If we were to break down the
convoluted corporate history
of Univox, we’d be here all
day. All you need to know
is that the Hi-Flier started
out as a copy of the Mosrite
Venture, back when you
could get away with “lawsuit
guitars” that flagrantly
copied other more successful
models. Assembled in the
Matsumoku factory, the Hi-
Fliers went through four
phases of production with
various finishes and pickup
combinations.
Phase Ones debuted in
1968 with sunburst finishes
and P-90 pickups. Phase
Twos looked similar but
introduced Les Paul-style
toggles. Phase Threes
introduced humbuckers. And
finally Phase Four Hi-Fliers
eschewed Jazzmaster-style
vibrato bridges for Gibson-
style tailpieces.
The Matsumoku Factory
sadly burned down in 1987,
38
TONE TALK //
putting an end to the Hi-
Flier line. The Phase Three in
particular though became a
favorite of none other than
Kurt Cobain, since they were
easy to find in Seattle pawn
shops. Hi-Fliers of all shapes
are easy to find online for
under a grand.
The Real Pawn Stars: 5 Amazing Pawn Shop Finds