Boss HM-2W - Analysing the NEW Waza Chainsaw | Gain Appreciation

[@ScienceofLoud]

With the first HM-2W prototype in hand we get to work discussing what made the effect so iconic and what changes the Waza makes to improve upon the original. Get your HM-2W: Thomann - www.thomann.de/gb/boss_hm_2w_heavy_metal_distortion.htm?offid=1&affid=367 Sweetwater - imp.i114863.net/Kexyxn Timecodes: Introduction - 0:00 Brief history - 0:54 Mixed track - 1:46 Gain stage - 2:51 EQ stage - 6:04 Waza - What changed? - 8:20 Sounds - 11:29 Conclusion - 14:54 This video contains paid product promotion from Boss #hm2w #hm2 #sponsor More from CSGuitars: Gain access to exclusive content at: www.patreon.com/csguitars Join CSGuitars Discord - discord.gg/d7b6MY8 Buy CSGuitars Merchandise - www.csguitars.co.uk/store Website - www.csguitars.co.uk Contact - [e-mail]

[@jonkerrmusic]

Can we talk about how I cannot find the full song from the Mixed Track - what is this epic dino-metal?

[@ScienceofLoud]

That IS the full track. It's part of my one minute dinosaur death metal project I'm slowly putting together.

[@paulharding675]

What was that guitar you were playing? Looks very nice. 👍

[@ScienceofLoud]

@@paulharding675 Here's a video about it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jZWogqlsfsShlcU

[@lucasgoncalvesdefaria7121]

Hey mate, this video was insanely well done and in-depth, fun all around. I'll probably won't get one when it comes out (I was not one of the ppl asking for it's return) but it's still a blast having Boss look to what their users want and delivering it with such style, and you were a good pick to showcase that. I hope to see more in the future (specially for that FZ-2w if you know what I mean)

[@BOSSinfoglobal]

Colin, this is a seriously cool video & demonstration - thanks for taking the HM-2W out for a test drive!

[@koffieverslaafde627]

and thank you guys for listening to your customers, after years of asking we finally got our hm-2w whoooooo

[@Merjia]

Thank YOU the Wazacraft range is awesome.

[@seank.2589]

Thanks for bring it back! When does it come out?

[@snow15243]

Now make an FZ-2w!!

[@watcherzero8741]

Just can't get no word on a release date nowhere.

[@davidefogagnolo]

As an electronics engineer this kind of pedal analysis is orgasmic

[@justie1220]

Combine the circuit analysis with the Scottish accent.. 😩😩🥵🥵

[@gastonpossel]

As an acoustic engineer (with a significatnt background in electronics), I concurr

[@EytschPi42]

Thank you, this helped.... the work you put into thee videos is completely insane... and I say that as someone who puts work into videos, but this is just completely nuts!

[@JackGladstoneHolroyde]

Petition to have a fan pointed at Colin while he sings to make his hair billow.

[@KelticKabukiGirl]

I do this live for 2 reasons, 1 looks cool, 2 keeps me cool cus I sweat like a pig....

[@MrDrTheJniac]

Finally, someone actually measures guitar gear. I wish more companies bothered to do that, especially when they do not have thorough demos to showcase the range of available sounds.

[@CastToVoid]

A Scot and a Swedish chainsaw walk into a bar

[@krokovay.marcell]

I assume it‘s a 4/4 bar...

[@zombsplaysguitar]

@@krokovay.marcell nah its 5/6

[@SpartanLaserCanon]

Thus the Metal Zone pedal was born... jk Even the Waza Craft one I don't like that much ahaha ahh well

[@rickc2102]

H U S Q V A R N A S !

[@someguynamedrob581]

I was watching a clip yesterday of Mark Knopfler where he referred to one of his resonator guitars as a "delightfully vulgar piece of equipment." THIS pedal I think is the literal definition of a "delightfully vulgar piece of equipment"

[@pearsights]

Honey, the new Waza Craft HM-2W dropped. Its time for tinnitus Yes dear

[@eyesplice7596]

always a good time when Colin gets on the mic

[@dagus834]

Impressive video. A couple comments: 1.) There is no possibility of negative feedback through the Dist control, since the pot's wiper is grounded. It's an easy oversight to make, and I _think_ you caught it and described the function of the pot properly. 2.) The effect of the series diodes lessens as you turn the 'Dist' up. The germanium diodes will always have a forward voltage of 0.3V and cut 0.3Vpp out of your signal, so the higher amplitude signal you push through them the less 'gating' and crossover distortion. You can hear in your video that on lower distortion settings, the pedal sounds a little extra fizzy and behaves a little bit like a fuzz. I think it's safe to say this largely contributes to why most people think it only sounds good with the controls cranked.

