Boss HM-2W Waza Craft Heavy Metal

The Boss HM-2W Waza Craft Heavy Metal: Chainsaw Tone Re-forged

Authentic HM-2 tone with modern upgrades

The Boss HM-2W Waza Craft Heavy Metal pedal resurrects the legendary tone that defined the Swedish death metal scene of the 1980s and '90s. Originally produced from 1983 to 1991, the HM-2 became iconic for its chainsaw-like distortion, especially when all knobs are maxed out. This Waza Craft edition honors that legacy with a newly designed all-analog circuit that perfectly replicates the original sound while offering subtle enhancements like a lower noise floor and extended maximum output. The improved buffer ensures superior clarity when bypassed—modern reliability, vintage ferocity.

Dual modes for versatile distortion

The HM-2W features both Standard and Custom modes, giving players two distinct takes on its signature sound. Standard mode delivers the original analog tone of the '80s pedal, while Custom mode turns everything up a notch with increased gain, boosted lows and highs, and a more present fundamental tone. Whether you're after that classic buzzsaw tone or a slightly more aggressive variation, the HM-2W covers it with style.

Legendary design, faithfully recreated

Everything about the HM-2W is true to the spirit of the original. From the bold orange-on-black color scheme to the knob placement and labeling, this pedal looks the part just as much as it sounds it. Even the font and layout were carefully matched to preserve the HM-2’s cult aesthetic. The only addition is the discreet top-mounted mode switch, which adds versatility without compromising the vintage layout.

Built for tone obsessives

As part of the Waza Craft series, the HM-2W reflects BOSS’ uncompromising commitment to tonal excellence. “Waza” translates to “art” and “technique” in Japanese, and this ethos is evident in every component of the pedal, from its premium parts to its refined circuitry. The result is a distortion pedal that doesn’t just honor its predecessor—, it improves it for a new generation of players who crave the heaviest of tones with modern performance standards.

Powerful sound-shaping controls

With its intuitive knob layout, the HM-2W gives players precise command over their distortion tone. Use the COLOR MIX H knob to shape midrange punch around 1 kHz, and the COLOR MIX L to dial in low-end aggression around 100 Hz. Add in the DRIVE and LEVEL controls and you've got a potent range of gain, EQ, and output shaping at your fingertips, all tweakable for metal mayhem or surprisingly dynamic and textured tones beyond the genre.

Specifications:

• Nominal Input Level: -20 dBu

• Input Impedance: 1 MΩ

• Nominal Output Level: -20 dBu

• Output Impedance: 1 kΩ

• Recommended Load Impedance: 10 kΩ 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 (also used for battery status)

• Connectors:

  • INPUT jack: 1/4" phone type

  • OUTPUT jack: 1/4" phone type

  • DC IN jack

• Power Supply:

  • Alkaline battery (9V, 6LR61 or 6LF22)

  • Carbon-zinc battery (9V, 6F22)

  • AC adaptor (PSA series, sold separately)

• Current Draw: 30 mA

• Expected Battery Life (continuous use):

  • Alkaline: Approx. 24 hours

  • Carbon: Approx. 8 hours

• Dimensions: 2-7/8" (W) x 5-1/8" (D) x 2-3/8" (H)

• Weight (including battery): 1 lb

• Accessories Included:

  • Owner’s manual

  • Leaflet “USING THE UNIT SAFELY”

  • Alkaline battery (9V)

• Optional Accessory: AC adaptor (PSA series)

This distortion pedal ships fully insured with signature required.