The hiss is due to the channel volume being set up full. Turn master up full and run channel volume low...sounds bigger, fuller, punchier...and no hiss!!
I replaced the two-pins power cable from the package with a PC cable with three pins - additional one for ground, and it did a lot good for the noise. I actually didn't have problem with the crunch channel, but with an acoustic pickup I was using. The new cable solved the problem completely.
Thanks for the Video. I am a novice/bedroom guitar practitioner. I just went to our local guitar store and tried this amp out along with the Fender Mustang GTX 50. I really liked the Katana, easier to use, less expensive. I also tried out a few other Fender Tube/Valve amps..they were great..but also cost 5 to 10 times more. And I think the Katana had the best sound at low volumes, the other more expensive amps would blow the windows out of my house if I turned them up enough to get any kind of quality tone.
Boss Katana 50 is the ultimate value amp. You can pay more and get more (valve amps) but you can't pay less and get more than the Katana offers. A person today with no gear and little money could get a Harley Benton for $150 and a Katana for $250 and have a playable/gig able rig for $400. That was unimaginable when I started playing.
So true. When I stated playing in the mid 1990’s when I was kid it was not like it was today. No where near the variety of pedals and pedal brands or guitar and amp brands to choose from. If I were able to buy a Katana and use the Boss Tone Lab in conjunction with the amp I would of been the happiest kid alive and probably would of quit playing hockey to play guitar all day and night. It’s a great, no amazing! Time to be alive if you are a guitar player. Young kids just starting out have it made. Having UA-cam as a way to learn and research all the best and newest gear is invaluable.
That sounds great! I went to Thomann last weekend, they advised me to get this amp as a beginner, plus I decided on a Harley Benton for 200 €, Can't wait to get started!
The 100 watt has a cab out. I think you'll like the tone of the 35 or 60 watt Orange even better. Closest thing I've played to a tube amp. I've played tube amps since the late 70s, but solid state / analogue has come so far as well as modelling. We live in a golden age of gear..
Just built my speaker cab with a 15” celestion fullback speaker to go with a Kat mk2 head... I covered it in orange tolex... will that work?... Hahahaha
I'm happy with my version 1 Katana 100. I plan to buy the version 2 and run a stereo set up. For me I go lighter on the amp gain on all the different voices. It seems to do better for me that way. I use my pedals to boost the overdrive and I really like the sounds I'm getting. Overall, the Katana is a great amp and does what it does very well. For the money it's hard to beat. The fact that they included a way in version 2 for the Katana to act as a clean slate for modelers was a nice touch.
You do know many professionals gig these!? You’ll see pros giggling Orange Crush Pro’s, Black Star ID and Boss Katana’s in the pub/clubs around the UK.
I have the original 100 watt, it's a great amp. Bought the Mark 2 50 watt as I'm going to be away from home for the foreseeable and it's not so good. I have no idea how to get it to deal with distortion well. It's extremely fizzy.
Crank Master. Control actual output volume w Volume knob. Seems to be the consensus on these amps. That being said, I think you could get killer tone from a puddle.👍🤘🤘
I liked the Fender LT25 more than this. Also, you can get a Roland Cube second hand for roughly that price I think, and I think they're waaay better. Just my two cents.
I just ordered the Katana 50 mk2... I normally play the Orange TH100 but really wanted something lighter.... Im just getting lazy..... plus I dont have to carry a big pedalboard around. The Vai guitar sounds better but is a bit buzzy.... just sayin.... I can adjust that for you. It sounds a bit tight.
you know what, i kinda get disappointed when a review have too much guitar playing than the review itself, BUT, youre a freakin wicked guitar player, that im enjoying it. could watch this all day. not all reviews have this much talent. good job Elmo! :) my Katana 50 MK2 is currently being shipped. this video makes me really excited. but of course im pretty sure ill get disappointed myself playing so amateur compared to yours. but this inspires me though :) gotta practice like hell.
I just got a MK 2 50 watt today. I am no were near elmo's level of play. But I don't care. Never be disappointed in your level of play . Guitar playing is not a competition. It about doing something you love doing.Playing guitar. Rock on my friend. Enjoy your new Katana. I know I will.
@@danielhartman5086 as an athlete my self, competition is within the self. with good training program, discipline and passion, you can really achieve the level you wished for. tnx and rock on! KT MKII is freakin awesome!
and by the way, the amp is really loud! I only use the .5 watt. kinda hesitant to try the 50w cz I thought it might break the speaker hahaha. have you guys tried 50w?
Let's be fair. Every Katana offer 85% to 90% quality of almost everything for really affordable price. So it is attractive for those who can live with it and I am the one. Anybody wants more, pays more. Respect for your opinions and reviews.
@@thejusticeization peavey has tubey sound... good for heavey tone... no digital effects... the modern lead channel.maybe kinda like digital to me but such a great amp... users friendly... i dont know if it is a modeler but it can mimic a marshall kind of tone... plus it is indestructible.. katana is too weak on dirty channel... of course it depends on what you prefer... they are both good...
I use to have the Marshall code 50 and thought it was okay. Way too many beeps and whistles for me. I’d rather have a simpler amp. I have the Marshall dsl 1 tube and absolutely love it, I have it running through two 10” Eminence speakers in a handmade cab. It sounds great!
@@MrPolevaulter Hi Elmo, I've already bought (tube 15), and it's sounds really good with my Strat, thank you again and keep gifting us with those quality reviews!
Can it really sound that much better than the first Katana?? I have the 50 and I have strong doubts from what I have seen and heard so far. The new version looks to be just more bells and whistles, not BETTER sound.
