Philip Kubicki Obituary

Kubicki, Philip John 07/12/1943 ~ 03/18/2013 SANTA BARBARA -- One of Santa Barbara's favorite sons, musical instrument manufacturer Philip John Kubicki, known to all his friends as Phil, passed away peacefully at home in Laconia, NH after a recent diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. Phil settled in New Hampshire in 2008. He is survived by his brother, Stanley John Kubicki and wife, Nola of Oceanside, Calif., and their sons, Bill, Dan and Steve.

Published by San Diego Union-Tribune on Mar. 24, 2013.
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Memories and Condolences
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Phil, my old friend ... I’m not sure what led me to looking you up tonight. I searched your name and found out that you have gone to the Angels. Reading through your friends’ obituary remarks, I couldn’t agree more that you were such a kind, humble, and just plain ole fun friend! I spent quite a few days here and there up at your cabin in the Santa Inez mountains. When I left Santa Barbara in the mid 80s, I haven’t been back since ... and I’ve lost touch with many friends from that time, including you. It’s just tough on the heart to find out you aren’t here now. I love you, Phil. Thank you for our sweet, fun times together. Carol

Carol Chursenoff

Friend

May 14, 2021

Phil was a great friend of mine way back in the day's he lived in Whittier, Ca. We partied and laughed, we surfer stomped to Dick Dale and the Deltona. He mad me laugh lime nobody ever has. I lived in Maine when Phil lived in NH. I wish to God I would have known that, I would have loved to reconnect with this dear man. Thank you God, for having Phil as a friend.

Ruthe Cain

Friend

March 18, 2021

Remembering Phil since 1984 to today and into the future. His technology and art were super!

Maureen Dere

Acquaintance

March 18, 2021

Maureen Dere

Acquaintance

March 18, 2021

Wow! It's 2018 and I'm just hearing of Phil's passing! RIP
Was a great luthier!

Mark Lloyd

August 25, 2018

I just signed on to see the newest addition and when I saw the pic of Phil's smile I burst into tears. You are so loved and missed dear Phil.

Susie

November 25, 2017

I really appreciated the wonderful and beautiful ex-factor bass, as I purchased one in 1984, #44 serial number. Custom purple pearl for a rock and roll female.
Hope the bass will live on in his name!

Maureen Dere

November 23, 2017

I will never forget visiting with every time I was in Santa Barbara. He always had time for me and my family. He was a true craftsman and I am glad I have two of his basses. He was truly a talent and a wonderful guy who over the years became a friend.

David Vitagliano

January 31, 2015

Bye Phil. You sure are one a kind. Supremely intelligent, kindhearted, witty and genuine human being. You will be missed. Good luck.
Evelia (aka Evelia Kubicki)

August 5, 2013

I had the pleasure of knowing Phil in the early 60's, when his best friend Ed and I were going out and Phil was dating my neighbor. We used to have the best of times. Ed, did not dance, so Phil and I would surfer stomp at the Rendezvous Ballroom. We would go to parties, the wedge,movies. and he always made me laugh. I'm so sorry I never caught up to Phil in later years, but he will always have a place in my heart and never forgotten.

Ruthe Cain

June 11, 2013

Ruthe Cain

June 11, 2013

Ruthe Cain

June 11, 2013

To be a part of Phil's July 13th memorial on a hill overlooking the ocean in S CA, please email Susie at [email protected]

June 2, 2013

Remembered for your public work, I remember the guy who played Rama of the Jungle in a tent in his back yard with his 4 yr younger girl cousin and taught her to work with him on his '52 Chevy. I'll remember you forever.

