If I remember correctly, Univox guitars were made at the Matsumoku factory, which put out some very high quality copies. They also made a Mosrite copy that sounds great.
I just scored one of these in a local pawn shop yesterday! Mine is black with maple neck. I cleaned it all up and looks great. All original with OHSC. Its not a quite a case queen, but it is certainly lightly used. Definitely needs a setup. I love these old Japanese basses. My number one is a 1977 Aria Pro II "Precise Bass" these days. Look forward to getting the Univox in the playing rotation.
Dave I remember those basses when I was looking around for a Fender Pre and thought the same thing. Talk about a mirror image copy and Fender is going to bite their arses. I was waiting for the big "CLUNK" of the truss rod. It cleaned up good. sounds good too. Thanks for the video. I enjoy your work..
DAVE YOU ARE SO ENJOYABLE TO WATCH. YOU TEACH THE TRUE DOWN TO EARTH, MOST PRACTICAL WAY TO REPAIR AND ADJUST GUITARS. THANKS FOR SHARING YOUR KNOWLEDGE WITH US ALL.WILL KEEP WATCHING YOUR VIDEOS. JOHN DZAMA
I read just recently that the Matsumoku factory built Univox guitars and basses so they're probably one of the better P bass copies available from that era (the Univox Hi-Flier is a close copy of the Mosrite Ventures guitar). Always great to see old instruments brought back to life!
My first bass was this exact bass, in 3 tone black/red/yellow sunburst. Rosewood board. I really wish I had that bass. Enjoy this one and keep it playing!
That's a nice looking bass actually. Overlooking a little funky fit-n-finish on the neck pocket (5:02) and what is says on the headstock, not a bad replica at all.
FIrst, I was holding my breath as you adjusted the truss rod and a sigh of relief(no pun intended) when the relief was had. Then fast forward past the volume knob scratch!!! (my ears), thanks Dave! Nevertheless, you are the man! You got that bass cleaned up and working proper. How long did it actually take? Thanks for sharing your work on TH-cam.
I have a sunburst Univox p-bass from the early 70's, but it doesn't say "Professional Bass" on it, I guess this one is an earlier version. I got mine for $136 dollars and it needs some work, but it is actually a pretty good bass for a cheap knock off. I use it for recording demos.
When you complained about the phone in your pocket during the demo, I felt your pain. I usually sit when I practice and the bass I use slips on my leg because of my phone...
Univox made some nice stuff...I had a "Hi Flier" back in the late 70's... looked like a Mosrite... also had a Les Paul.. it weighed about as much as a p bass.. but it played nice.. good quality stuff
+Dean H That would be the case if the guitar were to be somewhere with a steady climate. In Canada; especially Eastern Canada, weather changes so frequently the truss rod is bound to need adjustments.
Cheers Dave. Did ya set the the intonation on it? (probably so if I know you)... The D string saddle was so far forward it must have played flat.at the 12th fret.
I wonder if most of the time as in this case.it looks to me like the ouner tried to fix it and it went the wrong way with it and finale figured he needed to send it to a pro.
Off topic but where can I get good quality fender p bass headstock decals? I have a restoration project and I bought a mighty mite neck for it. Also can the decal be out on a neck with no finish on it? Thanks in advance.
Brett Langley Hi Brett... Try E-Kraft decals. You can find his site via EBay by searching for guitar decals or just decals. I've purchased a few from him and even a couple of "Custom" ones as well. These decals are compatible with most clear finishes.. good quality....:)
Dave, I have a question, and I'm sorry this is long and drawn out...I have several basses, but my two "babies" are a 2014 American Standard Jazz and a 2013 American Standard Precision, (Fender of course). I'm looking for that late seventies "Disco growl". My amp is an Acoustic B200mk11, (not a winner, but ok) and the SansAmp programmable bass driver DI. I've tried any setting I can possibly try, and several different brands of strings, Dunlop heavy nickels being the closest and the ones currently used. What am I missing? Do I need to try flatwounds? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated...and by the way, all my basses play like "butter" because of your videos!!! Cheers man!!!!
Took a chance on a UniV P bass just like the one in video. Paid $40 on FB Marketplace. Cleaned the posts & adjusted intonation. Result: The UniV sounds and plays better than my MIM Precision. UniV feels a little heavier and body is slightly thicker. Feels very solid and tuners are comparable to the new American issues. All components are original. My only complaint with the UniV is it’s a little neck heavy. The UniV is my go to bass when gigging and rehearsals. Im not implying it is as good or even comparable to a ‘50-early - 70’s Fender P because it’s not even close.
it seemß like and I'm sure there not all like this but it appears as though your customers don't know what a damp rag is or what it's for.I no there not a?ll like that when they come in.