Elmo Karjalainen thanks brother, I did try the Katana MKII, and It did not feel very inspiring for me to play. I am a beginner so maybe I cant feel what professional musicians feel. Will eagerly wait for you to try the THRII
I must say that for whom that's looking for direction in buying amps for using at home. For every video you watch more confused you get. I like your videos Elmo and it is refreshing to hear someone that looks on this hype with amps like Yamaha THR, Spark and Boss Katana with more critical eyes. There as so many videos with people singing prays over this amps. And in many it doesn't sound great. That's why I like your videos because even though it is big brands the youtuber has a responsible to be critical and give a objective review on the product.
Wow on boost mode it does need the noise gate. I just use the lead and brown channels mostly and turn down the volume on my guitar and it cleans right up. Old school. You have two plexis behind you sir? 100 watts or 50 is what you normally play?
Love your content! And you're an inspiring player! Kudos! The Roland Cube sounds incredible: but I don't think it comes with emulation, which is essential on headphones for those of us with wives and kids or roommates. The Katana 50 here sounds lackluster in comparison to all the 100 1x12's that I've seen in other demos. The 100-watt is killer, you can get legit tones in everything from R&B to 80's Rock, Punk, Metal, Psychedelic, Acoustic and Cleans. The Katana speaker only falls short of the expensive Celestians ever so slightly in high gain modes. I'm not a Katana fan-boy, but there is much to consider in finding the right amp for the gig, even if it's playing at home lol. Thanks, man, keep up the good work!
Neither :D I'd get the Harley Benton Tube15 (Stage Right in the US), Micro Cube, Fender Mustang LT25, Bugera V5 Infinium, Spark Amp, all before either of those.
@@MrPolevaulter Thank you. Today Thomann even has a Tube15 B-stock so I will save 30 euros. I will buy it today together with a Harley Benton TE-62 like the red one you reviewed. Do you know if the blond or the black fretboard is best for Country and old School Rock n Roll? It seems the Country pickers mostly use the blond maple fretboard.
I don’t care for the Marshall Code...I’ve never played on a Boss Katana MKI or MKII...BUT...I do own a Blackstar ID:Core Stereo100...I call this my Swiss Army Knife Amp...has all the features of the Katana but it’s already in stereo (2x10 closed back - 50W per side)...you have to buy 2 Katanas and link them together to get stereo...the Blackstar sounds as good as any current digital/modeling amp and I believe that the ID:Core series was released before the Katana...the Blackstar (and much like the Katana) is great if all you want to carry to the gig/jam is one guitar and amp...Thanks 4 The Video Elmo! 🎸🔊🎶🤘🏻 PS: fear not...I’m still a Fender/Marshall tube amp snob...lol
Elmo Karjalainen The Blackstar Silverline...kool...looking forward to it...is it me or are amp companies putting more effort into solid state/digital modeling than tubes...I recently read an article than stated most amp companies prefer making solid state over tubes because there’s less repair involved and less damage when shipping...
Tried out a katana 1 and Marshall code and thought the code was horrible in comparison. Too washed out. Really wanted to try a blackstar ID Core but the place I went to didn't have one in. Might have to go back in and see if I can compare the katana 2 to katana 1 to ID Core and see which I'd actually prefer
Couldn't click fast enough since I'm looking for another gigging amp or backup possibly. I have the 50 watt first version. I love it, except the app crap, but I don't use it since I get 4 good presets just using the upgraded version. Had to use PC to upgrade, but worth it for two extra channels. I don't get the hiss. Really. On mine. Are you sure it's not your pickups? Just saying. 😉 You should consider reviewing the Orange Crush 35 watt 1 x 10. It's killer. Even better is the 60 watt 1 x 12 or 2 x 12, and or the head which is a 120 watts. The 60 watt or 120 head are called the pro. The best thing about them is they are simple, and the overdrive channel is to die for. Really. It's quite good and I bet you would love it. Even the 35 watt sounds great. Their speaker is killer. The 35 watt is only 235 bucks here in the States.
@@MrPolevaulter the 60 and 100 Watt orange amps sound good. Might want to try out the blackstar modeling amps to the id core 100 sounds Supprisingly good for under 300.00 and is definitely gig worthy..
Been considering this amp for ages as ive never got on with my Blackstar silverline 20w. Its just too ice picky or shouty. Not sure i love the katana drive tones though.
That sounds amazing to me in every way. I can't even come up with a critique at all. Does it cook? I dunno! Perhaps it doesn't do quiet practice? I bet that it does. For me[broke] it's not exactly a budget amp. But for the money I think it's got bang for the buck. Elmo your strat sounds like God today and your playing is really on fire. Always a demo and often sort of a guitar lesson too. And your funny too! please send me this katana when you're done. I'm not an expert but this sounds so good to me. I think that guitar and amp like each other. Rock on!
Me: Hey Elmo meet my girlfriend Elmo: Hey Me: what do you think? Elmo: A little rough around the edges, I would go for a Scandinavian queen, but that is just me. Me: 🤔🤨😪
I agree , Why do we have to use computers or iPhones then again if they put all these settings on amp it would be a Marshall amp disaster all over again with but with Boss Katana I feel. Marshall went down that road with Code 25/50 and I had a Code 50 and I hated it so much I sold it for peanuts after a few months of ownership :( Bluetooth my ass Marshall amps .. I will say Boss Katana web page is so much easier to engage with amp after watching many vids on here , So I may try this amp soon. Good video 👍
It sounds good for what it is. I feel like new little amps like this should always include a very good noise reduction. Boss makes one. I don't know how difficult it would be to integrate. Light weight, loud, good tone, quiet. Not asking for much maybe haha?