Marcia Halligan

May 31, 2013

Phil,
Words cannot express the loss of you, a great man and a great innovator, have been a loyal Kubicki player for 24 years it was always a pleasure to talk to you and I will continue to share your legacy by playing my Ex Factor whenever possible.. You have always been a part of my life and always will
Forever rest in peace

Brian Cutts

May 8, 2013

Phil, your genius was rare. As we first got to know each other, thank you for describing how you visualized the designs of your acoustic guitars. More than that, thank you for your always present kindness and humor. What a pal!
Love,
Dan Sewell

April 15, 2013

First you were my neighbor, then you were my friend, and finally you were my brother, my kith and kin. loving you forever, "sister" Sara. Jewel, mi casa su casa.

April 11, 2013

You are loved and will be missed in so many ways!

Nancy Murdock

April 10, 2013

We are planning a west coast memorial for Phil around what would have been his 70th birthday, July 12th. If you have interest or know of anyone with history and stories of Phil and would like more info, please email to
[email protected]

Susie Lockheed (Tautrim)

April 10, 2013

As an ardent admirer of Phil's work, I was so hoping to one day meet him, but at least I was fortunate enough to have spoken with Phil on the phone twice, once last May, and then again, last October.

It was a thrill to speak, at length, as he was so gracious and unhurried. I was concerned about wasting his valuable time, so I kept the guitar inquiries to a minimum, but Phil wanted to also discuss the impending presidential election, which we did… for about thirty minutes! I know his instruments so well, anyway, having been entranced by them for the last thirty years; It was far more interesting to get a glimpse of the man behind that art.

Phil contributed so much to the world of guitars and basses. It's such a shame that he didn't get to enjoy his seventies, and beyond, when maybe he could've savored his legacy as a pivotal figure in the advancement and refinement of the tools with which we try to conjure magic, through music.
More likely, though -ever the forward thinker- Phil would have kept his focus beyond the horizon, continuing to illuminate the path of innovation, inspiring fellow luthiers and musicians alike.

Thank you, Phil.

Jim Browne

April 8, 2013

Dear Phil,
You are the best pal any guy could have and I miss youy deeply.
Love- Sean Flynn

April 4, 2013

So sorry to hear of the passing of Philip Kubicki. I have played his basses exclusively for the past 24 years and I don't have a desire to play anything else today. I spoke with him a few times and he was always interested in hearing feedback from the guys who played his basses. A giant in bass design has been lost. RIP Philip Kubicki and thank you from the bottom of my heart for your vision.

Kelly Bristow

April 2, 2013

Sorry forgot to add my name.(Not anonymous)
Dave Zeiher...Thanks for everything Phil and the wonderful strat that has traveled the world with me...

March 29, 2013

genius instrument engineer and builder. RIP

March 29, 2013

Phil was one of those people that always treated me with openness and gave me well needed respect as a guitarist.These kinds of people are so important to keep the stoke factor on as a professional guitarist finding their way.It was always a good vibes feeling to go hang out at his shop and pet the dog too.He made me a strat in 1984 that I still have and I will never get rid of it.God bless you Phil...

March 29, 2013

Thanks Phil for your kindness and Generosity to one of your biggest fans and fellow designer. You were a real inspiration to me and I will continue to remind people of your legacy, you will be missed. Rest in Peace.

Bill Compeau

March 28, 2013

Phil,
Your work toughed the heart and ears of so many. I'm a better person having met you. Rest in peace.

G. Manno

March 28, 2013

Phil hired me while I was a student working through college. He was a gentle and encouraging boss, and patient to teach his way of doing things. He became a good friend and I owe much to both he and Carla who played a big and good role in my life.

John Schulte

March 28, 2013

This man will surely be missed for all of his contributions to the modern bass player...this man made the greatest basses that I still use till this day and will always use ...till my last day.

Stephen Spence

March 27, 2013

Thank you, Philip.

Kuissu Gerald

March 26, 2013

The world has lost an amazing craftsman and a better man. I will miss you Phil.

Mike Haney

March 24, 2013

Phil will long be remembered as a true gentleman with great talent. I am so pleased we met and so sorry he is gone. I am sure he will have the angels all paying guitars with great style.

Anita Butler

March 24, 2013

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