The original Boss HM-2 Heavy Metal achieved a cult-like status from guitarists looking for the signature "chainsaw" sound of Swedish death metal, produced by the pedal when all the knobs are at 10. The pedal was only in production from 1983-1991 (earlier models made in Japan, later ones made in Taiwan), making them quite expensive on the secondary market. While the pedal appears on the boards of many metal guitarists, it offers a wide range of tones. In fact, it was used for fuzz by David Gilmour on his solo record About Face and Pink Floyd's A Momentary Lapse of Reason.
Joining the TB-2W Tone Bender, BD-2W Blues Driver, the DM-2W Delay, and the CE-2W Chorus, the HM-2W is the newest addition to the Japanese pedal manufacturer’s Waza Craft line, which enables Boss to have a hand in the competitive pedal modification scene by modifying its own pedals. While original Boss pedals are already great, the Waza Craft line offers players premium, expanded options. In the case of the HM-2W, the new pedal is less expensive than the originals.
The Waza Craft Heavy Metal reproduces the original tones of the HM-2 pedal when in Standard Mode. As a feature of the Waza line, the HM-2W offers a Custom Mode that is modified to have extra attack, sharpness, fullness, and definition. Boss has prioritized the needs of modern players by reducing the noise floor and increasing the maximum level by 3 dB. Also included in HM-2W is a premium Waza Craft Buffer, which improves sounds when the pedal is bypassed.
The real question: How does the HM-2W's sound compare to the original? Check out the full video with Andy Martin above to hear for yourself.
Buy the HM-2W on Reverb now.