First Version - The first version appeared with a distinct Strat logo in the headstock, 24 thicker and wider "medium jumbo" frets, a maple neck with rosewood or maple fingerboard and with one of the four neck "bolts" (screws) off-set at the bottom of the neck to allow a more comfortable "heel" area for playing in the upper registers, a lighter basswood body, or occasionally alder for US made guitars).

In addition, the Fender HM Strat had a licensed double-locking Kahler Spyder tremolo system, Gotoh tuners, and a side-mounted jack socket.

American-assembled HM Strats have a very hard aircraft grade urethane color and clear coats on the body, while still using a polyester finish on the neck.

Second Version - The US HM series stratocasters were produced in 1990 (possibly late 1988 with Japanese sourced components) and included the Strat 10-3200 (i.e. cont.

In 1985, a group of musically dedicated people and investors led by William Schultz purchased the Fender company from Columbia Broadcasting System (CBS).

In recent years, guitarist Ethan Brosh has been spotted playing old '80s HM Strats as his touring instrument of choice.

Jeff Nations, guitarist for JB Crockett, also uses a U.S. HM Strat in his touring rig.