In today’s article, I’m going to compare two very popular distortion pedals made by BOSS – MT-2 vs MT-2W. Both of these effects are loved by rock and metal guitarists, but which one of them is actually better?
The truth is that BOSS MT-2 and MT-2W are both really good. They are quite similar, although the MT-2 is a bit cheaper. On the other hand, the MT-2W has a few additional features and it’s a bit more versatile, so many guitarists consider it as a better pedal.
Let’s dive deeper with research to find out what exactly makes these pedals so good and so popular. Firstly, we’ll start with a quick overview of specs of these effects to see what they can offer. Of course, there will be a sound demo included, so you’ll be able to hear how it sounds!
BOSS MT-2 – Specs & Pricing
BOSS Metal Zone MT-2 is one of the most iconic metal pedals that are available on the market. This is a truly legendary model which was originally introduced in 1991. Although it’s been over thirty years since that moment, it’s still really popular among the metalheads.
What makes it so special? Well, it features a really unique dual-gain circuitry which results with an amazing distortion. It also has a really long-lasting sustain with heavy mids and lows. And most importantly, it’s equipped with a 3-band EQ which gives you a lot of control over the tone.
When it comes to pricing, it’s actually pretty affordable. It’s not the cheapest distortion pedal in the world, but considering how legendary it actually is, it’s actually not that expensive.
Overall, this is a fantastic and great sounding distortion pedal. If you like rock and metal, you should definitely consider getting it for yourself. If you want to read about the history of MT-2, there’s a really cool article about it on Sweetwater.
Here’s the official sound demo.
BOSS MT-2W – Specs & Pricing
BOSS MT-2W Waza Craft Metal Zone is an another excellent distortion pedal manufactured by the same brand. This is a much newer version of the MT-2 pedal, so as you can imagine – it’s packed with a few additional features. It’s basically like the MT-2 on steroids!
In comparison with the older model, the MT-2W offers lower noise and improved clarity, especially in the Standard Mode. There’s also a Custom Mode which has a wider range, tighter lows and increased dynamics. Overall, this effect gives you access to a huge amount of different distorted tones.
When it comes to pricing, it’s not as affordable as BOSS MT-2. But considering the fact that this is generally a bit more versatile and better sounding pedal, it seems like a really good choice for the money.
Here’s the official sound demo – feel free to check it out below.
BOSS MT-2 vs MT-2W – Final Verdict
Like I said before, I really like both of these pedals. And I definitely think that they’re both worth the money! But overall, I think that BOSS MT-2W is a bit better and more affordable option, so I’d stick with that model.
If you’re okay with spending a bit more on a distortion pedal and you’re not looking for the cheapest effect out there, you will benefit more from choosing the BOSS MT-2W rather than BOSS MT-2.
On the other hand, this is only my subjective opinion. There’s still a chance that you will enjoy the MT-2 model more than the MT-2W.
If you’re still not sure which pedal is better for you, make sure to check out the detailed comparison shared below. I think that it explains all the differences between these pedals very thoroughly.
Disadvantages Of BOSS Metal Zone Pedals
Although BOSS MT-2 and MT-2W are generally really good, they usually raise a lot of controversy in the community of guitarists. Some people absolutely love these pedals, but there’s also a group of people who absolutely hates these models.
Why are they so controversial? Well, it’s probably due to the fact that they’re extremely popular! They’re in every guitar store and almost every other manufacturer of guitar pedals makes their own copies of these pedals.
It’s also worth mentioning that it’s not that difficult to make these pedals sound absolutely horrible. If you add too much gain and scoop too much of the mids, you will sound really bad. Perhaps people who hate these pedals don’t really know how to use them properly?
Are There Any Alternatives?
If you don’t like the sound of BOSS MT-2 and MT-2W, that’s totally fine! There’s still quite a lot of really good distortion pedals out there. Of course, it all depends on what you’re searching for and how much are you willing to spend.
Here’s a few really good distortion pedals that also deserve a lot of recognition.
Firstly, I highly encourage you to check out two other pedals manufactured by BOSS – the DS1 and DS2. Both of these pedals are very popular and they’re often used by a lot of professional musicians out there. Honestly, it’s really tough to be disappointed with their quality!
Additionally, you can also check out the Fender Pugilist Distortion. This is a really cool and versatile pedal suitable for the most demanding guitarists out there. It may not be ideal for metal, but if you’re searching for a powerful blues drive, you should definitely consider adding it to your pedalboard.
Lastly, you can also check out my article about the 8 Best Distortion Pedals Under $100. All effects on that list prove that you don’t necessarily need to spend hundreds of dollars in order to find a good and reliable distortion pedal.
BOSS MT-2 vs MT-2W – Summary
If you took some time to check out the sound demos shared above, you have to agree that both of these pedals sound really good. No matter which one you decide to choose, I’m sure that you won’t be disappointed!
What you do you think about these distortion pedals and which one would you add to your own pedalboard? Leave a comment down below and let me know what you think, I’m really interested to hear your thoughts!
Thanks for checking out today’s review, hopefully it was helpful. If you’re searching for more gear recommendations, you may also like:
