Univox Hi-Flier Bass

My bass is from the early 70's and has P-90's in it. Its got two pick ups on it, I use the one on the neck the most because it sings! its got one volume one tone and three way selector switch. Its got a maple bridge and is very very light. I love it. The tuners on the D string are a little loose but the rest will hold tune for a couple days. The neck is really one of the main reasons i'm so in love with it! its got the short neck and will out play any bass i've ever played! a couple weeks ago i got the chance to play an ernie ball music man bass valued at twelve hundred bucks, but the playability of the Univox blew it away.

Absolutely with out a doubt the best sounding bass i've ever heard! I play everything from church sunday morning to rocking with my rock/punk/acoustic band it rocks it like no bass i've ever heard! It knocks a little on the pick ups but what do you expect its over 30 years old! such a warm and deep sound you'll fall in love with immediatly. i've ran it straight through the churches system and out of a berigher stack and out of a Crate full stack, it sounds great out of them all. It really fills the room with sound.

The bass was perfect when i got it. Of course i got it used but the pick ups and action were perfect. My friend plays while sliding his whole palm on the neck and got blisters from it, but i love it and have never had any trouble with it. I know that thsi bass sounds like its too good to be true but i am so in love with it that i have never had problems with it and it is truely the best bass i've ever played or heard. The sunburst finish is absolutely gorgous! it has a few dings and looks real vintage due to poor care but that just adds to the awesome look

I've had the bass for 2 years and treated it like crap for a year. Its been dropped thrown scraped used as a weapon and beaten. This thing will not die! It will hold through anything. It used to have a buzz in the pickup but it fixed itself, which i know sounds wierd but it really did. A friend of mine had it before me for 3 years and bought it from a pawn shop for 60 bucks. This bass is built like a rock unbeatable!

hardly

I've played it every week for three days a week for over a year. I tour with it now and would never give it up. I dont know what i'd do if i lost it! i would probably cry myself to death, I've developed a love for this bass that i dont have for any of my other instruments. Without a doubt the best bass money or fate can buy.

It is made in japan it has a p-bass type bridge. The body is mosrite ventures style. Tuners are 30 years old and the squeak a little. when i bougt it it didn't come with a case.The neck has a 30inch scale.

when i bought it i added flatwounds. that made it sound awesome. The bridge isn't my favorite sound but the neck pickup is really awesome. I use a gallien krueger 400rb, Ampeg 1x15 and it makes barely any noise.

When i got this bass it had pretty high action and i needed to intonate it and add springs and foam under the pickups

I couln't use without a backup because the pickups were missing some springs and they were very shakey. but i put foam under the pickups and i added more springs i works fine and i would use i without a backup any gig

Never had to deal with them

It definently out plays my epiphone rivoli. if it was stolen id cry like a baby until i found another one.

Made in Japan from what I think is maple. Volume, tone, and two cool looking humbuckers. Mine has the maple fretboard which I understand is rare. 30 inch scale. Overall your basic bass setup.

Sound is awesome. It has that deep Motown thump on the neck pickup and sort of a Geddy Lee-ish treble growl on the bridge. I'm using Fender stainless flats and they add to this bass's versatility. Sounds great through a guitar amp. I have yet to plug into a real bass amp (I'm a po' boy) but that's about to change (I'm a po' boy about to get promoted.) The 30 inch scale gives it more of an intimate sound, shows more nuances than a 34 inch. Haven't played it live yet, but with the right amp it'll cut through just fine.

This thing is about ten years older than I am, but I was really surprised with it's condition. The frets are small and low, so I had to raise the action a bit to keep it from buzzing. This also adds to an upright feel, if that's possible on a 30 inch electric. Finish is great for it's age. The neck was straight as an arrow. The only bad thing is that the tuners often go flat.

This bad boy is built like a rock. I would definately use this without a backup.

Don't you have to be in business to have customer support?

I'm a multi-instrumentalist who bought this to play when I record. I play a sort of folk/jazz/country/avant-garde hybrid. It has just about inspired me to play bass exclusively in my new band. I would definately buy another one. I highly recommend you get one of these before they go extinct.

