The Last Bass Outpost

Gear Discussion Forums => Fender Basses => Topic started by: Bargeon on July 13, 2021, 05:37:36 PM

Title: Fender HM iv bass
Post by: Bargeon on July 13, 2021, 05:37:36 PM
HM for Heavy Metal. But it seems they missed the market.
A friend just got one of these. MIJ in 1989. It needs a bit of work but should be salvageable.They were only made for two or three years and Fender seems to have forgotten about them, said they couldn't find the SN (but it's on TheGuitarDater ). Does any one have a wiring diagram? Or any literature?

Here's a pic of one

https://classicandcoolguitars.co.uk/sold_basses/fenderhm.htm

Thanks
Title: Re: Fender HM iv bass
Post by: Pilgrim on July 14, 2021, 08:04:30 AM
I like that!!  The speckled body is not to garish that it takes your eye off the overall instrument.  I like the painted headstock, too.
Title: Re: Fender HM iv bass
Post by: BTL on July 14, 2021, 08:25:58 AM
If it's configured like the one in the link, wire it like a Strat, but with a single volume and tone.

https://guitarelectronics.com/strat-w-single-master-tone-control/

(https://cdn11.bigcommerce.com/s-fxdzp2uudp/images/stencil/1280x1280/products/2502/5416/WDUSSS5L1101__23060.1481743897.jpg?c=2)
Title: Re: Fender HM iv bass
Post by: Bargeon on July 14, 2021, 08:53:36 AM
Thanks BeeTL. I'll pass it along.  The bass has an odd TBX tone pot like this, but the wiring may be the same.

https://www.premierguitar.com/gear/the-fender-tbx-tone-control-part-1
Title: Re: Fender HM iv bass
Post by: gearHed289 on July 15, 2021, 09:24:38 AM
Not a bad looking bass! Fender was a little late in the game here as far as "Super J" basses go. But I like it.
Title: Re: Fender HM iv bass
Post by: ilan on July 16, 2021, 12:36:55 PM
I'm looking for an 80s bass but it will have to be extremely 80s. Spandex and big hair era. Pointy headstock and neon colored, preferably leopard pattern.

(https://www.vintagejapanguitars.com.br/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/1984_ARIA_PRO_II_FLYERS_01-800x445.jpg)
Title: Re: Fender HM iv bass
Post by: Highlander on July 16, 2021, 12:37:57 PM
Nice... ripe for a Mudbucker, or maybe a "Tractor" mod... :mrgreen:

Tigerrrrrr...
Title: Re: Fender HM iv bass
Post by: Dave W on July 16, 2021, 08:30:58 PM
I'm looking for an 80s bass but it will have to be extremely 80s. Spandex and big hair era. Pointy headstock and neon colored, preferably leopard pattern.


You'll need some assless chaps to complete the look.
Title: Re: Fender HM iv bass
Post by: ilan on July 17, 2021, 04:02:35 AM
You'll need some assless chaps to complete the look.

Yeah I don't think so  ;D Hot pink Spandex maybe.

Remember the time when you couldn't give away a 70s Fender? A large headstock Strat? I think that 80s guitars may be next. Plus I really want to do a jazz/blues gig with that zebra Aria bass.

This one (https://www.ebay.com/itm/303879308853) is affordable at $537 but not garish enough.

(https://img.digimart.net/prdimg/m/64/a0dabfb4698ee493c90a816a0d6ca313d2337b.jpg)
Title: Re: Fender HM iv bass
Post by: morrow on July 17, 2021, 04:32:43 AM
Everybody over a certain age should have some 80’s remnants tucked away .
I had a Unicorn come my way last year , slightly worse for the wear but a nice player .
Have yet to find an outfit for it .
Title: Re: Fender HM iv bass
Post by: Dave W on July 17, 2021, 09:16:10 PM
Yeah I don't think so  ;D Hot pink Spandex maybe.

Remember the time when you couldn't give away a 70s Fender? A large headstock Strat? I think that 80s guitars may be next. Plus I really want to do a jazz/blues gig with that zebra Aria bass.

This one (https://www.ebay.com/itm/303879308853) is affordable at $537 but not garish enough.

(https://img.digimart.net/prdimg/m/64/a0dabfb4698ee493c90a816a0d6ca313d2337b.jpg)

That's a nice finish. Not my kind of body shape though. Reminds me of the time I found a US-made BC Rich Bich that sounded great, at a ridiculously low price. Shop owner talked me out of it, said I'd never dare play it on stage. He was right!

I like the look of large headstock Strats.

Everybody over a certain age should have some 80’s remnants tucked away .
I had a Unicorn come my way last year , slightly worse for the wear but a nice player .
Have yet to find an outfit for it .

My sons are old enough to have some 80s remnants tucked away. I'm well past that.  :)
Title: Re: Fender HM iv bass
Post by: ilan on July 19, 2021, 01:55:45 AM
That's a nice finish. Not my kind of body shape though

In 1986 I owned an Explorer-shaped Arbor bass that I bought in Philly for $100. Loved the look but the balance on a strap was weird. Maybe it takes getting used to, but I sold it and got back to Fender-shaped basses within 3 months.

This model:

(https://images.reverb.com/image/upload/s--DeqtexB8--/f_auto,t_large/v1587440200/b4m1rgxh4syfyeruwyiu.jpg)