Get your Katana here (one link for all models and GA FC EX) : Thomann - redir.love/thocf/5j95lq1q4v Sweetwater - imp.i114863.net/x0LrA Andertons - bit.ly/3iysV0b
Excellent...but in a Bill and Ted way ;p What are your thoughts on just using the 100 watt Amp Head... And is there one electric rockestra players would find best for their needs .. In other words... Versatility wise...what would work for a bass guitar and a violin? Or chin cello? Thanks
Per my friendly Sweetwater Sales Engineer, Boss has discontinued the Katana 50 mkii EX (at least in North America). Do you still suggest the Katana 100 mkii over the 50mkii (assuming there are no used 50 EX models available)? Also still EXCELLENT (in a self gratifying tone).
I am new to electric guitar and wonder, if there is a difference between recording with USB ot this MIDI Bluetooth adapter? Can I play music, record it at the same time and the computer automatically writes note or tab?
Great video. Boss should be happy that you are promoting their amps. Been waiting for a review on the 50 MK2 EX and the comparison to the 100. You go into a lot of common sense detail that made it a lot easier for me to decide between the two. Thanks. I went for the 50 EX.
As a beginner, I'm still happy with my choice of a 50 mkII. I found a good deal for the amp, and have the xsonic airstep pedal coming to allow access to slightly more than the 2 pedal footswitch. As I'm learning this is more than enough for me at the moment!
I’m not a beginner and I play in a band with an aggressive punk rock drummer, I still bought the Katana 50 MkII. It’s great for home using the 0.5watt feature and perfect for live shows using the full 50watts. If you’re playing a show where you feel that 50watts isn’t enough then you should be mic’d up to the house speakers and monitors.
@@LuisJimenez-pb3ge Yeah, I'm in the same spot. We play 90's punk/grunge etc. and our drummer is a beast. We first jammed and I brought my THR10II lol. So I was on the fence and ended up with a mk2 100. Great amp but it's not exactly the most portable. Kinda wish I got the 50 mk2, but I also have a boss RC-5 so it's a pro/con. The amp sounds amazing at rehearsal and I haven't needed the 100w yet. I use the 50w and it's enough for now, but the 100 definitely sounds bigger and fuller than the 50 when I tried it out at guitar center. However, it's heavy carrying to practice going from THR10II, but the sound is worth it if you live gig but you could definitely get by with a 50 if it's mic'd up for sure
Some months later I'm curious as to your experience with the Airstep. I've had one almost since I got the K50, certainly does more than "slightly". Channel switching, f/x access including switching between variants, and - hooray - wireless access to the Katana Librarian. Totally opened up the amp for me - and cheaper than the Boss. So waddaya think?
Excellent! I bought the 100 mk2, the effects loop was a factor as I wanted to be able to use my own reverbs, delays and looper post internal effects. It would be great if Boss added a tuner and a looper, though.
I like the Katana series and got my Artist combo because I preferred the speaker over what came in the other models, and I wanted an effects loop and the larger controller. Excellent!
I have 2 EXCELLENT mk1 Katana 50's and they are all I think most need. Because I think most people will buy some sort of effect that the Katanas can't do. Like all the cool reverbs/delays. Or anything else cool for that matter. But that's just me.
I appreciate the thorough and thoughtful discussion of these amp comparisons/contrasts! I’m a newly minted expat musician now living in (back in) Philippines and needed to replenish my amplifier(s) lost to travel constraints. I ended up with the 100 mk2 and an Airstep Kat pedal. I had plenty of other equipment back in America and never gave the Katana-series a listen, but this great amp is light, powerful, and effects-packed enough to set me up with a world of creativity!
Excellent I got a Katana mkii 50 ex for 265 out the door tax included in the us and an gafcex for 150. i used to have a 100 mkii with a pedal board and sold it all. Now I can get all my sounds and use less equipment so i have more room in my Honda civic to go do gigs.
Excellent....going for the 100. Minimal price difference, and the 100 will probably better hold its ground alongside a rambunctious drummer. Thank you for another great video!
Thanks a lot for your very clear explanation ! I just pressed the buy button after watching your video for a Katana 50 MKII EX version at 240€ ! no brainer!
The 50 MKII EX came on for $20 more than the 50 MKII so it was an easy buy for my sons first amp. As much as I wanted the effects loop for down the road, it was basically going to cost $150 for just the loop as far as the rest goes. This amp sounds absolutely beautiful, both of us were extremely happy.
Thanks - I have been looking for a small gigging amp as my big amps are too much for small venues. At this point most likely will pick up a 50 EX as the major drawback was the lack of the larger GA FC foot pedal. This video was EXCELLENT in validating and pointing out the key differences. The light weight/small size are also very important due to the apparent requirement to have very small stages in many places nowadays. I think your pinpointing the key differences was spot on.
Excellent. Good information thanks. I’m playing with the 50mk2 non ex. Your earlier videos had me trying amps like crazy and I came to the conclusion that the 50 is my cup o tea. It’s really a fine little amp! Thanks for helping and I look forward to more from you.
