• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

UNIVOX lover's club

#101
The pickups are one of the standard Matsumoku models that were used on this series. i have a similar set for a Lyle bass, which was essentially the same bass made in the same factory.

Flats would be perfect; Chromes or Labella Deep talkin' flats (light gauge) would be my recommendation.

I don't know of a way to date it, as AFAIK there are no serial number references. Let's say early 70's, late 60's. The pickups might be more of a clue than the S/N on the neck plate.

The bridge is appropriate for the instrument, but probably not original. Watch Ebay and set a search. You can probably find one, but it will take a while.

Headstock "Gumby"? Yup, most likely. I've not heard that reference much, but it fits.

I actually have a tracing for the PG if memory serves, but I haven't ordered one from a custom maker. If interested PM me and I'll check on it.
 
#102
Thanks for the response, Pilgrim! I figured that the pickups were kind of universal for the Matsumoku products of the time. I WAS hoping that the early single-coil PUPS would help identify what year this bass might be. I normally use Fender 9050CL flats on my basses, but they seem to be on the heavier-pulling side of the scale. I used TI Jazz Flats on my Jack Casady after reading that they had lower tension, and they perform brilliantly. I have not yet had a chance to try the La Bella Low Tension flats. I guess I need to check out the "Strings" forums for some feedback on those.

I'm not a fan of the generic rosewood bridge that's on this Custom now. I hope that I can find a Matsu-era bridge like yours in the picture on Page 1. Thanks for the offer of a pickguard tracing....I have sent you a PM.
 
#103
20161127_142100-01.jpeg
 
  • Like
Reactions: GotRoot?, GreaserMatt, TheBASSMAN98 and 1 other person
#105
I'm I too late to join your group?

I have 2 Univox basses, a Hi flier and the same Hofner copy as #104.
The noisy pickups have been switched out with GFS lipsticks which gives it a unique sound.

I'm in dire need of a pickguard for the PIII Hi flier (the same exact bass as #103),
Can somebody here steer me to someone who can make one, even copy one onto a piece of paper where I can get one made.
 
#107
Mike Rettig said:
Here's mine. Anyone have a schematic for the control panel?
Click to expand...
Mike, it would be a good idea to clean off the silks that are on the nut.,

Actually, you have the wrong length of strings on that bass. When you have a floating bridge and tailpiece as the Univox hollowbodies do, your string length is one size longer than the scale of the bass. That's a 30" (short) scale bass, but it takes medium scale (32") strings. Changing the strings will eliminate that problem.

Bear, welcome to the group!
 
  • Like
Reactions: Mike Rettig
#108
Bear From Delaware said:
I'm I too late to join your group?

I have 2 Univox basses, a Hi flier and the same Hofner copy as #104.
The noisy pickups have been switched out with GFS lipsticks which gives it a unique sound.

I'm in dire need of a pickguard for the PIII Hi flier (the same exact bass as #103),
Can somebody here steer me to someone who can make one, even copy one onto a piece of paper where I can get one made.
Click to expand...
Check with these guys. They do excellent work and may have a template in house.
Pickguardian | Quality Handmade Custom Pickguards
 
#110
Pilgrim said:
Mike, it would be a good idea to clean off the silks that are on the nut.,

Actually, you have the wrong length of strings on that bass. When you have a floating bridge and tailpiece as the Univox hollowbodies do, your string length is one size longer than the scale of the bass. That's a 30" (short) scale bass, but it takes medium scale (32") strings. Changing the strings will eliminate that problem.

Bear, welcome to the group!
Click to expand...
Thanks for the welcome and thanks for the information.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Bear From Delaware
#111
Hi, I picked up this Univox Professional Bass about a month ago from an elderly gentleman living in a small town up here. He had it for 40 years, and thought it was made around 1970. He said the pickups came off a 90's Fender jazz, but everything else is original (except the hipshot d-tuner, but I also have the stock tuner). I haven't seen another Univox jazz bass before. It's an awesome bass, great player with a nice tone. Definitely a keeper.

Univox_170206_001.JPG


Univox_170206_002.JPG


Univox_170206_003.JPG
 
  • Like
Reactions: GreaserMatt, TheBASSMAN98, audreycashin and 1 other person
#113
DDXdesign said:
I don't know what it is with me and "bird" basses, but I have a serious GAS-on for this one (univox bicentennial Eagle P) on Reverb. I wish I had the money.

View attachment 1054448
Click to expand...

Replying to myself here, but now I'm genuinely curious as to how much this Eagle might be worth. It's been on the Verb for awhile at $1800, so I know that's high, but by how much?
 
#115
Pilgrim said:
You might use the advanced search on Ebay to see if you can find any that were sold in the past few months. My observation is that a lot of postings on Reverb are overpriced.
Click to expand...
Heh, the store's own price outside of Reverb is over $100 less, so I understand. There's one more on eBay right now for $1400 with more wear, and nothing easily found on completed auctions.

Why do I like rare stuff so much?!? =0)
 
#120
Jackcrow said:
View attachment 2795268 Here is my Precisely that i just picked up. Very happy with it so far!
Click to expand...
That is the exact same Univox bass I started out bass playing with. Bought it (used) in 1982. Still have it today, although I have done some upgrades to it over the years. Love the way it plays. However, it is one heavy bass. Not sure what it weighs, but a lot more than any other bass I have.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back