Why is it only editable from software? Cost reduction, it only cost 200 bucks. When I first started playing , you know what you got for around 200 bucks... a middle finger 🖕 and a what fur... a gorilla amp, if you were real lucky you could happen across a decent peavey ss amp for around 150 200 ish price range and sometimes that was used. I haven’t used app, in fact I have had this amp for several months and haven’t unboxed it, is the app really that bad?
The thing is, I could tell you got into it a little bit there while shredding, and, when you're a guy who has a Plexi behind you, that says a lot about a cheap amp. Great playing, great little amp. Not better than my modded Marshall DSL40C, though. :)
See how it does against the Katana MK I in this comparison: ua-cam.com/video/rxbpxPb40Jc/v-deo.html Check out more of my amp reviews here: ua-cam.com/play/PLNaLwTdlpQNHNo5bubVjV1OW04gkqU8rM.html
@@MrPolevaulter yep, the full name is Boss Katana Artist MK2. From what boss had done in the past..I'm kinda expecting a 2x12 version tho be released in the future, only a thought tho.🎶✌
I didn't even know they had come out with a new one 🤔. I didn't really see/hear any improvements though. But it does sound good enough. Maybe sounded a bit better with your Universe though, Elmo Turun peto Karjalainen.
Great review as always, Elmo. Do you still prefer the Roland cubes? Should I change my Cube 80 for the new Katana? Cheers and thank you for the good work!
@@MrPolevaulter not at all, thanx to you, please keep the good work! Anyway...something with the cubes...I got several (micro, street, 30 w, 80w...) of course love their preamps and simulations but...definitely to me sound better the little ones speaker....in the 80 w one the gained channels sound some kind of "fibrous", even sounds much better sending the signal to any other external speaker...well, just taste issue. Thanx and cheers!!
When i try to access the buying link it tells me this "It looks like nothing was found at this location. Maybe try a search?". I'm trying to access from Mexico.
Hi Elmo, and thank you for your great review on the amp; great because I always get a laugh at your comments and lip and for the joy of listening your great playing :-D . I am actually thinking of getting a Katana, since I've tried out the first version of it, and decided then to go for a Marshall AS 80R- amp for the acoustic guitar. It is a nice, natural sounding amp, but as to my taste a bit outdated already (manufactured 2009 -2010). It has a spring reverb and a chorus with 4 parameters to play with. What kinda rubbed in the back of my head, was that the Katana MK 1 Had a surprisingly nice sound for the acoustic guitar, and I liked the lush-sounding effects it came with. And, another point would be that on the gigs I go, I don't have to carry around 2 amps; this could handle the acoustic quite nicely, and the electric guitar acceptably ok. Since I'm not the lead player at our present system, this would be quite okay. If I was to play lead, I'd definitely go for a valve amp. Keep on doin' the good work!
I sent mine back. I didn't like it. If you like a lot of bells & whistles, you will probably like it. But I found it very limited for just simple, clean tone. The acoustic channel was decent but the clean channel was very thin and trebley. Frankly, I think my Fender Champ 40 or Orange 35RT had much fuller, warmer clean tone. Not my cup of tea.
I bought one. Been using it for about two weeks. I’ve spent 4 times as much time screwing with it trying to make it sound good than practicing. Not good. I bought this amp to inspire me to play. I want to throw it off a tall building. Shoulda bought the Harley Benton/Monoproce 15 watt tube amp.
@@MrPolevaulter Well, looks like I'll be able to return it. I was concerned that I'd have to pay shipping and a restocking fee which could've added up to about half the cost of the amp. As always, thanks for your super-informative reviews. You seem to be willing to be FAR more honest than many other reviewers.
After gigging both the MK1 Katana 50 and 100s , I have never enjoyed the drive channels from any of these amps. The amount of treble and presence that these things spit out is far too much for me ; coupled with the fact that you can't adjust all the parameters live (E.G Presence, Pedal Drive and Pedal Level settings), I can't recommend these for regular professional stage use - only if you want a clean platform for you pedal-board.
I have the 100 watt head and I will definitely say that pairing it with a "warmer" speaker makes a huge difference. I thought I had heard that the combos came with a good speaker pairing but I could be wrong. Also I found I liked the Brown channel with low gain better than I liked the "Crunch" channel on higher drive. Kind of some weird oddities but in the end I found 4 sounds I really love. Have you tried any of the sneaky amps yet? The bassman and boogie ones are pretty awesome!
Daniel Marveggio yep! I usually run it with the presence pretty low. Also the preamp volume and master volume are quite interactive. It would want a “warmer” tone turn down the master a bit and turn up the preamp volume
@@tonzokinawa Appreciate the replies and constructive feedback. I never bothered trying these with other speakers, but I imagine they sound better than the internal ones. I ended up selling my Katana 100 as I had other amps I was more comfortable using with, but good to hear there are work arounds ;)
Thank YOU! them katana swords yoused to bee simpler to learn than these computring amps!, Ihave a PEAVEY BANDIT 112 and its clear, and an old HugesKettner 80watter as well, and small Fenders and a Fender Champion 40w soon!!! and NEITHER OF THEM HAHHAS THESE KATANA *IT COMPUTER CRAP...the more I find out about Katana amps the more they begin to sound Roland Cubes and boss pedals of my youth..., in my opinion its easier to edit sounds/tones with pedals not with amps connected to computers, i mean if i already use gtr and pedals and multieffects pedal to an amp, and then buy a Katana with computer connection I FLAMIN WANT TO GET PAID NOT PAYIN FOR SOME GOOD GUITAR TONES, WHICH ROLAND /BOSS AINT HAVE GOT! imho, jeez i was almost considering the merk 2 Kat 50 because of the open back, but Katanas just dont sound open! too processed somehow!