[@UkiMalefu]

ALL THE GAIN!!! NO MIDS!!! SLAYER!!!

[@418a5150]

angel of death

[@Yats6417]

ALL THE FUZZ!!! FULL MIDS!!! ENTOMBED!!!

[@joonapuurunen5602]

RAINING BLOOD!!!!

[@DarrenWaters75]

Slayer was all the mids. "It's a frown, not a smile", Kerry King talking about his EQ settings.

[@mc495150]

Old memes must not die

[@mitchell2719]

I found an article that covered how the EQ worked a while ago, and I pretty faithfully recreated the HM-2 in my helix with some parametric EQ and a RAT clone. Glad to see Boss finally recreating this classic!

[@gipsyavenger9829]

Fuming Mouth tone for sure on that last guitar riffage. I am running a JHS Angry Charlie into the Hm2 into my Boss Katana. Great nerdy explanation that went right over my head but I still watched till the end. That Laphroaig is legit peaty goodness. Enjoy !

[@13StJimmy]

Don’t forget Belinda Butcher of My Bloody Valentine also uses an HM-2 😏

[@13StJimmy]

@Luke it was during loveless but I’ve also herd that Kevin did all the guitars on the album (idk of that’s true or not) but she’s been touring with one since the 80s

[@DevilMayAsian]

I love the visual aid when explaining the eq bumps. Really shows Boss took great care to make it not just a one trick pony, but to aid in modern applications.

[@msmoniz]

Let’s not forget that David Gilmour also used a HM-2 with late Pink Floyd for some of his searing lead tones.

[@MEGAMIGA]

For real??!

[@JanXD]

@@MEGAMIGA Yes

[@rickc2102]

Our man does love his fuzz.

[@MEGAMIGA]

@@JanXD I'm a huge Floyd fan and yet I did not know that!

[@DougMayer]

Even Jerry Garcia toured with one, late 80s IIRC.

[@alexcrouse]

Colin: Fantastic video, and awesome work getting on Boss's short list! Boss: Great work, and thank you for supporting creators we love!

[@Cryptic-1-9-1-1]

This was probably the coolest dive into a piece of gear ever! Being a fan of many albums shaped by an HM-2 + that level of a deep dive had me seriously geeking out. Subbed

[@blakestone75]

I appreciated the random shots of museum dinosaurs. Lol! Reminds me of Stongbad's death metal music video....

[@viniciusmarcilio3194]

This is very detailed. Please make more in depth analysis like this. The use of the oscilloscope is an amazing tool for understanding what’s really happening when you twist a knob 👍🏻

[@neilomac]

To quote General Grievous, this will make a fine addition to my collection.

[@Crypticmaskguitar]

Jay-suis Crispies.... What A Well Done Video, Such An Amazing Breakdown Of All Elements Of Sound, Schematics and Everything In Between... I've Been A Long Time Supporter Of Your Channel And You Have Put Out Some Great Videos (NO JOKE) But You Nailed This Video ... Such A Great Job Duder.... Seriously Awesome Job Dude. - Kevin

[@Knightsie]

Colin. Thank you for such an awesome video. I knew you would be the person to deep dive into this.

[@Highrollinhunter]

ALL THE GAIN!!! NO MIDS!!! PANTERA!!! GETCHA PULL BROTHER!!!

[@gorbrushthreepwood]

Are there any options to get it already chipped, dented and pre-soaked in venue floor urine?

[@lucy-tg3sy]

kinda surprised reliced pedals arent a thing yet

[@ScienceofLoud]

I did make that request of Boss, but they turned it down for some reason

[@mc495150]

@@lucy-tg3sy you have something going there my friend

[@SyntheticFuture]

Send me a pedal and 250 quid and I'll gladly customize your pedal 😉 😂

[@barnshart9662]

@@lucy-tg3sy Danelectro has a line of pedals that have a relic look to them. It's kinda lame, but it exists!

