Kubicki basses

[drbassman]

I've been pondering a Kubicki bass for some time.  I love the look, really different and out there, but have never had the chance to play one.  Anyone here know anything about them?  The neck looks nice and slim, which is  requisite for me.  I was also wondering how the hopped up electronics might work with my all tube Mesa rig.

Just curious!

[chromium]

There was some good info in this thread, for what it's worth...  (it didn't show up for me in a search for some reason)

http://bassoutpost.com/index.php?topic=8150.15

[drbassman]

Thanks, that's helpful.  I didn't see that.

[Highlander]

If the greens are going spare, Bill, I don't think you'd be disappointed... but the inference from Jon in that thread is that there are counterfeits out there so buy through reputable and protected sources...

[mc2NY]

Which Kubicki model are you considering?

The headless ExFactor most likely? If so...yes, VERY FAST, comfortable neck. Like a sleeked down C neck.  Be aware that all of the ones with the Drop D feature are medium (32 inch) scale.  If you need a 34 inch scale they are the very hard to find non-D ones. The pre and post Fender ones are 18 volt, better electronics and more meticulously built...but the Fender ones are still decent and you can upgrade the 9volt electronics if you need to.

The Key Factors....with the tuners on the same thin looking headstock are all long scale 34 inch. Also very nice basses...plus they come in both 4- and 5-string models. All were made by Phil, never Fender.

All work OK with your amp. They had a rotary 6 position tone pot (5 on Fender CS) that had both active and passive presets...that you could tweak with separate stacked treble/bass knob.

As Stated above there have been a few questionable "counterfeit" ExFactors. Those seemed to be some stamped with early SN#s onto later bodies that lacked the earlier dogear electronics cavities/covers......most likely made from discarded FCS parts when Phil took back production.

But very ergonomic, comfortable FAST basses. Besides normal playing, they also lend themselves well to slap style. Also nice....you can use regular bass strings on them and NOT double ball end ones like Steinbergers need.

[drbassman]

Thanks for all of the info.  I've been watching them on eBay for awhile.  I have always found their styling attractive and slim fast necks are my thing.  Just not sure about the electronics.

[drbassman]

Does this look correct for a 1990 Kubicki Ex bass?  The dogear thing seems to be missing.

[mc2NY]

The dogear covers are only on the first 100 made, which Phil considered prototypes because he didn't finalize specs until then.

First released SN was 024. So the dogears were in 1985.

[drbassman]

Thanks.  I am leaning toward an Ex Factor with the shorter neck.  We'll see what happens!

[drbassman]

I did it.

[Pilgrim]

 

[drbassman]

 

[Dave W]

Good, I hope it works out for you. If you don't care for the active settings, you can use the passive positions. It ought to be better for your hands than that vintage Gretsch with the huge neck.

[drbassman]

Most of my basses are pretty basic.  Having an active/passive bass like this will be totally out of the box.  Variety is the spice, they say!

[drbassman]

Arriving Saturday.