Yes! Please do a comparison between the Wasa speakers and Celestion greenbacks!!! And if you do, you should also try them in the same cap. The size and shape of the cap also makes a pretty big difference.
I use the katana artist mk ii combo and I couldn’t be happier. Learning a lot about signal chain, effects, and the added bonus of the tone studio. Thank y’all for making such informative and entertaining content
Same here. Artist Mk2 combo is the best amplifiier I have ever had a chance to play (and to be honest I have only played a handful of amps and modellers). I am wishing for Boss to come up with a Katana (not GT style) "Amp in a box" pedal that I could take with me to practice/rehearsals/lessons where I can use my Katana presets with line out directly to PA speaker.
I just got the artist combo. I think im going to get 2 waza cabs also. Do you use the Boss Tone Studio? Im trying to figure out how to use my phone to control/edit the amp. Any advice?
I still have my original Katana 50 and it blows my mind at how loud it gets. I just used it at rehearsal last night. Boss really outdid themselves with this line.
If they’d just put an FX Loop in the 50 EX I would’ve bought it instantly. My only regret with my Mk2 50w is the lack of FX loop. Otherwise it’s perfect.
@@NubsWithGuns You don’t think a looper in the fx loop is useful for practicing? I’d find it helpful to use a loop station and octave pedal in the absence of a bass player. That way you’ve got a full band just through having an FX loop.
I sold my JCM2000 and got the MK2 Head (non-artist), and couldn't be happier. I had two 1960A cabs, sold one and kept the best of the two. Talk about a killer setup. I even have a 1931A with a late 80s g12t-75 for loud play portability
I've just got the katana 100 artist. I absolutely love this amp! I've played through many different amps over the years, and this is the best amp I've ever had or even played through. Fantastic bit of kit 👍
you're swaying me! I am very interested in it. Does it emulate the 'breakup point' of a tube amp pretty well? My problem with most solid state stuff is that it has this sort of 'always the same' tone.
@@adamwhitford2177 hi. Yes it does. The harder you strike the string the more it reacts, just like a valve amp. I was like yourself, always played through valve amps, now technology has moved on so much with solid state, there's not much of a difference - and plus it's incredibly light 👍
I agree with Lee about the 2 Artist combo amps connected in stereo for the similar price of the Artist head and cab.I am lucky enough to have 2 Artists set up in stereo and it blows my mind and has complete flexibility and versatility, especially when you connect the GAFC - EX footswitch which can control both amps separately as well.The only problem is deciding which configuration to use and then throw in connecting a Boss GX-100 to the power amp in option to really cook your brain!
I've always hated how buying a Head alone is usually almost the same price as buying a combo. I've even seen some go for more than the combo. At the very least I think companies & stores should offer discounts when buying both the head and matching cab. If you buy them separately, then pay full price, but if you're buying both together knock off a couple hundred bucks. You're still going to be paying quite a bit more than for the combo, but it won't feel as bad.
EXACTLY! Reason I sold mine. Had to buy the 100W but ended up selling that too because that one was way too big and loud for my use. The 50W with fx loop would be an ultimate option.
Almost all of the Katana Content I have watched on UA-cam has come from Andertons 👍🤟🍻 inspiration enough for me to have purchased my Katana MKII 50 and now plan on purchasing another 😁 Thank You
Hi guys! I know that this video was about Boss Katanas, and they're really good. It's a testament to just how far solid state and modeling technology has come. What really sticks out to me though is the PJD guitar that Pete is playing. I really like that guitar. It has the best elements of every guitar that I love in one instrument.
@@rafalstachura That makes it hard to understand what is the point of this 50 EX. I mean it is a bit lighter and smaller and well it has 25 watt mode. But compared to 100, it doesn't have amp type indication leds, presence control and only 2 channels. Edit. okay maybe it has 4 tone settings, but the panel only has 2 buttons, so maybe you can access the other two with only footswitch or something?
@Ciri Sirpula technically its 5 but you've always only had 2 buttons, you hold down the panel button to access the other 2. You can use the fs 6 footswitch to jump between them
I really like my MKII, 100 watt. In this world of amps that have 500 settings and imitations of other amps, its nice to have an amp that's just an amp. Though, you can dd a lot with the settings and the app you can also quickly find great sounds within seconds with just the top controls. BTW, Pete being a maestro on the guitar again. :)
Perfect inspiration to buy my second Katana. I love these things so much. The only solid-state amp I enjoy playing since being spoiled with tube amps and V30 cabs.
