The Hi-Flier debuted in 1967 with a design based on the Mosrite Mark I guitar. The original version of the Hi-Flier featured a slightly thicker body than later iterations, along with a large bar string retainer on the headstock, which covered all six strings. The control system also differed from later models, with the Phase I using rocker switches for pickup selection as opposed to a 3-way toggle on later models. Hi-Flier Customs were introduced late in the model run of the Phase I, and featured the same specs but a red tortoise pickguard instead of the standard white one. Around 1969, the Hi-Flier was updated to the Phase II version, which featured a thinner body and different pickup switching controls.