squeennyzim Posted May 18, 2003 Share Posted May 18, 2003 I just got back from a guitar/bass show with a new purchase. Finally, I own a bass of my own. It's a Univox hollowbody fretless, basically a Hofner clone. It's been in a barn in upstate New York for the past 15 years apparently, but it has a tone that sounds really deep and URB-y. It was $150, and so far it's been worth every cent. Manufactured in 1970 with serial number 210001, which is cool. Just thought I'd share and ask if anyone knows anything else about this bass. As I was going up the stairs I met a man who wasn't there He wasn't there again today I wish, I wish he'd go away Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wraub Posted May 19, 2003 Share Posted May 19, 2003 As I recall, Univox made a fair variety of models, often copies of bigger names. The ones I have seen do seem to be pretty well made, and usually sell pretty cheaply. You might try Vintage Guitar magazine, lots of ads in there for reference, and phone #'s/websites for collectors aplenty. As always, a dedicated Google search would probably be a likely place as well. Try a search for Vintage Guitar's back issues, they have probably done a feature or two on Univox. Hope this helps. Peace, wraub I'm a lot more like I am now than I was when I got here. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
squeennyzim Posted May 19, 2003 Author Share Posted May 19, 2003 I did the google search, but the vintage guitar magazine idea is great. What I did find out is that the bass I bought has been extensively modified. It's a Univox 'Lectra, a Hofner copy. The original bridge and pickup were taken off and replaced, and the pickguard was removed entirely. In addition, the logo on the headstock was removed. What's interesting is that the pickup the original owner chose to replace the original with is a Hi-A, an early Bartolini model which may help explain why the tone is so good. The guys who sold it to me also started filling up the body cavity with wood glue after the bottom suffered some damage, which gives it good heft and balances it nicely. Anyway, just thought I'd share a little about it. I never realized just how much history there is in bass building and manufacturing. Thanks again. As I was going up the stairs I met a man who wasn't there He wasn't there again today I wish, I wish he'd go away Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom Capasso Posted May 19, 2003 Share Posted May 19, 2003 I can't add anything about your bass, except that you're probably lucky that the modifications helped rather than hurt. I'd be scared about that glue thing. In the 70's, my guitarist owned a Univox copy of a Ric. It was quite good (as I remember). I bought a Univox-copy-of-a-Ric PUP which is on my Gibson EB3. Tom www.stoneflyrocks.com Acoustic Color Be practical as well as generous in your ideals. Keep your eyes on the stars and keep your feet on the ground. - Theodore Roosevelt Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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