Pricing and availability
Average Price: $1,695
High-end/Boutique
$400
$1001+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
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Description
The Univox Hi-Flier is a true gem for those who appreciate the raw, vintage sound of the late '60s and early '70s. Originally debuting in 1969, this solid body electric guitar is celebrated for its distinctive, retro vibe and classic tonal versatility. Designed during an era of musical revolution, the Hi-Flier stands out with its sleek, lightweight body and a three-way pickup selector that offers a range of sonic possibilities—from warm, mellow tones to bright, crisp highs.
This guitar's enduring appeal lies in its ability to adapt to various playing styles, making it a favorite among both seasoned musicians and emerging artists. Its unique combination of classic design and modern playability ensures that it not only looks the part but also delivers outstanding performance on stage or in the studio. Whether you're channeling the sounds of yesteryear or pushing the boundaries of modern rock, the Univox Hi-Flier provides the perfect platform to express your musical creativity.
Key Features:
- Solid body construction for durability and rich sound
- Lightweight design for comfortable playing
- Three-way pickup selector for versatile tonal options
- Vintage aesthetic with a modern playability twist
Product specs
| Brand | Univox |
| Model | Hi-Flier Phase II |
| Finish | Black, Sunburst, White |
| Year | 1969 - 1974 |
| 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, White |
| 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
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What kind of music genres is the Univox Hi-Flier suitable for?
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The Univox Hi-Flier is well-suited for genres like punk, garage rock, and alternative music due to its raw, gritty tone and vintage appeal. Its dual single-coil pickups provide a bright and punchy sound that cuts through mixes effectively.
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What is the neck profile like on the Univox Hi-Flier?
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The Univox Hi-Flier features a slim, fast-playing neck profile, making it comfortable for players with smaller hands or those who prefer quick fretboard access. Its bolt-on maple neck and rosewood fretboard offer a smooth playing experience.
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Does the Univox Hi-Flier have a tremolo system?
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Yes, the Univox Hi-Flier is equipped with a tremolo tailpiece, allowing for expressive pitch modulation and vibrato effects. This feature enhances its versatility for various playing styles.
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How does the Univox Hi-Flier compare to more modern solid body electric guitars?
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The Univox Hi-Flier offers a distinctive vintage tone and aesthetic, which may appeal to players seeking a classic sound and look. While it may lack some modern features, its unique character and historical significance make it a desirable choice for collectors and enthusiasts.
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Is the Univox Hi-Flier suitable for beginners?
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The Univox Hi-Flier can be a good choice for beginners interested in vintage-style guitars, thanks to its manageable neck profile and straightforward controls. However, its unique tone and style may be more appreciated by players with specific musical preferences.
Videos
Normans Rare Guitars
1970 Univox Hi-Flier Phase 2 | Guitar of the Day
1970 Univox Hi-Flier Phase 2 | Guitar of the Day
Normans Rare Guitars
LEMMO DEMO: Univox Hi-Flier | "My Affordable Favorites"
Normans Rare Guitars
1971 Univox Hi Flier Guitar Demo #2
drowninginguitars
Univox Hi-Flier Phase 3 - DEMO, TEARDOWN AND REVIEW | Nirvana Riffs, Kurt Cobain Tone
jq
Univox Hi-Flier Phase 2 (Review #12)
Electric Workshop
Univox Hi-Flier Phase 2
IsaiahCW
Reviews
PROS
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Unique vintage design with a distinct, eye-catching appearance
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Highly customizable with a range of modification options
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Known for steep sustain, enhancing musical expressiveness
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Compatible with various aftermarket parts for personalization
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Offers a classic sound favored by some legendary musicians
CONS
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Original bridge may require replacement for optimal performance
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Tremolo system might need modification for ideal use
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Univox Hi-Flier.
Features and functionality
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The single-coil version has a unique tone, particularly suited for replicating some "In Utero" songs.
Source -
Owners note the pickups with cream color and chrome surround rings offer a distinct aesthetic appeal.
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The Univox Hi-Flier, often produced by Matsumoku, shares its design with brands like Aria, Pan, and Capri, though Univox's humbucker models are unique.
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Univox Hi-Flier Phase III humbuckers are described as extremely hot, with a treble-heavy bridge pickup and a warm neck pickup, producing a distinct loud tone with distortion.
Source
User experience
Value and pricing
Build quality
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Owners highlight the Univox Hi-Flier as notably lightweight, enhancing playability despite its heavy, aggressive sound.
