Philip Kubicki - Luthier
Wikipedia-
"Philip Kubicki Factor Bass is a brand of electric bass guitar created by Philip Kubicki. Kubicki basses are considered to be one of the top bass guitars made. The basses are most well known for sporting a tuning module in the body of the guitar instead of on the head, as seen on most bass guitars. This allows for easier and more accurate tuning. "
Philip Kubicki is a luthier who cam to Fender in the '60's primarily to build acoustics though gained fame as the guy who built the rosewood tele for George Harrison. In the early and mid 80's he made necks and a few bodies for Strats, Teles and Basses. I own a neck and in the process of purchasing one of the last 8 necks Phil has.
X
- Not only that Kubicki is a good dude.
Below are a series of articles and ebay stuff about the guitars and the man, Philip Kubicki.
From "Beatles' Gear": 
There are instruments, and there are legendary instruments which have become mythical in proportion.
In the midst of recording and filming, George Harrison acquired a new instrument---a beautiful Fender Rosewood Telecaster, custom made for him. Fender's marketing department wanted to add new solid body rosewood Telecasters and Stratocasters to its line, and felt that a good way to jump start the instruments' popularity would be to present the prototype of the Telecaster to Harrison and the prototype of the Stratocaster to Jimi Hendrix.
According to the book Beatles Gear, (Andy Babiuk, Backbeat Books, 2002) in 1968, Phillip Kubicki, a young, talented guitar maker, was told by his boss, Roger Rossmeisl, that Fender would be making the guitars. Recalls Kubicki: "For me, this was about as exciting as things could get. The Beatles and Hendrix were at their peak and were a big part of the times." According to the book, "Rossmeisl decided that a safe course would be to produce two prototypes each of the Rosewood Telecaster and the Rosewood Stratocaster and then select the best to give to the star musicians.
The bodies for the guitars were made with a thin layer of maple sandwiched between a solid rosewood top and back. "I spent hours sanding the bodies to perfection," recalls a misty eyed Kubicki. "Eventually, a clear polyurethane finish was applied and allowed to dry, and we selected the two best bodies and necks for Harrison and Hendrix." Kubicki says that Harrison's telecaster became a priority because Fender knew it was required for an album that The Beatles were working on. The guitar was carefully and painstakingly finished, set up, checked and carefully rubbed with a fine cloth until it became highlighted. The second body and neck were stored in Fender's R & D department.
Kubikci followed the guitar's history and, according to the book reported that "Harrison's guitar was flown to England-in its own seat-accompanied by a courier, and hand-delivered to the Apple offices in December 1968. "I remember when I saw the guitar for the first time in the Let It Be film," smiles Kubicki. "I was so thrilled I almost jumped out of my seat." Also, according to Beatles Gear, "A myth has circulated for years that Harrison and John Lennon each received a Rosewood Telecaster, but Lennon certainly never had one. Harrison's Telecaster bore the serial number 235594.
The guitar was used almost exclusively by Harrison in the Get Back recording sessions and was chosen by him to play the rooftop final performance on January 30, 1969. This performance was the film's final climax---the band's celebrated final live public performance atop Apple's roof. The group played 'Get Back', 'Don't Let Me Down', 'I've Got A Feeling', 'The One After 909' and 'Dig A Pony'. The next day, another performance was staged, this time in the Apple basement studio. With the cameras rolling, they performed and recorded 'The Long And Winding Road', and 'Let It Be', with Harrison using his Rosewood Telecaster. Shortly thereafter, the band would go their separate ways forever. By the end of 1969, each of the Beatles had designs on solo projects and began their own respective journeys to that end.
On December 1, 1969, George Harrison, along with Ringo Starr, attended Delaney & Bonnie's performance at London's Royal Albert Hall. Eric Clapton was on the bill that night and following the show asked Harrison if he would join the group for a few shows throughout Britain and Denmark. The next day, Harrison joined the tour and presented Delaney with a wonderful gift-his Fender Rosewood Telecaster. Harrison told Delaney "This is for what you did for me last night."
