Philip Kubicki was hired by Roger Rossmeisl in 1964 at Fender for the acoustic guitar development. In 1967, Philip became Rossmeisl's assistant in the Research and Development department for all guitar development. Fender models LTD, Montego, and prototypes for Jimi Hendrix and George Harrision were produced during Kubicki's tenure. Kubicki left Fender in 1973 and gained a reputation for his custom guitar building. He formed his own company, Philip Kubicki Technology (PKT) to produce acoustic guitars, components (especially high quality necks), and 7/8-size short scale travel electric guitars.
In 1983, Kubicki formalized design plans for the Ex Factor 4 bass. This revolutionary headless-designed bass debuted in 1985. In 1988, Kubicki entered into a trademark and licensing deal with Fender Musical Instruments Corporation which allowed him time for research while Fender built, distributed, and marketed the concept of the Factor bass. By 1992, the deal was dissolved, and Kubicki regained control of his bass designs. Basses with serial numbers 1287 through 3049 were produced by Fender between 1988 and 1991. By the end of 2005, 3,700 bass guitars had been produced by Kubicki.
Kubicki retired and moved to Laconia, NH where he continued to produce custom orders of the Ex Factor Bass. Kubicki passed away on March 18, 2013 after a short battle with cancer.
Instruments previously built and distributed by Philip Kubicki, LLC in Laconia, NH, Bayfield, CO, and Santa Barbara, CA between 1973 and 2013.
