A UNIVOX HI-FLYER "MOSRITE" Bass!

[Univoxer]

I don't know if this topic has been posted. If it has I don't mind the Administrator or Mods removing it. Otherwise, I'll enjoy reading your comments.

Yesterday I bought a UNIVOX HI-FLYER 4-string electric bass from a Florida guitar store and I should receive early next week. While I paid $200 plus shipping, I knew that this was a very decent price since I had been keeping my eyes on eBay auctions and the ending price always went up to or above $300 plus shipping for basses in Very Good or below condition. When I saw the extra large high resolution photo of the bass I bought and the one-word description - Excellent - made me feel good that I had found a rare deal. This bass would sell on eBay for upwards of $300.

I had gone to eBay to look at completed listings to see who paid how much for what and there was only one completed listing for a HI-FLYER at $349 plus $30 for shipping. I think that the reason it sold for such a high price is that besides looking like a regular, nice condition, sunburst bass, what sold the bass is that the UNIVOX decal between the tuning pegs has been removed and a "mosrite of California" decal has taken its place. At the top of the headstock another decal has been placed "THE VENTURES model."

The listing header reads: "Univox Mosrite The Ventures BASS" which I think is misleading but it's a done deal.

I'm sure that the buyer couldn't really believe that it was a real Univox Mosrite since no such thing exists (AFAIK). But it looks so neat that I inquired of the seller if he sold or knew who sold the decals 'cause I sure would like to make my HI-FLYER look like a Mosrite The Ventures model! He said he got it that way.

Then I discovered this forum while searching google for the decals and one of the threads mentioned who sold the decals. I wrote to the decal seller and the decals are $20 so once I receive my bass I may spring for the decals. The only problem is removing the UNIVOX logo which may require a specialist and this might entail more expenses. I thought the easiest, cheapest way would be to find a matching peel-off material and cover the UNIVOX logo and then place the decal over it. Anyone have any suggestions?

Here is the eBay completed listing URL:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Univox-Mosrite-The- ... 240%3A1318

Univoxer

[oipunkguy]

hey univoxer,

I have one of these in black with the p-90 style pickups. i post up a for pics for ya later on.

if you were to cover up the univox logo you could just paint the top black and get a white logo. however what I suggest is that you sand off the finish to you have the logo gone. then aply the new logo, and clear coat it.

[Univoxer]

Not being anything more than a Mosrite enthusiast and feeling beforehand that the UNIVOX HI-FLYER I just bought will satisfy my hunger to own, again, a "Most" expensive Mosrite The Ventures model bass just to learn all over again, I might get the decals.

But it's just a thought at the moment and I'll leave the original pickups since I'm sure they'll also satisfy me. And I don't know yet if I'm going to remove the UNIVOX name. I don't want to alter the bass so that it loses its identity. This is why I'm going to first search paint stores for a peel-off natural finish "mylar-type" that'll closely match my bass natural wood finish and then I'll place the "mosrite of California" decal on this "mylar" cover.

I won't mind if I find something that's not a 100% match for the bass' finish since seeing the decal will be a goof that'll satisfy me. However, as you suggested, sanding off the logo could be a future possibility. Thanks.

Univoxer

hey univoxer,

I have one of these in black with the p-90 style pickups. i post up a for pics for ya later on.

if you were to cover up the univox logo you could just paint the top black and get a white logo. however what I suggest is that you sand off the finish to you have the logo gone. then aply the new logo, and clear coat it.

[oipunkguy]

personally if it was me, I would leave the univox name on there. it just gives it a kewl mosrite-copy vibe. hope you enjoy your new bass. mine has the p-90 style pickups, and I LOVE their tone.

[Univoxer]

I found a website where the guy who owned a UNIVOX HI-FLYER said that he had replaced the pups with EMGs. I wrote to him asking for brand and model for me to consider (although I don't know why I would do such since I'm really an "experienced beginner" and whatever is on bass should do the job now and forever) and he replied that the pups that are on my bass-to-come are humbuckers and they sound great and I shouldn't bother replacing them as nothing will be gained. Then he told me that his website where I saw his comments is 10 years old. He gave good advice which I'll heed. I'm getting way ahead of myself when all I've done since I ordered the bass is cut my fingernails!

In the '70s and '80s I did learn a ton of songs and I had the confidence to play for my friends. I may not play with anyone but I gotta satisfy my need to be able to play again. It was a great feeling to "decipher" the notes on certain songs and play along. That's all I want again. Then I'll have dreams again of fronting my own group composed of old farts like me! The Oldies But Goodies.

personally if it was me, I would leave the univox name on there. it just gives it a kewl mosrite-copy vibe. hope you enjoy your new bass. mine has the p-90 style pickups, and I LOVE their tone.

[oipunkguy]

my feeling is with just about anything, if it ain't broke, don't fix it. the pickups may sound great. just work with that until you get a little more time under ur belt playing. if the pickups are not working, then worry about replacing them.
and most of all, have fun jamming