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Fender HM IV Bass

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Oldbassdude

Jul 28, 2007
4
0
tidewater virginia
#1
Hello,

I just bought a 3 pickup Fender bass at a yard sale. It says Fender HM IV it plays and sounds great. It says made in Japan the year is 1981.

Can anyone tell me what this is? I can only find one or two theads with the same review.

I paid $50. The neck is perfect, the pickups are clean and sound bright. The 5 way switch is clean and it sounds great through my Ampeg 4 ten cab.

Any info would help..

Larry
 

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#7
Hey, thanks for the pics!!!! Lookin' great!

They (Fender) came out with something similar with the Strats in the late eighties/early nineties. There has always been this thing going around that these instruments were american parts shipped to and assembled in Japan.

The HM series (Heavy Metal) series were created so that Fender could compete with their competitors on basses that were deemed "desireable" for the rock/metal scene.

The HM strat was designed in collaboration with Greg Howe..(one sick guitar player). I used to have a 1990 model and sold it to my friend. :bawl: I currently have a 1989 model almost identical to replace it. :smug: (Check out my webpage to see a pic if you want. It's the black Fender Strat.)
 
#9
Duuude! The HM was my first real bass ever. I was so jacked about getting a Fender. I played that thing for years and it never gave me one problem. Think I picked mine up new in 88 or 89. Mine was black crackle. I regret getting rid of that all the time but, you cant tell a dumb kid anything.

Oh well, great score for you nonetheless. Congrtats! Ive never seen one on TB.

A little action shot of the old HM!

HMBass2.gif
 
#10
Hey dude, Nice photo!.. I don't think I will ever rock this one like you did yours but I do enjoy playing it for my own amazement. Mine is not "Cherry" but I had the action set up today and with the new string it really has a great range of tones with the three pickups and 5 position switch. Thanks for the comeback and photo! I was soooooo lucky to score this one.
 
#14
neptune said:
These HM's weren't made until around 1988 (possibly as early as 1986) and discontinued around '92. They came out at the same time as the HM Strats. Here's one link: http://www.strat-central.com/fmi.htm
Click to expand...

I believe you are right. They made these basses from '88 to '91 I think. The one I have was made around '89-'90 according to the serial #. The neck on this bass is one of the best Fender made IMO and you can get a lot of different tones out of it as well. If can get one of these I would jump on it.

Nightsblood, my bass has the same finish as yours did.

110-1050_IMG.jpg
 
#16
El Whappo said:
I believe you are right. They made these basses from '88 to '91 I think. The one I have was made around '89-'90 according to the serial #. The neck on this bass is one of the best Fender made IMO and you can get a lot of different tones out of it as well. If can get one of these I would jump on it.

Nightsblood, my bass has the same finish as yours did.

110-1050_IMG.jpg
Click to expand...

I want my HM back! Nice photo. THat brings bacck some memories.
 
#17
You're absolutely right about the neck. I've got an HM5 and the Fender 5 string Jazzes feel clunky in comparison.

Several years ago I put mine up for sale in a music shop. Thankfully no one bought it. I eventually 'rediscovered' the bass and decided I liked it enough to keep as my main bass - but only after what I felt was some needed modification. Here's some before and afters:
(in the time since the 'after' photo's been taken I've replaced the black hardware with chrome)
 

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