The Univox Hi-Flier is an electric guitar produced by Univox (later Unicord) from approximately 1967 to 1980, known for its unique reversed offset body that resembles the Mosrite Ventures model. Throughout its production, the Hi-Flier underwent significant changes, categorized into four main phases, though the transitions between these phases can overlap.
In Phase One, which debuted in 1967, the Hi-Flier featured two P-90-style pickups and a design inspired by the Mosrite Mark 1. Early models boasted a three-tone sunburst finish, a pearloid pickguard, thicker bodies and necks, and a unique headstock with U-shaped cuts. In 1968, a limited Hi-Flier Custom version was introduced, offering a black finish along with the standard sunburst, and featuring a red tortoiseshell pickguard.
Phase Two emerged in 1971, bringing design updates such as separate string trees, smaller fret markers, and a three-way toggle switch. The pickguard changed to a plain white three-layer style, and a silk-screened block-letter logo was introduced on the headstock.
Phase Three, starting in 1974, marked a significant shift as the Hi-Flier transitioned to twin humbuckers, replacing the P-90 pickups. This phase included a natural finish option and saw the guitar’s popularity peak in the mid-1970s. Many Phase Three models featured maple fingerboards.
By Phase Four in 1977, the Hi-Flier saw further refinements, including a change in knob layout, a switch to speed-style knobs, and the introduction of a hardtail Gibson-style stop-bar bridge, replacing the earlier vibrato system. Production of the Hi-Flier concluded in 1980, marking the end of a distinctive era for this versatile and sought-after electric guitar.