Delaney recalls that during the tour the various band mates would sometimes switch guitars, although he primarily used his newly acquired Rosewood Telecaster. Since that special day in 1969, Delaney has cherished the 'early Christmas gift' bestowed upon him by Harrison. Guitar collectors and historians have long known the whereabouts of the instrument, but few have had the privilege of seeing it in person. The closest they have been able to come to admiring the Rosewood Telecaster has been via the two-page spread in which it is illustrated in Beatles Gear.
Delaney Bramlett has counted the guitar among his very dearest possessions and hopes that its new home will be with a collector who will treat it with the same respect and dignity he has for the nearly three decades it has been in his possession. The guitar is in fine condition and is accompanied by the hard shell case used by Bramlett to transport it as he toured with his Delaney Bramlett and Friends road show, of which Harrison and Eric Clapton were a part.
An unprecedented opportunity to acquire a truly world-class and historically significant instrument. Accompanied by a letter of authenticity written by Delaney Bramlett himself. $200,000 and up.
In the midst of recording and filming, George Harrison acquired a new instrument---a beautiful Fender Rosewood Telecaster, custom made for him. Fender's marketing department wanted to add new solid body rosewood Telecasters and Stratocasters to its line, and felt that a good way to jump start the instruments' popularity would be to present the prototype of the Telecaster to Harrison and the prototype of the Stratocaster to Jimi Hendrix.
According to the book Beatles Gear, (Andy Babiuk, Backbeat Books, 2002) in 1968, Phillip Kubicki, a young, talented guitar maker, was told by his boss, Roger Rossmeisl, that Fender would be making the guitars. Recalls Kubicki: "For me, this was about as exciting as things could get. The Beatles and Hendrix were at their peak and were a big part of the times." According to the book, "Rossmeisl decided that a safe course would be to produce two prototypes each of the Rosewood Telecaster and the Rosewood Stratocaster and then select the best to give to the star musicians.
The bodies for the guitars were made with a thin layer of maple sandwiched between a solid rosewood top and back. "I spent hours sanding the bodies to perfection," recalls a misty eyed Kubicki. "Eventually, a clear polyurethane finish was applied and allowed to dry, and we selected the two best bodies and necks for Harrison and Hendrix." Kubicki says that Harrison's telecaster became a priority because Fender knew it was required for an album that The Beatles were working on. The guitar was carefully and painstakingly finished, set up, checked and carefully rubbed with a fine cloth until it became highlighted. The second body and neck were stored in Fender's R & D department.
Kubikci followed the guitar's history and, according to the book reported that "Harrison's guitar was flown to England-in its own seat-accompanied by a courier, and hand-delivered to the Apple offices in December 1968. "I remember when I saw the guitar for the first time in the Let It Be film," smiles Kubicki. "I was so thrilled I almost jumped out of my seat." Also, according to Beatles Gear, "A myth has circulated for years that Harrison and John Lennon each received a Rosewood Telecaster, but Lennon certainly never had one. Harrison's Telecaster bore the serial number 235594.
The guitar was used almost exclusively by Harrison in the Get Back recording sessions and was chosen by him to play the rooftop final performance on January 30, 1969. This performance was the film's final climax---the band's celebrated final live public performance atop Apple's roof. The group played 'Get Back', 'Don't Let Me Down', 'I've Got A Feeling', 'The One After 909' and 'Dig A Pony'. The next day, another performance was staged, this time in the Apple basement studio. With the cameras rolling, they performed and recorded 'The Long And Winding Road', and 'Let It Be', with Harrison using his Rosewood Telecaster. Shortly thereafter, the band would go their separate ways forever. By the end of 1969, each of the Beatles had designs on solo projects and began their own respective journeys to that end.
On December 1, 1969, George Harrison, along with Ringo Starr, attended Delaney & Bonnie's performance at London's Royal Albert Hall. Eric Clapton was on the bill that night and following the show asked Harrison if he would join the group for a few shows throughout Britain and Denmark. The next day, Harrison joined the tour and presented Delaney with a wonderful gift-his Fender Rosewood Telecaster. Harrison told Delaney "This is for what you did for me last night."
