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Average Price: $995

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Description

Aptly named, the Univox Ripper of the mid-70s took the beloved Strat® design and turned it on its head! It might look familiar at first glance, but if you've ever held an original in your hands you'd note the obvious differences: three HOT humbuckers, a 3-way switch with no in-betweens, and a foreign neck feel, to name a few. Love it or hate it, the guitar was an absolute powerhouse, and bore the unmistakable high-quality the Matsumoku name had become synonymous with.

Joining the ranks of our other successful Univox tribute guitars comes this latest Univox project: the Ripper!

With this release, we've captured the essence of the original guitar by including three hot-wound open-faced humbuckers. However, we've made one key addition that many owners of an original have sought out: a five-way lever switch instead of only three. Now you can capture the raw, unique "Ripping" tone of an original, but without sacrificing those sweet in-between positions.

Whether you're channeling the spirit of the '70s or forging new musical frontiers, the Univox Ripper is your gateway to sonic bliss and vintage inspiration.

Product specs

Brand Univox
Model Ripper
Finish Natural
Year 1970s
Made In Japan
Body Shape S-Style
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Tremolo Bridge
Color Family Natural, Tan
Fretboard Material Maple
Neck Construction Bolt-On
Number of Frets 21
Number of Strings 6-String
Pickup Configuration HHH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed

FAQs

What type of pickups does the Eastwood Univox Ripper have?

The Eastwood Univox Ripper features an HHH pickup configuration, which means it has three humbucking pickups. This setup provides a versatile range of tones, suitable for various music styles.

Is the Eastwood Univox Ripper suitable for beginners?

The Eastwood Univox Ripper, with its bolt-on neck and solid body, offers playability that can be suitable for both beginners and experienced players. Its design makes it comfortable to handle while providing a wide range of tones.

What is the neck profile of the Eastwood Univox Ripper like?

The Eastwood Univox Ripper features a bolt-on neck with a maple fretboard, providing a comfortable playing experience. The neck profile is designed to be accessible and easy to play, catering to various hand sizes.

Does the Eastwood Univox Ripper have a tremolo bridge?

Yes, the Eastwood Univox Ripper is equipped with a tremolo bridge, allowing for pitch modulation and expressive playing techniques.

What is the body shape of the Eastwood Univox Ripper?

The Eastwood Univox Ripper features an S-Style body shape, which is known for its ergonomic design and classic appearance. This shape contributes to the guitar's comfortable playability.

Justin Ray Guitars

Justin Ray Guitars

Rare? Univox Ripper Strat

Video thumbnail for Rare? Univox Ripper Strat by Justin Ray Guitars

Rare? Univox Ripper Strat

Justin Ray Guitars

Justin Ray Guitars

Reviews

Owner Insights

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

Build quality

  • The Eastwood Univox Ripper has a thicker body than the original Univox, affecting its resonance and making it feel less lively during play.

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  • The original Univox Ripper features a maple body, but some users mistakenly perceive it as mahogany due to its polished finish.

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Comparisons

  • Some players find the original Univox Hi-Fliers more enjoyable due to their thin bodies and higher output humbuckers, which enhance vibration and sound.

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  • The Aria Pro II DM-206 is noted as a cheaper alternative to Eastwood, featuring a blend of Phase 2 and Phase 4 specifications.

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Mods and upgrades

  • Curtis Novak's Phase III humbuckers are recommended for enthusiasts seeking an accurate replication of the original Univox sound.

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User experience

  • Owners with experience of multiple Univox models find the originals to play better and provide a more vibrant sound compared to Eastwood.

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  • A vintage Univox Ripper's fretboard radius is praised for comfort, facilitating both chord play and melodic lines smoothly.

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Features and functionality

  • The Eastwood Ripper's wider body compared to the original is a point of contention for those accustomed to the super-thin design of original Univox guitars.

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  • The 1970s Univox Ripper includes a 3-stage humbucker system, offering a bright, crisp neck pickup and a dirty, non-muddy bridge pickup tone.

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Use cases and applications

  • The Ripper's tone versatility makes it suitable for clean, bright sounds as well as more aggressive, gritty tones at the bridge.

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5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 4 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Nathan Willett uses Eastwood Univox Ripper

Nathan Willett

Singer, Guitarist

Cold War Kids

...
Verified via Photo

Willett can be seen using the guitar at a Cold War Kids set in 2012

Genre Usage

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