The Boss MT-2 Metal Zone is one of the most iconic high-gain distortion pedals ever made. Introduced in 1991, it has become one of Boss's best-selling drive pedals thanks to its massive gain range, powerful active EQ and ability to deliver everything from tight rhythm tones to soaring lead sounds. Designed with hard rock and metal players in mind, the MT-2 remains a staple on pedalboards around the world and has sold well over one million units. 

What sets the Metal Zone apart is its highly flexible active three-band EQ with a semi-parametric mid control. Rather than simply adding distortion, it allows players to sculpt their tone with incredible precision, making it equally effective into clean amplifiers, effects loop returns and recording setups.

This pre-owned Boss MT-2 is presented in fair condition. It shows noticeable cosmetic wear from regular use but has been fully tested by our team and is ready to deliver the legendary Metal Zone sound.

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Condition Overview

Fair Condition

This pedal shows heavier cosmetic wear from previous use but remains fully operational.

Professionally tested by the Fair Deal Music team.

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What's Included?

✔ Boss MT-2 Metal Zone Pedal

✔ Fully Tested by Fair Deal Music

✘ No Original Box

✘ No Power Supply

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Condition Notes

• Fair overall cosmetic condition
• Noticeable signs of regular use
• Cosmetic wear to the enclosure
• Footswitch operating correctly
• Controls functioning correctly
• Input and output jacks fully operational

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Fair Deal Quality Control Assessment

Our team has thoroughly inspected and tested this Boss MT-2 to ensure it is fully functional and ready for sale.

Checks completed include:

✔ Footswitch tested

✔ Distortion control verified

✔ Low, Mid and High EQ controls tested

✔ Mid Frequency control verified

✔ Level control tested

✔ Input and output jacks inspected

✔ DC power input checked

✔ Signal path confirmed

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Service / Setup Work

Prior to sale this pedal has been:

✔ Fully tested

✔ Controls checked

✔ Footswitch inspected

✔ Audio signal verified

✔ Input and output sockets inspected

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Why Choose The Boss MT-2 Metal Zone?

Massive High-Gain Distortion

The MT-2 delivers thick, saturated distortion with exceptional sustain, making it ideal for everything from classic heavy metal to modern high-gain styles. Its innovative dual-stage gain circuit produces a powerful yet controlled distortion character.

Powerful Semi-Parametric EQ

Unlike many distortion pedals, the MT-2 features active Bass, Treble and Mid controls, along with a sweepable Mid Frequency control. This allows incredibly precise tone shaping to suit different guitars, pickups and amplifiers.

Works Beyond Metal

Despite its name, the Metal Zone is capable of a wide range of sounds. With sensible gain settings and careful EQ adjustments, it can produce excellent hard rock, punk, alternative rock and even boosted lead tones.

Built Like A Tank

Like all Boss compact pedals, the MT-2 features the brand's legendary metal enclosure and dependable switching mechanism, making it ideal for years of gigging.

Perfect For Modern Pedal Platforms

Many players use the MT-2 as a preamp into the effects return of an amplifier, taking advantage of its extensive EQ section to create tight, articulate high-gain tones.

A Guitar Effects Icon

Few distortion pedals have had the cultural impact of the Metal Zone. Whether loved for its crushing gain or appreciated for its surprising versatility, it's one of the most recognisable pedals Boss has ever produced.

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Why Buy Pre-Owned?

Buying pre-owned is a great way to add a legendary distortion pedal to your setup while keeping costs down.

Benefits include:

• Better value than buying new
• Professionally tested before sale
• Reduced depreciation
• Legendary Boss reliability
• Sustainable alternative to buying new

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Comparison Against Popular Alternatives

Boss MT-2 vs Boss DS-1

The DS-1 offers classic distortion suitable for rock and punk, while the MT-2 provides significantly more gain and vastly greater EQ flexibility.

Boss MT-2 vs Boss HM-2

The HM-2 is famous for its chainsaw-style Swedish death metal sound, whereas the MT-2 offers a much broader tonal palette and more detailed EQ control.

Boss MT-2 vs ProCo RAT 2

The RAT delivers a raw, aggressive distortion/fuzz hybrid, while the MT-2 excels at tight, modern high-gain sounds with extensive tone shaping.

