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Average Price: $5,970

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$400

$1001+

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Standard

High-end

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Description

Unleash your creativity with the Univox Hi-flier Custom, a standout in the world of vintage-inspired electric guitars. First capturing imaginations in 1967, this guitar pays homage to its Mosrite Mark I roots with a distinct build and aesthetic that set it apart from its contemporaries. Designed for those who appreciate the fusion of retro charm and modern playability, the Hi-flier Custom delivers a unique tonal experience that is both nostalgic and fresh.

What makes this guitar a truly remarkable find is its distinctive red tortoise pickguard, a feature that sets it apart from the standard white found on earlier models. This model is celebrated for its slightly thicker body, a trait that provides a richer resonance and sustain. The original control system, featuring rocker switches for pickup selection, offers a tactile and engaging playing experience, different from the more common 3-way toggle found on later iterations. These thoughtful design elements make the Hi-flier Custom not just an instrument, but a piece of musical history.

Whether you're searching for that iconic surf rock sound or looking to infuse your music with a bit of vintage flair, the Univox Hi-flier Custom is your ticket to sonic exploration.

Key Features:

  • Distinctive red tortoise pickguard
  • Original rocker switch pickup selection
  • Slightly thicker body for enhanced resonance
  • Inspired by the Mosrite Mark I design
  • Vintage aesthetic with modern playability

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 is the neck profile like on the Univox Hi-flier Custom?

The Univox Hi-flier Custom features a slim neck profile, making it comfortable for fast playing and suitable for players who prefer a thinner neck.

What kind of tones can I expect from the pickups on the Univox Hi-flier Custom?

The Univox Hi-flier Custom is equipped with single-coil pickups that deliver a bright, clear tone with plenty of bite, suitable for genres like surf rock and punk.

Is the Univox Hi-flier Custom suitable for beginners?

Yes, the Univox Hi-flier Custom is suitable for beginners due to its lightweight body, comfortable neck, and straightforward controls, making it easy to play and handle.

Does the Univox Hi-flier Custom have a tremolo tailpiece?

Yes, the Univox Hi-flier Custom features a tremolo tailpiece, allowing players to add vibrato effects to their playing.

What is the body shape of the Univox Hi-flier Custom?

The Univox Hi-flier Custom has a double cutaway body shape, providing easy access to the higher frets and a distinctive look.

BrewersArcade

BrewersArcade

Joe Brewer reviews: vintage Univox Hi Flier Custom electric guitar

Video thumbnail for Joe Brewer reviews: vintage Univox Hi Flier Custom electric guitar by BrewersArcade

Joe Brewer reviews: vintage Univox Hi Flier Custom electric guitar

BrewersArcade

BrewersArcade

Video thumbnail for Univox Hi-Flier Custom Phase 1 Sound Demo {NIRVANA RIFFS} Kurt Cobain Guitar Tone by jq

Univox Hi-Flier Custom Phase 1 Sound Demo {NIRVANA RIFFS} Kurt Cobain Guitar Tone

jq

jq

Video thumbnail for Univox Kurt Cobain Hi Flier Custom Phase 1 Nirvana Guitar by guitarsmith

Univox Kurt Cobain Hi Flier Custom Phase 1 Nirvana Guitar

guitarsmith

guitarsmith

Reviews

Owner Insights

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

Features and functionality

  • The neck on the Univox Hi-flier Custom is notably thick, described by some as "a baseball bat," which may require adaptation for players used to slimmer profiles.

    Source
  • Univox pickups are praised for their aesthetic, with cream color and chrome surround rings enhancing visual appeal.

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  • The Eastwood Hi-flier reissue has pickups that are noted to sound surprisingly good, despite initial plans to sell the guitar after acquiring an original Univox.

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Comparisons

  • Eastwood's Hi-flier is compared favorably to vintage models like the Johnny Ramone Mosrite, known for its playability and sound quality.

    Source
  • The Univox Hi-flier is noted for its ability to replicate "Bleach" and "Incesticide" era tones, appealing to fans of those albums.

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  • The neck on the Univox Hi-flier feels notably different from MIJ Mustangs, with some preferring the latter for comfort.

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  • The Eastwood Hi-flier features a thicker body and neck compared to the original Univox, with a more contemporary neck feel.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Owners appreciate the guitar’s sound quality, finding it surprisingly good and suitable for various musical styles despite its vintage replica status.

    Source
  • The Univox Hi-flier is especially sought after by Nirvana fans because Kurt Cobain played one on Saturday Night Live.

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User experience

  • Eastwood is recognized for producing quality recreations of vintage guitars, with consistent satisfaction among owners of multiple models over the years.

    Source
  • Some players note the neck feels awkward, impacting playability, particularly during bending on the 3rd string.

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  • Owners describe the single-coil version as having a unique tone, particularly effective for replicating "In Utero" era sounds.

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  • Original Univox Hi-fliers with replaced pickups often sell lower, between $850 to $2000, while all-original models fetch higher prices due to desirability among Nirvana fans.

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Value and pricing

  • A buyer secured a Univox Hi-flier with a hard case for $600, highlighting fluctuating market availability and pricing.

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

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Kurt Cobain uses Univox Hi-flier Custom

Kurt Cobain

Guitarist, Singer

Nirvana

...
Verified via Photo

This guitar was first seen on October 3, 1992, at Sam Carver Gymnasium Western Washington University Bellingham, Washington. serial # 1002904. The guitar featured sunburst finish, mahogany neck, rosewood fretboard, and a red tortoise shell pickguard and truss rod cover. Based on the specs, the raised plastic “Univox” logo on the headstock, and the two rocker switches – this was a Phase One Custom model, that was originally shipped with two P90-style pickups. and was purchased from Danny's Music. This was his favorite Univox. This was the first guitar that had a Duncan JB installed in it. Kurt loved the sound of this "plywood beast". Earnie bought it for him for $150. The previous owner was a Minister in Everett, Washington.

Earnie Bailey did the mods... He replaced the stock pickups with a Seymour Duncan SH-1 '59 Neck & SH-4 JB Bridge and Humbuckers and This had an Ibanez Gibraltar bridge installed (vintage version with mounting studs, similar to Gibson’s Tune-o-Matic) instead of the original. The the two rocker switches used for pickup selection were also taped over, likely to avoid accidental toggles.

As far as using the guitar for live performances, Kurt had it with him for the couple of shows he did in October 1992, (10/03/92 Sam Carver Gymnasium Western Washington University Bellingham WA, 10/04/92 Crocodile Cafe Seattle WA 10/30/92 Estadio José Amalfitani Buenos Aires Argentina) and then picked it up again in 1993 and used it during the band’s second Saturday Night Live appearance on September 25th. Also by this time the Original White Plastic Tuners were replaced with Vintage Schaller Tuners (Kurt's Favorite) That was also the last time the guitar was ever seen.

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 Custom, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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Community setups

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