This is a nice, shortscale bass from the mid-1970s and made in Japan. I think it is basswood (definently NOT plywood) with a slearish/yellow paintjob that allows you to see the woodgrain. It has a maple (?) neck and maple fretboard. Coupled with the black pickguard and Moserite Ventures shape its actually a very pretty instrument. It has a straight bridge humbucker and a slanted neck humbucker, both passive. It has a threeway switch, tone control and volume control. Basically everything you need in a bass.

Currently I am paying through a Peavey MkIV head and a 2x15 cabinet I built. I use black tape strings that give it a very dark, warm and bassey sound. The strings I use and the fact I don't play with a pick contribute greatly to this sound. I have no idea how it sounds with steel roundwounds but I'd imagine its considerably brighter. I have played a wide array of music from Thrash (think WHN? and DRI) to ska and metal and its been wonderful for all types. I've heard of people putting EMG's in and having great sucess but I feel no need to do so.

I very much enjoy playing this bass. I like the short scale as its a bit lighter (though its by no means light!) and gives me more mobility on tight stages. The action's is at a very good height (low but not buzzy). The bridge isn't fantastic and I've seen modifications available on the internet. Personally though, its working for me so I see no need to change it. I might refret it eventually too.

This bass has been like a rock for me. When I play I enjoy giving the crowd a show... often involving jumping off things. This bass, unlike previous basses, has withstood all of my abuse. The neck feels solid as a rock and the hardware seems to be pretty sturdy. The strap buttons aren't amazing but they get the job done. Though I havent done so, I would suggest straplocks or copious gaffer tape to those who like to move about when they play. I know for a fact the threeway switch is notorious for crapping out (it IS 30 years old afterall) but its easily replaced. For being as old as it is it has held up remarkably well.

Univox stopped making the Univox line in 1978 and went out of business entirely in 1985 when it was bought out by Korg. A fire burned down the factory in 1988 which basically eliminates any hope of replacement parts ever being reproduced. Your best hope would be to buy a trashed one and use it for parts should the need arise. I don't thinks its fair to evaluate the customer service of a company that doesn't exist so I gave it no rating.

I've played Wasburns (XB-105, XB-200, XB-400) and a Mexican Fender J-Bass for the last seven years and, so far, this has been my favorite (though I still have and enjoy playing the XB-400). If it were stolen I'd cry like a baby and desperately search ebay for a replacement. The quicky yet almost dignified style is fabulous. It is the most beautiful stringed instrument I own actually. Its feel very comfortable to playing it and don't see myself ever selling it. Overall its an excellent value and I would highly recommend it to fellow bassists.

Maiden Japan in the same factory that built/builds Aria, Westbury, Westone, Epiphone, and Japanese Fenders. I think it has 20 frets (its not in front of me right now) on a short scale neck. This one has the original plastic tuning pegs, but they don't seem to be too weak. I've heard that some people have plywood versions, but this one is a solid piece of wood. The finish has rubbed away from some spots and you can see that its a real piece of wood. Very, very light weight. This one has humbuckers so its its either a Mark III or IV so it was made in the mid to late 70s. The color is that great Johnny Ramone off white, it looks a bit plain at first, but it really grows on you. The only part that sucks is the bridge which is similar to the current Fender Bronco's.

I play garage, punk, and early 80s harDCore and it couldn't be more perfect for those styles. Well, the bridge could be better, but sound wise I have zero complaints. I was really suprised at how great the stock pick-ups sound. On par with a Mexican or Japanese Fender. A friend of mine said it sounded like his 70s Gibson EB (SG style) bass, I'd say its close to that too. I play straight into an old solid state, usually a Peavey, but I've also used a Acoustic 370 (I wish I still had that head) and Kustoms and it sounds great through any of them. For guitar I prefer tube amps, but I like OLD solid state amps form bass.

Like I said, the only flaw is the bridge. I hear its a pain in the ass to intonate. I'm sure it is, so far I've been luck. I hate using terms like sweet, but thats how I'd describe the neck, now I hate myself. The neck and bridge pickups sound almost identicle, For being as old as I am, 24, the frets are in good shape, a bit low, but thats my preference, hooray for me!