Those are wonderfull copy of P Bass... interesting fact Univox and the Matsumoku Factory in Japan produce them and had a tendency to make replica that were sometime better than the original !!! Thats why those "Professional Bass" were call "Lawsuit" and Fender make pursuit to stop Univox to produce them. The Matsumoku Factory in japan was also producing in those days the " REAL P-Bass" for Fender in the MIJ series (Made in Japan). So the Fender P-Bass ( MIJ ) and the Univox P Bass were both produce in the exact same factory with the exact same workers and technology during the same period of time under some very very similar spec. Well so close they had to stop !!! Long story short if you cant afford to pay for a real P-Bass from those days ( $$$ ) , look for a Univox . I got mine for Free from a friend who also had it for free. So at least twice that bass almost went to the thrash. Mine is actually even more rare and weird cause it's a "Univox Professional Bass" with Jazz Bass configuration (2 pickup 3 knobs )... they are extremely rare and were introduce just before they had to stop copying everything Fender. The Univox Professional Bass in Jazz configuration was sold in Canada only. I know there is a few PJ configuration that were made in the same era also but i never saw one yet
2:17 What a time to have headphones
Benjiro Ikeda He cleaned the gunk out of my ears at the same time as the volume knob... he really fixes everything! haha
Man, you did a GREAT job bringing it back to life. I've ALWAYS loved Univox basses. They sound the BEST.
If I remember correctly, Univox guitars were made at the Matsumoku factory, which put out some very high quality copies. They also made a Mosrite copy that sounds great.
Yeah, the Univox High Flyer, actually there was more Univox produce than Mosrite on the market ( Mosrite are rare )
U made that thing look damn near new. Good work!
I don't know why...but I just busted up laughing at 2:17, when he was moving the volume knob around. Especially when he starts doing it rapidly.
Yes!! I laughed my ass off! Cause he kept doing it on purpose to torture people. So funny.
That's a nice bass! Probably because it's a good old copie. I just like that 70's Fender look.
Lvkkie That bass would have been made in 1974 ish, so that s why it looks like a '70's Fender. ;-)
That's a gorgeous bass. It's great you were able to save it.
That drawing is awesome! And good work on the nice bass too hahah
NIce work, Dave! The old Univox ended up looking and sounding pretty nice. I'll bet you made somebody happy with that one!
P.S. you really brought this one back from the dead. Good job as usual.
Nice video Dave, you brought the Univox back to life and sounds great!
I just scored one of these in a local pawn shop yesterday! Mine is black with maple neck. I cleaned it all up and looks great. All original with OHSC. Its not a quite a case queen, but it is certainly lightly used. Definitely needs a setup. I love these old Japanese basses. My number one is a 1977 Aria Pro II "Precise Bass" these days. Look forward to getting the Univox in the playing rotation.
Would have loved to hear that Univox against your Precisions Dave.
Dave I remember those basses when I was looking around for a Fender Pre and thought the same thing. Talk about a mirror image copy and Fender is going to bite their arses. I was waiting for the big "CLUNK" of the truss rod. It cleaned up good. sounds good too. Thanks for the video. I enjoy your work..
DAVE YOU ARE SO ENJOYABLE TO WATCH. YOU TEACH THE TRUE DOWN TO EARTH, MOST PRACTICAL WAY TO REPAIR AND ADJUST GUITARS. THANKS FOR SHARING YOUR KNOWLEDGE WITH US ALL.WILL KEEP WATCHING YOUR VIDEOS. JOHN DZAMA
That volume pot was great through the headphones!!
I read just recently that the Matsumoku factory built Univox guitars and basses so they're probably one of the better P bass copies available from that era (the Univox Hi-Flier is a close copy of the Mosrite Ventures guitar). Always great to see old instruments brought back to life!
Those frets looked great when you were finished with them...almost new! Have a great BBQ tomorrow and Happy Canada Day, Dave!
Always enjoy your vids. Thanks!
My first bass was this exact bass, in 3 tone black/red/yellow sunburst. Rosewood board. I really wish I had that bass. Enjoy this one and keep it playing!
Crazy DJ skillls
Great video Dave, short yet sweet. keep em comin' love it Cheers!
Love the DEVO shirt Dave!
Nice work on the bass Dave. Happy canada day!
