Photo of Fender HM Stratocaster in a guitar

Fender HM Stratocaster

$1,928.60 Price Tier: High-end

4.5 (11)

2 Critic Reviews

3 Reviews

Find out who is using Fender HM Stratocaster

3 community setups

4 wishlisted

21 saved

Page last updated Jun 10, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated June 10, 2026.

Store

Reviews

Price

5.0 (4)

$1,928.60 3 available Used

View Deal

Average Price: $1,929

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

In the Solid Body Electric Guitars category, Fender HM Stratocaster is priced in the High-end/Boutique range. This premium gear is built to very high standards and offers premium features.

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

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Originally launched in the late 80s, the Heavy Metal (HM) Stratocaster is making a limited-run reappearance this NAMM. Designed with the most technical players in mind, this beast features a narrow C neck, a 25-inch scale, 17-inch-radius fretboard – maple or rosewood – and 24 jumbo frets. As you’d expect, it features a Floyd Rose Special recessed bridge for those epic dive bombs. A HSS pickup configuration wraps things up, ensuring you have a wide palette of tones at your disposal.

Product specs

Brand	Fender
Model	Fender HM Strat HSS
Finish	Black, Flash Pink, Ice Blue, Razz Berry
Year	1988 - 1989
Made In	Japan
Categories	Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Shape	S-Style
Body Type	Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type	Locking Tremolo Bridge
Color Family	Black, Blue, Pink, Red
Finish Style	Gloss, Metallic
Fretboard Material	Maple, Rosewood
Model Family	Fender Stratocaster
Neck Construction	Bolt-On
Neck Material	Maple
Number of Frets	24
Number of Strings	6-String
Pickup Configuration	HSS
Right / Left Handed	Right Handed
Scale Length	25.5"
Series	Fender HM
Wood Top Style	Plain

FAQs

What is the neck profile of the Fender HM Stratocaster?: The Fender HM Stratocaster features a narrow "C" neck profile, offering a comfortable and fast playing experience, especially suited for technical playing styles.
How many frets does the Fender HM Stratocaster have?: The Fender HM Stratocaster is equipped with 24 jumbo frets, allowing for extended range and ease of playability across the entire fretboard.
What is the pickup configuration on the Fender HM Stratocaster?: The Fender HM Stratocaster features an HSS pickup configuration, providing a versatile range of tones suitable for various music genres, from clean to heavy metal.
Is the Fender HM Stratocaster suitable for heavy metal music?: Yes, the Fender HM Stratocaster is designed with heavy metal in mind, featuring a locking tremolo bridge and HSS pickups for powerful, aggressive tones.
What are the finish options available for the Fender HM Stratocaster?: The Fender HM Stratocaster is available in several finishes, including Black, Flash Pink, Ice Blue, and Razz Berry, each offering a striking visual appeal.

Videos

Add video

The Trogly's Guitar Show

Is it Worth $1199? | 2020 Fender HM Strat Reissue Flash White Heavy Metal | Review + Demo

The Trogly's Guitar Show

The Fender HM Strat ft. Ethan Brosh | Fender

Fender

NEW Fender HM Strats - Let's Get Shreddy?

Andertons Music Co

Fender Limited Edition HM Strat | First Impressions with Chris Garza

Guitar Center

Fender Limited Edition HM Strat Guitar Demo

Sweetwater

The Fender Heavy Metal Strat is back! | Fender Limited Edition HM Strat Demo

GAK

Fender LTD Edition HM Stratocaster - The Ultimate 80s Style Stratocaster For Metal Players

PMTVUK

Fender HM Strat - Bring Back the 80's! Full Demo & Review

The Tone King

Fender LTD HM Strat RW, Ice Blue | Gear4music demo

Gear4music Guitars

Reviews

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PROS

Fast neck ideal for shredding and high-speed play
High-quality build with closer tolerances than newer US-made Strats
Unique hybrid sound blending Fender and Ibanez characteristics
Comfortable flat fingerboard, great for transitioning from nylon-string guitars
Durable and sturdy for regular gigging
Iconic Kahler bridge offers distinct playability without cutting ball ends
Collectible and uncommon, adding value for enthusiasts

CONS

Challenging to find replacement necks due to custom design
Original pickups considered low output with limited tone
Heavier than a standard Strat, might impact comfort for some players

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fender HM Stratocaster.