I bought a MkII 50 a few years ago as a “backup” to my tube amp. (I was an avid effects loop user at the time.) I haven’t taken the tube amp off the shelf in 2 years, I like the sound that much. (And it keeps up with a live drummer.) The audience can’t hear the difference between a delay & reverb in the effects loop vs plugged into the front end, so that compromise turned out to not be a huge thing. My 2 cents.
Any one of them will do. The real thing is the accoutrements. Configure it in your home studio, then use the AirStep Kat to switch among the things you need. I have the 50 MkII - great amp
Eeeexxcellent. My purchase will be a further curve ball - the 2x12 Katana 100 mk2! Took my 50w mk2 to band practice and although it performed beautifully, I need more air being pushed around. Plus I’d love to use a looper! But if that EX had existed when I originally bought my mk2 it would’ve been an instant purchase. Great video, Andy!
I got rid of mine after four months. I had the Katana 100 mk2. It was definitely not a good amp for gigging. No matter how deep I got into it, when I showed up at a gig, the thing always sounded puny. None of the presets, whether factory defaults, my creations, or patches from others, could measure up onstage. I simply got fed up with fighting it searching for a pleasing tone. I wound up going back to field proven workhorses. Then, because I'm 59 years old now with back pain issues, I decided to try an ampless approach. It serves my needs perfectly and gets the job done quite sufficiently.
If you want a stand-alone amp in the future, check out the Blackstar St. James (which comes in two versions in case you don't know about them). They are designed o be the lightest tube amps on the market- about the same weight as a Katana.
Excellent comparison. I have the 100. But you are right about the weight and size. For me, it was the sound and effects pedal. If you have concerns about the weight use a small hand truck or dolly
I recently bought a katana 50 mk2 for 225 bucks for rehearsals. It’s super lightweight and flexible and I love it! As for a pedal, I bought an XSonic Airstep Kat, which is a 5 buttone footswitch that gives me channel switching and effect on/off per channel. It cost $69 straight from xsonic! And, it features a Bluetooth and a downloadable app (for iOS, not sure about android) that basically gives you the functionality of the boss tone studio app on your phone! The airstep is great, and an amazing bargain. No affiliation with me, just really happy with the switcher!
What an fabulous (most excellent) explanation of each amplifier's pros and cons. I have the 100 mkII artist, and I'm sure to pick up an awesome, previously loved, 50 mkII soon.
I bought the Katana 50 MKII right after the 50 EX released, so, at a good price. For my personal use case it has been an excellent choice, I doubt I will ever need a bigger or more featured amp, but GAS is kicking really hard for me to get a desktop amp this year.
Just starting out and I went with the 100 since it was just $110 more than the 50. Also its not that much bigger with more power and it's future proof so I can grow with it and not buy anything new for a long time. Thanks for your advice!
EXcellent! I wasn't sure which Boss Katana should I buy, but I finally bought the 100 MK2 because I think it is probably the best choice for me. What I want is an amp for the rest of my life, one that I can use in any situation and I think the 100 is a very good option, so I hope I a made a good decision. Thanks for your videos, you helped me decide! 😊
I have been researching a good pickup and go amp and came across your video. I am already an owner of the Boss Acoustic Singer Live 60-watt Bi-amp Acoustic Combo with FX amp for my acoustic guitar. Your video definitely showed me the choice in the Katana line and made it easy to pick from that line up and for that Excellent help, I thank you.
According to Boss/Roland it is required to have both amps with a stereo expand switch in order to utilize stereo effects. VIZ: 50ex and a 100 or Artist. OR 2 50 ex's etc .
Excellent video. Appreciate this review. I use an amp modeler(Gigboard) and I am part of a group of bands gigging and our set-up includes Katana 100's. I connect to PA direct all the time and one time I connected to the Katana effects loop and was blown away by the sound. I don't know why because I already have a 100 at home, but the katana mic'd up on live gig sounds awesome. I am planning to buy another Katana 100 for my other band gigging light throughout the place. I guess your video helped me figure out what my next Katana will be. Cheers man.
I use the Katana MKII head with a 2x12 cab for band practice. I play in a death metal band with a super loud drummer and need the low end. I generally borrow 4x12 cabs at venues and just bring my Katana head.
Eggselent review. The 100 sounds like the one to get if you are gigging. I have the 50mk ii. Discovered depth of Tone Studio and now stopped using my pedal boards for the most part. Given that there's a clean amp setting, if you limit to getting your dirt from the pedals, you can put them in front of the amp, using the clean.
Bought a 50MK a couple of weeks ago on sale, I got the white one bc I liked it. Got it in anticipation of a custom built Tele gift from a close pal. It will arrive soon. Have NOT opened the Boss. Now thinking about returning for a 50EX, You just made that decision MUCH.....more difficult, but that's on me. I just play at home, no gigging, just personal fun. Thanks for a typically great effort! I'm a big fan.
A very considerate comparison! As to your conclusion (which certainly seems well rooted): I'd say that - given the fact (as we could hear) that the 50s and the 100 DO sound different - before you make your decision you actually should hear the difference yourself, preferably playing YOUR music with YOUR guitar (or something close to it) and THEN make your final choice.
