Fender Japanese HM

[Econ]

Does anyone have any info anout this guitar model? I know Fender used to produced the HM series that came with the Kahler Spyder trem and the STRAT logo on the headstock, but didn't know that they produced a Japanese version. I might buy this one and the seller says it came with an Original Floyd Rose. Any info you could provide me will be greatly appreciated.

[pagemalicious]

Re: Fender Japanese HM

I don't think there is much difference between the usa and japanese models (just like todays models). I think the Floyd Rose must of been put on at a later date. But i would buy it anyway.

[Bengal65]

Re: Fender Japanese HM

The one I bought in '89 I think was a Jap. If it was, it was a great instrument. I sold it to a friend. The color was a bit loud for me (Metallic pink).

[MountainDog]

Re: Fender Japanese HM

Definitely a made in Japan model, serial number matches Japan made 1988. A look thru Harmony-central CLICK HERE! shows many of the Japan ones coming with recessed OFR, 1 vol, 1 tone, that headstock logo, and no coil tap switch (like the Kahlered ones had).

I saw this one two, and my first thought was the pink pickups, knobs, 5-way switch tip are all swapped out...I've never seen one with those colors before.

Good guitars (one guy on H-C claims the Japan neck is better). They have 25.1" neck scale too.

[pebber]

Re: Fender Japanese HM

this one is a HM strat 2nd version:
- stencilled strat logo
- only S/S/H config
- 2 controls only, and 5-way switch

[Reverend Timmy]

Re: Fender Japanese HM

Econ,I have 3 of these,1US,2Japanese and the quality is about the same on all three,they all play great........

[pro-fusion]

Re: Fender Japanese HM

I believe that all of the HM Strats were actually made in Japan, weren't they? The later ones with the stencilled logo and original Floyd are getting to be pretty desireable now.

[Jacksonite]

Re: Fender Japanese HM

no, the first ones were made in the USA, I just did some work on one, and it clearly stated "Fender USA" made in USA

[Carbuff]

Re: Fender Japanese HM

[ QUOTE ]
no, the first ones were made in the USA, I just did some work on one, and it clearly stated "Fender USA" made in USA

[/ QUOTE ]

Where did it say that? On the neckplate? They all say that on the neckplate. I thought the only way to tell was to check out the electronics cavity. Large diameter pots and a crazy complicated looking 5-way means usa, and smaller pots and the plastic 5-way means Japan. Thats what Ive always been told.

[Jacksonite]

Re: Fender Japanese HM

i think it said "made in the USA" on the headstock...

but it wasnt my guitar, so i didnt really pay attention, but i remember when he bought it 15 or so years ago. It was 800 bux then. and the american standard strats werent even that much back then

[Chameleonfong]

Re: Fender Japanese HM

I had one of those Japanese HM, the neck proflie feels like an Ibanez RG (thin and flat).

[fred dons]

Re: Fender Japanese HM

they where all japanese made (and indeed the neck plate said fender usa but remember this was the period that all Kramers had New Jersey and import Charvels texas on the neckplate)

[Jacksonite]

Re: Fender Japanese HM

I could have sworn it said "made in the USA" on the headstock...

[Jacksonite]

Re: Fender Japanese HM

would not be the first time I was wrong

[thebisch]

Re: Fender Japanese HM

Some of the Kahler ones were MIA, but I have not been able to find any consistant way of telling the difference. I can accept the diffrenece in electronics as a way to determine, but it is in reality, speculation. I think all of the Floyd ones were MIJ. I remember when these first came out, the ads and marketing for these (Kahler, blue, pink, white, black) back then was that they were MIA. I have never seen any marked MIA though. They seem to not be marked with any country of origin, except the USA on the neck plate which all of them had wether MIJ or MIA.