Mods and upgrades

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A Gotoh 1996t bridge can directly replace the Floyd Rose Special using original posts, enhancing performance without further modifications.
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Owners recommend upgrading the HM Strat’s Floyd Rose Special to a Floyd Rose Original for better performance, despite the added cost.
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Features and functionality

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The HM Strat features a unique neck and scale length, contributing to its distinct playing feel compared to typical Stratocasters.
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The Charvel DK24 is praised for its 24 frets, super slim neck, and floating tremolo, which are beneficial for playing styles like Steve Vai's.
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The HH setup with a coil split switch offers versatility, though the guitar retains its metal-focused sound profile.
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Comparisons

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Owners compare the HM Strat favorably with the Ibanez Genesis RG550-RFR, noting a preference for the Strat's feel and tone despite the Ibanez's superior specs.
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The Charvel Pro Mod DK24 HH FR model offers a Korean-made Floyd 1000 bridge and Seymour Duncan pickups, providing better specs than the HM Strat for a similar price.
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User experience

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Multiple players appreciate the HM Strat for its unique appeal, noting that it stands out on stage due to its rarity and distinctive design.
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Some users express regret for not choosing the Charvel DK24 due to its superior features like locking tuners and roasted maple neck, which enhance playability.
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Owners highlight excellent playability, with superb tuning stability and a well-contoured heel joint.
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Tuning stability remains reliable even when the locks are removed and the tremolo is decked for conventional tuning.
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Value and pricing

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At $1200, the HM Strat's use of an entry-level Floyd Rose is criticized when compared to the Ibanez RG550's higher-end Original Edge tremolo.
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Build quality

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The thick poly finish on the HM Strat can be brittle and chip easily, suggesting Fender may have repainted these as needed.
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Use cases and applications

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The HM Strat excels in heavy music genres, producing hot, flat tones ideal for downtuning and metal riffs, such as Poison or Def Leppard songs.
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Critic Reviews

Fender Limited Edition HM Strat Review | GuitarPlayer

guitarplayer.com

The Fender HM Stratocaster reissue is a vibrant nod to the 80s with its bold colors and high-performance build. It's a guitar that excels in delivering a wide range of tones, thanks to its hum-sing-sing pickup configuration and coil-split option. The Japanese craftsmanship shines through with slick playability and a fast neck, making it a dream for shred enthusiasts. While the nostalgia factor is high, the guitar's distinct aesthetic and sound may not appeal to everyone. Overall, it's a solid choice for those seeking a versatile Strat with a retro flair.

positive

Full Review

Fender Limited Edition HM Strat review | Guitar World

guitarworld.com

The Fender Limited Edition HM Strat is a vibrant nod to '80s flair with modern enhancements. Boasting custom-voiced HSS pickups and a Floyd Rose Special tremolo, it promises a robust shred-friendly experience. The instrument's craftsmanship, including a lightweight basswood body and ergonomic controls, impresses. However, its bold aesthetic isn't for everyone, potentially limiting appeal beyond its nostalgic charm. Overall, it excels as a high-performance guitar with a characteristically flashy design, praised for its sound and playability. Ideal for those seeking a distinctive, turbocharged ride down memory lane.

positive

Full Review

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4.5 out of 5

Based on 3 Reviews and 11 Ratings

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fastfingers666

2479

over 11 years ago

A hugely underrated guitar, the HM strat is a hidden gem, but has underpowered pickups

The HM strat was one of my first gigging guitars, and I love it to death. It's sturdy, holds up well, and has a bit of a signature sound. It's heavier then a standard strat, but lighter then a LP. This was Fender trying to cash in on the "SuperStrat" designs of the 80s, but still maintaining a Fender vibe. It has a Kahler bridge (YAY! no cutting ball ends) which I love, and a great neck. The only thing I don't like about it is that it has kinda sucky pickups. Low output, and not much tone. But, DON'T CHANGE THEM! These are collectible, very uncommon. If you find an HM strat, hold onto it. You won't regret it.

gchiaren

37535

11 years ago over 11 years ago

Wow, cool. TIL what an H.M Strat is. The headstock on this thing is wild, very un-Fender like :)

classycamaro

5 years ago over 5 years ago

Well, I put lace in the HSS singles, just don't get rid of the one's you take out. The lace really make this guitar pop!

michele_occhionero

almost 7 years ago

The best of two worlds (with some caveats)

A hybrid between Fender and Ibanez JEM, can be used for a classic neck-middle single coil fender sound but has a Di Marzio Super Distortion for heavy parts. Flat fingerboard, comfortable for nylon-string players. Someone could argue that it's better to have a "proper" Fender and a "proper" Ibanez.