Fender HM-Strat, black, made in Japan 1988. When you think 'black Strat', this probably isn't what comes to mind, but this Strat is the blackest Strat of all. The HM-Strat followed on from the earlier Boxer Series models of the mid-80s, but it's a little more shred-tastic in design. First up, you get a super quick, slim satin finished neck, with an almost flat 17" radius and 24 jumbo frets. As is often the case with these 80s era Fujigen-made Fenders, the rosewood and maple used on the neck are stellar examples and look and feel brilliant. The HSS pickup setup is unusual, with a crunchy Dragster humbucker likely doing the heavy lifting. The Hot Rod single coils are great pickups too, they're smooth and full with a thumping bass while still maintaining that sparkly clarity on the top end. The bridge is by Kahler, 'the other white meat' of mega tremolo bridges, and is in good shape with all the relevant bits. We've dialled the action low and got the trem balancing right, so this is rearing to go for all your rude riffs. These very seldom come up in good shape for this kind of dime, so why buy the new reissue when you can score a slick OG example for way less? Did I mention I kinda love the pink-striped logo?

Model: Fender Japan SHM75
Made: Japan, 1988, no neck date, Fujigen plant (serial E834794)
Finish: black, gloss poly
Body: basswood
Weight: 3.675kg
Neck: maple, rosewood board, 17" radius, 25.0" scale, slim C shape
Mods: none
Pickups: Fender Japan Hot Rod single coil x2, Dragster humbucker
Case: basic non-original gig bag

Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. The headstock has some minor scuffs on the end and bottom edge, no major marks. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, just some minor dimples and rub wear on the back. The back has a scratch in the elbow area, some scuffs on the cavity colours, a dimple in the belly carve and some minor marks on the horns, as well as widespread very light scuffs. The sides have a few minor dimples around the whole body and a minor dent on the top side in the waist area, no major marks. The front has some minor dimples near the knobs, behind the bridge and in the elbow area, as well as some standard play scuffs on the horns. Overall: very good condition (8/10)

Playing condition notes: Action is low, neck is straight, intonation is good, truss rod works. All electrics tested and working properly. The frets have minor wear only and are freshly polished, 8/10 for fret life left. Setup with fresh 10/46 Moonshiners strings.