BOSS HM-2 Heavy Metal distortion pedal, Made in Taiwan, serial number 901600.

This is an original-production vintage BOSS HM-2 Heavy Metal from the first Taiwan-production period, dating approximately to 1988. It is the original HM-2 design and not the later HM-2W Waza Craft reissue.

The serial sticker reads 901600 – Products of Roland TAIWAN. Under the standard six-digit BOSS serial-number system, the first two digits correspond to the manufacturing month, with prefix 90 indicating approximately May 1988. Because documentation shows that some early Taiwanese BOSS pedals used irregular or transitional serial numbering, I am describing the pedal conservatively as circa 1988 / early Taiwan production rather than guaranteeing an exact production month.

The HM-2 was introduced in 1983 and became one of BOSS's most historically distinctive distortion designs. Toward the end of the 1980s it became inseparably associated with the Swedish death-metal guitar sound developed around Sunlight Studio recordings. BOSS itself describes the famous setting with all four controls turned fully clockwise as the pedal's signature “chainsaw” sound.

This particular example has clearly seen genuine use over its approximately 38-year life. The black enclosure retains the original orange graphics and four orange/black control knobs, but there are numerous scratches, scuffs, paint chips and handling marks across the enclosure. The wear is cosmetic and clearly documented in the photographs.

The underside retains the original-style black BOSS label identifying it as a Product of Roland / Made in Taiwan, together with the ACA-series adapter information. The separate serial sticker is also present and legible.

Please review all photographs carefully. They show the actual pedal, front panel, controls, input and output sides, power connection, bottom label, battery compartment area and serial number.

Condition

• Good used vintage condition
• Original-production BOSS HM-2 Heavy Metal
• Made in Taiwan
• Serial number: 901600
• Approximate production date: circa 1988
• Early Taiwan-production example
• Original black/orange HM-2 appearance remains clearly intact
• Orange control graphics remain strong and legible
• Four orange/black control knobs are present
• Top enclosure shows numerous scratches, scuffs and handling marks
• Visible scratches across the treadle/footswitch surface
• Multiple small paint chips around enclosure edges
• Side panels show noticeable scratches and rubbed areas
• Larger rubbed/scuffed area visible on one lower side
• Corners and enclosure edges show normal vintage paint loss
• Metal input/output jack hardware shows normal age-related wear
• Control knobs show handling wear and surface marks
• LED lens appears intact
• Footswitch mechanism appears externally complete
• Battery-compartment thumb screw is present
• Bottom rubber section and label show normal age and handling wear
• Original Made in Taiwan / BOSS ACA adapter label remains present
• Serial-number sticker remains present and readable
• No visible cracks or major structural enclosure damage
• Internal electronics have not been represented as untouched or component-original, because no internal PCB photographs are included here
• Please inspect all photographs carefully for exact cosmetic condition

Specifications

• Brand: BOSS
• Manufacturer: Roland
• Model: HM-2 Heavy Metal
• Effect Type: Distortion
• Series: BOSS Compact Pedal
• Version: Original production HM-2
• Modern HM-2W Reissue: No
• Approximate Year: 1988
• Made In: Taiwan
• Serial Number: 901600
• Finish: Black
• Graphics: Orange
• Pedal Format: Standard BOSS compact pedal
• Circuit Type: Analog
• Controls: Level, Color Mix L, Color Mix H, Distortion
• Switching: BOSS electronic Normal/Effect switching
• Indicator: Check / effect LED
• Input: 1/4" mono instrument input
• Output: 1/4" mono output
• Input Impedance: 1 MΩ
• Power Consumption: Approximately 10 mA at 9V
• Battery Power: 9V battery
• External Power: BOSS ACA-series adapter system
• Recommended Original Adapter: ACA-series
• Width: Approximately 70 mm
• Height: Approximately 55 mm
• Depth: Approximately 125 mm
• Weight: Approximately 400 g

Dating / Identification Details

• Serial sticker: 901600
• Serial sticker explicitly states Products of Roland TAIWAN
• Rear label states Made in Taiwan
• Original-production HM-2 construction and graphics
• Black rear-label period
• Six-digit serial-number format
• Standard BOSS six-digit dating sequence places prefix 90 in approximately May 1988
• Taiwanese BOSS production began during the 1988 transition period
• Early Taiwanese serial numbers can occasionally deviate from the normal dating sequence
• May 1988 presented as probable rather than absolutely guaranteed month

Power-supply note

This vintage HM-2 is an ACA-era pedal. The enclosure itself specifically says to use a BOSS ACA adapter, and BOSS's current support documentation confirms that the original HM-2 uses the ACA power system.

It can also be powered from a 9V battery. Please be extra careful regarding standalone power-supply compatibility.

Included

• BOSS HM-2 Heavy Metal pedal shown in the photos
• No 9V battery included unless agreed
• No other accessories included unless shown or specifically stated

Shipping

The pedal will be carefully packed with protective packing material inside a suitable outer shipping box.

Shipping will be via tracked courier service such as UPS, DHL, FedEx or equivalent depending on destination, price, parcel size and insurance availability. Tracking will be provided after dispatch.

International buyers are responsible for all import duties, VAT, customs fees, tariffs, brokerage/handling fees and any other local taxes or charges required by the destination country. These costs are not included in the item price or shipping price.

Shipping outside Europe may be possible by prior agreement. Please contact me before purchasing for an exact insured courier quote.