Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $6,036

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$999

$2500+

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Description

The Univox Custom Hollowbody Electric Guitar is a captivating blend of vintage charm and modern playability, perfect for musicians seeking a distinctive tone and aesthetic. Drawing inspiration from the iconic Mosrite design, this guitar captures the essence of a bygone era while offering contemporary features that meet today's performance standards.

Crafted with a slightly thicker body, the Univox Custom provides a resonant, full-bodied sound that is both rich and dynamic. Its red tortoise pickguard not only adds a touch of visual flair but also sets it apart from its predecessors. The guitar's unique control system utilizes rocker switches for pickup selection, offering a tactile and retro feel that distinguishes it from the more common 3-way toggle switches found in later models.

The Univox Custom is a testament to meticulous craftsmanship, designed for those who appreciate the subtleties of classic guitar construction. Whether you're strumming through a soulful ballad or shredding a high-energy solo, this guitar delivers a versatile range of tones that will captivate any audience. Its blend of history and innovation makes it an enduring favorite among musicians who value both style and substance.

Key Features:

  • Hollowbody electric guitar with vintage-inspired design
  • Thick body for enhanced resonance and full-bodied sound
  • Unique rocker switch control system for pickup selection
  • Distinctive red tortoise pickguard for visual appeal
  • Based on the classic Mosrite Mark I guitar design

Product specs

Brand Univox
Model Hi-Flier Phase I / Custom
Finish Black, Sunburst
Year 1967 - 1969
Made In Japan
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Shape Double Cutaway
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Tremolo Tailpiece
Color Family Black, Brown
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Neck Construction Bolt-On
Neck Material Maple
Number of Frets 21
Number of Strings 6-String
Offset Body Offset Body
Pickup Configuration SS
Right / Left Handed Right Handed

FAQs

What type of music is the Univox Custom suitable for?

The Univox Custom, with its hollowbody design and SS pickup configuration, is versatile and well-suited for genres like rock, blues, and jazz, offering a warm and resonant tone.

What is the neck profile of the Univox Custom like?

The Univox Custom features a bolt-on maple neck with a rosewood fretboard, providing a comfortable and smooth playing experience that is ideal for both rhythm and lead guitarists.

Does the Univox Custom have a tremolo system?

Yes, the Univox Custom is equipped with a tremolo tailpiece, allowing for expressive pitch modulation and vibrato effects.

Is the Univox Custom a good guitar for beginners?

The Univox Custom's straightforward design and comfortable playability make it a suitable choice for beginners looking to explore hollowbody electric guitars.

How does the Univox Custom's pickup configuration affect its sound?

The Univox Custom features a single-coil pickup configuration (SS), which delivers bright and clear tones, making it ideal for clean and slightly overdriven sounds.

Fali Martinez

Fali Martinez

Univox Custom 1968 Test (Les Paul copy, pre-lawsuit era)

Video thumbnail for Univox Custom 1968 Test  (Les Paul copy, pre-lawsuit era) by Fali Martinez

Univox Custom 1968 Test (Les Paul copy, pre-lawsuit era)

Fali Martinez

Fali Martinez

Video thumbnail for G-Sharp Guitars - Vintage Univox Custom Archtop Hollow-body Guitar by G-Sharp Guitars

G-Sharp Guitars - Vintage Univox Custom Archtop Hollow-body Guitar

G-Sharp Guitars

G-Sharp Guitars

Video thumbnail for Vintage 1960’s Univox Custom Hollowbody Guitar Greenburst 335 Matsumoku Japan by johnnyangel69

Vintage 1960’s Univox Custom Hollowbody Guitar Greenburst 335 Matsumoku Japan

johnnyangel69

johnnyangel69

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Univox Custom.

Comparisons

  • The Eastwood reissue features a thicker body and neck compared to the original Univox Custom, providing a more contemporary feel.

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  • Eastwood's pickups are surprisingly good, making the guitar a keeper even when an original Univox is available.

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User experience

  • The Univox Custom's neck is described as flat, which can make bending strings feel unusual.

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Value and pricing

  • Original Univox Customs range from $850 to $2000, depending on pickup originality and condition, with higher prices for all-original models.

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  • Eastwood offers a 20% discount on preorders for military personnel, veterans, first responders, healthcare workers, teachers, and students, reducing the price to about $640 before taxes.

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Features and functionality

  • The original Univox Custom is desirable among Nirvana fans due to Kurt Cobain's use on Saturday Night Live.

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  • The Univox Custom was originally set up for left-handed use, with the strap button moved accordingly.

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Setup and maintenance

  • The frets on vintage models may be flat, indicating potential need for a refret to improve playability.

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  • Cleaning and polishing, rather than a full refret, is often recommended for cost-effective restoration of vintage models.

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Build quality

  • Vintage Univox Customs often have sunburst finishes prone to laminate cracks, suggesting careful handling is required.

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Mods and upgrades

  • Replacing tuners is necessary for functionality, as vintage models often lack them due to wear.

    Source

4.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 1 Rating

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1 star
s_k_g_

Nice hollow body electric guitar, frets aren't the best

I own one of these in sunburst. This instrument is extremely high quality, with alnico pickups, a fully flamed maple body, and a very comfortable neck. However, it features a few common issues with MIJ guitars of the time, like unpotted pickups and very low frets.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Fernando Nuti uses Univox Custom

Fernando Nuti

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

The item can be seen in this pic on the official New Candy's Facebook page

See how Arthur Shea uses Univox Custom

Arthur Shea

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Instagram
Color/Finish: Vintage Redburst Year: 1970s

In an Instagram post by Joy Again, Arthur Shea is captured playing a Univox Custom (or similar) guitar with a swapped-out Epiphone neck.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

1 alternative for Univox Custom, curated by the Equipboard community.

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