[@ExpansionYZ]

BEST pedal review I've ever seen. Well Done. The oscilloscope imagery was fantastic. I still have my original HM-2, but it recently died. Bought the Waza version and love it.

[@findJLF]

This is a brilliant video - forensic and homing in on the details I wanted to know. Loved the circuit description in particular. Well done.

[@Jack_Rivet]

Great explanations as always! I love that you had (what I assume was) an email back-and-forth with Boss engineers in Japan where they answered technical questions about the original

[@ChrisHopkinsBass]

HM-2 pedal designer: How much gain should we build into this pedal? Boss Management: Yes

[@KelticKabukiGirl]

Hai!

[@BalashToth]

😀

[@emptyMan0]

This is the best video I've seen in a long time! Great playing, amazing vocals and a circuit breakdown of the best pedal ever. Thank you Colin.

[@greengelacid2061]

excellent video brother...i love watching your content...i always leave with more knowledge than i came with...ALWAYS!...

[@BalashToth]

Man your growling is awesome 🤘 great video as well 😊

[@regdenee]

I have always appreciated this pedal, especially the everything-to-ten mode, for its distinctively dirty character. Your video confirmed my suspicion that it has a fuzz-like quality to its sound. I have owned the original MiJ pedal for years, but I recently purchased this one to meet my reamping needs in the studio. Thank you for the informative video!

[@davemahan1993]

I was not expecting such an in depth look, but I’m so glad I got one. Amazing video!

[@gregharder2765]

The oscilloscope overview of this is amazing to see, thank you!!!!

[@LHAMA_BOY]

I love the simple way that you analyze the schematic of this pedal, bring more videos like that please

[@Ritual_Gaze]

Excellent breakdown of the engineering and electronics! Very useful information for a DIY builder. Cool vocals as well.

[@markhammer643]

I have an original HM-2 that my metal-playing nephew (now a Wall St. finance guy) bequeathed me. Absolutely correct that the pair of series germanium diodes serve a partial purpose as crude noise gate (and I've used diode pairs in the same fashion to silence carrier whine in ring modulators), and that the crossover distortion they produce is essential to the sound. My own experience with crossover distortion in c9rcuits I've built is that it *LOVES* bridge pickups. Note as well that crossover distortion only clips the "sides" of the waveform, not the top and bottom, such that dynamics are unaffected. Not that there are a lot of dynamics remaining in a pedal that clips so much, but I guess every little bit helps. Nice review, Colin. Thorough and well-explained. I'll just add that a lot of the pedals DOD produced during the '90s also included multiple drive/clipping stages and a variety of resonant boosts at different locations in the spectrum, to justify calling them different models.

[@justie1220]

Okay, 1:51 was unexpected. Soda actually shot out my nose when the vocals came in 😂😂 well done, Colin!

[@GeorgeTsiros]

seriously, i was looking at my coffee at that moment and when the screaming started i thought to myself "ugh did youtube skip to the next video or something"

[@Artefracture]

Your love for the saw shines through This video is magnificent.

[@kristopher6031]

Love the vocals Colin!

[@sebastian_97]

i wasn't prepared for that small cover in the beginning 😳 i'm shocked, in a good way 🤘🤘😁

[@Sub-Level28]

Your channel is one of the most informative channels I’ve found so far. As a newbie guitarist It helps me understand not only what but also why things are the way they are. Think I might need this pedal at some point :-)

[@ernestoo8313]

Very cool explanation of the original circuit! Well done! Thanks!

[@mc495150]

I never noticed how actually close to fuzz territory this pedal is, thank you!

[@FabioStoppa]

Amazing content! Thank you so much. Greetings from Brazil

[@charlesb7831]

This is still the only pedal I ever regretted selling. Still kicking myself for it, can't wait to get this. I didn't use it the way it's generally used "maxed out " . It can be used to tweak the metal sound. It's cool running through the effects loop! Great video, cheers!

