Can anyone tell me what those 80's Strats were called that had a black headstock, and had "Strat" written in white on the headstock?

Just curious...can't find much info about them. Guessing they were Fenders response to the Super Strat explosion back then. They had Floyds and I am guessing they were Japanese.

I have a '97 USA Strat and a '02 USA Toronado...but I love my toys. The toys being a '90 Ibanez RG 550 and a '88 USA BC Rich ST 3. Wondering if looking into Fenders version of a Super Strat is worth the effort. Anyone had one?

You're talking about the ones that had smaller bodies, 24-fret necks and that "Strat" script right? Those were the original version of the HM (or "Heavy Metal") Strat. I believe these were in production from 1988 to 1992 or thereabouts.

These were among those "gray area" Fenders regarding where they were made - some clearly have say "Made in Japan" above the serial number, others do not but they look exactly like the MIJ ones (same serial number placement and format but no "Made in Japan" decal under the finish, same tuners and hardware, etc.). I've always speculated that at some point Fender switched from sending over USA-made hardware like their in-house single coils, DiMarzio humbuckers, Kahler trem systems over to Japan for assembly to having the finished bodies and necks (complete with Gotoh tuners) shipped to the USA for assembly. I don't think anyone really knows how that all went down. More confusion sets in because regardless of where they were built they all had the beveled neck plate that read "Fender U.S.A." - even if the neck had a "Made in Japan" decal right above the neck plate.

I do know that these guitars used the Kahler Spyder trem, which was a licensed Floyd-style trem for the first few years; Fender switched these guitars to the Original Floyd Rose trems once they became the distributor for Mr. Rose's products (after Kramer went bankrupt).

The agreement with Floyd Rose ended in 2005.

Much appreciate the info!

Yes, the sort of cursive style Strat script is exactly what I remember. Always thought about getting one just for kicks. Love my classic Fenders but, I also love shredders. Thanks again.

The stagemasters and showmasters are a more recent super strat type. I think the showmasters were squier, stagemasters fender.

John C...thanks for the HM tip off.

Done my own research and the guitar is not for me. I would only like to buy USA made shredders at this point. If made in Japan, although quality yes, might as well buy a vintage Kramer or a Charvel, or another Ibanez! Even Kramer American Series Pacers were built in Japan and put together in New Jersey. I already have a Ibanez (bought at 14 years old over 20 years ago) and a USA BC Rich (bought six months ago).

I love Fender. Fender is classic, sexy. The closest thing I got to what I want was a Richie Sambora Strat, MIM. I sold it to help buy an American Standard. Everyone was ripping off Fender's design to create shredders but, what I really want is a US made Floyd Strat with HSS pickups.

Maybe I'll save my money and get a Jackson USA soloist. *sigh* So much damn money...and not a Fender. Yeah yeah, Fender doesn't "do" shredders. Why not? Best guitar company in existence but no love for "buy USA fans" who like to tap?

Thank you all. Thread might as well be closed...Unless anyone owns one of these HM Strats.