If you want to feel bad about your purchase of any entry level amp watch Elmo. When 9 out of 10 people say the digital amps feel great today and it's the best age to start playing on a budget this guy makes you feel like all amps below 300 feel like poop, except for Harley benton tube 15 cause it's a tube or he'll recommend you something that is no longer made. Not helpful at all.
Clean is very acceptable but once on crunch it suffers from the exact same thing my Line 6 Spider IV 75 watt does - it gets close to the sound I want (based on my valve amp) but not quite. This makes it extremely annoying - says more about me than the amp - and leaves me wanting to give it a good kick. I guess you really can't teach an old dog new tricks so I will leave them to you youngsters :).
@@SteveBaerThatsMe That's a very attractive resume for an amp less than $250. How do you think this amp would do in a QUIET college dorm, with the potential to be taken out to gig? My alternative is the Yamaha THR10 II but I don't know how much gigging I'll be doing
@@supersamsquared8055 You can run the Katana on .5 watt mode so it can be played quiet. You can also plug headphones in. I like the sound of a 12 inch speaker personally. Try them both if you can but if not, I can say the Katana is more flexible in that you can play it with a band or play with a friend, it's light weight too.
You're wasting your time. This stuff is no better than code, or worse. You just have to understand that it's worth 250 euros, you've got it for your money. If you want good digital sound, you have Kemper, it's the same budget? no. Otherwise, nothing beats the tube amps, you kill the music with your digital toys.
Is this a competition, as many attacks on a guitar as possible? Terrible, try to play less neurotic and explain more! This is a one man show .......... blehhhhhhh (Pain in my ears)
@@MrPolevaulter After I have recovered from those 300,000 string attacks, I will definitely listen to your album! Try to do something with criticism. It is never personal, but it contains some truth. Love you X
Why every amp review has to feature all this wanna-shred garbage is beyond me..... Nothing personal but the character of a great amp starts from great clean tone. You could start there and move up to higher gain characteristics. Try focusing on the general sound of the amp, not your “vicious chops”
The hiss is due to the channel volume being set up full. Turn master up full and run channel volume low...sounds bigger, fuller, punchier...and no hiss!!
I replaced the two-pins power cable from the package with a PC cable with three pins - additional one for ground, and it did a lot good for the noise.
I actually didn't have problem with the crunch channel, but with an acoustic pickup I was using. The new cable solved the problem completely.
Thanks for the Video. I am a novice/bedroom guitar practitioner. I just went to our local guitar store and tried this amp out along with the Fender Mustang GTX 50. I really liked the Katana, easier to use, less expensive. I also tried out a few other Fender Tube/Valve amps..they were great..but also cost 5 to 10 times more. And I think the Katana had the best sound at low volumes, the other more expensive amps would blow the windows out of my house if I turned them up enough to get any kind of quality tone.
Elmo - i think your reviews are the best - because you dig into the good and bad and talk about better choices - thanks
Thanks :)
Boss Katana 50 is the ultimate value amp. You can pay more and get more (valve amps) but you can't pay less and get more than the Katana offers. A person today with no gear and little money could get a Harley Benton for $150 and a Katana for $250 and have a playable/gig able rig for $400. That was unimaginable when I started playing.
It is good value for money.
I like the breakup on the Clean channel once the gain is all the way up.
So true. When I stated playing in the mid 1990’s when I was kid it was not like it was today. No where near the variety of pedals and pedal brands or guitar and amp brands to choose from. If I were able to buy a Katana and use the Boss Tone Lab in conjunction with the amp I would of been the happiest kid alive and probably would of quit playing hockey to play guitar all day and night. It’s a great, no amazing! Time to be alive if you are a guitar player. Young kids just starting out have it made. Having UA-cam as a way to learn and research all the best and newest gear is invaluable.
That sounds great! I went to Thomann last weekend, they advised me to get this amp as a beginner, plus I decided on a Harley Benton for 200 €, Can't wait to get started!
I have a new Harley Benton on the way and this amp seems to be the perfect choice. I'm following exactly what you said!
Just got the Boss MK2 100w the other day. I like it.
The 100 watt has a cab out. I think you'll like the tone of the 35 or 60 watt Orange even better. Closest thing I've played to a tube amp. I've played tube amps since the late 70s, but solid state / analogue has come so far as well as modelling. We live in a golden age of gear..
Yep, we sure do :)
Just built my speaker cab with a 15” celestion fullback speaker to go with a Kat mk2 head... I covered it in orange tolex... will that work?... Hahahaha
This is the review i was waiting for.
Glad to be of service :)
I'm happy with my version 1 Katana 100. I plan to buy the version 2 and run a stereo set up. For me I go lighter on the amp gain on all the different voices. It seems to do better for me that way. I use my pedals to boost the overdrive and I really like the sounds I'm getting.
Overall, the Katana is a great amp and does what it does very well. For the money it's hard to beat. The fact that they included a way in version 2 for the Katana to act as a clean slate for modelers was a nice touch.
Cool :)
I guess by now you know you can't run a MK1 and MK2 in stereo
Great review. I think the key here is price point and boss got that right. These are respectable enough for practice, rehersal and jams.
Indeed.
Respectable enough? They are great
You do know many professionals gig these!?
You’ll see pros giggling Orange Crush Pro’s, Black Star ID and Boss Katana’s in the pub/clubs around the UK.
Thanks Elmo dude you can play I picked up a few tricks from you on the whammy very nice and thanks my Katana is on the way
How would you compare this amp to say, a Peavey Vypyr or a Marshall Code?
Better.
I have the original 100 watt, it's a great amp.
Bought the Mark 2 50 watt as I'm going to be away from home for the foreseeable and it's not so good. I have no idea how to get it to deal with distortion well. It's extremely fizzy.
