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).
26907
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
Emily Armstrong is seen using a Univox Hi-Flier Phase 3 in this photo.
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In this photo of Bridwell's studio, one of the items that can be seen is the Univox Hi-Flier.
You can see him using them for OFF! shows and his Wikipedia article says he uses Hi Fliers
Katie sometimes uses a Univox Hi-Flier (https://www.instagram.com/p/BFjbLoOH0JY/?hl=en). Her Hi-Flier is from the third phase, as indicated by its humbuckers, toggle switch, bridge style, white pickguard, and in-line control knobs.
Used quite a bit with Lungfish. Good shot at 0:33.
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Phase III in natural finish. I've never seen him use this live. Appears to be in his personal collection and uses it for lessons at his guitar school. Has been used in a few music videos.
Mentioned in this April 2013 interview from QRD #61.
QRD – What’s your main guitar & what are the features that make it such?
Chris – At the moment it’s a 70s Univox Hi Flier. I went to Texas in 2007 & stayed with a friend over there & he had one & I just loved it straight away. The necks are really slim, the whole guitar weighs nothing & feels perfect for me (& they look cool & they’re pretty cheap). I helped him out of a tricky situation a few years later & to say thanks he bought me one from Nashville Craigslist, which was amazing of him. Last year I got another one from Brooklyn when my girlfriend was on holiday there. I just saw it online back home in the UK & it was 2 blocks from where she was staying so I took it as an omen. It was a bit of a nail, but I got Xperience Guitars in Nottingham to totally rebuild it. They did an incredible job & that’s the one I use the most at the moment in Grey Hairs & just generally. For Kogumaza I use a 70s Japanese SG copy. I got it off Ebay in about 2001 from a guy in Birmingham for 110 quid. It had the unbranded John Birch pickup in it when I got it & it’s a bit of a mystery. I tried to find out where it came from & John Diggins (who worked with John Birch) said it was a special order for an artist (hence it’s unbranded). I’m hoping Tony Iommi or Dave Hill, but I’ll never know.
I play bass for my friend Dusty Bible too. At the moment I’m using his violin bass from the 70s. I have a 70s Epiphone but it’s being restored at the moment - another “£100 to buy / £200 to restore” classic money-pit purchase from me. Both are short scale as I have the tiny hands of a child.
QRD – If you had a signature guitar, what would it look like & what would some of its features be?
Chris – I’d be pretty happy with anything that had a bolt-on neck, was nice & resonant but not super heavy, thin & shallow neck profile, decent bridge & high output pickups like P90s. Just one volume & tone. I like the slightly reversed Mosrite shape as well, so I guess what I am saying is: a Univox Hi Flier with all the faults ironed out. A Mosrite, basically.
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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