1990 Kubicki Ex-Factor 4-String Bass | Fender Custom Shop Era

1990 Kubicki Ex-Factor 4-string bass from the Fender Custom Shop era, completed September 1990 (Serial #2820), in Transparent Burgundy from the personal collection of a lifelong Rush and progressive-rock fan who spent decades building a remarkably coherent setup around high-end basses, analog synths, and futurist-era music technology.

This bass lived alongside a Newburgh Steinberger XL-2, vintage Moog synthesizers, a Roland Juno-106, and a Fireglo Rickenbacker in a collection that was clearly assembled by somebody with a very specific musical point of view. Nothing about the room felt random.

If you know Ex-Factors, you already understand why these developed the reputation they did. Lightweight, unbelievably comfortable neck, active electronics, and the original Kubicki D-extension system all intact and functioning properly.

This was not sitting forgotten in a case somewhere. It remained part of an actively used setup and still carries that feeling when you pick it up.

Very clean overall for its age. The finish still has tremendous depth and gloss, especially under light, with only minor handling wear visible from normal long-term use. No cracks, repairs, or structural issues.

The original owner passed away recently, and part of the collection is being released to help support his son’s transition to Norwich University and Army ROTC this fall.

I realize instruments like this do not really belong to any one person forever. They pass through the hands of people who understand them, then move on to the next caretaker. This one deserves somebody who knows exactly what an Ex-Factor was trying to do when it appeared and why it still feels different now. Includes strap shown in photos.