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HM-2w in the works
Posted: Wed Nov 25, 2020 3:18 am
by bubba899
https://www.guitarworld.com/news/boss-c ... sOv5jl31X0
As well as the new Waza pedal that's been teased, It looks like there's a Boss HM-2w in the pipeline, so two new Waza pedals to look forward to! They're even looking for input on the design. What would people like to see when it comes to the custom mode? Or any modifications to the original in general?
Re: HM-2w in the works
Posted: Wed Nov 25, 2020 7:15 am
by Nick and the Noise
Cool! I've always wanted one. The sound of so many classic records, Swervedriver and HUM (and MBV of course) being my favourites.
Custom mode? Perhaps transform the EQ in a subtle hi-fi EQ instead of the balls to the walls V-curve?
Re: HM-2w in the works
Posted: Wed Nov 25, 2020 7:47 am
by fuzzjunkie
Where does the rumor that Kevin Shields used a Boss HM-2 come from and why does it continue to persist?
I saw them play live multiple times back in the day. Kevin never used a Boss HM-2. Other people did. He did not. I have heard that Bilinda used one live. I never saw that, but it could be being a Boss pedal that it was an easily sourced pedal replacement. Even if she did use it live, it wasn’t an important part of their “sound” for the simple reason that Kevin did not use one.
According to a roadie, for Loveless live shows he used – Digitec Whammy, Boss EH-2 enhancer, Boss PQ-4, 2 x Boss GE-7, Boss T-Wah, Pro-Co Turbo Rat, Roger Mayer Axis & Mongoose, Marshall Guv’nor, Jim Dunlop Roto-Vibe, Boss Tremolo/Pan (Boss PN-2 to be specific), Digitech PDS-8000 (now replaced by the Jamman), ADA Pre-amp, MidiVerb2 (made by Alesis for those who don’t know), SPX90 x 2 and 3 x JCM800’s (only 2 amps were actually running) JCM’s valved with EL34′s and ECC83‘s
I can confirm that is the set up I saw on multiple occasions. For a short time he had a 2nd Rat in place of the Marshall pedal and a Fuzz Face in place of the Axis fuzz. No HM-2.
The same goes for the Fender Blender rumors. He has one now. I believe gifted by his friend J Mascis, but not something he used on or before Loveless. He had one on his board, along with 209 other pedals during the reunion shows, but mostly for show, and not part of the MBV sound.
A Vox AC-30 was more important to the MBV sound than any of those pedals.
Re: HM-2w in the works
Posted: Wed Nov 25, 2020 7:49 am
by fuzzjunkie
PS. Enjoy the HM-2. It makes a nice bass distortion. It can be used for shoegaze. Debbie Googe should have used one. Lots of people did. Just not Kevin Shields. Have fun with it.
Re: HM-2w in the works
Posted: Wed Nov 25, 2020 2:34 pm
by ElephantDNA
fuzzjunkie wrote: ↑Wed Nov 25, 2020 7:47 am
Where does the rumor that Kevin Shields used a Boss HM-2 come from and why does it continue to persist?
I saw them play live multiple times back in the day. Kevin never used a Boss HM-2. Other people did. He did not. I have heard that Bilinda used one live. I never saw that, but it could be being a Boss pedal that it was an easily sourced pedal replacement. Even if she did use it live, it wasn’t an important part of their “sound” for the simple reason that Kevin did not use one.
According to a roadie, for Loveless live shows he used – Digitec Whammy, Boss EH-2 enhancer, Boss PQ-4, 2 x Boss GE-7, Boss T-Wah, Pro-Co Turbo Rat, Roger Mayer Axis & Mongoose, Marshall Guv’nor, Jim Dunlop Roto-Vibe, Boss Tremolo/Pan (Boss PN-2 to be specific), Digitech PDS-8000 (now replaced by the Jamman), ADA Pre-amp, MidiVerb2 (made by Alesis for those who don’t know), SPX90 x 2 and 3 x JCM800’s (only 2 amps were actually running) JCM’s valved with EL34′s and ECC83‘s
I can confirm that is the set up I saw on multiple occasions. For a short time he had a 2nd Rat in place of the Marshall pedal and a Fuzz Face in place of the Axis fuzz. No HM-2.
The same goes for the Fender Blender rumors. He has one now. I believe gifted by his friend J Mascis, but not something he used on or before Loveless. He had one on his board, along with 209 other pedals during the reunion shows, but mostly for show, and not part of the MBV sound.
A Vox AC-30 was more important to the MBV sound than any of those pedals.
Yeah that has just been a persistent rumor forever. But I've never been able to find a source for that either. Nothing he was doing sounds particularly like an HM2 to me.
Re: HM-2w in the works
Posted: Wed Nov 25, 2020 7:36 pm
by tune_link
I’m trying to figure out why Boss wants our input on an HM2 Waza when that wasn’t asked for with any of the others? Boss is acting like people aren’t opinionated on any of their other pedals which we know is patently false.
