• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

NBD -- Kubicki Ex Factor!

#23
I bought a Kubicki almost exactly like this, new, back in about 1996 or 1997. After a while I decided it just wasn't my cup of tea. I advertised it in the St. Louis newspaper. A guy called to come look at it. Nice guy, showed up at my house out in the countryside, loved the bass and bought it for my asking price with no haggling, paid cash on the spot. He told me he was starting to build basses in Chicago, was collecting instruments to get some design ideas, etc. and gave me his business card.

The name on it was Dan Lakin.

(One of the nicest guys I've ever done business with. I've owned several Laklands over the years and loved them all).

Edit: Now that I think of it, this probably happened a few years earlier, maybe '93 or '94. When you've lived as many years as I have they go by in a jumble ;-).
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: GHOST AT, rwkeating, SirMjac28 and 5 others
#25
Nice red ExFactor. Your persistence paid off. If you're patient you can find them for sale but not very often. And when you do find one in good condition they are expensive. I think it's a good investment though and that they will likely just continue to increase in value as a collectible vintage guitar.

I recently picked up a white 1986 ExFactor in excellent condition and plan to hang on to this one for a long time. In case you don't have the manual here's a copy of what I was able to dig up soon after I got mine.

Fender ExFactor Manual - Dropbox - Kubicki Fender Manual.pdf This copy is missing page 5 but it is the only I can find. The missing info is probably covered in the Pre-Fender copy which is all there. If anyone has a better version please share it. Thanks.

Pre-Fender ExFactor Manual - Dropbox - Kubicki_PreFender_Manual.pdf
 
#26
johnson79 said:
Looks like it's in great shape! Hope the electronics issue is as simple as it looks.
Treat Yo Self!
Click to expand...

If there is a problem with the electronics you can call Mike the guitar Dr whose number is on the Kubicki website. He should have stock replacement preamps. I had to get one for a FCS I bought in late 2013. Phil had a ton and sold me one. This was just before he passed and my understanding is Mike carries the torch for aphid in terms of servicing.

As I recall the FCS 9v replacement preamps such as yours were $179 and the 18v Kubixki Pres were $249. That may have changed but either way not the end of the world in the worst case.
 
  • Like
Reactions: SirMjac28 and ThudThudThud
#27
I had the 18 volt version back in the mid 90's. I had Sheldon Dingwall (my local repair tech at the time who went on to much bigger and better things, lol) put an oil/wax finish on the neck that was awesome. The bass played and felt great but like a foolish young man I let it go down the road. Live and learn I guess, it's currently my "The one that got away" story.

Congrats on a beautiful bass, I always loved the red. Enjoy.
 
  • Like
Reactions: drumsnbass
#30
Already in touch with Mike who said a new jack will prolly fix me right up! And he supplied me with a few manuals that I have to get posted here on TB from my laptop.

Very helpful guy!

rogerbmiller said:
If there is a problem with the electronics you can call Mike the guitar Dr whose number is on the Kubicki website. He should have stock replacement preamps. I had to get one for a FCS I bought in late 2013. Phil had a ton and sold me one. This was just before he passed and my understanding is Mike carries the torch for aphid in terms of servicing.

As I recall the FCS 9v replacement preamps such as yours were $179 and the 18v Kubixki Pres were $249. That may have changed but either way not the end of the world in the worst case.
Click to expand...
 
  • Like
Reactions: rogerbmiller

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back