I use it without a backup, buts that more my own laziness. I have no fears about the bass itself when I play out, but I'm always afraid I'll break a string. Fortunately this is the easiest bass I've ever strung. It normally takes me 10 minutes to string up my fender, it takes less than half of that to get this one running. The finish is suprisingly good, though it does have signs of wear. What do you expect for under 100 bucks?

Univox morphed into Korg. Read all about it at...

(url)http://www.timpatton.com/univox(/url)

If this ever got stolen I'd cry like a baby until a got another one. I also own a Mexican Fender P-bass, and use my bandmated Fender American Hot Rod bass, and I'd play this one over those without thinking twice. The short scale neck of the Univox is so much easier on my hands, but the overall sound is simply better than those pricier basses. Besides, its looks Johnny Ramone's Mosrite. The only other bass I'd rather play is a Telecaster bass or a real Mosrite, but I'm not going to be able to afford one anytime soon. I am more than happy to play this in the meantime.

This is a Japanese made bass, with 20 frets. It has 4 strings and the body is a solid hardwood of unknown origin, not plywood. Finish is 3-tone sunburst.
Controls are a single tone, single volume, and 3-way toggle. Has 2
humbuckers with "see-through" covers, Univox proprietary, passive.
Neck is maple with rosewood fretboard, looks exactly like an Epiphone I have. Body is of unknown hardwood, definitely NOT plywood, with top and back laminated on, and German carve around the rim. Mosrite copy.
Standard Univox bridge, tuners, etc, with 30-12" scale, 4 inches shorter than Fenders. I got it with the original paper case for $120!

I play with "The Bluerock Band", Memphis and Birmingham. We do original music and old songs too. This bass is, to my taste, versatile
enough to play country, rock, or pop at any volume you want.
It is relatively quiet, though it does feedback if left on a stand with a live amp. I especially like the short scale, since I am a
"generalist", a singer turned stringman out of necessity!
This baby grunts! Pick-up are hot and I can get a variety of tones, especially by changing amps. It records very well. I have three other basses, an Epiphone(old), an Electra(very old), and an "ACTIVE" Dean
(new). The Univox is the best!

Either that, or, in nearly thirty years of use it got fabulous treatment!

I'll use his one, carry the Dean(long scale) as a backup. No worries
about it so far.

Out of business, but well documented. Parts are available as junk, or as generics from Stew-Mac and others.

I've been playing guitar for 30 years, bass only 6 months or so. I am presently looking for a Hy-Flyer six-string. I have a fabulous set-neck Electra(St. Louis Music) and several other great guitars and basses. I'm seeking a Univox violin bass, with original case.
Univox has won my admiration and joined Electra, Supro, Teisco, and others as "collectibles" at my house. I'm happy as a clam with this instrument.

Made in Japan - Short Scale, Natural finish with Maple Neck - 2 Humbuckers - 3 way switch - Pbass type bridge cover with 4 bridge adjustment saddles. Body is thicker than a Hi Flyer Guitar - sturdy, Balance - Neck heavy.

Bridge Pickup - Bright and Punchy, Neck pickup - softer with more Low End - I used to own a single coil version of this bass and it sounded thinner. The 4 adjustment saddles are essential - I know the older version has 2 saddles.

Very good constuction - solid - This bass is about 25 yrs old and it plays fine.

Reliable - I have Gigged with it many times with a Kustom 200 Head and Cab and Ampeg SVT-400t with a Marshall 2X15 - I would gig with it without a backup.

Univox no longer in Business

Very Good for a Short Scale Bass - Fat Sound easy to play. Make sure you find one with the 4 adjustable saddles. Definately easier to tune / intonate.

The ubiquitous late seventies copy of the great Mosrite Ventures bass.
4 string, short scale, etc..
Solid body, I think it is some sort of high grade plywood.
It has a single tone knob, volume knob, and a three way pickup selector switch.
Has two old style bass humbuckers with cool chrome surrounds, passive of course.
The neck is like maple or something similar with a maple fingerboard. If you don't look closely it looks like the fingerboard and neck are one piece.
The body is painted Krylon yellow, i'm pretty sure it was natural originally because from what i can find the only ones that came with the light colored fingerboard were natural.
It has an old school fender style bridge, gotoh style tuners.

