Philip Kubicki built his first guitar at 15. In 1964, Roger Rossmeisl hired him at Fender, where he went on to build prototypes in the research and development shop. He moved to Santa Barbara in the early 1970s, made acoustic and custom guitars, and introduced the Factor bass in 1985. Phil passed away in 2013. The Ex Factor 4 is still made in Santa Barbara, faithful to his original design and to his high standards of craftsmanship.
Phil’s story in his own words, and articles on the first Fender headless bass and on his mentor, Roger Rossmeisl.
Well-known musicians who have played Kubicki Factors.
Earlier Factor models that are not currently in production.
Phil’s earlier work: acoustic guitars, necks and bodies, custom guitars and mini guitars.