Fender American HM Strat

Basswood body, 2 American Standard single coil pickups, 1 Dimarzio humbucker, 1 Volume, 2 tone/ TBX controls, 1 coil tap, Kahler "Spyder" tremolo, maple neck with 24 fret maple fretboard.

I used this through a variety of amps..mostly processed with an ART SGX2000 Express processor.

The guitar did its job, but lacked definition. If this were the only "Heavy metal" style guitar I had around, I guess I would be happy with the sounds and its range of tones.

The guitar is built well, although I do not care for the plasticy finish on the body. The neck however has very little finish, and it began to wear away almost immediately. I do like the feel of that finish. It feels like an old guitar.

All the routes are precision routed, and everything fits together as it should.

All the hardware is great. The electronics could be better, but that is a cheap upgrade. I would rely on it with no hesitation.

Never had to use customer support.

I have been playing 12 years.I own a Jackson Soloist, Ibanez RG770, Rico era BC Rich Eagle, 1974 Stratocaster, 1969 Telecaster, and a 1968 Gibson Les Paul goldtop.

If the guitar were stolen I would probably not replace it. My Soloist does the job much better.

If the guitar were made with a better body wood, different body finish, it would be a keeper. I just don't dig the overall feel and tone.

Solid body HM Strat made to compete with the "Super Srats" of the 80's (Ibanez, Charvel, Kramer). Face it no one knows how to hot rod a Strat better than Fender. 24 fret maple neck with nice medium jumbo frets. Wide, thin and non finished, plays very fast and comfortably. DiMarzio Humbucker in bridge position (coil tapped) and 2 single coils. Standard volume and tone set up w/ push-pull pots for added tonal versatility. Kahler "Spyder" bridge (Floyd Rose sued over this one, it's that close) some people don't like them but I've played Floyds and this is just as good. The tuners are Gotoh. This is a super versatile guitar that can get a wide variety of sounds/tone. Mainly overlooked due to Fenders less than perfect reputation at the time and the fact that they came out at the end of the 80's "Hair Metal" frenzy. Just a bit too late, pick one up, you won't regret it.

So what sounds do you want? I've played jazz, rock, metal and r&b on this guitar. The only limitations are your gear and ability. I play through Marshall 100 watt head, Fender Bassman and a Sovtek Mig 50. They all sound great. THe pick ups are super quiet and the guitar sustains for days.

I bought it used a few years back and set it up myself.

It's been gigged and bounced over the years and the finish has held up well. The usual little dings around the edges, but it's a player right, not a piece of f**kin art to hang on the wall.

No need

I've been playing for 20 years and have tried most major (and some unheard of) guitars. Yes I LOVE Fenders (specifically Strats) but I honestly believe that the HM series has been completely overlooked and underrated by most guitar players. These beauties are packed with features and playablility and the "bang for the buck" can't be beat. These are very versatile guitars, if you can only afford ONE guitar this should be it. If you want a cool addition to your arsenal this is a very good choice and they're usually priced reasonably.

USA, 24 Frets, maple neck.
The neck is really Good.
Good tuners (gotoh)
The bridge is not so good... a Kahler Spyder... I didn't like it.
In fact I changed it with an Ibanez Lo-Pro Edge (stolen from a broken Steve Vai Model)... and... Whoaa! This is great
Pickups are really 'basic' so I've changed them with PKV (limited production of pickups made in Italy) and... Whooooaaoaoaahh!! She plays alone, she doesn't need me...

Very versatile guitar, You can play everything.
Unplugged the sound is very clear, attack is quick and decise, sustain is long enough.
The wood of the guitar permits you to experiment with sounds. She Can... only find the way...
I have a Peavey Ultra Tube 60 and other stuff.
It's really nice to play sometimes with only the guitar directly in the Amp

Normal set up at the factory
try yourself for better configuration.
You can lower the action if you want it, just set up the neck first

No words.
I got it since 1990, played live etc... and she still plays... better.

Never needed...
I don't know

I have a pickup configuration not so usual so my sound choice is very huge... Humbucker - Single coil - Humbucker, with a special 5way selector, in the central position I have the two humbuckers instead of the central single coil.
If you want to customize a guitar I think this is a good point of start.
The woods are ok, the neck is superb, but you must replace the bridge and the pickups.
I've used many guitars during these years but I really love the neck of this guitar.
Plays ok with Effects Processor, pedals and all the stuff you know.

24 frets, 1 Dimarzio Humbucker, 2 single coils, Floyd Rose Style Kahler, this thing screams! This is one of the best things I have played from FENDER USA! Coil Spliter! This guitar is totally versitial!

Can get any style sound!

Incredibly action! This plays as good as any custom shop guitar I have played!

Great quality and Durability!

Never needed a repair!

This guitar is overlooked by many! These guitars were made to rival the custom Metal guitars of the 80's (Ibanez Jems, Jackson Soloists) and it comes through with flying colors! Incredible sound, playability, and quality! I would recommend this guitar to anyone!

this is the american hm strat has 24 frets maple neck red and black crackle finish,kahler spyder tremelo.has a hum/sin/sin pickup configuration

this thing kicks a$$,anything from a hendrix strat sound to a van halen sound to low end crunch sound of todays sound

bought used but it is a cool finish,just did the usual adjustment to fit my personal taste.

ive used this live for awhile and it is great,must last because its already 10 + YRS OLD.