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Description

The Kubicki Ex Factor is a remarkable electric bass that has earned its place in the annals of innovative musical instruments. Designed by the late, great luthier Phil Kubicki, this bass is celebrated for its unique engineering and exceptional playability. At the heart of its design is the extended 32-fret neck, which offers bassists an expansive range that's perfect for exploring new musical territories.

One of the standout features of the Ex Factor is its patented tuning system, which includes a drop-D lever allowing players to seamlessly switch to a lower tuning with ease. This innovative design is paired with a custom-designed pickup system that delivers a powerful and versatile tonal palette, making it suitable for a variety of musical genres. The electronics are meticulously crafted to provide clarity and punch, ensuring that every note you play is rich and pronounced.

The craftsmanship of the Kubicki Ex Factor is second to none, with attention to detail evident in every aspect of its construction. From the smooth finish of the neck to the precision of the hardware, it is built to withstand the rigors of both studio and stage performances. This bass is not just an instrument; it's a statement of musical mastery and a testament to Phil Kubicki's visionary approach to bass guitar design.

Key Features:

  • 32-fret extended neck for expanded range
  • Patented drop-D tuning lever for quick tuning changes
  • Custom-designed pickup system for versatile tonal options
  • Precision-crafted electronics for clarity and punch
  • High-quality materials and craftsmanship for durability
Brooksy's Bass Corner

Brooksy's Bass Corner

Is This The Coolest Bass Design... EVER?

Video thumbnail for Is This The Coolest Bass Design... EVER? by Brooksy's Bass Corner

Is This The Coolest Bass Design... EVER?

Brooksy's Bass Corner

Brooksy's Bass Corner

Video thumbnail for Kubicki  Bass solo  "EX Factor" 9v by Victor Colmenero

Kubicki Bass solo "EX Factor" 9v

Victor Colmenero

Victor Colmenero

Video thumbnail for KUBICKI EX FACTOR BASS by mike bayas

KUBICKI EX FACTOR BASS

mike bayas

mike bayas

Video thumbnail for Kubicki ex-Factor The Most Amazing 4 String Ever! by Rexylab

Kubicki ex-Factor The Most Amazing 4 String Ever!

Rexylab

Rexylab

Video thumbnail for Kubicki Ex Factor Bass Demo by JD Pinckney / Pinckney Custom Shop

Kubicki Ex Factor Bass Demo

JD Pinckney / Pinckney Custom Shop

JD Pinckney / Pinckney Custom Shop

Video thumbnail for Kubicki Ex-Factor Bass: The Best Bass Ever? by Brooksy's Bass Corner

Kubicki Ex-Factor Bass: The Best Bass Ever?

Brooksy's Bass Corner

Brooksy's Bass Corner

Video thumbnail for Kubicki ex factor test, by DANIEL guerzo soliano

Kubicki ex factor test,

DANIEL guerzo soliano

DANIEL guerzo soliano

Video thumbnail for Kubicki Ex Factor 4 | Fightman Cover - Casiopea by bassFREQ

Kubicki Ex Factor 4 | Fightman Cover - Casiopea

bassFREQ

bassFREQ

Video thumbnail for Soul with a Capital S Kubicki ex Factor #slaplikenow 👍 #kubickifactorbass by DANIEL guerzo soliano

Soul with a Capital S Kubicki ex Factor #slaplikenow 👍 #kubickifactorbass

DANIEL guerzo soliano

DANIEL guerzo soliano

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Kubicki Ex Factor.

Features and functionality

  • The Kubicki Ex Factor includes a unique drop D switch, enhancing its versatility compared to other basses like the Steinberger.

    Source
  • The bass supports both active and passive pickup modes, adding versatility for different playing styles and musical genres.

    Source
  • The D-tuner on the Kubicki shifts the middle of the string length from the 12th to the 10th fret, affecting intonation differently than typical basses.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Original Kubicki Ex Factors are rare and can fetch up to five times the price of Japanese replicas, which are seen for $1000-1500.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners express significant regret over selling their Kubicki basses, highlighting its value and the emotional connection it creates.

    Source
  • Owners describe the Kubicki Ex Factor as exceptionally comfortable, with a balanced weight, enhancing playability over extended periods.

    Source
  • Tuning at the bridge is a standout feature, providing a unique user experience that some find particularly enjoyable.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Kubicki's design is often regarded as superior to the Steinberger, adding to its mythical status among bass enthusiasts.

    Source
  • Compared to a standard Hipshot D-tuner, the Kubicki's integrated D-tuner system offers a distinctive and more complex engineering solution.

    Source

Build quality

  • The Kubicki Ex Factor can use regular strings, trimmed like standard machine heads, thanks to its unique grooved gear system, avoiding the need for doubleball strings.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Some owners enhance the neck by sanding, applying oil, and finishing with 0000 steel wool, resulting in an ultra-smooth, silk-like feel.