Pretty sweet sounding bass...glad you were able to rescue it from the land of the unplayable!
That's a nice looking bass actually. Overlooking a little funky fit-n-finish on the neck pocket (5:02) and what is says on the headstock, not a bad replica at all.
FIrst, I was holding my breath as you adjusted the truss rod and a sigh of relief(no pun intended) when the relief was had. Then fast forward past the volume knob scratch!!! (my ears), thanks Dave! Nevertheless, you are the man! You got that bass cleaned up and working proper. How long did it actually take? Thanks for sharing your work on TH-cam.
Hay Dave, happy Canada day!!!!! Luv ur vids.
Looks great and sounds terrific, the owner is gonna love this Univox bass, Id like to buy this bass if the owner ever wants to sell it.
You do such good work.
i like to your videos better than all the rest there so entertaining.. and well done I mite add
That looked like a new guitar when you finished with it 👍
I have a Univox copy of a Gibson es 335. Green sunburst with a maple neck, beautiful guitar
I 1st wondered if it had cooties or dandruff but it was probably both. Good thing you revived it so well Dave.
Ever snapped a truss rod?
I have a sunburst Univox p-bass from the early 70's, but it doesn't say "Professional Bass" on it, I guess this one is an earlier version. I got mine for $136 dollars and it needs some work, but it is actually a pretty good bass for a cheap knock off. I use it for recording demos.
I suppose the dirty pot is an alternative to scratching your vinyl. Never had you pegged as a scratch artist Dave ;)
Happy Canada Day Dave! Don't get too gooched tomorrow. ;)
My brother got started playing bass the same way. To many guitar players!
Love the Devo Tee-shirt.
2:17 , now you're on the breakdance business :D
Nice one for the headphone peeps 😀😀😀😀👍
...or NOT! I had my Bluetooth earbuds in... (Oh, my achin cranium)
Thank god I came down here
Thanx Dave. Helpful vid Cobba....:)
When you complained about the phone in your pocket during the demo, I felt your pain. I usually sit when I practice and the bass I use slips on my leg because of my phone...
I want to restore my Fender jazz bass 1979. What can I do to remove maple fingerboard finish?
what do think of the quality of that bass, Dave?
Univox made some nice stuff...I had a "Hi Flier" back in the late 70's... looked like a Mosrite... also had a Les Paul.. it weighed about as much as a p bass.. but it played nice.. good quality stuff
Wonder why Fender never implicated that little access hole in the pickguard for truss rod adjustment
+Dean H That would be the case if the guitar were to be somewhere with a steady climate. In Canada; especially Eastern Canada, weather changes so frequently the truss rod is bound to need adjustments.
Howdy Dave! Could you do a video on an alembic series 1 bass, Electric repair?
Cool beans. So did you put new strings on? or go with the 45 year old ones?
happy canada day,Dave!
fUP420babe your a day early
i know, but i figured he wouldn't be posting a video tumoro
Cheers Dave.
Did ya set the the intonation on it? (probably so if I know you)...
The D string saddle was so far forward it must have played flat.at the 12th fret.
Univox Law Suits are great, got a somewhat customised Gimme ( LP custom copy circa '76 ) and its one of the best guitars i own o.O
do you have your own guitar shop? So many videos just has me wondering if you pickup stuff and sell it. Love the vids always waiting for the next one
Dantenator As far as I've seen, he just plays, and repairs mostly
How do I get a hold of you to set up a re fret job?
I wonder if most of the time as in this case.it looks to me like the ouner tried to fix it and it went the wrong way with it and finale figured he needed to send it to a pro.
Off topic but where can I get good quality fender p bass headstock decals? I have a restoration project and I bought a mighty mite neck for it. Also can the decal be out on a neck with no finish on it? Thanks in advance.
Awesome thank you.
Brett Langley Hi Brett... Try E-Kraft decals. You can find his site via EBay by searching for guitar decals or just decals. I've purchased a few from him and even a couple of "Custom" ones as well. These decals are compatible with most clear finishes.. good quality....:)
Unca Stu thanks for the info I will check that out as well.
Had a Japanese strat like this from the same era. The frets on many of these guitars and basses are so narrow that they are almost unplayable.
***** who inspired you to play bass ?
@2:17 Dave makes the next big skrillex song
Gooch free vid! Wow!
Dave the DJ scratchin' & mixin'
LOL
4:37, I don't how many times that's happened to me. Damn giant smartphones.