[@morbidrsa]

More videos in this format please! Broootal tone and circuit analysis 😍

[@notorioustampaton]

Been watching for over a year, and even follow you on Instagram. How and why am I not subscribed already!?

[@matydavus1078]

This awesome! Iv got bias pedal and amp 2 and iv been looking for videos like this to help me understand better

[@baldyhead]

You've changed my mind: I now want one, even though I have 5 originals. Ola's video didn't convince me, as it didn't sound that good, but in your video it sounds great! Great vocals too!

[@hardcoreheavymetal]

Colin, when are you gonna teach us to sing like that?

[@rickc2102]

Yeah, I was caught off guard in the best sort of way when he dropped vocals!

[@bjwzwart]

Awesome vid dude 🤘🏼 thanks!!!!

[@jessiesratrods1210]

Colin: Deathmetal vocals. Me: Fuck, I think my lingre just hit the floor.

[@deadscenerecords]

Outstanding review, thank you!

[@locifer696]

This was an excellent in depth review of this pedal. I’ve been doing a lot of research on this pedal and you’ve just answered a ton of questions, gonna need to snag mine up when it’s available!! Would really love to see you go this in depth with the Boss SD-1w vs the original.🤘🔥

[@kivitelezo]

That serial number made me literally exciting. You are a lucky man, Colin! :D

[@captainscoops6331]

I found an og one in the back of a crate amp at a yard sale. Max the bass and cut the treble all the way down its perfect for sludge metal and shoegaze, definitely more than just a chainsaw in a box

[@owensagness43]

First pedal I ever bought sometime around 1984 - used it on lower gain settings to get a great Black Sabbath tone out of a clean amp! Love it

[@rickc2102]

The most informative HM2W review in hestory! Not my tones at all, but definitely feel smarter now, having watched this.

[@guitarman12ful]

I didn’t know you could scream the whole time I’ve been watching you 😂

[@Xankill3r]

Same!

[@rickc2102]

Ditto

[@ThrashingBasskill]

This video was awesome and what this pedal deserved! Love the tech talk!

[@Eswald]

Great vid! And some great singing too!

[@HeathenwoodOfficial]

First time hearing your vocals, holy sh!t!

[@RobertWJackson]

Great video dude!

[@AlanVision]

Well done mate!

[@Mr_A_Mia]

Excellent video for pedal nerds. Great Video Colin!

[@ricmoore2483]

This is a seriously brilliant video

[@NicholasGreenwood]

I'm an electrical engineer and I approve of this video! Subscribed right away!

[@linaubrey2678]

That sounds rad. So nice to learn All The Things when a new video comes out (one can't (and probably shouldn't) know all of the literal things, but shh).

[@Quicksilver_Cookie]

Boss has really put their best onto Waza stuff. The R&D they did on each pedal in the line is nothing short of unprecedented in guitar world, and is second to none. The way they completely re-built iconic pedals from the ground up, while retaining their sounds is unbelievable. Only they could look at something like DS-1 and say "listen, let's not put an OP amp into it. Let's re-create entire thing with discreet circuitry". What other company could even afford to invest into this kind of development. Boss keeps reminding everybody why they are truly The Boss.

[@NickLeonard]

So pumped for the release! Sick video as always

[@harryemmott8597]

This is such a beautiful analysis of a pedal that 99% of people just crank, leave on and forget about while they chug. Brilliant work Colin, was an interesting autopsy of this beautiful disgusting bugger!

[@harryemmott8597]

Oh p.s. your vocals fucking rule man, please do them more often!

[@someguynamedrob581]

The next logical question is: Which guitar will Colin upgrade as an ultimate Metal guitar with its own built-in HM-2W? A Dean ML Dimebag? Jackson Randy Rhoads V? Jim Root Jazzmaster?

[@DJKr15py]

Clearly a BC Rich

[@mgradiant]

Nah, go far a Jazzmaster. A regular Jazzmaster with Jazzmaster pickups. Let the chaos reign!

[@EpicStuffMan1000]

@@mgradiant Belinda Butcher time

[@kevfullo]

@@EpicStuffMan1000 HM2 is always Entombed or MBV to me too

[@tlepsh_band]

Awesome video. Probably the best pedal video I’ve seen. I don’t believe ur sending it back tho,,, 😎

[@hazrod13]

wow amazing video I have totally watched it already yes

[@JuveriSetila]

Yyy I want to see it already too

[@bertrandmajorik6589]

Thanks for the preview of the sounds of this monster, might get it........