Crank Master. Control actual output volume w Volume knob. Seems to be the consensus on these amps. That being said, I think you could get killer tone from a puddle.👍🤘🤘
Haha :D Thanks! :)
Did you try the power amp in. What did you think.
Nope
I had the first katana 50 but for some reason I wasn’t feeling it. The mk2 seemed great. Time to pull the trigger on a 100 Mk2 perhaps?
So Elmo what do you think is a good amp for this price bracket of 250-300$ ?
I liked the Fender LT25 more than this. Also, you can get a Roland Cube second hand for roughly that price I think, and I think they're waaay better. Just my two cents.
I just ordered the Katana 50 mk2... I normally play the Orange TH100 but really wanted something lighter.... Im just getting lazy..... plus I dont have to carry a big pedalboard around. The Vai guitar sounds better but is a bit buzzy.... just sayin.... I can adjust that for you. It sounds a bit tight.
does the ktn 50 mkII got a fx loop ??? if doesnt, then i dont see a really significant upgrade
No loop.
@@MrPolevaulter thats unfortunate
Ok this vs Marshall MG30GFX vs Blackstar Core V3. ?
Not the Blackstar imo.
you know what, i kinda get disappointed when a review have too much guitar playing than the review itself, BUT, youre a freakin wicked guitar player, that im enjoying it. could watch this all day. not all reviews have this much talent. good job Elmo! :) my Katana 50 MK2 is currently being shipped. this video makes me really excited. but of course im pretty sure ill get disappointed myself playing so amateur compared to yours. but this inspires me though :) gotta practice like hell.
Thank you for the kind words. Hope you enjoy your Katana, and get to play a lot :)
I just got a MK 2 50 watt today. I am no were near elmo's level of play. But I don't care. Never be disappointed in your level of play . Guitar playing is not a competition. It about doing something you love doing.Playing guitar. Rock on my friend. Enjoy your new Katana. I know I will.
@@MrPolevaulter tnx Elmo. yes, my callous is quite think now hahahaha :) and it made my Epiphone sound epic! keep on rockin!
@@danielhartman5086 as an athlete my self, competition is within the self. with good training program, discipline and passion, you can really achieve the level you wished for. tnx and rock on! KT MKII is freakin awesome!
and by the way, the amp is really loud! I only use the .5 watt. kinda hesitant to try the 50w cz I thought it might break the speaker hahaha. have you guys tried 50w?
Any thoughts on the diffence in speakers between the models?
Can't remember.
Elmo, you rock!! 🤘🤘
Thanks!
Hi. Please answer: This or fender mustang LT25?
LT25.
Let's be fair. Every Katana offer 85% to 90% quality of almost everything for really affordable price. So it is attractive for those who can live with it and I am the one. Anybody wants more, pays more.
Respect for your opinions and reviews.
Cheers! :)
Yes.. katana is great but i choose peavey bandit 112 as my first go to amp...
@@anonymousguitarist9096 Isn't peavey bandit a modeler?
@@thejusticeization peavey has tubey sound... good for heavey tone... no digital effects... the modern lead channel.maybe kinda like digital to me but such a great amp... users friendly... i dont know if it is a modeler but it can mimic a marshall kind of tone... plus it is indestructible.. katana is too weak on dirty channel... of course it depends on what you prefer... they are both good...
I use to have the Marshall code 50 and thought it was okay. Way too many beeps and whistles for me. I’d rather have a simpler amp. I have the Marshall dsl 1 tube and absolutely love it, I have it running through two 10” Eminence speakers in a handmade cab. It sounds great!
Hi Elmo, What do you think? Harley Benton or this one for a Bluesy kind of sound (SRV) thank you in advance! I love your reviews, keep going!
Definitely Harley Benton. The Tube15 is even better than the Tube5 imo.
@@MrPolevaulter Hi Elmo, I've already bought (tube 15), and it's sounds really good with my Strat, thank you again and keep gifting us with those quality reviews!
Can it really sound that much better than the first Katana?? I have the 50 and I have strong doubts from what I have seen and heard so far. The new version looks to be just more bells and whistles, not BETTER sound.
There's not a huge difference. A comparison video is on the way.
Have you tried the new Yamaha THR II amps ? I am in doubt between Katana or THR
Not yet. Will asap though.
Elmo Karjalainen thanks brother, I did try the Katana MKII, and It did not feel very inspiring for me to play. I am a beginner so maybe I cant feel what professional musicians feel. Will eagerly wait for you to try the THRII
The new thr sounds way better then the katana. I have them both. But the yamaha is only 20 watts. Which kinda sucks
Hy elmo do you think the marshall code 50 is better or the katana 50 mk2 better
Fender Mustang LT25
I must say that for whom that's looking for direction in buying amps for using at home.
For every video you watch more confused you get.
I like your videos Elmo and it is refreshing to hear someone that looks on this hype with amps like Yamaha THR, Spark and Boss Katana with more critical eyes.
There as so many videos with people singing prays over this amps.
And in many it doesn't sound great.
That's why I like your videos because even though it is big brands the youtuber has a responsible to be critical and give a objective review on the product.
Thank you very much :)
I'm just here to watch you play... Damn, just damn.
Thank you very much :)
Wow on boost mode it does need the noise gate. I just use the lead and brown channels mostly and turn down the volume on my guitar and it cleans right up. Old school.
You have two plexis behind you sir? 100 watts or 50 is what you normally play?
What about a boss ge7 ?
Two 50 watt heads.
Marshall code 50 vs boss katana mk2 which one is better just only 1
Anything apart from the Code.