Excellent!!! I love my 50 Mk2. Haven’t explored the online effects options. Need a tremolo so will add that soon. I stand close to my amp at my shows so micing and using the top buttons is all I need.
"Excellent" comparison video Andy. As you say, it all comes down to need; where you play etc. Bedroom vs restaurant vs rowdy pub scene etc. My son is a gigging jazz bass player, who plays in small bars, where there is no option to plug into a front-of-house system. To be heard, he has a Roland Bass Cube 100 and being a bass amp, it's bulky and heavy and yes, travelling by public transport is problematic. Unless you are a bedroom player, you probably need more than one amp.
I started with the 50MKll but soon upgraded to the 100MKll because I need an effects loop. A few months later I came into some extra money and decided to upgrade again to the Artist MKll. But the Artist is a kind of a heavy amp to lug around for an old Dude like me. Then I discovered the 100 MKll head has a small speaker built in for home practice and since I use the line out almost exclusively, I traded my Artist MKll for a 100MKll head. So, good sounds at low volume at home, plug into my interface for home recording or into the FOH for playing live. Excellent. I also have a Katana Air for when I travel. These amps are incredible.
The 212's are 16 ohm, and all the single speaker Katanas are 8 ohm. I know they can wire them in series or parallel to compensate. Nobody seems to be talking about the benefits of having 2×212s working together for ground shaking levels of volume. To my ears the single speaker Katanas have a way flatter frequency range. The 212s are only seeing 25watts rms at 16ohms to each cone. This keeps the speakers much happier when the volume levels are pushed way up. The singles distort way easier, and make nailing my favorite super high gain tones much harder without using the tone studio. Also, I've found keeping both the pre-amp and master volumes at 12 o'clock and using the power attenuator and guitar volume knob to control the overall levels, makes a massive difference in the way the amp responds. My guitar volume is never above 5 and most often around 3-4. All my guitars have treble bleed curcuits or 50's wiring, unless they're actives. Can't imagine trying to dial in any decent tones with everything dimed?
I am a working musician. I used to carry around a twin cab Ampeg Reverbarocket. Too heavy for me now, but the Katana 100 is my go to amp now. Also comes in handy having on board FX in case I forget to take my pedal AC adapter to the show! LOL
This video was "excellent"...Thanks! I got the 50 b4 the EX came out. I would have upgraded 4 sure if I had seen this first.😁That being said, I LOVE the Katana 50![non-EX] It is exactly what i needed and still need. I have a Focusrite and a Pod 500hd already. I'm cool just using the POD & Ableton Lite when I need to. But i don't really need the POD cuz the Katana sounds awesome with very little tweaking. So light. It really makes a difference when u can easily put it anywhere.
Excellent! I just bought Katana 100 Mk 2, I've been using the 50 for many years and wanted the extra volume that in some gigs I know I will need, the bigger speaker and the option to use the GA-FC. Great video!
I have a katana 50 never quite knew what I was doing, because I'm a jazz artist and never could get it to sound quite the way I wanted it with deep tones, but after watching this video. I am going to purchase the 100 to use with my GT 100 foot pedal. I really like the way you explain it. You put it where the goats can you get it, that means quite simply put and easy to understand. 😊
EXcellent! I picked up both the 50mkII EX and a 100 MkII head that I run through a medium size cab with an old Jensen Neo in it. The 100 with that cab sounds much better than the 50 EX, but I attribute that to cab size and speaker. Without doing an A/B, side to side. I think, as you do, that the 50 sounds great, however cramped. I'll bet it'll sit just fine in my band's mix, which I'll try (just got these) next session - as soon as everyone gets over their colds and such. Great video. I've been playing, however lamely, for 63 years - lots of tube amps along the way - no longer needed. Gotta love modern tech and Boss in particular!!
Looking for all informations in order to get a Katana MK II, more precisely the 100 since i've to match a mad hitting drummer and for tone exploration by the FX loop. So my general idea is now more clear than ever, which also mean that review is... Excellent!!!
Yeh good video very informative, I'm going for the 50 EX , light , easy to tote and the multi function footswitch iced the deal. Price of the 50 EX also helped cement my decision
I am leaning towards the Katana 50 mkii as it's a fairly inexpensive, can act as my home practice pedal platform, works well with my xsonic airstep and I don't really have a lot of extra space for a larger amp or plan on using an effects loop. Excellent.
On a slight tangent - I gig with a Katana Artist Mk II - the first one I bought started cutting out and I would have to toggle the power control to get it back. Boss replaced it under warranty and just over a year later the second amp is having the same problem. Anyone else seen this problem ? I am going to buy a Katana 50 EX as a backup while Boss look at my Artist as we have a gig soon. I love the Katana but just want it to be reliable!!
Excellent!! I’ll definitely be getting the 100. I have a few pedals that are just too important for me and I gotta take advantage of that effects loop. Thanks for the great video.