Delaney recalls that during the tour the various band mates would sometimes switch guitars, although he primarily used his newly acquired Rosewood Telecaster. Since that special day in 1969, Delaney has cherished the 'early Christmas gift' bestowed upon him by Harrison. Guitar collectors and historians have long known the whereabouts of the instrument, but few have had the privilege of seeing it in person. The closest they have been able to come to admiring the Rosewood Telecaster has been via the two-page spread in which it is illustrated in Beatles Gear.
Delaney Bramlett has counted the guitar among his very dearest possessions and hopes that its new home will be with a collector who will treat it with the same respect and dignity he has for the nearly three decades it has been in his possession. The guitar is in fine condition and is accompanied by the hard shell case used by Bramlett to transport it as he toured with his Delaney Bramlett and Friends road show, of which Harrison and Eric Clapton were a part.
An unprecedented opportunity to acquire a truly world-class and historically significant instrument. Accompanied by a letter of authenticity written by Delaney Bramlett himself. $200,000 and up.
From Pittsburg Music Website:
1968 Fender Telecaster solidbody; Serial #235594: This guitar, rosewood with a maple middle, was a gift from Fender and one of only two made, and arrived at EMI Studios one day in December, having made the trip from the U.S. in its own BBC coach seat. Used extensively on the Let It Be sessions and prominently seen and heard at the Beatles' last public performance -- the rooftop concert. After the breakup, Harrison performed a bit with Bonnie & Delaney and gave this guitar to Delaney Bramlett. In 1998 Bramlett, in what I consider an act of monumental ingratitude, offered it for auction through Bonham's but withdrew it after his asking price of $200,000 was not met. In 2003 he offered it again at a Hollywood auction, insisting that Harrison had recommended he sell it before somebody killed him for it. Ed Begley Jr., bidding for Olivia Harrison, bought it for more than $470,000, including taxes and premiums. So the fabled Rosewood Tele has come home. "
From an auction website:
September 2003Odyssey Auction, live online on eBay, sold George Harrison's Let It Be Guitar, a Fender Rosewood Telecaster.
The guitar sold at auction for $370,000. The total topped $434,750 when the 17.5% buyers premium was included.
The guitar sold at auction for $370,000. The total topped $434,750 when the 17.5% buyers premium was included.
From an Ebay ad for a Kubicki Neck:
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NOTE: I found this article through a Kubicki search and had to include it in the event there are those of you who are not familiar with Phil Kubicki and his contribution to and affiliation with music history/Fender or simply want some clarified details... It's a great story for the true Fender/Telecaster/Beatles Fans:
"More info on the actual guitar George Harrison owned and it's description: From "Let It Be" and The Apple Rooftop Performance! There are instruments, and there are legendary instruments which have become mythical in proportion.The lot we present here represents the latter rather than the former, and this particular instrument is surely one of the most important offered in any venue in the world at any time. In 1969 the Beatles were at a crossroads. The band had enjoyed success far exceeding that of any band in history. The records, the concerts and the international notoriety had propelled the four lads into the spotlight and beyond, and, like all good things, the union was about to end. There was nothing more to achieve that hadn't already been achieved, and time had taken its toll on both the band's creativity and interpersonal relationships. Since the band had quit performing concerts, they decided on a last hurrah---the group would be filmed rehearsing, recording and jamming together for what would become the album titled "Let It Be" with a film released by the same name. The culmination would be the band doing a final live performance together in a location which turned out to be the rooftop of the legendary Apple headquarters in London.
In the midst of recording and from "Let It Be" and The Apple Rooftop Performance!filming, George Harrison acquired a new instrument---a beautiful Fender Rosewood Telecaster, custom made for him. Fender's marketing department wanted to add new solid body rosewood Telecasters and Stratocasters to its line, and felt that a good way to jump start the instruments' popularity would be to present the prototype of the Telecaster to Harrison and the prototype of the Stratocaster to Jimi Hendrix. According to the book Beatles Gear, (Andy Babiuk, Backbeat Books, 2002) in 1968, Phillip Kubicki, a young, talented guitar maker, was told by his boss, Roger Rossmeisl, that Fender would be making the guitars. Recalls Kubicki: "For me, this was about as exciting as things could get. The Beatles and Hendrix were at their peak and were a big part of the times." According to the book, "Rossmeisl decided that a safe course would be to produce two prototypes each of the Rosewood Telecaster and the Rosewood Stratocaster and then select the best to give to the star musicians. The bodies for the guitars were made with a thin layer of maple sandwiched between a solid rosewood top and back.
