest fruits on the tree. I'd rather have one Kubicki than three of any other bass in the world.
 
#256
Tim,

Thanks for the heads up about the 4/5 position switch.

I'm hoping to try out a FCS Kubicki today. I'll check it out and see if someone had shipped it back to Phil for a change out (or if it's a really early FCS with leftover electronics)

I have a pre-FCS and a post, and would love to get some Kubicki fans in the same room to really examine the differences if I buy that FCS (although since none of them will have been owned by me as new, there is always a bit of unknown).

Wish me luck! :bassist:
 
#257
Well, I figured I might as well find out first-hand so bought a '92 post-fender X-Factor from a guy in LA this weekend, and it's on the way right now... can't wait!!!! :D

I must off now to appease the delivery company gods for a safe passage :hiding:
 
#258
I've had a few really nice factors, and am craving another. The reason I always end up selling them is that the look doesn't fit my style at all. Are there any basses out there that sound like a pre-fender ex-factor but look like a J-bass?

Can you get any pickups or electronics that are comparable? What are factor bodies made of, Alder? Maple? I think the super stiff neck and 32" scale are a big part of the tone ...
 
#259
pickles said:
I've had a few really nice factors, and am craving another. The reason I always end up selling them is that the look doesn't fit my style at all. Are there any basses out there that sound like a pre-fender ex-factor but look like a J-bass?

Can you get any pickups or electronics that are comparable? What are factor bodies made of, Alder? Maple? I think the super stiff neck and 32" scale are a big part of the tone ...
Click to expand...

I've had that same thought. I wonder how hard it would be to gut the Kubicki and transplant the pups and circuit to a J? And I wonder how close it'd sound to the original? Expensive project to risk, but if it DID work... Hmmm...
 
#260
TimWilson said:
I've had that same thought. I wonder how hard it would be to gut the Kubicki and transplant the pups and circuit to a J? And I wonder how close it'd sound to the original? Expensive project to risk, but if it DID work... Hmmm...
Click to expand...

Exactly -- if it did work, we're talking magic secret sauce.

I wonder if Phil would sell an electronics harness?
 
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