Excellent. This video helped me decide between the 100 and the 50 ex. The 50 ex is suited for my needs. I don't really need a FX loop since most if not all effects I need is already built in on the Katana. Plus, the money I saved from the 100 will be added to my budget for the GA-FC EX.
I'd go for the EX. I'm too old to be on the road anymore. It's a good life but hard on your health. Don't need the big Marshall anymore. So I just play at home now or the occasional jam. I think I'd really like this little amp
Last summer a friend asked me to help out with a band that he was trying to put together. At the time I had my Marshall DSL40C with a pedalboard that I used for playing out and a small Fender Mustang LT25 that I used for home practice. The Marshall was too loud and much too heavy to lug down into his basement studio and the Fender was not loud enough to play with the rest of the band. At the time I looked at a couple of options to replace my little Fender. I was looking at larger Mustang amps, the Line 6 Catalyst, and a Boss Katana. I wanted something light and simple. I wanted to have my 3 basic tones available via a footswitch. That would be a clean tone, a rhythm tone, and a lead tone. I did not need much in the way of effects besides the basic, reverb, chorus, and delay. The Katana MKII 50 checked all of the boxes for me. If I had it to do today, I would probably go for the 50 EX because it has 'more' but if I was to be honest, I really don't need it. The MKII 50 suits my needs just fine.
Excellent! Just bought an EX today with a GA-FC. I really struggled doing the choice with the 100... Because of the fx loop vs size/weight and the fact that I will likely never need a 100watts. Before seeing this video I was kind of doubting my decision... But you convinced me I made the right choice ! Can't wait to get them delivered. Anyways thanks for the detailed video. You definetly kill !!
I have a 100 mk2 and like it a lot but have not used the effects loop - there's too much built in and the footswitch sorts out changing tones. The 50EX makes the original 50s less desirable but a big price hike for the 50EX. They are all good amps unless you are a tube/valve snob. I agree that the 50EX is a great choice for those that want to keep weight and space occupancy down. They are all so versatile and maybe complex but there is fun in the learning curve of these amps. Boss nailed it with these amps and I have a bass 210 too. Great quality and value for money imho. Good vid demo and explanation of the various qualities of these affordable amps.
Excellent! AtM I am helping a beginner sort out his needs for amplification and I wasn't quite shure what the deffernces between "the Katanas" were. Thanks a lot for your help!
Excellent, I own a Katana Mk11 100, and I love it. I use it for my TH-cam channel, and I'm going to use it for a gig I'm playing, along with my Mesa Boogie 50 rectoverb.
Get your Katana here (one link for all models and GA FC EX) :
Thomann - redir.love/thocf/5j95lq1q4v
Sweetwater - imp.i114863.net/x0LrA
Andertons - bit.ly/3iysV0b
excelent lol
Excellent...but in a Bill and Ted way ;p
What are your thoughts on just using the 100 watt Amp Head...
And is there one electric rockestra players would find best for their needs .. In other words...
Versatility wise...what would work for a bass guitar and a violin? Or chin cello?
Thanks
Per my friendly Sweetwater Sales Engineer, Boss has discontinued the Katana 50 mkii EX (at least in North America). Do you still suggest the Katana 100 mkii over the 50mkii (assuming there are no used 50 EX models available)? Also still EXCELLENT (in a self gratifying tone).
50EX Excellent 😅
I am new to electric guitar and wonder, if there is a difference between recording with USB ot this MIDI Bluetooth adapter? Can I play music, record it at the same time and the computer automatically writes note or tab?
I just ordered a 100 mk II for $100 off. I’m so freaking stoked. The effects loop was the major selling point for me. I’m in love with my pedal board.
thats a greal deal!
@@BigBobbyBoLo Yeah, man, no regrets, I’ve used it everyday since I got it.
Dude, really , you are one of the best 3 music content youtubers that I ever see!
I agree and that's why I just subbed! Keep up the great work Geek!!!✌🤘👍👍
Great video. Boss should be happy that you are promoting their amps. Been waiting for a review on the 50 MK2 EX and the comparison to the 100. You go into a lot of common sense detail that made it a lot easier for me to decide between the two. Thanks. I went for the 50 EX.
As a beginner, I'm still happy with my choice of a 50 mkII. I found a good deal for the amp, and have the xsonic airstep pedal coming to allow access to slightly more than the 2 pedal footswitch. As I'm learning this is more than enough for me at the moment!
I’m not a beginner and I play in a band with an aggressive punk rock drummer, I still bought the Katana 50 MkII. It’s great for home using the 0.5watt feature and perfect for live shows using the full 50watts. If you’re playing a show where you feel that 50watts isn’t enough then you should be mic’d up to the house speakers and monitors.
