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Post subject: Fender HM Strat (Japan and USA) How can I tell for sure?
Posted: Tue Aug 14, 2007 3:37 pm
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I've been looking at a few Fender HM (Heavy Metal) Strats they seem to be very sturdy and quite well built, probably would not appeal to a Fender purist but certainly well made. I've been looking at some Japanese ones and some claiming to be USA models. My understanding is that the only sure way to tell American componentry is by the presence of some cloth jacketed (instead of plastic) wiring? Also understand that some of the USA models were simply assembled from the left over Japan componetry.

Any truth to this, and are there any other sure ways to identify?

I remember when these Japanese versions of the HM Strat first came out and they were supposed to be direct competition for the 80's style USA Charvel Superstrat type of guitar.....very well built, great intonation, and more of a shredder.

One of the USA Fender HM Strats I'm looking at has a Kahler (Spyder) floating tremelo (is that good or bad?) and looks like it's possibly got one of those "Aircraft Quality Urethane" ultra heavy finishes.

It looks a lot like the one pictured here....but a deep purple color and only 2 control knobs, 5-way, and coil tap switch.

Image

Thanks for any thoughts on this Fender HM Strat topic.

Tim


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Posted: Wed Jan 23, 2008 2:00 pm
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I own a 1989-90 Fender HM Strat that I bought used in 2006. It is bright pink with black hardware. It has an HSS pickup system with 1 EMG 81 humbucker and 2 EMG SA singles.It has a Kahler USA Spyder tremelo. It is a really nice rock guitar.
The only indication of origin comes on the neckplate. It says Fender USA. I have found that Fender USUALLY puts country of origin on late model guitars. It has a Japanese or USA serial #. I have heard many stories as to origin, but if it says Fender USA on it, I may have to beleive that is where it's made.
It is a fine guitar with many unique features( sculpted neck heel, sculpted body, 24 frets, wide, flat neck)

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