Source
Setup and maintenance
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Frets are reported to be half the height of those on a Jagstang, potentially affecting playability and setup needs.
Source
Mods and upgrades
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It's been suggested to replace the original roller bridge with a TOM style bridge for more comfortable palm muting.
Source
Comparisons
Critic Reviews
4.5 out of 5
Based on 3 Reviews and 20 Ratings
743
Amazing Guitars.
Love the Univox Hi-Flier Models. Own a Univox Hi-Flier Phase 3 Sunburst (which is Modified) Grover Tuners, Black Dimarzio Tone Zone Humbucker (Neck), Vintage 1980s MIJ Gotoh Black Humbucker (Bridge), Gibson Style 3-Way Toggle switch, Small Black Kill Switch, (also changes Humbuckers into single coils), Bourns 500K Pots (Vol, Tone, Input Jack), Gotoh Tune-o-Matic Bridge, and 1966 Conrad Tremolo Plate & Tailpiece. Since this kind of like a Frankenstein Univox I named it "Frankenvox"
Definitely want to get my hands next on a 1968 Univox Hi-Flier Custom Phase 1 Sunburst with Red Tortoise Shell Pickguard and Truss Rod Cover, and add the "Cobain" Mods to it: Cut off or drop the Tremolo Tailpiece bar, to block the Tremolo, replace the Bridge with a Vintage 1970s Ibanez Gibraltar Bridge, replace the P90s with Black Seymour Duncan JB Humbucker in the bridge and Seymour Duncan '59 Humbucker in the Neck, and replace the Original white plastic tuners with Vintage 1970s Schaller Tuners. (As Seen on Nirvana's SNL Performance on 09/25/1993).
26904
I had no idea there was a Mosrite clone like this in existence. Very cool. Thank you!
Great guitar
Have the Aria version. Got it totally trashed, painted it silver sparkle, put humbuckers in, new scratchplate, tuners. Killer guitar
Artist usage
Add artist
Now to the actual guitar, which is a Univox Hi-Flier Phase 3.
Kurt’s Univox was a model called Hi-Flier, and it was most likely manufactured sometime between 1968 and 1977. Main guide in determining these dates are the two humbuckers on the guitar which didn’t appear on this model until 1974, and it’s white pickguard which was replaced with a black one on sunburst models in 1977. It was basically a cheap alternative to the Mosrite Ventures model, a guitar Kurt used later on in his career.
Kurt played this guitar presumably from mid 80s to around 1988 on all of the early Nirvana gigs in 1987. He painted the pickguard pink, and had a ton of stickers on the body. He then ended up smashing it at Washington’s Evergreen State College in October 1988. This is assumed to be the first time he ever destroyed a guitar on stage.
In the video "Granny, Tyler, More | Loiter Squad | Adult Swim," Mac DeMarco is seen using a Univox Hi-Flier, correcting the previous identification of the guitar as a Mosrite Ventures model.
Billy Corgan is seen playing a Univox Hi-Flier with a maple neck and body, and a black pickguard onstage, as evidenced by the image provided.
According to the Sonic Youth website it is said:
Used by Lee: 2002 2002 -- EBEEAB (Eric's Trip, Kissability) & "anything" (Making the Nature Scene, Burning Spear, etc) NOTES:
A new Univox gtr used by Lee on the Murray Street European tour. Didn't even make it to the west coast, though. Sunburst body. 2 single coil pickups. White pickguard. 2 knobs. Toggle switch. Rosewood fretboard. Listed as 'univox' on 2002 set lists.
Used by Tyler in this Loiter Squad skit with Mac DeMarco
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Cookie's mirotonal guitar, it can be seen at 5:30
In this video we can clearly see Bondy using a black Univox Hi-Flier with a white pickguard and a rosewood fretboard.
Courtney Love can be seen playing a Univox Hi-Flier in this photo.
In this live pic, Justin is seen playing a Univox Hi-Flier
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In a photo from the first night of the band's summer 2025 tour, Jacob Slater is seen playing a black Mosrite (the Ventures). This guitar was used during the performance of the song "Rain." The image serves as visual proof of Slater's use of this specific gear.
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On a Instagram post in May of 2016, Dove Amber posted a picture of his white Hi-Flier.
Album Usage
The Univox Hi-Flier has been featured on the following albums:
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Univox Hi-Flier, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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