Distortion is a guitar effect that alters the signal’s waveform, creating a gritty, aggressive sound characterized by a high level of harmonic content and sustain. It’s achieved by amplifying the input signal to the point where the amplifier or pedal’s circuitry begins to clip, causing the waveform to become squared off and jagged. This clipping produces harmonics that weren’t present in the original signal, resulting in the characteristic “gritty” or “dirty” tone associated with distortion. Distortion pedals typically feature controls for adjusting the amount of gain or distortion applied, as well as tone-shaping knobs to tailor the sound’s frequency response. Distortion is widely used in rock, metal, and punk music to add power, aggression, and sustain to guitar solos, riffs, and rhythm parts, creating a bold and intense sonic impact in the mix. Popular distortion pedals include the Boss DS-1, Pro Co Rat, and Electro-Harmonix Big Muff Pi.
Electric guitars use magnetic pickups to convert string vibrations into an electrical signal, which is then amplified. Unlike acoustic guitars, they rely on amplification for volume and tone shaping, making them highly versatile in genres like rock, blues, jazz, and metal. Electric guitars come in many body styles—solid, semi-hollow, and hollow—and feature different pickup configurations, neck types, and hardware. From smooth clean tones to aggressive distortion, they offer a wide sonic range, making them the backbone of modern guitar music.
Waza is a Japanese word meaning “art” or “technique,” and in the guitar world, it’s best known from Fender’s Waza Craft series. These are premium, handcrafted guitars and amps made in Japan, combining traditional craftsmanship with modern innovation.
Waza models are praised for their exceptional tone, playability, and attention to detail, often featuring custom pickups, unique woods, and special finishes. The Waza name signals Fender’s highest level of quality and artistry, appealing to players who want professional-grade instruments with a refined touch.
We have new and used Boss musical equipment available on our website for fast direct delivery from sellers across the UK & Europe.
Since 1973, BOSS has pioneered the development of unique and innovative products for musicians of all styles and skill levels. From class-leading effects pedals, multi-effects, and Loop Stations to guitar synthesizers, amplifiers, and more, our trailblazing designs include several world firsts and have forever changed the way people make music.
BOSS has its roots in MEG Electronics, a dedicated guitar effects R&D division founded within Roland Corporation in 1973. The company was recast with the now-famous BOSS name and logo and introduced to the public the following year. Along with products that carry the BOSS brand, the BOSS engineering team has been involved with developing key Roland-branded guitar products since the beginning.
This spirit of innovation continues today as BOSS forges ahead with the creation of original, progressive, and impactful gear. And with plenty more exciting developments on the horizon, we’re looking forward to another half-century of musical evolution.
£129.00 £106.00
Introduced way back in 1991, the iconic MT-2 Metal Zone remains the king of high-gain distortion stomps for guitarists around the world, with over one million sold and counting. Its thick, saturated sound is perfectly suited for metal styles and is also great for playing heavy rhythms and soaring solos in other genres. Iconic high-gain distortion p…
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£173.00 £137.00
Produced from 1983 to 1991, the BOSS HM-2 Heavy Metal is a true legend in the history of distortion pedals. Its signature “chainsaw tone” with all knobs maxed is the defining voice of Swedish death metal, and the slightly milder sides of its personality can be heard on tracks from mainstream to shoegaze. After years of requests from hardcore HM-2 f…
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£166.11
Waza Craft Edition of the HM-2 distortion pedal Legendary death metal sound Versatile also in the low-gain area / even more gain; attack and sharpness Reduced floor noise / higher output Keepdrum jack cable
£125.00
Incredible-sounding distortion pedal with unique dual-gain circuitry Provides super-long sustain and heavy mids and lows A must-have pedal for any hard rock or metal guitarist BOSS five-year warranty Input Impedance: 1 M ohms
