First classical guitars – 1959 to 1961

Phil Kubicki (correct pronunciation: [kuˈbit͡ski]) first became interested in guitars when he saw Andrés Segovia playing classical guitar on TV and then saw his first guitar on family visits to his grandparents' house. "For some reason my grandfather had a guitar in the closet," recalls Philip. "And that's where I'd head: to play with that guitar. It had one string that was a mile off the fingerboard. I think all of us instrument makers have had that kind of fascination - some little spark, back at the very beginning."^{[citation needed]}

A few years later, while Kubicki was in high school in Whittier, California, a friend introduced him to Ernie Drumheller. "His hobby was making guitars. He invited my friend and me to come to his shop on Saturdays, and he taught us how to make guitars. I took off with it and built a half dozen classical guitars during my high school years."^[1]

Fender years – 1964 to 1973

In 1964, while attending Fullerton Junior College, close to Fender Musical Instruments, Kubicki took a factory tour, filled out an application, and was hired by Roger Rossmeisl to work with him in his Acoustic Guitar Division. Rossmeisl then became head of the Research & Development for acoustic and electric guitars and asked Phil to be his assistant. The R&D position led to many prototypical, experimental instruments like the Fender Telecaster Thinline, the electric violin, the LTD and Montego Jazz guitars,^[2] and the first rosewood Telecaster for George Harrison and the first rosewood Stratocaster for Jimi Hendrix – which was the last guitar Fender made for Jimi Hendrix. In late 1973, Kubicki left Fender to start his own business.

Early independent career – 1973 to 1982

The early products created after leaving Fender were acoustic guitars and various guitar-making supplies. During this time, an acoustic guitar and a dulcimer were made for Joni Mitchell. Until 1985, the primary products were guitar-making supplies that evolved into the manufacture of bodies and necks emulating the Fender design. Short-scale guitars called the "Arrow" and "Express" were a major effort during this period resulting in 275 numbered instruments.

The Factor Bass – 1983 to present

The ambition to make a line of original instruments began in 1983, culminating in the Factor bass. John Taylor of Duran Duran played his Ex Factor bass in the band's appearance on Saturday Night Live in the early 1980s, which boosted interest in the instrument. The first production model was sold in January 1985. Stuart Hamm, winner of the Bass Players' Best Bassist in both jazz and rock, gave more credence to the instrument. Worldwide recognition began when Vail Johnson, playing in Kenny G's band, toured internationally playing his Ex Factor bass. By this point, production of the Factor bass could not meet demand. In 1988, a licensing agreement between Kubicki and Fender Musical Instruments was established for the manufacture and sale of the Factor bass by Fender that lasted until 1991. During this period, the main emphasis was on the development of the Key Factor 4 and 5 string basses as well as other prototypes. As soon as the Fender contract ended Kubicki was immediately back in production selling its Factor bass line.

Until recently, Phil Kubicki concentrated on filling special orders making custom Ex Factor basses with deluxe wood veneers. Factor basses are made in America and sold factory direct.

Philip Kubicki was a renowned guitar designer and builder who was active in the musical-instrument industry for more than 50 years. He died March 18, 2013, at his home in Laconia, New Hampshire. He was 69 years old and had been diagnosed with stage four pancreatic cancer in mid January.