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Kubicki Ex Factor

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Page last updated Jun 04, 2026

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Description

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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

Videos

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Brooksy's Bass Corner

Is This The Coolest Bass Design... EVER?

Brooksy's Bass Corner

Kubicki Bass solo "EX Factor" 9v

Victor Colmenero

KUBICKI EX FACTOR BASS

mike bayas

Kubicki ex-Factor The Most Amazing 4 String Ever!

Rexylab

Kubicki Ex Factor Bass Demo

JD Pinckney / Pinckney Custom Shop

Kubicki Ex-Factor Bass: The Best Bass Ever?

Brooksy's Bass Corner

Kubicki ex factor test,

DANIEL guerzo soliano

Kubicki Ex Factor 4 | Fightman Cover - Casiopea

bassFREQ

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

DANIEL guerzo soliano

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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

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The Kubicki Ex Factor includes a unique drop D switch, enhancing its versatility compared to other basses like the Steinberger.
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The bass supports both active and passive pickup modes, adding versatility for different playing styles and musical genres.
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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.
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Value and pricing

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

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Owners express significant regret over selling their Kubicki basses, highlighting its value and the emotional connection it creates.
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Owners describe the Kubicki Ex Factor as exceptionally comfortable, with a balanced weight, enhancing playability over extended periods.
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Tuning at the bridge is a standout feature, providing a unique user experience that some find particularly enjoyable.
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Comparisons

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The Kubicki's design is often regarded as superior to the Steinberger, adding to its mythical status among bass enthusiasts.
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Compared to a standard Hipshot D-tuner, the Kubicki's integrated D-tuner system offers a distinctive and more complex engineering solution.
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Build quality

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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.
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Setup and maintenance

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

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John Cowan

Bassist

The Doobie Brothers

Verified via Photo

The picture shows Cowan playing a yellow Ex Factor on stage.

Lex Feltham

Bassist, Composer

Frenzal Rhomb

Verified via Photo

Frenzal Rhomb - Punch in the Face film clip. Very clearly has the unique headstock of the Kubicki Ex Factor bass

Steve Boone

Bassist

The Lovin' Spoonful

Verified via Photo

The photo shows Steve Boone on stage with his own Kubicki Ex Factor.

David Hood

Bassist

The Waterboys

Verified via BassPlayer.com

Mentioned in this May 17, 2013 Bass Player interview.

From 1976 to 1988, he played an Alembic; he also occasionally plays a Kubicki Factor and a 1957 Fender Precision. (Hood’s Jazz Bass was stolen during the Traffic era.) He uses flatwound strings on the Lakland Osborn and the Precision, and roundwounds on the rest.

It is also mentioned in this February 20, 2014 No Treble interview.

I’ve gotten a good sound with a Kubicki X-Factor [sic] bass and then I’ve got some Lakland basses that I really like… one of them is a Joe Osborn model.

The "Bass FAQ" page of Hood's official website mentions that the Kubicki is "[v]ery versatile, with great tones for both recording and playing live."