I’m a lucky boomer, with Mesa, Victory, Vox and Fender tube amps. Bought a Katana 100w before Xmas and am really impressed. Sounds very good and features wise it’s brilliant. It’s become my go to amp and will certainly use it for noisy pub gigs. It doesn’t quite have the high end harmonics of a tube amp, but it’s very close and with some guitars, single coils, it actually helps soften the sound. Well done Boss.
I've been using the xSonic airstep for the Katana 50w, has great functionality and supports bluetooth so you can grab the app and make your own settings on your phone. Boss make some fantastic amps.
I use the airstep as well, the ability to change banks by holding down one button is awesome as well as being able to change settings on the fly with your phone.
@Ralph Reilly as others have said the xsonic allows you to connect to your phone yes. But its through the Librarian app. Alternatively you can buy a CME WIDI Uhost adapter that allows the same thing.
I have an aftermarket Airstep KAT controller for my MKII 50w. It's a game changer, allows me to save up to 4 presets, plus switch all individual FX preset. Also has an option to switch to whatever the panel is set to.
I recently bought a used MKI 100w combo for band practices, great deal at $200. I've enjoyed using it so much I'm considering checking out a Katana Artist for gig duty.
The 50 Mark 2 has four channels, not two, and you can use the footswitch to move between the four. To access channels three and four, you hold down the panel switch. So with the panel setting, you have five options.
Technically it has two channels with two banks on each channel, giving you four presets. Semantics really. Initially the Mk1 only had the two channels. The added banks came from a firmware update.
The Artist head is really nice. Cool to see the standard configuration with the knobs on the front, and the jacks on the back. The original Katana head has the knobs on top, so you have to set it face-down to have the knobs in the front, and then your jacks are on the top. Kinda quirky, but I have been using it like that for years with no issues. I have the Katana Mk-1 head.
I learn something new about this amp everyday. Yesterday was the first time i noticed that you can tap/press the lights lol, and its MORE reverb sounds!!!
I have the Katana MKII 100 and the Blues Cube Stage for that tube tweed sound which it DOES do magnificently! Love them both and have no other need for any other amp. Between the two of them there isn't a pedal I've tried yet that didn't sound premium to my ears and better than any overpriced boutique pedal. And using the Line 6 Helix, amazing!
If you might someday do a cabinet comparison, I would love to hear the Boss Waza cab against Orange, Marshall, EVH Invective, and such, with 212 speakers, using a tube head. It would be interesting to see and hear your opinion about the sound versus price point. Thanks! Love your channel.
I own a Mk1 50 and a Mk2 100 and have both the GFAC and the FS-6 foot switches. I use(d) the effects loop in the 100 more than the pedals. Being able to isolate your looper or time effects is more valueable. I guess they think it might kill the 100w sales somewhat. Exceptional kit though. The whole Boss/Roland range is underrated. The Blues Cubes are awesome.
50ex doesn't actually have an fx loop, though, and it's the same price as the 100w. So really the only reason to get it over the 100 is if you don't want an fx loop and want a smaller, quieter amp.
Right up front, I've owned two Katanas, the Mk1 100-212, and the Mk2 100 112. Regrets I didn't buy the 212 for the Mk 2. Having said that I've since moved on to a Fender GTX 100 and I ADORE IT. Obviously the Katanas are amazing amps, no doubt! Everything depends on the sound you're looking for. Great video guys!
I just switched to the GTX 100 and I think with some tweaking it nails the fender clean & od tones. Have you changed your EQ off of flat? The default EQ setting of flat sucks the life of out the amp for me. It wasn’t until I changed it to Guitar Focus 1 that I really loved the amp. Then messing around with the sag and tube bias sealed the deal.
Have you guys done those Waza speakers vs the Greenbacks yet? I'd love to hear that. The Waza speakers look like proper workhorses with reliably great sound, but I really want to know what an "upgrade" or replacement would sound like!
I have had the KAt 100 now for about 6 months, my first amp and I think it is pretty cool, no need to have a tube head, with modeling you can have almost any combo you can imagine, I am going to add the GX-100 effects pedal to my setup, I am using the GA-FC and an Airstep Kat to control everything.
Why are people still surprised that speakers make such a huge difference? They are literally the only part of your electric guitar's signal chain that actually produces a sound! Everything else manipulates the electrical signal; the speaker pushes air.
