A Metal Legend Returns
Produced from 1983 to 1991, the BOSS HM-2 Heavy Metal is a true legend in the history of distortion pedals. Its signature “chainsaw tone” with all knobs maxed is the defining voice of Swedish death metal, and the slightly milder sides of its personality can be heard on tracks from mainstream to shoegaze. After years of requests from hardcore HM-2 fans, the iconic stomp is now reborn three decades later in a special Waza Craft edition. The HM-2W delivers the authentic analog sound of the original in all its glory, coupled with lots of modern refinements for enhanced performance.
-
Standard Features
- Special edition Waza Craft pedal for the ultimate BOSS tone experience
- Authentic HM-2 appearance
- Standard mode delivers the original HM-2 tone with lower noise and maximized level
- Custom mode provides a more aggressive sound variation with special Waza Craft tuning
- Premium buffer for clean and clear tone when bypassed
- BOSS five-year warranty
Death Metal Legend
When introduced in 1983, the HM-2 was one of the first “amp in a box” pedals ever, using an innovative BOSS circuit to replicate the sound of early ’80s British stack amps favored in the rapidly growing heavy metal genre. Near the end of its production run, seminal Swedish death metal bands adopted the HM-2 for their primary guitar tones, and its uniquely aggressive sound and focused midrange became highly sought after by a new generation of players. The pedal’s vast influence and popularity led to ongoing calls for BOSS to bring it back, and we’re pleased to present the HM-2W to all those devoted fans around the world.
Standard Mode: The Original HM-2 Sound
When the HM-2W is in Standard mode, the tone and response of the original HM-2 pedal is reproduced with 100-percent authenticity. We were also able to add some modern improvements without affecting the sound, including reducing the noise floor and expanding the maximum level by 3 dB. And with the premium Waza Craft buffer on board, the sound is improved when the pedal is bypassed. Cranking every knob all the way up is the sound of Swedish death metal, and you can conjure a wide range of tones for other styles with the sensitive distortion and color controls.
Get Even More Aggressive with Custom Mode
The HM-2W’s Custom mode offers a similar sound character to Standard mode, but with just a little more of everything. The drive stage has a bit more gain and includes more of the fundamental guitar sound for extra attack and sharpness. In addition, the low and high-mid characteristics have been tweaked to provide increased fullness and definition.
Orange and Black is Back
Along with the original HM-2 sound, we made every effort to capture the pedal’s distinctive orange and black appearance, right down to the size and position of lettering on the panel. Every Waza Craft pedal features a mode switch for extended range, and it’s been moved to the top on the HM-2W to preserve the authentic control layout of the HM-2.
Waza Craft: The Art of Superior Tone
Since the beginning, the engineers at BOSS have been committed to achieving the finest guitar tones using any technology necessary, from old-school analog circuits to high-tech DSP. This enthusiastic spirit continues on with the Waza Craft series, bringing you exceptional tone and touch response through carefully selected analog components, refined circuitry, and meticulous attention to detail. In Japan, “Waza” is the term for art and technique, and these special edition pedals proudly carry the Waza symbol to represent the pinnacle of BOSS design and craftsmanship.
Guide/Articles
Behind the Board: Al Robinson with The Cure Guitarist Reeves Gabrels
Al Robinson, Reeves Gabrels’ longtime tech, breaks down his gear, vast pedal collection, BOSS tattoos, and why Gabrels is “the best tech.”Read more…
Behind the Board: Tom Dalgety with Ghost, Pixies, Royal Blood, and The Cult
The award-winning rock producer shares his top tips and tricks for using BOSS pedals to create number-one records.Read more…
Behind the Board: Richard Pratt with The Prodigy, RAYE, and Biffy Clyro
The effects pedal aficionado shares his top tips on stompboxes and explains how the pros achieve world-class guitar tone.Read more…
Pedal Partners: Combining EQ with Other Effects
As simple as an EQ pedal may initially appear, it’s a must-have for any pedalboard, large or small. Learn to use this essential effect.Read more…
Five Creative Ways to Use a Distortion Pedal for Guitar
Distortion pedals can be wild beasts. Understanding how to tailor them to your setup is integral to getting the most out of the effect.Read more…
Pedal Partners: Combining Distortion with Other Effects
A distortion pedal can be a guitarist’s most defining tool. Learn to pair it with other effects and expand your sonic approach.Read more…
John Browne on the BOSS HM-2W: Monumental Distortion
John Browne of prog heavyweights Monuments gets down and dirty with the HM-2W, putting it through three heads and reporting on his findings.Read more…
What is the Waza Craft Pedal Line?
Each Waza Craft pedal is a complete redesign of the classic circuits by the original designers. Find out exactly what makes them so unique.Read more…
HM-2: The Sound of Swedish Death Metal and Beyond
Get the full story of the HM-2, the genre-defining pedal at the dark heart of Swedish death metal, now immortalized in Waza Craft form.Read more…
Ola Englund on the HM-2W: Swedish Chainsaw Tone Returns
A true authority on heavy metal, few guitarists are better equipped than Ola Englund to explore the distorted depths of the Waza Craft HM-2W.Read more…
Gain Appreciation: Analyzing the BOSS HM-2W
Colin Scott of CSGuitars spent quality time with the BOSS HM-2W, returning with a deep-dive technical exploration of the Waza Craft pedal.Read more…
- Specifications
- Nominal Input Level
- -20 dBu
- Input Impedance
- 1 M ohm
- Nominal Output Level
- -20 dBu
- Output Impedance
- 1 k ohm
- Recommended Load Impedance
- 10 k ohms or greater
- Bypass
- Buffered bypass
- Controls
- Pedal switch
Mode switch
DIST. knob
COLOR MIX H knob
COLOR MIX L knob
LEVEL knob - Indicator
- CHECK indicator (Used for indication of check battery)
- Connectors
- INPUT jack: 1/4-inch phone type
OUTPUT jack: 1/4-inch phone type
DC IN jack - Power Supply
- Alkaline battery (9 V, 6LR61 or 6LF22) or Carbon-zinc battery (9 V, 6F22)
AC adaptor (PSA series: sold separately) - Current Draw
- 30 mA
- Expected battery life under continuous use
- Alkaline: Approx. 24 hours
Carbon: Approx. 8 hours
*These figures will vary depending on the actual conditions of use. - Accessories
- Leaflet “USING THE UNIT SAFELY”
Alkaline battery (9 V, 6LR61 or 6LF22) - Option (sold separately)
- AC adaptor: PSA series
- Size and Weight
- Width
- 73 mm
2-7/8 inches - Depth
- 129 mm
5-1/8 inches - Height
- 59 mm
2-3/8 inches - Weight (including battery)
- 440 g
1 lb - * 0 dBu = 0.775 Vrms
- *The specifications are subject to change without notice.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.