@@LuisJimenez-pb3ge Yeah, I'm in the same spot. We play 90's punk/grunge etc. and our drummer is a beast. We first jammed and I brought my THR10II lol. So I was on the fence and ended up with a mk2 100. Great amp but it's not exactly the most portable. Kinda wish I got the 50 mk2, but I also have a boss RC-5 so it's a pro/con. The amp sounds amazing at rehearsal and I haven't needed the 100w yet. I use the 50w and it's enough for now, but the 100 definitely sounds bigger and fuller than the 50 when I tried it out at guitar center. However, it's heavy carrying to practice going from THR10II, but the sound is worth it if you live gig but you could definitely get by with a 50 if it's mic'd up for sure
As an advanced player, you made the correct choice. Solid state amps are great until they break and you might as well throw it away.
Some months later I'm curious as to your experience with the Airstep. I've had one almost since I got the K50, certainly does more than "slightly". Channel switching, f/x access including switching between variants, and - hooray - wireless access to the Katana Librarian. Totally opened up the amp for me - and cheaper than the Boss. So waddaya think?
@@niteriderband4713 hilarious. Let me guess, tube over everything?
Excellent! I bought the 100 mk2, the effects loop was a factor as I wanted to be able to use my own reverbs, delays and looper post internal effects. It would be great if Boss added a tuner and a looper, though.
The second Play example Sold me on the 100, it sounded much nicer over headphones
I like the Katana series and got my Artist combo because I preferred the speaker over what came in the other models, and I wanted an effects loop and the larger controller. Excellent!
Excellent review, just what i was looking for
On thomann the 50 EX costs around 329€, i think it makes it more viable
Boss Katana 50 gen 3. EX tick
I have 2 EXCELLENT mk1 Katana 50's and they are all I think most need. Because I think most people will buy some sort of effect that the Katanas can't do. Like all the cool reverbs/delays. Or anything else cool for that matter. But that's just me.
I've been trying to wrap my head around the differences of these 3 models. Thank you for the amazing comparison and clear-as-day explanations
Eggcellent!! The 100 it is and thanks for the detailed analysis.
I appreciate the thorough and thoughtful discussion of these amp comparisons/contrasts! I’m a newly minted expat musician now living in (back in) Philippines and needed to replenish my amplifier(s) lost to travel constraints. I ended up with the 100 mk2 and an Airstep Kat pedal. I had plenty of other equipment back in America and never gave the Katana-series a listen, but this great amp is light, powerful, and effects-packed enough to set me up with a world of creativity!
Excellent I got a Katana mkii 50 ex for 265 out the door tax included in the us and an gafcex for 150. i used to have a 100 mkii with a pedal board and sold it all. Now I can get all my sounds and use less equipment so i have more room in my Honda civic to go do gigs.
I just ordered the katana 50 mkii ex as my first amp. Great video. Excellent
Excellent....going for the 100. Minimal price difference, and the 100 will probably better hold its ground alongside a rambunctious drummer. Thank you for another great video!
I started with the 50 then because of your video upgraded to the ARTIST its fantastic
I love the artist. the sound is another level but dang that thing is heavy... An artist filled with helium, is that possible?
Thanks a lot for your very clear explanation ! I just pressed the buy button after watching your video for a Katana 50 MKII EX version at 240€ ! no brainer!
The 50 MKII EX came on for $20 more than the 50 MKII so it was an easy buy for my sons first amp. As much as I wanted the effects loop for down the road, it was basically going to cost $150 for just the loop as far as the rest goes. This amp sounds absolutely beautiful, both of us were extremely happy.
Thanks - I have been looking for a small gigging amp as my big amps are too much for small venues. At this point most likely will pick up a 50 EX as the major drawback was the lack of the larger GA FC foot pedal. This video was EXCELLENT in validating and pointing out the key differences. The light weight/small size are also very important due to the apparent requirement to have very small stages in many places nowadays. I think your pinpointing the key differences was spot on.
I'm going for the 50 EX..Just makes good sense to me..EXCELLENT !!!
Excellent. Good information thanks. I’m playing with the 50mk2 non ex. Your earlier videos had me trying amps like crazy and I came to the conclusion that the 50 is my cup o tea. It’s really a fine little amp! Thanks for helping and I look forward to more from you.
Well i bought a Kat50 mkII and a Airstep for the Katana and Viola i got the Bigger Paddleboard to choose between the Effects and Banks.
Bam. Exelent
Just bought a 100. Waiting for my GAFC EX to arrive. Excellent!!!
I bought a MkII 50 a few years ago as a “backup” to my tube amp. (I was an avid effects loop user at the time.) I haven’t taken the tube amp off the shelf in 2 years, I like the sound that much. (And it keeps up with a live drummer.) The audience can’t hear the difference between a delay & reverb in the effects loop vs plugged into the front end, so that compromise turned out to not be a huge thing. My 2 cents.
Any one of them will do. The real thing is the accoutrements. Configure it in your home studio, then use the AirStep Kat to switch among the things you need. I have the 50 MkII - great amp
Eeeexxcellent. My purchase will be a further curve ball - the 2x12 Katana 100 mk2! Took my 50w mk2 to band practice and although it performed beautifully, I need more air being pushed around. Plus I’d love to use a looper! But if that EX had existed when I originally bought my mk2 it would’ve been an instant purchase. Great video, Andy!
Great amps, got a Dual Cube LX tiny lunchbox amp. Boss does a really nice job regarding affordable good sounding amps.
