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Kubicki Ex Factor Refinish

FretlessArt

FretlessArt

Jan 24, 2007
224
1
Connecticut
#1
So I have this original 1986 Kubicki Ex Factor, very low serial number. in Excellent condition. The only issue I have with this bass is the pepto pink color. I guess its a cool color, Girls like it when I play it, but I am reluctant to Gig with it because its pink color is a mis match for my bands vintage image.

So I am thinking of having this bass refinished in either a clear coat or depending on price a '70s P bass Burst.

Do I leave this bass original for potential collectors value, Sell the Bass or refinish it.

Has anybody out there ever refinished a Kubicki? How did the wood look?
 
#3
FretlessArt said:
So I have this original 1986 Kubicki Ex Factor, very low serial number. in Excellent condition. The only issue I have with this bass is the pepto pink color. I guess its a cool color, Girls like it when I play it, but I am reluctant to Gig with it because its pink color is a mis match for my bands vintage image.

So I am thinking of having this bass refinished in either a clear coat or depending on price a '70s P bass Burst.

Do I leave this bass original for potential collectors value, Sell the Bass or refinish it.

Has anybody out there ever refinished a Kubicki? How did the wood look?
Click to expand...

I'd do this. And what Mon said. The Infinity in your avatar probably fits the vibe better than any color Kubicki would.
 
#5
The Vintage Band Look comment should be reworded. I like the low D feature on the Kubicki. I dont have that on my Wicks or Fenders. it comes in handy.

I am leaning towards leaving it alone but it would likely not get played. If I go with a natural wood theme or burst it would get played alot. I have come to realize that there is a small demograghic of people who would purchase this bass in PINK.

Has anyone taken the paint off of a Kubicki? Perhaps some pictures? Im just curious how it would look clean without a fancy wood top.
 
#7
IMHO, I would leave it and use a different bass to fit the band's 'look'. Possibly even add a Hipshot Detuner to any current basses you have that fit the band's image better. Although, as you already know the Factor detuning function kicks butt because you don't have to transpose.

Modding\refinishing an original Kubicki ExFactor may effect it's resale, unless you get the work done by Phil himself.

You can bet that if you put that bass up on Ebay right now, it'd end at about $1400 or more.

Original Kubicki ExFactors are a hot item for those in the know. Believe me, I've been looking for one for 2 years but can't touch what they're going for on Ebay, here or the rare shop that has one. I settled on an FCS ExFactor which I'm actually considering selling.
 
#8
THey had one at a shop near me for $850 last year and it sat there for a while.

If you refin it, it will cut the value buy at least 40%.

Sell it or use another bass. The whole design does not fit no matter what color it is.
 
#9
I agree with pretty much everyone else.

I've owned both a Pre-Fender 1988 Kubicki Ex-Factor (Yellow!) and a FCS Kubicki Ex-Factor (sparkle green). Both played great...but the value was definitely in the Pre-Fender (as was the tone IMO).

I say hold on to the Kubicki in Coral Pink because it will continue to be a collector's item. Those are coveted Kubickis and just as has been said before...someone in *the know* will purchase that pink bass from you one day if you decide to sell it...it just depends on how long you want to hold out. (PM me one day if you want to sell! :-)

Oh yeah...if you can't afford to keep it...just sell some other basses! That's what I always have done!
 
#11
Thanks everybody for your feed back. I am going to leave it alone. I have 2 that are low serial numbers sub 450. I love playing them. Perhaps one of my young daughters will end up playing the pink one some day. Mayby I will just put a big (Hello Kitty) Sticker on it .

Peace.

FretlessArt
 
#15
Much as I loathe that 80's pepto pink color, it's probably worth more as-is. Personally, I'd strip it and paint it something cool, If I had one they'd have to pry it from my cold, dead fingers. Still kicking myself for not buying one of the first generation models back in the 80's. I saw Stu Hamm playing one live and developed serious GAS. I A/B'd it against a Steinberger XP-2 when they were both brand new (1986 or so) and ended up with the Steinberger because it was a couple hundred less at the time.
 
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