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[pictishpunkgirl]

I had a Boss HM-2 and was wondering which of the current Boss pedals might adequately replace it for the most brutal sound possible. I've narrowed it down to the Metal Zone MT-2, Metal Core ML-2 or the Mega Distortion MD-2 but would appreciate comments from anyone with experience of these pedals. Currently using a Shredmaster but it's just not heavy enough. Amp is a Marshall Valvestate 8080 Combo which has a brilliant OD2 channel but need a pedal for when i'm not using my own amp.

I read the other thread on distortion pedals and found it interesting but would like to pin down which Boss would be best for me.

BTW, i'm not a muso so i haven't a clue what bottom end is to work it out from the descriptions. Anyone care to enlighten me as i'm crap at technical terms?

Thanks.

[Old Gold]

Does it have to be a Boss?

[pictishpunkgirl]

I guess not, if there's one that's more brutal. Just like the toughness of the construction. You can stamp on it with a para boot & not have it fall to pieces

[emergency72]

I've heard the ML2.....its a crazy sound all right...just walls of distortion which would suit death metal, but it still sounds like weak ass shit to me...more fizz than crunch, but thats maybe what you're after?

Personally I've always loved the Shredmaster...but I think how you play goes a long way towards how good it sounds. The guitarist of korpse couldn't believe the sound I got out a shredmaster with an epiphone les paul, I took that as a compliment! (but then, he played a strat!). Maybe try heavier strings and picks first...less distortion is sometimes more!

And always play louder than you should....if you can still hear the drums and bass, you're too low

[Original Spies]

Marshall Jackhammers are a more resiliant and a much smoother version of the Metalzone. The Metalzone will fizz and buzz where as the jackhammer is more refined and replicates an actual valve amp rather than a computer. Nice and crunchy and half the price. They are build like fucking tanks as well. Get one.

The Marshall Guv'nor has the twang and response of a Marshall amp. Drop the gain and crank the mids and you get a really great sharp overdrive.

High gain pedals are usually pretty shitty and not worth the money you spend, but the Jackhammer is a bit of alright.

Sansamp pedals are expensive but worth looking into if you've got scratch to spend.

[pictishpunkgirl]

Thanks. I'd prefer more grind than fizz. The guy in R n B said the ML-2 has a very distinctive sound. Think I do need heavier strings though - never thought about that. It's a CSL Les Paul copy from the 70's and I have the little switch thing at the top up so I get a heavier sound from the pickups.

[Chris]

Originally Posted by pictishpunkgirl

The guy in R n B said the ML-2 has a very distinctive sound.

Did you try the pedals?

You can get advice from everyone on here if you want, but at the end of the day everyone will have different opinions on what's good and what isn't. The best thing to do is try the pedals yourself using as close to your own equipment as possible. R&B should be willing to let you do that.

[pictishpunkgirl]

Someone else suggested I do that but wasn't sure if R n B would think it a bloody cheek. Plus it's £20 cheaper at Amazon so i'd feel guilty trying it out but not buying.

[Chris]

Originally Posted by pictishpunkgirl

Someone else suggested I do that but wasn't sure if R n B would think it a bloody cheek. Plus it's £20 cheaper at Amazon so i'd feel guilty trying it out but not buying.

Just tell them you want to think about it some more before you buy. Don't think they'll be losing any sleep because they lost out on a £70 FX pedal sale to the internet.

You try on clothes before you buy them to make sure they fit, you have to try FX pedals etc to make sure they have the sound you want.

[pictishpunkgirl]

True. It's a pishy little amount to them :-)