Sounds darn good through my phone speaker
Love your content! And you're an inspiring player! Kudos! The Roland Cube sounds incredible: but I don't think it comes with emulation, which is essential on headphones for those of us with wives and kids or roommates. The Katana 50 here sounds lackluster in comparison to all the 100 1x12's that I've seen in other demos. The 100-watt is killer, you can get legit tones in everything from R&B to 80's Rock, Punk, Metal, Psychedelic, Acoustic and Cleans. The Katana speaker only falls short of the expensive Celestians ever so slightly in high gain modes. I'm not a Katana fan-boy, but there is much to consider in finding the right amp for the gig, even if it's playing at home lol. Thanks, man, keep up the good work!
Thank you very much :)
Elmo. For practice, whats better? Blackstar Ht5 ir this amp?
Neither :D I'd get the Harley Benton Tube15 (Stage Right in the US), Micro Cube, Fender Mustang LT25, Bugera V5 Infinium, Spark Amp, all before either of those.
This or the Harley Benton Tube15? For Country with a Telecaster.
Tube15
@@MrPolevaulter Thank you. Today Thomann even has a Tube15 B-stock so I will save 30 euros. I will buy it today together with a Harley Benton TE-62 like the red one you reviewed. Do you know if the blond or the black fretboard is best for Country and old School Rock n Roll? It seems the Country pickers mostly use the blond maple fretboard.
What is he playing at 11.42 ?
Still Got The Blues.
@@MrPolevaulter wow thank you for answering. I hope you’re doing well.
@@guillainbarre3004 I am, thanks. You too 😊
So one of the three boast channels is an SD-1?
I don’t care for the Marshall Code...I’ve never played on a Boss Katana MKI or MKII...BUT...I do own a Blackstar ID:Core Stereo100...I call this my Swiss Army Knife Amp...has all the features of the Katana but it’s already in stereo (2x10 closed back - 50W per side)...you have to buy 2 Katanas and link them together to get stereo...the Blackstar sounds as good as any current digital/modeling amp and I believe that the ID:Core series was released before the Katana...the Blackstar (and much like the Katana) is great if all you want to carry to the gig/jam is one guitar and amp...Thanks 4 The Video Elmo! 🎸🔊🎶🤘🏻 PS: fear not...I’m still a Fender/Marshall tube amp snob...lol
Cool bananas :) I'm going to be trying out the new Silversomething or other by Blackstar as soon as the post brings it.
Elmo Karjalainen The Blackstar Silverline...kool...looking forward to it...is it me or are amp companies putting more effort into solid state/digital modeling than tubes...I recently read an article than stated most amp companies prefer making solid state over tubes because there’s less repair involved and less damage when shipping...
@@LiveToPlayGuitar Maybe. I'm not sure.
@@LiveToPlayGuitar Maybe because there is nothing to do to tube amps as they are already the best they can be..
Tried out a katana 1 and Marshall code and thought the code was horrible in comparison. Too washed out. Really wanted to try a blackstar ID Core but the place I went to didn't have one in. Might have to go back in and see if I can compare the katana 2 to katana 1 to ID Core and see which I'd actually prefer
+1 Katana 50 MK II vs Fender LT 50?
Hello Elmo. What neck radius are you using?
Not sure :D Same as on a regular Fender Yngwie Strat.
Couldn't click fast enough since I'm looking for another gigging amp or backup possibly. I have the 50 watt first version. I love it, except the app crap, but I don't use it since I get 4 good presets just using the upgraded version. Had to use PC to upgrade, but worth it for two extra channels.
I don't get the hiss. Really. On mine. Are you sure it's not your pickups? Just saying. 😉
You should consider reviewing the Orange Crush 35 watt 1 x 10. It's killer. Even better is the 60 watt 1 x 12 or 2 x 12, and or the head which is a 120 watts. The 60 watt or 120 head are called the pro. The best thing about them is they are simple, and the overdrive channel is to die for. Really. It's quite good and I bet you would love it.
Even the 35 watt sounds great. Their speaker is killer. The 35 watt is only 235 bucks here in the States.
It's not the pickups, since it makes all that noise with the volume rolled off. I have to try me some Oranges.
@@MrPolevaulter the 60 and 100 Watt orange amps sound good. Might want to try out the blackstar modeling amps to the id core 100 sounds Supprisingly good for under 300.00 and is definitely gig worthy..
Been considering this amp for ages as ive never got on with my Blackstar silverline 20w. Its just too ice picky or shouty. Not sure i love the katana drive tones though.
are you playing 10s or 11s on that scalloped neck? Just curious....
9-46.
That sounds amazing to me in every way. I can't even come up with a critique at all. Does it cook? I dunno! Perhaps it doesn't do quiet practice? I bet that it does. For me[broke] it's not exactly a budget amp. But for the money I think it's got bang for the buck. Elmo your strat sounds like God today and your playing is really on fire. Always a demo and often sort of a guitar lesson too. And your funny too! please send me this katana when you're done. I'm not an expert but this sounds so good to me. I think that guitar and amp like each other. Rock on!
I am totally with you. 239 Euros in Europe is a quarter of an average monthly income in the country where I live. Not really budget anymore :)
Me: Hey Elmo meet my girlfriend
Elmo: Hey
Me: what do you think?
Elmo: A little rough around the edges, I would go for a Scandinavian queen, but that is just me.
Me: 🤔🤨😪
Errr... Sorry?
Bro what guitar strings u use? And what Number
GHS Boomers. 9-46.
I agree ,
Why do we have to use computers or iPhones then again if they put all these settings on amp it would be a Marshall amp disaster all over again with but with Boss Katana I feel.
Marshall went down that road with Code 25/50 and I had a Code 50 and I hated it so much I sold it for peanuts after a few months of ownership :( Bluetooth my ass Marshall amps ..
