Eastwood Hi-Flyer Phase 4: A Comprehensive Review
The Eastwood Hi-Flyer Phase 4 is a modern reissue of the iconic Univox Hi-Flier, a guitar that gained popularity in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Favored by punk and alternative rock musicians, the original Hi-Flier was known for its distinctive look, affordable price, and unique sound. In this comprehensive review, we’ll take a closer look at the Eastwood Hi-Flyer Phase 4, exploring its features, playability, tone, and overall value to help you determine if it’s the right guitar for you.
Design and Construction
The Eastwood Hi-Flyer Phase 4 captures the essence of the original Univox Hi-Flier with its offset body shape, dual humbucking pickups, and vintage-style tremolo system. Made with a basswood body and maple neck, this guitar sports a 25.5-inch scale length, making it comfortable to play for guitarists of all sizes. The bolt-on neck construction offers a solid connection between the neck and body, ensuring excellent sustain and resonance.
The guitar’s finish is available in multiple color options, including the classic Sunburst, as well as more vibrant colors like Candy Apple Red and Seafoam Green. The rosewood fingerboard features 21 medium-jumbo frets and dot inlays, providing a smooth playing surface that’s comfortable for both chord work and lead playing.
Hardware and Electronics
One of the standout features of the Eastwood Hi-Flyer Phase 4 is its dual humbucking pickups. These high-output pickups deliver a powerful and aggressive tone, perfect for punk and alternative rock styles. The guitar also features a three-way pickup selector switch, allowing you to choose between the bridge, neck, or both pickups simultaneously. Additionally, there are individual volume and tone controls for each pickup, giving you complete control over your sound.
The vintage-style tremolo system on the Hi-Flyer Phase 4 adds another layer of versatility to this guitar. With its smooth operation and stable tuning, you’ll be able to create subtle vibrato effects or dive-bomb solos with ease. The chrome hardware and die-cast tuners not only look great but also provide excellent tuning stability, ensuring that your guitar stays in tune throughout your playing session.
Playability
The Eastwood Hi-Flyer Phase 4 offers a comfortable playing experience, thanks to its slim C-shaped neck profile and 25.5-inch scale length. The medium-jumbo frets and 12-inch fingerboard radius make it easy for players to navigate the fretboard and execute bends without fretting out. The offset body shape not only looks cool but also provides excellent balance and ergonomics, making the guitar feel natural in your hands whether you’re sitting or standing.
Tone
The dual humbucking pickups on the Hi-Flyer Phase 4 deliver plenty of output and aggression, making this guitar ideal for punk and alternative rock styles. The bridge pickup provides a tight, focused sound with plenty of bite, while the neck pickup offers a warmer, more rounded tone that’s great for rhythm playing or smooth lead lines. By combining both pickups, you can achieve a balanced sound with plenty of clarity and punch.
The individual volume and tone controls for each pickup allow you to fine-tune your sound to suit your preferences. For example, you can roll off the tone control on the neck pickup for a darker, more mellow sound, or crank up the volume on the bridge pickup for a cutting, aggressive tone that will cut through the mix.
Value
One of the most appealing aspects of the Eastwood Hi-Flyer Phase 4 is its affordable price point. For a guitar that offers such a unique look, versatile tone, and excellent playability, the Hi-Flyer Phase 4 is a great value for the money. Whether you’re a beginner looking for your first electric guitar or an experienced player seeking a fresh addition to your collection, this guitar is well worth considering.
Final Thoughts
The Eastwood Hi-Flyer Phase 4 is a fantastic reissue of the iconic Univox Hi-Flier, capturing the spirit of the original while offering modern improvements in playability and tone. With its distinctive offset body shape, dual humbucking pickups, and vintage-style tremolo system, this guitar is perfect for players who want a unique instrument that stands out from the crowd.
Whether you’re a fan of punk and alternative rock or simply looking for a versatile, affordable electric guitar, the Eastwood Hi-Flyer Phase 4 is an excellent choice. Its comfortable playability, powerful tone, and eye-catching design make it a standout option in the world of electric guitars.