Dave, I have a question, and I'm sorry this is long and drawn out...I have several basses, but my two "babies" are a 2014 American Standard Jazz and a 2013 American Standard Precision, (Fender of course). I'm looking for that late seventies "Disco growl". My amp is an Acoustic B200mk11, (not a winner, but ok) and the SansAmp programmable bass driver DI. I've tried any setting I can possibly try, and several different brands of strings, Dunlop heavy nickels being the closest and the ones currently used. What am I missing? Do I need to try flatwounds? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated...and by the way, all my basses play like "butter" because of your videos!!!
Cheers man!!!!
They both came stock with the "supposedly" 62 custom shop pickups. Is there a difference?
can someone please loop 2:20 - 2:30 for an hour?
Dave, what is that little bit of wood above the neck pickup?? I've seen them is all different locations. A pipe rest?
Denis Minuz its a finger rest
Finger rest?!?! It's only got four strings, how tired can finger get??? (in 3, 2, 1 ...)
Who did that art in the opening? That is awesome, hah!
Hope you told him/her that they're awesome. That is pretty great, heh.
Took a chance on a UniV P bass just like the one in video. Paid $40 on FB Marketplace.
Cleaned the posts & adjusted intonation.
Result: The UniV sounds and plays better than my MIM Precision. UniV feels a little heavier and body is slightly thicker. Feels very solid and tuners are comparable to the new American issues. All components are original. My only complaint with the UniV is it’s a little neck heavy.
The UniV is my go to bass when gigging and rehearsals.
Im not implying it is as good or even comparable to a ‘50-early - 70’s Fender P because it’s not even close.
Have you ever picked up a bass with a Dull, dead sounding E string?
R.I.P. Chris Squire
Happy Canada Day !!! Actifry something tasty !!!
Rad. I've been eyeing these on the EBy, but the sellers all want top dollar for them.
Damn that volume pot sounds like a freaking gun shot!
Favorite Devo Song?
sahe kek
NWOBHM
Always great watching you turn crap into gold... well, maybe not _gold,_ but certainly highly serviceable brass. Maybe you should wear a wizard's hat!
Don't know much about Univox, but it's a nice looking bass. And as the kids do today... I
***** I'm 14 years old and very interested in music and planing on buying a new bass real soon :)
Dave, next time give fair warning about your volume knob self cleaning method. Thanks great video by the way nice univox,P -bass
ha I always keep my cellphone on the right pocket, and I always have that same issue.
That was a crunchy pot!
i thought this thing was gonna be a pos. but seems to play pretty decent. nice guitar.
I feel sorry for you after a while
really pretty bass..i mean, post crud/crust
At least this copy has the thumb rest in the right spot. LOL.
RIP headphone users @217....lol......actually, this looks like a pretty nice bass.
glad i wasnt wearing headphones at 2:16
>.
Aaaaaàaaaaahhhhhhhhhh my ears!!!!!!
it seemß like and I'm sure there not all like this but it appears as though your customers don't know what a damp rag is or what it's for.I no there not a?ll like that when they come in.
Those are wonderfull copy of P Bass... interesting fact Univox and the Matsumoku Factory in Japan produce them and had a tendency to make replica that were sometime better than the original !!! Thats why those "Professional Bass" were call "Lawsuit" and Fender make pursuit to stop Univox to produce them. The Matsumoku Factory in japan was also producing in those days the " REAL P-Bass" for Fender in the MIJ series (Made in Japan). So the Fender P-Bass ( MIJ ) and the Univox P Bass were both produce in the exact same factory with the exact same workers and technology during the same period of time under some very very similar spec. Well so close they had to stop !!! Long story short if you cant afford to pay for a real P-Bass from those days ( $$$ ) , look for a Univox . I got mine for Free from a friend who also had it for free. So at least twice that bass almost went to the thrash. Mine is actually even more rare and weird cause it's a "Univox Professional Bass" with Jazz Bass configuration (2 pickup 3 knobs )... they are extremely rare and were introduce just before they had to stop copying everything Fender. The Univox Professional Bass in Jazz configuration was sold in Canada only. I know there is a few PJ configuration that were made in the same era also but i never saw one yet
I'M NEW & OLD - CARLOS GUITARLOS 90042
Soak rusted metal parts in Evaporust or WD40 rust soak, in an ultrasonic cleaner. Should clean up nice. Don
R.I.P. headphone users
I laughed my ass off at 2:17 !
You should think about a career in the DJ buisness!
this is a job for under dog oops dioxit lol.
Sounds like a P-Bass.