I will say Boss Katana web page is so much easier to engage with amp after watching many vids on here , So I may try this amp soon.
Good video 👍
No tuner why?
It sounds good for what it is. I feel like new little amps like this should always include a very good noise reduction. Boss makes one. I don't know how difficult it would be to integrate. Light weight, loud, good tone, quiet. Not asking for much maybe haha?
You can set it up with the app. Which is a real pain in the backside.
image30p behringer makes a perfectly good noise gate for 25 bucks. Stick it right in front, does it’s job
@@MrPolevaulter Haha!
Why is it only editable from software? Cost reduction, it only cost 200 bucks. When I first started playing , you know what you got for around 200 bucks... a middle finger 🖕 and a what fur... a gorilla amp, if you were real lucky you could happen across a decent peavey ss amp for around 150 200 ish price range and sometimes that was used. I haven’t used app, in fact I have had this amp for several months and haven’t unboxed it, is the app really that bad?
The thing is, I could tell you got into it a little bit there while shredding, and, when you're a guy who has a Plexi behind you, that says a lot about a cheap amp. Great playing, great little amp.
Not better than my modded Marshall DSL40C, though. :)
:D
I almost got the katana but went out on the SV20H instead haha
Good choice :)
See how it does against the Katana MK I in this comparison: ua-cam.com/video/rxbpxPb40Jc/v-deo.html
Check out more of my amp reviews here: ua-cam.com/play/PLNaLwTdlpQNHNo5bubVjV1OW04gkqU8rM.html
Thank you for this demo.. I agree with you 💯.. it's not my cup of tea either
Katana 100 = Resonance control = big help
I'd sure love your opinion on the New Artist MK2 with the Waza. Great playing, thank you🎶✌
Thanks! Oh, there's a Waza version of the MKII? Hadn't noticed.
@@MrPolevaulter yep, the full name is Boss Katana Artist MK2. From what boss had done in the past..I'm kinda expecting a 2x12 version tho be released in the future, only a thought tho.🎶✌
@@anthonytremblett8187 Might do at some point, but not yet. Too much else to check out.
Dude, thanks, this is a valuable content.
Thanks!
I didn't even know they had come out with a new one 🤔. I didn't really see/hear any improvements though. But it does sound good enough. Maybe sounded a bit better with your Universe though, Elmo Turun peto Karjalainen.
As I understand, there are no sound improvements per se. Doubled panel sounds via "variations", but existing presets should sound exactly same.
@@borisv8766 Thank you for sharing additional facts in the matter 🙂.
And they stop supporting the old one.
There's a comparison coming up. They did sound a bit different, but that might be that the speaker in the new one isn't broken in.
Why have I not subscribed to you yet?!? Better late then never I suppose!
Thanks :)
Great review as always, Elmo. Do you still prefer the Roland cubes? Should I change my Cube 80 for the new Katana? Cheers and thank you for the good work!
I absolutely prefer the Cube.
Oh, and thanks :)
@@MrPolevaulter not at all, thanx to you, please keep the good work! Anyway...something with the cubes...I got several (micro, street, 30 w, 80w...) of course love their preamps and simulations but...definitely to me sound better the little ones speaker....in the 80 w one the gained channels sound some kind of "fibrous", even sounds much better sending the signal to any other external speaker...well, just taste issue. Thanx and cheers!!
Im just messin with ya.... I think you sound great
:D Cheers :)
@@MrPolevaulter thank you sir... I enjoy your music
@@madmattymayhem Thanks :)
Damn, it said value amp in the ad I thought it said valve..... bugger
Please tell me you teach to play like that man.
I do have an online guitar academy.
When i try to access the buying link it tells me this "It looks like nothing was found at this location. Maybe try a search?". I'm trying to access from Mexico.
Hi Elmo, and thank you for your great review on the amp; great because I always get a laugh at your comments and lip and for the joy of listening your great playing :-D . I am actually thinking of getting a Katana, since I've tried out the first version of it, and decided then to go for a Marshall AS 80R- amp for the acoustic guitar. It is a nice, natural sounding amp, but as to my taste a bit outdated already (manufactured 2009 -2010). It has a spring reverb and a chorus with 4 parameters to play with.
What kinda rubbed in the back of my head, was that the Katana MK 1 Had a surprisingly nice sound for the acoustic guitar, and I liked the lush-sounding effects it came with. And, another point would be that on the gigs I go, I don't have to carry around 2 amps; this could handle the acoustic quite nicely, and the electric guitar acceptably ok. Since I'm not the lead player at our present system, this would be quite okay. If I was to play lead, I'd definitely go for a valve amp. Keep on doin' the good work!
Cheers Henri! The Katana would probably be a good one if need an acoustic amp as well.
I sent mine back. I didn't like it. If you like a lot of bells & whistles, you will probably like it. But I found it very limited for just simple, clean tone. The acoustic channel was decent but the clean channel was very thin and trebley. Frankly, I think my Fender Champ 40 or Orange 35RT had much fuller, warmer clean tone. Not my cup of tea.
It sounds better with a zoom g1 4 in the front, ms 400
Услышал как ты играешь Деми Мур - пошел покупать Катану.
The Stock Drives are, Blues Driver,OD-1, DS-1
Cheers!
Good morning brother.
Good day :)
I bought one. Been using it for about two weeks. I’ve spent 4 times as much time screwing with it trying to make it sound good than practicing. Not good. I bought this amp to inspire me to play. I want to throw it off a tall building.
Shoulda bought the Harley Benton/Monoproce 15 watt tube amp.
Sorry to hear.
@@MrPolevaulter Well, looks like I'll be able to return it. I was concerned that I'd have to pay shipping and a restocking fee which could've added up to about half the cost of the amp.