    Source
  • Adjusting intonation for drop D mode may require intonation to the octave on the 10th fret rather than the 12th due to the unique D-tuner design.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 2 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Roger Waters uses Kubicki Ex Factor

Roger Waters

Singer, Guitarist

Pink Floyd

...
Verified via Watersish

On the picture you can see Roger Waters posing with a Kubicki Ex Factor bass. This picture looks like one of the publicity photos made around the time of The Wall live in Berlin concert (1990), unfortunately, I haven't found any other info or any videos of him playing this bass so maybe he was just posing with it. According to Philip Kubicki - designer and manufacturer of the Ex Factor bass - he hasn't had any dealings with Roger Waters or his staff, suggesting that this bass could be a one of those made by Fender under a licence between 1988-91.

Also, Andy Fairweather Low can be seen playing a red one at The Wall in Berlin concert on Another Brick in the Wall, pt. 1 and Run Like Hell. Roger often lets members of his band use guitars and basses out of his own collection, so it's possible that Andy's Kubicki bass belonged to Roger.

Anyway, I would say that this Kubicki Ex Factor bass is a perfect match to David Gilmour's Steinberger guitar of the roughly same period, so here are some details and specs:

The Philip Kubicki Ex Factor Bass is so named because of the extended string that allows the “E” string to be “D” tuned without changing string tension or having to transpose. The patented string clasp, when released, gives access to the D# and D notes. Going from D to E is accomplished with a flick of the thumb. The standard head-mounted tuning keys were replaced by the patented body-mounted tuner. Factor basses are all fitted with proprietary humbucking pickups and circuit board. The 18 Volt circuit board has a stacked volume/pan control, a bass/treble control and a six position rotary switch that allows the player to select from a standby position through two active settings and three passive preset positions. The neck is made of 32 sheets of rotary-cut Eastern hard maple and an ebony fingerboard. The fingerboard has jumbo frets and a 7 1/2" radius.

See how Nigel John Taylor uses Kubicki Ex Factor

Nigel John Taylor

Bassist

Duran Duran

...
Verified via Photo

Nigel John Taylor used the Kubicki Ex Factor as his main bass from 1985 to 1990, as shown in a user-uploaded photo on BlogSpot.

See how Zeta Bosio uses Kubicki Ex Factor

Zeta Bosio

Bassist

Soda Stereo

...
Verified via YouTube

At minute 1:16 you can see Zeta playing an Ex Factor bass. He used it a lot in the 80s.

See how Stuart Hamm uses Kubicki Ex Factor

Stuart Hamm

Bassist

Stuart Hamm & Steve Vai

...
Verified via YouTube

Stu can be seen playing a blue Kubicki Ex Factor bass at 0:03 in this video.

See how Sean Malone uses Kubicki Ex Factor

Sean Malone

Bassist

Porcupine Tree

...
Verified via YouTube

Sean Malone used the Kubicki Ex Factor bass during the "Focus" era. It can be seen in different videos of live shows of the band.

See how Miguel Ángel Huidobro Preciado uses Kubicki Ex Factor

Miguel Ángel Huidobro Preciado

Bassist, Rapper

Molotov

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video, in 1:41, at the background is seen this factor bass

See how Paco Huidobro uses Kubicki Ex Factor

Paco Huidobro

Guitarist, Composer

Fobia

...
Verified via YouTube

In an interview with Guitar Gear, Paco Huidobro showcases the Kubicki Ex Factor bass guitar as part of his collection.

See how Javier Malosetti uses Kubicki Ex Factor

Javier Malosetti

Guitarist, Bassist

...
Verified via YouTube

In the video "Halibour Fiberglass Sereneiders - Bailando en la sociedad rural" on YouTube, Javier Malosetti is seen playing a Kubicki Ex Factor bass.

See how Neil Murray uses Kubicki Ex Factor

Neil Murray

Bassist

Black Sabbath

...
Verified via For Bass Players Only

on the 1987 Whitesnake album I partly used a Kubicki Ex Factor bass

See how John 'JT' Taylor uses Kubicki Ex Factor

John 'JT' Taylor

...
Verified via Photo

JT started out with Aria basses but beginning in 1985, he was seen at shows playing his new Kubicki Ex Factor bass. He played a white one at the 1985 fundraiser concert 'LIVE AID'.

See how Bi Ribeiro uses Kubicki Ex Factor

Bi Ribeiro

...
Verified via Photo

Bi Ribeiro is seen with his iconic Kubicki Ex Factor bass guitar in a photo from Jotacidade, highlighting its status as his most traditional instrument.

See how Dominique Di Piazza uses Kubicki Ex Factor

Dominique Di Piazza

Bassist

John McLaughlin

...
Verified via For Bass Players Only

He also advanced me some money before the tour so I could buy my Philip Kubicki four-string

Album Usage

The Kubicki Ex Factor has been featured on the following albums:

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Kubicki Ex Factor, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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