I got rid of mine after four months. I had the Katana 100 mk2. It was definitely not a good amp for gigging. No matter how deep I got into it, when I showed up at a gig, the thing always sounded puny. None of the presets, whether factory defaults, my creations, or patches from others, could measure up onstage.
I simply got fed up with fighting it searching for a pleasing tone.
I wound up going back to field proven workhorses. Then, because I'm 59 years old now with back pain issues, I decided to try an ampless approach.
It serves my needs perfectly and gets the job done quite sufficiently.
If you want a stand-alone amp in the future, check out the Blackstar St. James (which comes in two versions in case you don't know about them). They are designed o be the lightest tube amps on the market- about the same weight as a Katana.
Excellent comparison. I have the 100. But you are right about the weight and size. For me, it was the sound and effects pedal. If you have concerns about the weight use a small hand truck or dolly
Excellent review :o)
I choose the katana 100 for the rounder sound and for being mon only amp at home.
i would and probably will buy the excellent katana 50 ex. i was on the fence about wanting an FX loop, but you honestly sold me on the convenience
Excellent! I just bought the 50MKII having no idea there was an EX but I may upgrade later because I really want to use the GA FC. Great video!
This is the best explanation for this amp, the best way is go for the 100w
I recently bought a katana 50 mk2 for 225 bucks for rehearsals. It’s super lightweight and flexible and I love it! As for a pedal, I bought an XSonic Airstep Kat, which is a 5 buttone footswitch that gives me channel switching and effect on/off per channel. It cost $69 straight from xsonic! And, it features a Bluetooth and a downloadable app (for iOS, not sure about android) that basically gives you the functionality of the boss tone studio app on your phone! The airstep is great, and an amazing bargain. No affiliation with me, just really happy with the switcher!
Thanks for the great comparison.
Boss is now offering a “cash” rebate on the 50 EX so the difference in price between it and the 50 is only $30.
Oh wow! Thanks for the info
What an fabulous (most excellent) explanation of each amplifier's pros and cons. I have the 100 mkII artist, and I'm sure to pick up an awesome, previously loved, 50 mkII soon.
I bought the Katana 50 MKII right after the 50 EX released, so, at a good price. For my personal use case it has been an excellent choice, I doubt I will ever need a bigger or more featured amp, but GAS is kicking really hard for me to get a desktop amp this year.
Excellent- Great in depth reasoning for anyone wanting one of these amps 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
That was an Eggcelent review 😢😂. I definitely think the 100 is worth it for the effects loop. Thanks for the review!!
I am currently looking for a Katana amp and this video certainly helped a lot ! EXCELLENT !!
Just starting out and I went with the 100 since it was just $110 more than the 50. Also its not that much bigger with more power and it's future proof so I can grow with it and not buy anything new for a long time. Thanks for your advice!
I am currently thinking of buying a 50-EX and this was the most helpful video for me to confirm my choice. Excellent!
EXcellent! I wasn't sure which Boss Katana should I buy, but I finally bought the 100 MK2 because I think it is probably the best choice for me. What I want is an amp for the rest of my life, one that I can use in any situation and I think the 100 is a very good option, so I hope I a made a good decision.
Thanks for your videos, you helped me decide! 😊
I have been researching a good pickup and go amp and came across your video. I am already an owner of the Boss Acoustic Singer Live 60-watt Bi-amp Acoustic Combo with FX amp for my acoustic guitar. Your video definitely showed me the choice in the Katana line and made it easy to pick from that line up and for that Excellent help, I thank you.
You’re welcome Charles!
According to Boss/Roland it is required to have both amps with a stereo expand switch in order to utilize stereo effects. VIZ: 50ex and a 100 or Artist. OR 2 50 ex's etc .
I still have the first katana 50 and I use a boss me 80. Love boss. I'm thinking about buying the katana ex. I think they are "excellent".
Excellent, I am choosing none and staying with Blackstar Silverline 20 :) still loud enough to play next to drummer.
Love my MK2 100 swapped in a Em12 legend and it really boosted it range
EXCELLENT! I'm a 50-watter, because of size and weight.
Excellent video. Appreciate this review. I use an amp modeler(Gigboard) and I am part of a group of bands gigging and our set-up includes Katana 100's. I connect to PA direct all the time and one time I connected to the Katana effects loop and was blown away by the sound. I don't know why because I already have a 100 at home, but the katana mic'd up on live gig sounds awesome. I am planning to buy another Katana 100 for my other band gigging light throughout the place. I guess your video helped me figure out what my next Katana will be. Cheers man.
I think I would have to go for the one hundred I just like having the most features in an app Excellent
I use the Katana MKII head with a 2x12 cab for band practice. I play in a death metal band with a super loud drummer and need the low end. I generally borrow 4x12 cabs at venues and just bring my Katana head.
Eggselent review. The 100 sounds like the one to get if you are gigging. I have the 50mk ii. Discovered depth of Tone Studio and now stopped using my pedal boards for the most part. Given that there's a clean amp setting, if you limit to getting your dirt from the pedals, you can put them in front of the amp, using the clean.