Boss MT-2 vs MXR Fullbore Metal

The Fullbore Metal offers modern metal tones with a built-in noise gate, while the MT-2 remains more versatile thanks to its sweepable midrange EQ.

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Who Is It For?

Beginners

An excellent first high-gain distortion pedal for players wanting to explore heavier genres and learn how EQ affects tone.

Intermediate Players

Perfect for guitarists looking to shape their distortion in far more detail than simpler pedals allow.

Professional Players

A reliable choice for touring musicians, recording artists and players using high-gain rigs.

Particularly Recommended For

• Heavy Metal
• Thrash Metal
• Death Metal
• Hard Rock
• Metalcore
• Alternative Rock
• Recording Studios
• Modern Guitar Rigs

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Why Choose A Distortion Pedal With Active EQ?

An active EQ gives far more control over your final guitar sound than a standard tone knob.

Benefits include:

• Better compatibility with different amplifiers
• Greater tonal flexibility
• Ability to cut through a live mix
• Precise midrange shaping
• Improved recording versatility
• Wide range of usable distortion sounds

The MT-2's semi-parametric EQ is one of the reasons it has remained popular with players for over 30 years.

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Product Story / Context

Released in 1991, the MT-2 was developed after the Boss HM-2 to provide metal players with greater versatility and more powerful tone shaping. The result was an innovative analogue distortion circuit featuring dual gain stages and one of the most sophisticated EQ sections ever fitted to a compact distortion pedal. Today it remains one of Boss's longest-running and best-selling models.

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Associated Artists / Songs / Performances

Despite its reputation as a metal pedal, the MT-2 has been used by a remarkably diverse range of artists, including:

• Prince
• Joe Bonamassa
• Munky (Korn)
• Anders Björler (At The Gates)
• Kurt Ballou (Converge)
• Dino Cazares (Fear Factory)

Its flexibility has helped it find a home in everything from blues to extreme metal.

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Technical Specifications

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Power Requirements

• 9V DC centre-negative power supply
• Approximate current draw: 20mA
• Compatible with a 9V battery
• Power supply not included

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Pairs Perfectly With

• Boss PSA Power Supply
• Isolated pedal power supply
• Noise gate pedal
• High-gain valve amplifier
• Instrument cables
• Pedalboard
• Patch cables
• Graphic EQ pedal
• Selected pre-owned Boss effects
• Recording interface

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Why Buy From Fair Deal Music?

Fair Deal Music is a family-run independent music retailer founded in 1987 and Birmingham's largest independent music store.

With over 6,000 Excellent 4.9-star Trustpilot reviews, knowledgeable musicians available by phone, online and in-store, fast UK delivery and secure online ordering, customers across the UK trust us for both new and pre-owned equipment.

Every pre-owned effects pedal is thoroughly tested before sale, ensuring you can buy with confidence. Whether you're searching for classic Boss pedals, boutique effects or building your ideal pedalboard, our experienced team can help.

Looking for advice on choosing the right distortion pedal, high-gain effects or pedalboard setup? Our experienced team of musicians can help by phone, online or in-store.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Boss MT-2 only suitable for metal?

No. While designed for heavy music, its flexible EQ makes it suitable for hard rock, punk, alternative rock and boosted lead sounds.

Why is the Metal Zone so popular?

Its combination of huge gain, extensive EQ controls and Boss reliability has made it one of the company's best-selling distortion pedals.

Can it be used with a clean amplifier?

Yes. The MT-2 works particularly well into clean "pedal platform" amplifiers thanks to its active EQ.

Does it work well with humbuckers and single-coils?

Yes. The sweepable mid control allows you to tailor the sound to virtually any pickup configuration.

Is it suitable for live performance?

Absolutely. Its rugged Boss construction has made it a favourite with gigging musicians for decades.

Does it include a power supply?

No. A power supply is not included.

Can it run on a battery?

Yes. The MT-2 accepts a standard 9V battery as well as a 9V DC power supply.

Can I try it in-store?

Yes. You're welcome to visit our Birmingham showroom to try available Boss pedals and speak with our experienced team.