| Univox Hi-Flier |
Japan, circa 1970. Serial #0134381. This Hi-Flier has what I call a
"wineburst" finish in deep red to black; the wineburst color is
not listed in catalogs as a color option but it is definitely an
original factory finish. The neck and fretwork is amazing and the
two single coil pickups are full, deep and warm but not a bit dull
or muddy in tonality. The switching and even the volume and
tone pots are far better than most Japanese instruments of this
era. The bridge cover with the foam mute is original. There is
one small scratch on the body and some marks on the bridge
cover, otherwise this is close to showroom quality.
I believe this is a very early Hi-Flier, differenced from later
models by the logo that is a raised badge instead of a decal,
single coil pickups instead of humbuckers, and the black plastic
heads on the tuners. As is all too common even on good quality
vintage Japanese instruments, there are no side position
markers. That is about the only fault I can find with this beauty;
it really has to be seen, heard and played to be truly
appreciated. Of all the early Japanese imports, Univox basses
seem to be some of the most consistent in quality of construction
and components. This is a very cool Ventures-style bass for a
fraction of the cost of a Mosrite and is certainly made as well as
many modern instruments.
"wineburst" finish in deep red to black; the wineburst color is
not listed in catalogs as a color option but it is definitely an
original factory finish. The neck and fretwork is amazing and the
two single coil pickups are full, deep and warm but not a bit dull
or muddy in tonality. The switching and even the volume and
tone pots are far better than most Japanese instruments of this
era. The bridge cover with the foam mute is original. There is
one small scratch on the body and some marks on the bridge
cover, otherwise this is close to showroom quality.
I believe this is a very early Hi-Flier, differenced from later
models by the logo that is a raised badge instead of a decal,
single coil pickups instead of humbuckers, and the black plastic
heads on the tuners. As is all too common even on good quality
vintage Japanese instruments, there are no side position
markers. That is about the only fault I can find with this beauty;
it really has to be seen, heard and played to be truly
appreciated. Of all the early Japanese imports, Univox basses
seem to be some of the most consistent in quality of construction
and components. This is a very cool Ventures-style bass for a
fraction of the cost of a Mosrite and is certainly made as well as
many modern instruments.