Bought a 50MK a couple of weeks ago on sale, I got the white one bc I liked it. Got it in anticipation of a custom built Tele gift from a close pal. It will arrive soon. Have NOT opened the Boss. Now thinking about returning for a 50EX, You just made that decision MUCH.....more difficult, but that's on me. I just play at home, no gigging, just personal fun. Thanks for a typically great effort! I'm a big fan.
oh I am SORRY! I love the 50 but the 50 EX makes life easier (with the GA-FC)
I will be picking up the 50EX very soon...Excellent.
Enjoy it!
A very considerate comparison! As to your conclusion (which certainly seems well rooted): I'd say that - given the fact (as we could hear) that the 50s and the 100 DO sound different - before you make your decision you actually should hear the difference yourself, preferably playing YOUR music with YOUR guitar (or something close to it) and THEN make your final choice.
Excellent!!! I love my 50 Mk2. Haven’t explored the online effects options. Need a tremolo so will add that soon. I stand close to my amp at my shows so micing and using the top buttons is all I need.
Gonna get the 50 mkii ex, cause is "excellent" , tks for this excel comparison video, subscribing rigth now
Excellent! Been struggling with this decision. Sold my Fender Pro Jr a month ago. I going for newest 50 watt Katana. Thank you from Canada.
"Excellent" comparison video Andy. As you say, it all comes down to need; where you play etc. Bedroom vs restaurant vs rowdy pub scene etc.
My son is a gigging jazz bass player, who plays in small bars, where there is no option to plug into a front-of-house system. To be heard, he has a Roland Bass Cube 100 and being a bass amp, it's bulky and heavy and yes, travelling by public transport is problematic.
Unless you are a bedroom player, you probably need more than one amp.
I started with the 50MKll but soon upgraded to the 100MKll because I need an effects loop. A few months later I came into some extra money and decided to upgrade again to the Artist MKll. But the Artist is a kind of a heavy amp to lug around for an old Dude like me. Then I discovered the 100 MKll head has a small speaker built in for home practice and since I use the line out almost exclusively, I traded my Artist MKll for a 100MKll head. So, good sounds at low volume at home, plug into my interface for home recording or into the FOH for playing live. Excellent. I also have a Katana Air for when I travel. These amps are incredible.
The 212's are 16 ohm, and all the single speaker Katanas are 8 ohm. I know they can wire them in series or parallel to compensate. Nobody seems to be talking about the benefits of having 2×212s working together for ground shaking levels of volume. To my ears the single speaker Katanas have a way flatter frequency range. The 212s are only seeing 25watts rms at 16ohms to each cone. This keeps the speakers much happier when the volume levels are pushed way up. The singles distort way easier, and make nailing my favorite super high gain tones much harder without using the tone studio. Also, I've found keeping both the pre-amp and master volumes at 12 o'clock and using the power attenuator and guitar volume knob to control the overall levels, makes a massive difference in the way the amp responds. My guitar volume is never above 5 and most often around 3-4. All my guitars have treble bleed curcuits or 50's wiring, unless they're actives. Can't imagine trying to dial in any decent tones with everything dimed?
I am a working musician. I used to carry around a twin cab Ampeg Reverbarocket. Too heavy for me now, but the Katana 100 is my go to amp now. Also comes in handy having on board FX in case I forget to take my pedal AC adapter to the show! LOL
This video was "excellent"...Thanks! I got the 50 b4 the EX came out. I would have upgraded 4 sure if I had seen this first.😁That being said, I LOVE the Katana 50![non-EX] It is exactly what i needed and still need. I have a Focusrite and a Pod 500hd already. I'm cool just using the POD & Ableton Lite when I need to. But i don't really need the POD cuz the Katana sounds awesome with very little tweaking. So light. It really makes a difference when u can easily put it anywhere.
Excellent! I just bought Katana 100 Mk 2, I've been using the 50 for many years and wanted the extra volume that in some gigs I know I will need, the bigger speaker and the option to use the GA-FC. Great video!
I have a katana 50 never quite knew what I was doing, because I'm a jazz artist and never could get it to sound quite the way I wanted it with deep tones, but after watching this video. I am going to purchase the 100 to use with my GT 100 foot pedal. I really like the way you explain it. You put it where the goats can you get it, that means quite simply put and easy to understand. 😊
Still not sure which to buy, excellent!
I went with the Katana Artist MkII. “EXCELLENT”
EXcellent! I picked up both the 50mkII EX and a 100 MkII head that I run through a medium size cab with an old Jensen Neo in it. The 100 with that cab sounds much better than the 50 EX, but I attribute that to cab size and speaker. Without doing an A/B, side to side. I think, as you do, that the 50 sounds great, however cramped. I'll bet it'll sit just fine in my band's mix, which I'll try (just got these) next session - as soon as everyone gets over their colds and such. Great video. I've been playing, however lamely, for 63 years - lots of tube amps along the way - no longer needed. Gotta love modern tech and Boss in particular!!
