Photo of Boss HM-3 Hyper Metal and more gear

Photo of Boss HM-3 Hyper Metal and more gear in a pedalboard, pedal, and guitar

Boss HM-3 Hyper Metal

^# 76

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$69.82 Price Tier: Budget

3.5 (20)

4 Reviews

This product is Vintage or Discontinued

Find out who is using Boss HM-3 Hyper Metal

7 community setups

21 wishlisted

61 saved

Page last updated Jun 30, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated June 30, 2026.

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Reviews

Price

5.0 (23)

$69.82 10 available Used

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Average Price: $70

Budget/Beginner

$80

$181+

Price Tier

In the Distortion Effects Pedals category, Boss HM-3 Hyper Metal is priced in the Budget/Beginner range. This is great gear to get started with or for creators on a budget.

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

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Unleash the beast within your guitar with the Boss HM-3 Hyper Metal! This distortion pedal is built to deliver high-gain, aggressive tonal assault that's bound to command attention. With its user-friendly interface comprising of volume, distortion, and high/low color mix knobs, you can effortlessly dial in that Pantera-esque growl. Despite its short production life, it remains one of Boss's most potent gain pedals, making it an ideal choice for genres like thrash, black, or death metal.

Key Features:

High-gain distortion pedal perfect for aggressive genres
Intuitive interface with separate knobs for volume, distortion, and high/low color mix
One of Boss's highest gain pedals
Ideal for thrash, black, or death metal
Short production life, making it a rare find

Product specs

Brand	Boss
Model	HM-3 Hyper Metal Distortion
Finish	Black
Year	1993 - 1998
Made In	Taiwan
Categories	Distortion Pedals, Overdrive and Boost Pedals

FAQs

What kind of distortion tones can I expect from the Boss HM-3 Hyper Metal pedal?: The Boss HM-3 Hyper Metal pedal is known for delivering high-gain, aggressive distortion tones ideal for heavy metal and hard rock genres. It excels in producing a thick, saturated sound with a pronounced mid-range, perfect for cutting through dense mixes.
Is the Boss HM-3 Hyper Metal suitable for use with both guitar and bass?: While the Boss HM-3 Hyper Metal is primarily designed for electric guitar, many users also find it effective for bass, especially when seeking a heavy, distorted tone. However, it may require some EQ adjustments to maintain low-end clarity on bass.
Does the Boss HM-3 Hyper Metal pedal work well with other effects pedals?: Yes, the Boss HM-3 Hyper Metal can be effectively integrated into a pedalboard with other effects. It pairs well with modulation and delay pedals, allowing for creative soundscapes, though it's often placed early in the signal chain for optimal performance.
What power supply does the Boss HM-3 Hyper Metal require?: The Boss HM-3 Hyper Metal pedal requires a standard 9V DC power supply, which is typical for most Boss pedals. It can also be powered using a 9V battery for portable use.
How does the Boss HM-3 Hyper Metal differ from the Boss HM-2 pedal?: The Boss HM-3 Hyper Metal offers a more modern, refined distortion compared to the HM-2, with a focus on higher gain and a tighter mid-range. The HM-3 is often preferred for more contemporary metal tones, whereas the HM-2 is known for its classic "chainsaw" sound.

Videos

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Riffs, Beards & Gear

Remember The 90's: The Boss HM-3 Hyper Metal

Riffs, Beards & Gear

The Chainsaw Files – Boss HM-3 Hyper Metal vs. Boss HM-2 comparison

Dome

Is the BOSS HM-3 BETTER THAN THE BOSS HM-2 for Shoegaze?

pedal partners

Boss HM-2 vs HM-3...not JUST for Metal?!?

TheSuperFunAwesomeHappyTimePedalShow

Boss HM-3 Hyper Metal vs. Boss HM-2 Heavy Metal

HM2 CULT

Two Minute Tone | BOSS HM-3 HYPER Metal | No Talking!

JimijaymesGuitarist

Boss HM-3 Hyper Metal

Wall of Sound

Reviews

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PROS

Classic 90s metal sound for nostalgia fans
Versatile, capable of both death metal and sludge tones
Distinctive fuzzy high gain without excessive noise
Adjustable EQ for tight sound customization
Less compressed, offering huge doomy overtones
Works well with bass, enhancing doom and drone genres
Quieter operation compared to similar pedals
Can achieve a wide range of tones, from sludge metal to doom
More contemporary and balanced sound than HM-2

CONS

May produce ambient noise at extreme settings
Fizzier tone when used with certain amps
Compressed sound when driven hard, not suitable for all
Some may find the pedal's character too harsh for their taste

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Boss HM-3 Hyper Metal.