As always, thanks for your super-informative reviews. You seem to be willing to be FAR more honest than many other reviewers.
After gigging both the MK1 Katana 50 and 100s , I have never enjoyed the drive channels from any of these amps. The amount of treble and presence that these things spit out is far too much for me ; coupled with the fact that you can't adjust all the parameters live (E.G Presence, Pedal Drive and Pedal Level settings), I can't recommend these for regular professional stage use - only if you want a clean platform for you pedal-board.
I have the 100 watt head and I will definitely say that pairing it with a "warmer" speaker makes a huge difference. I thought I had heard that the combos came with a good speaker pairing but I could be wrong. Also I found I liked the Brown channel with low gain better than I liked the "Crunch" channel on higher drive. Kind of some weird oddities but in the end I found 4 sounds I really love. Have you tried any of the sneaky amps yet? The bassman and boogie ones are pretty awesome!
I think the MKII 100s have an presence control.
Daniel Marveggio yep! I usually run it with the presence pretty low. Also the preamp volume and master volume are quite interactive. It would want a “warmer” tone turn down the master a bit and turn up the preamp volume
@@tonzokinawa Appreciate the replies and constructive feedback. I never bothered trying these with other speakers, but I imagine they sound better than the internal ones. I ended up selling my Katana 100 as I had other amps I was more comfortable using with, but good to hear there are work arounds ;)
Personally I still prefer the Roland Cube series.
Thank YOU! them katana swords yoused to bee simpler to learn than these computring amps!, Ihave a PEAVEY BANDIT 112 and its clear, and an old HugesKettner 80watter as well, and small Fenders and a Fender Champion 40w soon!!! and NEITHER OF THEM HAHHAS THESE KATANA *IT COMPUTER CRAP...the more I find out about Katana amps the more they begin to sound Roland Cubes and boss pedals of my youth..., in my opinion its easier to edit sounds/tones with pedals not with amps connected to computers, i mean if i already use gtr and pedals and multieffects pedal to an amp, and then buy a Katana with computer connection I FLAMIN WANT TO GET PAID NOT PAYIN FOR SOME GOOD GUITAR TONES, WHICH ROLAND /BOSS AINT HAVE GOT! imho, jeez i was almost considering the merk 2 Kat 50 because of the open back, but Katanas just dont sound open! too processed somehow!
To much stuff on it ,but not even one great, classic ha...?
still roland/boss is on our hearts anyway...
nice video bro.👍
Thanks!
If you want to feel bad about your purchase of any entry level amp watch Elmo. When 9 out of 10 people say the digital amps feel great today and it's the best age to start playing on a budget this guy makes you feel like all amps below 300 feel like poop, except for Harley benton tube 15 cause it's a tube or he'll recommend you something that is no longer made. Not helpful at all.
Oh, like the Fender Mustang LT25, Spark Mini or Go, Boss Katana Mini, Bugera V5 Infinium, Blackstar Fly? All amps I recommend.
Clean is very acceptable but once on crunch it suffers from the exact same thing my Line 6 Spider IV 75 watt does - it gets close to the sound I want (based on my valve amp) but not quite. This makes it extremely annoying - says more about me than the amp - and leaves me wanting to give it a good kick. I guess you really can't teach an old dog new tricks so I will leave them to you youngsters :).
Same for me :)
Is the 100 less 'boxy' - anyone?
Dunno.
It's the exact same 12" speaker, I believe, and 99.9% exact circuitry.
@@supersamsquared8055 I ended up buying the 50 mkii and am very happy with it. It's the perfect practice amp that you can also gig with.
@@SteveBaerThatsMe That's a very attractive resume for an amp less than $250. How do you think this amp would do in a QUIET college dorm, with the potential to be taken out to gig? My alternative is the Yamaha THR10 II but I don't know how much gigging I'll be doing
@@supersamsquared8055 You can run the Katana on .5 watt mode so it can be played quiet. You can also plug headphones in. I like the sound of a 12 inch speaker personally. Try them both if you can but if not, I can say the Katana is more flexible in that you can play it with a band or play with a friend, it's light weight too.
You're wasting your time. This stuff is no better than code, or worse. You just have to understand that it's worth 250 euros, you've got it for your money. If you want good digital sound, you have Kemper, it's the same budget?
no. Otherwise, nothing beats the tube amps, you kill the music with your digital toys.
You're still around? Oh, the joy...
Your channel must be filled with awesome guitar playing and tasty tone videos....oh wait.
@@clintonfriend8237I'm just a user. I'm tired of being mistaken for a fool by these assholes who say bullshit on their YT channels.
Why is this guy shouting? Annoying. I left after 2 minutes.
Im thinking about buying this but i have to convince my mom pls help.
I'm not going to try to convince your mom. Sorry :(
@@MrPolevaulter its ok because i got good news, she agrees :)
@@Xero6969 Nice :)
Is this a competition, as many attacks on a guitar as possible? Terrible, try to play less neurotic and explain more! This is a one man show .......... blehhhhhhh (Pain in my ears)
@@MrPolevaulter After I have recovered from those 300,000 string attacks, I will definitely listen to your album! Try to do something with criticism. It is never personal, but it contains some truth. Love you X
@@Black-Cat-Pixels I always do something with constructive criticism.
Digital and shred are killing the guitar.
And UA-cam commenters hating on videos are doing such a valuable service, and really improving themselves.
Why every amp review has to feature all this wanna-shred garbage is beyond me..... Nothing personal but the character of a great amp starts from great clean tone. You could start there and move up to higher gain characteristics. Try focusing on the general sound of the amp, not your “vicious chops”
I beg to differ, but fair enough.