ARIA DIAMOND 1702T 'ARAI' c.1969 w/HSC / UNIVOX HI-FLIER PHASE I

ARAI / ARIA DIAMOND 1702T or UNIVOX HI-FLIER PHASE I VINTAGE 1969/70

Rare and original Arai 1702T from 1969/70.

Better known as the Univox Hi-Flier. This is the earliest incarnation of the 1702 - or in Univox terms, the Phase I.

Made largely for the US market at the Matsumoku plant, these were launched as part of the first wave of Japanese Mosrite-inspired guitars in 1968.

The design inspiration may be clear but there is enough in the build and finish quality to set these superb and underrated guitars apart in their own right.

Arai Diamond 1702T / Univox Phase I features:

(Some elements changed in subsequent phases)

• Thin solid 'German Carve' body
• Slim maple neck w/large dot markers
• Rocker switch pickup selectors
• Full-width string retaining bar
  

Condition-wise...

This is in very good shape and its original finish complete with tortoiseshell guard and rod cover.

All-original hardware, pickups, roller bridge and vibrato unit. The arm is the only absentee.

The body some digs to the edges and play/age-related staining to the finish on the back.

The neck is in very clean with only minor impressions and bruises which don't interfere with playability. The rosewood fingerboard has minor chips to the lower positions and the lower frets have some wear. (See photos)

Playing and sound-wise...

These are renowned for being slim, lightweight and very comfortable guitars to play. This one is no exception. It plays and sounds excellent.

These pickups are really distinctive with sparkling clarity and good output. Based on Mosrite P-90s these very special single coil beasts are now copied and much sought after.

The fingerboard feels fast and everything works exactly as it should. Electrics are all original and smooth.

Overall a very versatile sound and a joy to play.

In Summary...

A lovely vintage 60s Japanese guitar in super condition. Lives up to its reputation for quality in build, playability and tone.

Specs:

• Arai 1702T / U.S. Univox Hi-Flier Phase I - c.1969
• Solid slim (32mm) body -probably mahogany - in original finish w/tortoise guard
• 21-fret Maple neck w/rosewood fingerboard & MoP large dot inlays
• 24 3/4" / 630mm Scale
• Original Arai Single Coil pickups, escutcheons & rocker selectors
• Original tuners, bridge, vibrato unit & controls (no arm)
  

*** WORLDWIDE SHIPPING AVAILABLE ***

Australia, Germany, Spain & Denmark Buyers:
Unfortunately the post office in these countries now places a size limit on packages. Consequently, the standard EU shipping rates quoted here do not apply.

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Almost everything for sale here is coming from a 40+years personal collection. As the shop name suggests these are predominantly Vintage, Eclectic or Japanese - so if you are looking for something specific, please get in touch. Maybe we have got something you've been searching for. VEJ

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A Note On Shipping:

We want you to be fully satisfied with everything - from the item itself (naturally!) through the shipping, packaging, communication etc.

Of course there is nothing we can do about customs duty, local taxes etc at your end. But we can keep the overall price as competitive as is decently possible.

The Japan post office service (EMS) is reliable and efficient but shipping costs from Japan to Europe or the states are unavoidably expensive.

For this reason none of the shipping costs we quote reflect the actual price we have to pay. We are more than willing to take a hit on that to make things as attractive for you as possible.

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Vintage Instruments & Equipment

Shipping by air plus climatic changes can affect how a guitar is set up - no matter how well it is packed. Consequently there is no guarantee that an instrument arrives with exactly the same set up as stated. After a period of acclimatisation, you may still need to make any adjustments at your own expense.