Comparisons

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The HM-3 is compared to the Metal Zone, sharing EQ similarities but differing in overall tone, described as smoother and less dynamic than the HM-2.
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The HM-3 is described as bassier than both the Boss MD2 and HM2, with a potential "boomy" quality that can be adjusted with a bass cut on the Low pot.
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Users suggest incorporating an Amptweaker Tight Metal ST for clarity and definition when using multiple metal pedals, avoiding tonal confusion.
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Mods and upgrades

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Users note that the Metal Zone's fixed tone shaping EQ before and after clipping contributes to its criticized sound, and mods often involve removing these sections.
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Boosting the HM-3 with a Tube Screamer is recommended to enhance midrange and tighten the bass, offering a more aggressive tone.
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User experience

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Owners mention the HM-3's compressed, consistent tone across different volumes, contrasting with the dynamic and reactive nature of its predecessor, the HM-2.
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The HM-3's swifter pick attack and more refined sound make it appealing for those who find the HM2's tone too unruly and compressed.
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First-time pedal owners from the late '90s still revisit the HM-3, indicating its lasting appeal and relevance.
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Described as a "sleeper" pedal, the HM-3 is appreciated for its understated yet impactful presence in a guitarist's setup.
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Value and pricing

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The HM-3 is often available for $30-40, and some users suggest it holds its value well enough to be flipped without a loss.
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Use cases and applications

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Users highlight the HM-3's suitability for single coil guitars, particularly with Strat models, providing a more open and "amp-like" sound.
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The HM-3 excels in creating heavy doom and sludgy Black Sabbath-type tones, offering versatility for both darker and brighter styles.
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Although it delivers 90's heavy alt-rock tone, the HM-3 does not produce a chainsaw effect, distinguishing it from other metal-focused pedals.
Source

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3.5 out of 5

Based on 4 Reviews and 20 Ratings

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amedeovr6

about 5 years ago

A very misunderstood beast

I Had one pop up at music store I frequent so I went to try it. Upon testing, it definitely sounded very close to a Big Muff but tighter sounding & adjustable EQ. I was confident enough this would sound good though my setup so why not? Once home and plugging it in, I put it up against my trusty SUF ‘Civil War’ muff clone. Not only I could get the exact tone (and more) onto the HM-3, it was quieter and had pleasantly less white noise. The EQ is your #1 starting spot into getting great tones from this. Remember a little bit can go a long way so don’t set stuff on blast at first and start light and make small gradual adjustments until it sounds to personal taste. The Metal Zone MT-2 can sound a bit too sterile, The Heavy Metal HM-2 is a one trick pony with it’s infamous “chainsaw” sound, but I’d argue the Hyper Metal HM-3 the most usable out of the 3. I was surprised too how easily it got along with my late 50’s Silvertone 1396 which can be a bit picky with fuzz pedals. I wish Boss reissued the Hyper Metal under the Waza Craft series with adjustable Mids and this pedal would truly be unstoppable.

skytimesfive

633

over 2 years ago

underrated?

to be honest i dont remember much about this pedal... i liked it... i think? i remember it being a pretty good instant sludge metal guitar tone when put into the clean channel of a decent amp but can be a little fizzy and odd. not for me,

plus mine stunk of cigarrette smoke. EW

Roles:

Singer Guitarist Bassist

Genres:

Rock Metal

From Gear Setup

darrell_qualls

250

about 8 years ago

Great distortion "effect"

This is a great pedal for a distortion effect rather than a good sounding drive pedal. Ministry or NIN covers? This is your guy! Look for serious distortion in the HM-2, RAT or even a modded DS-1

tony_vilaysack

160

over 9 years ago

Good. Not great.

I have a vintage Taiwanese one from the 1980s. Not sure what year exactly. It's a very different pedal from the HM-2, I think. It sounds much more contemporary. It's a very harsh and mid-rangey pedal (for lack of a better description). The HM-2 has a lot overwhelming low-end by comparison. I think the HM-3 fixes a lot of problems that the HM-2 had, when it comes to having a more even level between low mid and high frequency. HM-3 is more usable for chords, strumming and soloing. Would keep this one if I had to choose between HM-2 and HM-3.