"I spent hours sanding the bodies to perfection," recalls a misty eyed Kubicki. "Eventually, a clear polyurethane finish was applied and allowed to dry, and we selected the two best bodies and necks for Harrison and Hendrix." Kubicki says that Harrison's telecaster became a priority because Fender knew it was required for an album that The Beatles were working on. The guitar was carefully and painstakingly finished, set up, checked and carefully rubbed with a fine cloth until it became highlighted. The second body and neck were stored in Fender's R & D department. Kubikci followed the guitar's history and, according to the book reported that "Harrison's guitar was flown to England-in its own seat-accompanied by a courier, and hand-delivered to the Apple offices in December 1968. "I remember when I saw the guitar for the first time in the Let It Be film," smiles Kubicki. "I was so thrilled I almost jumped out of my seat." Also, according to Beatles Gear, "A myth has circulated for years that Harrison and John Lennon each received a Rosewood Telecaster, but Lennon certainly never had one. Harrison's Telecaster bore the serial number 235594. The guitar was used almost exclusively by Harrison in the Get Back recording sessions and was chosen by him to play the rooftop final performance on January 30, 1969. This performance was the film's final climax---the band's celebrated final live public performance atop Apple's roof. The group played 'Get Back', 'Don't Let Me Down', 'I've Got A Feeling', 'The One After 909' and 'Dig A Pony'. The next day, another performance was staged, this time in the Apple basement studio. With the cameras rolling, they performed and recorded 'The Long And Winding Road', and 'Let It Be', with Harrison using his Rosewood Telecaster. Shortly thereafter, the band would go their separate ways forever. By the end of 1969, each of the Beatles had designs on solo projects and began their own respective journeys to that end.
On December 1, 1969, George Harrison, along with Ringo Starr, attended Delaney & Bonnie's performance at London's Royal Albert Hall. Eric Clapton was on the bill that night and following the show asked Harrison if he would join the group for a few shows throughout Britain and Denmark. The next day, Harrison joined the tour and presented Delaney with a wonderful gift-his Fender Rosewood Telecaster. Harrison told Delaney "This is for what you did for me last night." Delaney recalls that during the tour the various band mates would sometimes switch guitars, although he primarily used his newly acquired Rosewood Telecaster. Since that special day in 1969, Delaney has cherished the 'early Christmas gift' bestowed upon him by Harrison. Guitar collectors and historians have long known the whereabouts of the instrument, but few have had the privilege of seeing it in person.
The closest they have been able to come to admiring the Rosewood Telecaster has been via the two-page spread in which it is illustrated in Beatles Gear. Delaney Bramlett has counted the guitar among his very dearest possessions and hopes that its new home will be with a collector who will treat it with the same respect and dignity he has for the nearly three decades it has been in his possession. The guitar is in fine condition and is accompanied by the hard shell case used by Bramlett to transport it as he toured with his Delaney Bramlett and Friends road show, of which Harrison and Eric Clapton were a part. An unprecedented opportunity to acquire a truly world-class and historically significant instrument. Accompanied by a letter of authenticity written by Delaney Bramlett himself. Presented in association with JulienEntertainment.com Estimate:$250,000 - $300,000 [currency USD ] 235594"
"My Kubicki Strat Purchased '85 -$700"- X
"Below is an ad from eBay I only put in 1 picture because it may be a copy right issue- X"
If you are looking at this listing, then you probably know who Phil kubicki is. If not, do a Google search...he was the most famous independent luthier back in the early '80's. Starting in the late '60's, he was the guy at Fender who built guitars for the likes of Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix, Jim Messina, and John Fogarty...not to mention the infamous Rosewood Tele he built for George Harrison (Sgt. Pepper era). After leaving Fender, he started Phil Kubicki Guitars out of Santa Barbara, California...almost all of his pieces have a Phillip Kubicki label and more times than not you will see a Kubicki neck as a replacement on some other body. This neck and body were made for each other and fit together perfectly.