Looking for all informations in order to get a Katana MK II, more precisely the 100 since i've to match a mad hitting drummer and for tone exploration by the FX loop. So my general idea is now more clear than ever, which also mean that review is... Excellent!!!
Yeh good video very informative, I'm going for the 50 EX , light , easy to tote and the multi function footswitch iced the deal. Price of the 50 EX also helped cement my decision
I own a spark 40 for home practice and a Katana 100 for gigs. And it is EXCELLENT
I am leaning towards the Katana 50 mkii as it's a fairly inexpensive, can act as my home practice pedal platform, works well with my xsonic airstep and I don't really have a lot of extra space for a larger amp or plan on using an effects loop. Excellent.
What a time to be alive. I can't imagine having things like this when I started playing as a kid.
I know mate. I am suprised i am still alive considering all the dodgy rigs i have plugged into
"Excellent!" Thank you for this, sir!
I HAVE A KATANA MK2 100 AND I JUST LOVE IT
Ex 50 was on offer so I got that for my first amp. Gonna have to buy that pedal now...
On a slight tangent - I gig with a Katana Artist Mk II - the first one I bought started cutting out and I would have to toggle the power control to get it back. Boss replaced it under warranty and just over a year later the second amp is having the same problem. Anyone else seen this problem ? I am going to buy a Katana 50 EX as a backup while Boss look at my Artist as we have a gig soon. I love the Katana but just want it to be reliable!!
Yeah i like that, pretty excellent! summary of the katana and things that stand out on all the models. Great work.
Thanks for the announcement and breakdown Andy. In the wise words of Bill and Ted, excellent!
Widdly widdley widdly!
Loved the video. I already have a Katana-Head MkII & Katana Cabinet 212 but am considering a Katana-50 MkII EX for smaller gigs... EXCELLENT!
Excellent!! I’ll definitely be getting the 100. I have a few pedals that are just too important for me and I gotta take advantage of that effects loop. Thanks for the great video.
Yes, i am a member of the end of the video club!!!! Great vid mate.
Bought the 50Mkii EX after watching this, it is excellent...
I am very happy with my Katana MKII. Excellent
This was an excellent video, and I appreciate the details comparison and clear recommendations with reasoning.
Excellent... I have MKI 50 and 100... the only thing I wish I had is the line-out microphone options on Tone Studio.
Excellent.
This video helped me decide between the 100 and the 50 ex. The 50 ex is suited for my needs. I don't really need a FX loop since most if not all effects I need is already built in on the Katana. Plus, the money I saved from the 100 will be added to my budget for the GA-FC EX.
I'd go for the EX. I'm too old to be on the road anymore. It's a good life but hard on your health. Don't need the big Marshall anymore. So I just play at home now or the occasional jam. I think I'd really like this little amp
Such a lovey and thorough review Andy. Still happy with my VINTAGE 100 mk1. Eggselent
Last summer a friend asked me to help out with a band that he was trying to put together. At the time I had my Marshall DSL40C with a pedalboard that I used for playing out and a small Fender Mustang LT25 that I used for home practice. The Marshall was too loud and much too heavy to lug down into his basement studio and the Fender was not loud enough to play with the rest of the band. At the time I looked at a couple of options to replace my little Fender. I was looking at larger Mustang amps, the Line 6 Catalyst, and a Boss Katana. I wanted something light and simple. I wanted to have my 3 basic tones available via a footswitch. That would be a clean tone, a rhythm tone, and a lead tone. I did not need much in the way of effects besides the basic, reverb, chorus, and delay. The Katana MKII 50 checked all of the boxes for me. If I had it to do today, I would probably go for the 50 EX because it has 'more' but if I was to be honest, I really don't need it. The MKII 50 suits my needs just fine.
Excellent! Just bought an EX today with a GA-FC. I really struggled doing the choice with the 100... Because of the fx loop vs size/weight and the fact that I will likely never need a 100watts. Before seeing this video I was kind of doubting my decision... But you convinced me I made the right choice ! Can't wait to get them delivered. Anyways thanks for the detailed video. You definetly kill !!
I have a 100 mk2 and like it a lot but have not used the effects loop - there's too much built in and the footswitch sorts out changing tones. The 50EX makes the original 50s less desirable but a big price hike for the 50EX. They are all good amps unless you are a tube/valve snob. I agree that the 50EX is a great choice for those that want to keep weight and space occupancy down. They are all so versatile and maybe complex but there is fun in the learning curve of these amps. Boss nailed it with these amps and I have a bass 210 too. Great quality and value for money imho. Good vid demo and explanation of the various qualities of these affordable amps.
I bought the Mk II 100W head, and it's most EXCELLENT!
Excellent!
AtM I am helping a beginner sort out his needs for amplification and I wasn't quite shure what the deffernces between "the Katanas" were. Thanks a lot for your help!
EXCELLENT! I got the MK2 100.
Excellent, I own a Katana Mk11 100, and I love it. I use it for my TH-cam channel, and I'm going to use it for a gig I'm playing, along with my Mesa Boogie 50 rectoverb.