Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $1,238

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

Rediscover the vintage charm with the Univox Hi-Flier Phase 3 Sunburst, a guitar that harmoniously blends the past with the present. This iconic model, celebrated for its distinct sunburst finish and rich, warm tones, stands as a testament to the era when rock 'n' roll reigned supreme. The Phase 3 iteration, featuring a duo of humbuckers, elevates its legacy by offering a fuller, more resonant sound compared to its predecessors. Ideal for musicians seeking a piece of history without sacrificing modern playability, this guitar is a bridge between generations.

Key Features:

  • Dual humbuckers for a fuller sound
  • Classic sunburst finish for a vintage aesthetic
  • Solid body electric guitar, designed for durability and resonance
  • Tailored for players looking to blend vintage tones with modern playability

Product specs

Brand Univox
Model Hi-Flier Phase III
Finish Black, Natural, Sunburst, White
Year 1974 - 1977
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, Natural, Tan, White
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Maple, Rosewood
Neck Construction Bolt-On
Neck Material Maple
Number of Frets 21
Number of Strings 6-String
Offset Body Offset Body
Pickup Configuration HH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed

FAQs

What are the tonal characteristics of the Univox Hi-Flier Phase 3 Sunburst pickups?

The Univox Hi-Flier Phase 3 Sunburst features a humbucker pickup configuration known for producing a thick, warm tone with reduced hum and noise, making it ideal for rock and alternative music styles.

Is the Univox Hi-Flier Phase 3 Sunburst suitable for beginners?

Yes, the Univox Hi-Flier Phase 3 Sunburst is suitable for beginners due to its comfortable double cutaway design and manageable 21-fret neck, which makes it easy to play.

How does the bolt-on neck construction affect the playability of the Univox Hi-Flier Phase 3?

The bolt-on neck construction of the Univox Hi-Flier Phase 3 provides a bright tone and allows for easier neck adjustments or replacements, enhancing its playability and maintenance.

What type of music is the Univox Hi-Flier Phase 3 Sunburst best suited for?

The Univox Hi-Flier Phase 3 Sunburst is best suited for rock, punk, and alternative music genres, thanks to its powerful humbucker pickups and solid body design.

Does the Univox Hi-Flier Phase 3 Sunburst have a tremolo system?

Yes, the Univox Hi-Flier Phase 3 Sunburst features a tremolo tailpiece, allowing players to add vibrato effects to their playing.

Reviews

PROS

  • Full and alive sound with a crisp, twangy character

  • Reliable tuning stability thanks to jazzmaster styled vibrato and roller bridge

  • Thin, resonant body enhances playability and sound projection

  • Neck feels comfortable and features a distinctive, cool headstock

  • Perfectly suited for rock and grunge, replicating classic tones effortlessly

  • Affordable vintage appeal makes it accessible to enthusiasts

  • Lightweight design offers comfortable, extended play sessions

CONS

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Univox Hi-Flier Phase 3.

Build quality

  • The Univox Hi-Flier Phase 3 features a thinner body compared to a Strat, making it notably lightweight.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The guitar is equipped with cream-colored humbuckers, known for a hot output and a distinctive perforated plastic sheet under the chrome ring.

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  • Phase 1 models feature P90 style single coils with rocker on-off switches, while Phase 3 models have humbuckers and a three-way toggle switch.

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  • Phase 1 guitars can come with either tortoiseshell or pearl pickguards, whereas Phase 3s are equipped exclusively with white pickguards.

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User experience

  • Owners praise the straight necks, noting ease of playability and reliability for styles like surf rock.

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  • Electronics can be a common issue; resoldering the pots or pickups is frequently necessary for proper function.

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Value and pricing

  • Historically, these guitars sold for under $500, raising questions about current value at $1,000.

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Setup and maintenance

  • The factory nylon saddle bridge is often replaced by owners for improved stability and tone.

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Mods and upgrades

  • A Gotoh Tune-o-Matic Bridge is a popular upgrade for enhanced playability.

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Comparisons

  • Some users feel the Univox Hi-Flier's value is inflated due to its association with Kurt Cobain, suggesting the Danelectro 64 may offer better playability and sound.

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  • The Univox Hi-Flier Phase 3 is sometimes referred to as "The Joey Ramone" due to its association with the iconic musician.

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Use cases and applications

  • Offset body design is appreciated by fans of unique guitar shapes, despite polarizing aesthetics.

    Source

4.5 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 3 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
recordingerror

What A Tone!

I love the tone of this guitar it screams like no other. Perfect for rock, and of course grunge which is the only genre that this guitar has any notoriety in that I know of because it was one of Kurt Cobain's first guitars. I immediately started re- creating the tones of bleach after I first got this guitar back from being repaired and had gotten a DS-1.

Artist usage

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See how Kurt Cobain uses Univox Hi-Flier Phase 3

Kurt Cobain

Guitarist, Singer

Nirvana

...
Verified via Photo

Kurt Cobain is associated with the Univox Hi-Flier Phase 3 Sunburst, a guitar manufactured in Japan by Matsumoku. This model, produced between 1973 and 1976, features humbuckers, differing from earlier phases that used P-90 pickups. A user-uploaded photo confirms Cobain's connection to this guitar, known for its distinct sound and design.

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 Phase 3, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Univox Hi-Flier
Univox Hi-Flier Solid Body Electric Guitars
1

Community setups

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shane_hammond

shane_hammond

Gear IQ 113

rychcorporhate

rychcorporhate

Gear IQ 743

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