Phil only signed a few of the guitars he made (probably less than 100 by his own reckoning) making this guitar what I would call Rare and Collectable. I have never personally seen another signed Phil Kubicki guitar.
This one was custom made (for me) in 1983...it is a Fender Strat style guitar with a single Humbucking pickup (to retain as much wood as possible for an incredible tone). It has been naturally relic'd from years of playing...mostly between 1983 and 1986 in the (Md./D.C. area) bands "Excess" and "Scarecrow". The body and neck were cut from a single plank of Andaman Island Paduak...Phil calls this wood the best in the world, and was his top of the line/most expensive offering at the time. The neck has an Ebony fingerboard with gorgeous abalone dot inlays (that I couldn't really capture in the pictures). The body has all the traditional Vintage Fender cuts and angles (belly and arm bevels) and the "C" shaped neck has a more modern 10" radius to the fingerboard (better for bending notes) while the headstock is a Vintage Fender shape (Lawsuit material). The neck is still very clean...most of the abuse is on the body...the headstock has the typical dings of a guitar that has been gigged. This guitar has an incredible unique sound from the beautiful and exotic Paduak...Tight full Bass, thick rich midrange and plenty of high end clarity. It weighs in at a 9.9 lbs. and is built like a tank...the Paduak is super dense...so dense that no holes needed to be drilled to facilitate the Floyd Rose nut...unheard of at the time (all the Floyd Rose equipped guitars of the day had big holes through the neck). It has Schaller 6 on a side mini tuners (machine heads) that are marked "made in W. Germany" (the times have changed) and a Seymour Duncan Distortion pickup with a push-pull tone pot to swith it to single coil. All the hardware is Gold...tuners still shine, but the original bar is pretty worn...the bridge still looks pretty good. This is the original Floyd Rose where the bar doesn't screw in from the top, but is held in place by tightening the bolts both above and below the bridge...this allows you to tighten the bar to a "no play, no clicking, stay just where you want it" comfortable position. It has lots of dings, dents, and "beauty marks". There are a few spots where it was professionally touched up with laquer to prevent further chipping and flaking...it is still the original finish that Phil lovingly applied back in '83 though. I am the only owner and the only mod I did was the input jack...it had the cable coming straight out which made it hard to play sitting down...my local repair shop suggested the sideways Fender jack which worked much better for me.
There are lots of expensive "collectable" guitars built these days that try to capture the early '80's vibe. This one is a true one-off from that same time period before Floyd Rose guitars were common place...built by the master (as far as Fender style guitars go anyways). Own a one-off, cutom made, exotic wood, Lawsuit headstock (Fender stopped everyone from copying the shape), signed Phil Kubicki guitar with true early '80's vibe because it was not only made back then, it was played back then.
This guitar is truly Rare and Collectable...THERE IS NOTHING ELSE OUT THERE LIKE IT! It is a SIGNED/playable "work of art"...an Exotic wood guitar made (and signed) by the guy who made the most famous Exotic wood guitar ever (the Rosewood Tele he made for George Harrison) which sold about 4 years ago for over $250,000.00!
This guitar comes with either the original Forge "flight" case by Anvil that I used "back in the day" or a new (and much lighter) SKB case...your choice.
Local Pickup (7% Florida State tax would apply), or, Winning bidder pays actual shipping/handling/insurance charges. Pay with eCheck through PayPal or with a bank to bank wire transfer and I'll pay the shipping/handling/insurance charges. Florida residents who wish to have the guitar shipped are responsible for paying the sales tax due for their county (6-7.5%). This offer is for the U.S only. International bidders are welcome to do a local pickup or to arrange their own pickup and/or shipping...I will not ship this guitar Internationally. Invoice will reflect the winning bid amount.
