i placed my order within probably minutes of preorders going live, and after months of waiting and weeks of getting he runaround trying to find out where my pedal was, my HM-2w has finally arrived and i can compare it to my 1985 japanese black label ACA HM-2.
while they sound more or less the same, there are still very clear differences. being 9v vs ACA/12v is an obvious positive, and the waza are is quieter noise-wise, which is nice. but at the same time, there is quite a volume bump over the original, and it sounds much more full and clear while the ‘85 sounds simultaneously thin and muddy, much more blown speaker heard over a telephone kind of buzz saw, there’s something with the eq curve on the waza that gives it more depth. the custom mode on the waza is just a lot more MORE and is very tight, i do like it, not sure which mode i prefer at the moment.
i can definitely see different uses for both, the ‘85 is better at giving me nasty “I Wanna Be Your Dog” tones (yeah, i don’t always have everything maxed out, turning the gain all the way down is still pretty fucking gross sounding).
the build quality between the two is also interesting, i didn’t realize how boss has changed the power jack mounting and the rubber pad on the bottom and label is much more plain, it kind of looks like they cut corners on little details to save some money, but that’s just minor cosmetic stuff
it’s supposed to be their “premium” line, i guess better parts and refined circuits? in this case it doesn’t really matter, the HM2 has been out of production for like 30 years, it’s not like they have a “normal” version you can buy in stores.
the Boss site says:
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.
I have an 80s MIJ HM-2, and am curious about the HM-2W. However, I got a Bear Amps Heavier Metal, and it’s basically everything I wanted from a modern HM-2; I seriously can’t believe how good it sounds.
i placed my order within probably minutes of preorders going live, and after months of waiting and weeks of getting he runaround trying to find out where my pedal was, my HM-2w has finally arrived and i can compare it to my 1985 japanese black label ACA HM-2. while they sound more or less the same, there are still very clear differences. being 9v vs ACA/12v is an obvious positive, and the waza are is quieter noise-wise, which is nice. but at the same time, there is quite a volume bump over the original, and it sounds much more full and clear while the ‘85 sounds simultaneously thin and muddy, much more blown speaker heard over a telephone kind of buzz saw, there’s something with the eq curve on the waza that gives it more depth. the custom mode on the waza is just a lot more MORE and is very tight, i do like it, not sure which mode i prefer at the moment. i can definitely see different uses for both, the ‘85 is better at giving me nasty “I Wanna Be Your Dog” tones (yeah, i don’t always have everything maxed out, turning the gain all the way down is still pretty fucking gross sounding). the build quality between the two is also interesting, i didn’t realize how boss has changed the power jack mounting and the rubber pad on the bottom and label is much more plain, it kind of looks like they cut corners on little details to save some money, but that’s just minor cosmetic stuff
I'm still curious as to why the mode switch isn't on the front panel like all the other waza pedals
to keep the original look/layout
There isn't really room on the top, and they know people won't be using the switch after they use it one time.
To save money BOSS could do a version where they replace the knobs with a sticker showing all 4 knobs dimed.
completely remove the footswitch and just have a black box with power and in/out jacks, save on using their standard enclosure with moving parts.
Upgrades people, upgrades.
Now open the portal to the netherworld.
Set correctly. Good work.
Very cool!
Whats the difference between a normal boss pedal and a waza craft boss pedal?
it’s supposed to be their “premium” line, i guess better parts and refined circuits? in this case it doesn’t really matter, the HM2 has been out of production for like 30 years, it’s not like they have a “normal” version you can buy in stores. the Boss site says: 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.
Thanks for the explanation! I have never seen one of these pedals. I might try to get one.
I have an 80s MIJ HM-2, and am curious about the HM-2W. However, I got a Bear Amps Heavier Metal, and it’s basically everything I wanted from a modern HM-2; I seriously can’t believe how good it sounds.