I bought it at a pawnshop and its like 25 years old so i got the bass and nothing else obviously.

I love the way it sounds. I play through a Carvin RC600 head, a carvin 2x10 cab, and a Peavey 2x15 cab.
It is sort of noisy, but I think that is due to 25 year old soldier joints and such because it doesn't hum or anything it just kind of crackles once in a while.
It doesn't slap worth a damn but that doesn't matter to me because I never play slap bass.
Best way I can describe the sound is that it growls like a monster.

I have no clue how the bass was from the factory.

When I bought it the set up was perfect, but then I put heavier strings on it and had to redo everything. I also replaced the nut because someone did a really bad job of replacing it before.

It is rather solid. Only time I've had to adjust it was when I went to heavier strings. As I said before the finish sucks but thats because it has someone's "custom" paint job.
I replaced the strap buttons with locking ones but the wood around the sccrews seems solid.

I would never gig without a backup because I'm paranoid and if I break a string or something I don't have time to change it .

When did Univox stop making guitars?

I've been playing for about two years and I can honestly say I like this bass more than anyother I've ever played.

Late 60s-era Japanese copy of a Mosrite Ventures bass. This is a 30" scale bass with two pickups; a humbucker at the bridge and a single coil at the neck. I highly suspect that one of these didn't come originally with the guitar but I can't figure out which one. One volume control, one tone control, and one three way switch. What kind of wood it's made of is anyone's guess; I would probably think maple body and neck with a rosewood fretboard. The body is finished in a decent three color sunburst. Of course it's shaped like a Mosrite Ventures model bass. The tuners are the original ones, and they're not bad at all. The bridge is solid but has only two moving string ferrules like an old Fender bass. The neck is a bolt-on, of course. It's quite thin for a bass and very guitar-like, which is all right for me because I am not fond of massive, longscale basses. 20 frets. Good action.

I currently use this bass straight into the board for recording. However, I have played it through a variety of amps, and it sounds very good. The sound is very like a Gibson EB-0, but not quite as gummy. The neck pickup, which is the single-coil unit, has a very round sound with good definition and even response. The bridge pickup, the humbucker, has a considerable amount of depth to it, more than I expected, and is very loud, deep, and clear. It sounds much better than the back pickup on a 2-pickup bass usually sounds. There is a three way switch, as I mentioned, but unfortunately the middle setting makes the bass sound completely anemic. The excellent sound of the neck and bridge pickups more than makes up for this minor flaw. There is one thing; this bass is somewhat neck-heavy due to the shape of the body, but relocating the strap button to the heel of the neck usually goes a long way toward remedying this problem.

Talking about action and set-up on a 20 to 30 year old bass that's been out of production for years is, of course, silly. I found that it was remarkably easy to set up; the hardware was in good shape and all of it worked well. It's not a complicated bass, but it appears to be well made and there are no major problems with the neck, body or hardware. That may sound boring, but when you think about the fact that this is an inexpensive guitar and probably passed through some strange owners, its stability is remarkable. For some reason the previous owner decided to remove the pickup height adjustment screws from the neck pickup. For some unknown reason the pickup still remains in place; I'll have to see about finding some screws for it, but this isn't a major problem.

This guitar has withstood around 30 years of whatever it went through in remarkably good condition. It still remains in good shape and I use it without any doubt that it'll stand up to whatever I do to it. I am not a "beater" or a vicious player, but if I were, I have the feeling that this bass could handle it.

Univox has been out of business for a few decades. The nice thing about this bass, however, is that if anything goes wrong with it, it will be easily repairable due to its simple construction. The warranty of course has long since expired, along with the company itself.

I've been playing a billion years and own a lot of equipment. I had been looking for a 30" scale bass with a thin neck and low action, as I was tired of wrestling with the weight and action on my previous bass, an Electra Jazz Bass copy that weighed a ton, stuck out a mile, and was quite uncomfortable for me to play. I was going to break down and buy one of the new Danelectro basses, which are pretty good guitars, but the Univox popped up at the local music store. I spent some time with it and determined that this would do the job at a fraction of the price, and actually (sorry Dano guys) sounded closer to my ideal. It's small, it's easy to play, and it sounds much more expensive than it is.