If you are looking at this listing, then you probably know who Phil kubicki is. If not, do a Google search...he was the most famous independent luthier back in the early '80's. Starting in the late '60's, he was the guy at Fender who built guitars for the likes of Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix, Jim Messina, and John Fogarty...not to mention the infamous Rosewood Tele he built for George Harrison (Sgt. Pepper era). After leaving Fender, he started Phil Kubicki Guitars out of Santa Barbara, California...almost all of his pieces have a Phillip Kubicki label and more times than not you will see a Kubicki neck as a replacement on some other body. This neck and body were made for each other and fit together perfectly.
Phil only signed a few of the guitars he made (probably less than 100 by his own reckoning) making this guitar what I would call Rare and Collectable. I have never personally seen another signed Phil Kubicki guitar.
This one was custom made (for me) in 1983...it is a Fender Strat style guitar with a single Humbucking pickup (to retain as much wood as possible for an incredible tone). It has been naturally relic'd from years of playing...mostly between 1983 and 1986 in the (Md./D.C. area) bands "Excess" and "Scarecrow". The body and neck were cut from a single plank of Andaman Island Paduak...Phil calls this wood the best in the world, and was his top of the line/most expensive offering at the time. The neck has an Ebony fingerboard with gorgeous abalone dot inlays (that I couldn't really capture in the pictures). The body has all the traditional Vintage Fender cuts and angles (belly and arm bevels) and the "C" shaped neck has a more modern 10" radius to the fingerboard (better for bending notes) while the headstock is a Vintage Fender shape (Lawsuit material). The neck is still very clean...most of the abuse is on the body...the headstock has the typical dings of a guitar that has been gigged. This guitar has an incredible unique sound from the beautiful and exotic Paduak...Tight full Bass, thick rich midrange and plenty of high end clarity. It weighs in at a 9.9 lbs. and is built like a tank...the Paduak is super dense...so dense that no holes needed to be drilled to facilitate the Floyd Rose nut...unheard of at the time (all the Floyd Rose equipped guitars of the day had big holes through the neck). It has Schaller 6 on a side mini tuners (machine heads) that are marked "made in W. Germany" (the times have changed) and a Seymour Duncan Distortion pickup with a push-pull tone pot to swith it to single coil. All the hardware is Gold...tuners still shine, but the original bar is pretty worn...the bridge still looks pretty good. This is the original Floyd Rose where the bar doesn't screw in from the top, but is held in place by tightening the bolts both above and below the bridge...this allows you to tighten the bar to a "no play, no clicking, stay just where you want it" comfortable position. It has lots of dings, dents, and "beauty marks". There are a few spots where it was professionally touched up with laquer to prevent further chipping and flaking...it is still the original finish that Phil lovingly applied back in '83 though. I am the only owner and the only mod I did was the input jack...it had the cable coming straight out which made it hard to play sitting down...my local repair shop suggested the sideways Fender jack which worked much better for me.
There are lots of expensive "collectable" guitars built these days that try to capture the early '80's vibe. This one is a true one-off from that same time period before Floyd Rose guitars were common place...built by the master (as far as Fender style guitars go anyways). Own a one-off, cutom made, exotic wood, Lawsuit headstock (Fender stopped everyone from copying the shape), signed Phil Kubicki guitar with true early '80's vibe because it was not only made back then, it was played back then.
This guitar is truly Rare and Collectable...THERE IS NOTHING ELSE OUT THERE LIKE IT! It is a SIGNED/playable "work of art"...an Exotic wood guitar made (and signed) by the guy who made the most famous Exotic wood guitar ever (the Rosewood Tele he made for George Harrison) which sold about 4 years ago for over $250,000.00!
This guitar comes with either the original Forge "flight" case by Anvil that I used "back in the day" or a new (and much lighter) SKB case...your choice.
Local Pickup (7% Florida State tax would apply), or, Winning bidder pays actual shipping/handling/insurance charges. Pay with eCheck through PayPal or with a bank to bank wire transfer and I'll pay the shipping/handling/insurance charges. Florida residents who wish to have the guitar shipped are responsible for paying the sales tax due for their county (6-7.5%). This offer is for the U.S only. International bidders are welcome to do a local pickup or to arrange their own pickup and/or shipping...I will not ship this guitar Internationally. Invoice will reflect the winning bid amount.
posted by X at 11:29 AM
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