[@philfrank5601]

Holy shit, that voice! Impressive.

[@javiceres]

Brilliant work. I like the high control at or below 4 o'clock by far btw.

[@jackdevanney1193]

Gonna be tough for anyone to top this review.

[@MrJumboblimpjumbo]

I hope they paid you well Colin, amazing video. More circuit analysis with demos please!

[@ScienceofLoud]

Don't worry, I'll be sending them my invoice shortly and I'll eat well this month. There are plans to do more videos in this style, looking at other popular effects

[@MrJumboblimpjumbo]

@@ScienceofLoud amps too?

[@ericbrewerguitar1499]

Bro, your vocals are sick and honestly your lead playing has improved much over the course of your KZbin growth. You’ve built one of the most in depth, informative and enjoyable guitar channels. And I’m not even really into metal but it doesn’t matter, your content rules regardless!

[@markswarbrick999]

Ask him to marry you.....

[@ericbrewerguitar1499]

@@markswarbrick999 lol no thanks Mark you salty dog

[@EverettDudgeon138]

Absolutely love your posters. Some of my favorite flicks.

[@samwise2588]

I enjoy that you actually talk about the circuits. Insta-sub'd.

[@jonathanvisser1814]

I love the video, it's very easy to follow and I like that. I love this pedal, and in my country, the Waza is Slightly more pricey than the original one second hand, so I bought the Waza-craft one :)

[@BaldPerspective]

Death Metal & Dinosaurs, nice. You are the best Guitar Tuber, Colin.

[@evanjohnson1815]

Didn’t expect the vocals man haha More please

[@ccandrew111]

Been building a few pedals from jeds peds lately, seriously educational and gets me some awesome pedals at low cost. Love the Black Russian muff pi

[@Jesterhead21]

How the hell does that br0000tal voice come out of mother-in-law`s darling? I WANT MORE!!!!

[@nicholastotoro7721]

The funny thing was the HM-2 was the first pedal all my friends had back in 1987-1988. Then my 14 year-old self realized the SD-1 was really what I wanted… 🤣 Funny, I actually do hear a hint of fuzz in it that I never picked up before.

[@krokovay.marcell]

20 years ago I was very satisfied with my metal zone. Then my taste shifted towards a russian black big muff. Then life happened, and in 2020 I didn’t understand, why my favourite setting from back then didn’t sound good. No definition, no brutality, just sizzle and mud. Luckily, my favourite records from that time still siund good...

[@snow15243]

yea, it has a bit of an octave fuzz thing going on.

[@sauce_aux]

Wow haha sounds like they managed to emulate a starved tube plate in the negative feedback section. I could be wrong, but that’s how my brain is wrapping around it hahahah great vid as always

[@attilacsaba]

Thanks Colin! Fantastic in-depth review of the HM-2W prototype. I'm really looking forward to get one when available. I still have my 85 version that I got about 30 years ago (looks like your one but with knobs :) And i never use it maxed out on all knobs /// for me it sounds best with volume at 90% and gain at 20% and L=50% & H=40% /// I also use this setting infront to boost the lead chanel of my MT15 :) Overall the HM2 for me has lots of use & FUN I really loved that demo with you singing ! Sounded great & brutal 😈🤘

[@martinheath1384]

Great to see metal + science. You gained a sub

[@jrrdwllms88]

I seriously cannot wait to get my hands on one of these... and put it directly next to my HM2.

[@NefariousDreary]

Oh hey, that's the exact same prototype pedal Ola tested! Awesome!

[@ithemba]

just got the mail notification by thomann. Tomorrow IT. WILL. BE. MINE.

[@alanbeesby8914]

Come on Colin, “Waza - what’s changed?” Should have said “Waza difference?” 👍🤣 (excellent vid btw)

[@barbasbandas6665]

Love the scope graphs. Keep em comming

[@stephanematis]

Lovely! Now I could go for a Waza showdown, MT-2 & HM-2. With science!