At any rate, as a former HM-2 owner (mine was stolen after a gig a loooooong time ago and never replaced) I am def looking forward to buying the Waza version.
Re: HM-2w in the works
Posted: Thu Nov 26, 2020 12:24 am
by loveinathens
I'd love it if it worked on regular 9v and had more output than the original.
Re: HM-2w in the works
Posted: Thu Nov 26, 2020 2:02 am
by bubba899
tune_link wrote: ↑Wed Nov 25, 2020 7:36 pm
I’m trying to figure out why Boss wants our input on an HM2 Waza when that wasn’t asked for with any of the others? Boss is acting like people aren’t opinionated on any of their other pedals which we know is patently false.
At any rate, as a former HM-2 owner (mine was stolen after a gig a loooooong time ago and never replaced) I am def looking forward to buying the Waza version.
It's an interesting point. I wonder if it's because the HM-2's appeal is maybe a bit more niche than say a BD-2. Perhaps they want to properly understand the people who are most likely to buy one.
The Waza series came out when I was still working in a guitar shop and the BD-2 and DM-2 sold like nobodies business, but despite the clamor on forums for the VB-2, barely anyone went for them by comparison. We actually over ordered on them because I was convinced they'd sell out in a week. But the original order was still there when I left the shop a year later. Not sure if that translates to lower sales in general, but if that's the case, maybe they're being more cautious? Just a theory though.
Re: HM-2w in the works
Posted: Thu Nov 26, 2020 9:47 am
by shoule79
The custom mode should be a beat up, flaked paint job.
Or make it sound like a HM-3.
Re: HM-2w in the works
Posted: Thu Nov 26, 2020 11:00 pm
by ElephantDNA
bubba899 wrote: ↑Thu Nov 26, 2020 2:02 am
tune_link wrote: ↑Wed Nov 25, 2020 7:36 pm
I’m trying to figure out why Boss wants our input on an HM2 Waza when that wasn’t asked for with any of the others? Boss is acting like people aren’t opinionated on any of their other pedals which we know is patently false.
At any rate, as a former HM-2 owner (mine was stolen after a gig a loooooong time ago and never replaced) I am def looking forward to buying the Waza version.
It's an interesting point. I wonder if it's because the HM-2's appeal is maybe a bit more niche than say a BD-2. Perhaps they want to properly understand the people who are most likely to buy one.
The Waza series came out when I was still working in a guitar shop and the BD-2 and DM-2 sold like nobodies business, but despite the clamor on forums for the VB-2, barely anyone went for them by comparison. We actually over ordered on them because I was convinced they'd sell out in a week. But the original order was still there when I left the shop a year later. Not sure if that translates to lower sales in general, but if that's the case, maybe they're being more cautious? Just a theory though.
I'm not too surprised by that. I think modulation stuff is always tougher sell. Particularly at this price point. I think there's a reason they seem to be going to distortion and fuzz. Definitely less niche, though hm-2 I guess is a bit niche for a distortion.
Re: HM-2w in the works
Posted: Fri Nov 27, 2020 12:52 am
by tade
There are quite a few builders making their own version the HM-2, I’m pretty sure they won’t be short on suggestions, many of those based on what these builders are adding to the original circuit. I would expect an improvement over the output level and a mids control being the most common requests.
It’s going to be an interesting battle between Swedish death metal fans and David Gilmour worshipers, let the war begin!!!
Re: HM-2w in the works
Posted: Fri Nov 27, 2020 1:23 am
by Vendetagainst
I am so down for this. As someone who enjoys both Swedish Death Metal and David Gilmour, this is so awesome that they did this. Even though Kevin Shields may not have owned one, it's still great for shoegaze and if you roll down the highs you get a great sludge metal tone. I probably won't get this on account of already owning a MIT HM-2, but this is super cool for the people who could never afford/find a MIJ one. I guess for the custom mode, it would be nice to have less fizz in the low end when turning down the highs. A mid boost would be killer too.
Hopefully they make the FZ-2w soon! I'm a huge Electric Wizard and MBV fan, so that would be a godsend considering that FZ-2s are more pricey nowadays than MIJ HM-2s!
Re: HM-2w in the works
Posted: Wed Dec 02, 2020 12:06 am
by tade
Actually HM-2 are not that expensive or hard to come by. There are those asking insane amounts of money for them, but you can have one for around 80-100 euros easily.
FZ-2 are way more expensive and hard to find.
Re: HM-2w in the works
Posted: Wed Dec 02, 2020 1:59 pm
by Veitchy
tade wrote: ↑Fri Nov 27, 2020 12:52 am
It’s going to be an interesting battle between Swedish death metal fans and David Gilmour worshipers, let the war begin!!!
A tale as old as time...
Re: HM-2w in the works
Posted: Wed Dec 09, 2020 3:18 am
by Zork
It would be funny if the switch just set the pedal to the swedish chainsaw. Useless, but charming.