4:44 yeah, Pete for me, there was enough of a difference between the 100 and the 50 to make me get the 50 for traveling purposes... that said, its not a HUGE difference, so I'd say check em out in a shop first before making a choice 👍
I wouldn’t think a Katana is bullet proof. It appears that the knobs are direct mounted to the PCB board. I treat my Nextone with kid gloves because it doesn’t feel bullet proof like my sturdy old Peavey amps. The test of time will tell I suppose? Excellent video as always!
The test of time will expose A LOT of dead Katanas. Due to the price point, they simply aren't worth servicing. What was one of the best selling amps will eventually become one of the most thrown away amps.
Boss!!! What are you doing The katana head with the build in 5” speaker was FANTASTIC, it was a super convenient feature. And honestly I quite like the look of my regular katana head with top mounted controls. This half grill looks odd
Totally off topic but- I finally got a decent CV Strat. It took 4 tries- the first two were used- the second two were new- but finally I got a good one. Still beats Gibson though- I have a buddy who is in the process of buying a Les Paul right now- he's on try number 7. He's not buying them- and they're not broken- he's just trying different ones out and so far, he can't find one that will hold tune, sound good, feel right, etc. He's found a couple that will do one or two of those things- but none that will do all of them- and he's not parting with 4-5gs until he finds "it". I am proud to say the CV I got however- does do all those things- and for only 450$. And since it looks like David Gilmour's Strat- I feel like a rockstar when playing it. I've played every Les Paul he's gotten to try out so far and in all honesty my Epi Les Paul sounds and feels like 97% the same. It's a LP standard- with the bound fret board and front, highly figured maple top, in cherry burst- and it's a little over 10 years old, and still sounds and plays great. The real thing is better- but only about 2-3 % better- and that 2-3% costs like 4500$- not worth it. If you want to make an investment it would be worth it maybe- it will definitely gain value over time, the Epi won't- but it's not going to sound or play that much better.
I only hope that someone high-up in the marketing department at Katana has read all the comments here about the 50EX. Don't they understand their own customers? The 50 watt, with attenuator, is a perfect choice for practicing at home without annoying the neighbours. So what do they do? They enable you to connect a second Katana and a super-duper foot-switch as if you're playing live at Glastonbury. Don't they understand that the vast majority of potential MKII buyers would have preferred them to ditch all that in favour of just one simple modification; an FX send and return. Are you listening Katana?!!
I use my Katana MKII artist for recording via USB, as the range of sounds and stereo output is fantastic. Neighbours are happy I'm not mic'ing up a 100w amp too!
Already got Katana Mk II 100w head. Here I am somehow wondering if getting one of these will make me a better guitar player (it won't). Got the gear bug bad.
I use a Katana 100 watt head and my Line 6 pod 2.0 which I've been using for 22 years through the effects loop. I play Metal and use a Rectifier setting that I programmed 20 years ago and people are always asking how I get such a brutal metal tone and no one believes me it's from my 22 year old Pod. 🤣😎
Just bought a MkII 100 head and am using it as a practice amp by itself and I am gonna pick up the matching 2X12 cab and bigger footswitch. That should cover all my bases pretty evenly. I do have a MkII 50 and my only gripe was no FX loop (like everyone else lol).
@@PerryCodes I get what you guys are saying. It all comes down to wanting the Waza speaker for that classic British stack speaker tone and only the Katana Artist MKII amp is the only Katana version that has the Waza. It's also $600 Bucks. Boss could make a 50 watt Artist MKII with the Waza and effects loop stuff for around $350 and it would sell like Hot Cakes for Bedroom/Basement warriors not looking to gig with it.The other option which would save space is the new Katana-Artist MkII Guitar Amp Head to use with my Ampeg SS-140C Combo Amp as the Cab.The Artist MKII Head cost almost as much as the Artist MKII amp but it would save some space at least which I'm running out of. Decisions Decisions.
@@King_V2 50 MkII: $270. 100 MkII: $380. Now... why in the world would anyone want a 50w when they could just buy a 100w and step-down to 50w? Hmmmm. I'll have to think on this one...
@@JTB-- I totally agree with you. My comment was in response to the "bro" guy... Updated to reflect that. Guess I should know by now that sarcasm doesn't translate well over text :)
Katanas are so good...My true appreciation for them was when I bought a ROckerverb MKIII50 and have them side by side...diff flavors but the Katana could hold its own in many aspects. Wish they would offer there is more color options though...mine are white which look sick and would consider the Artist if it was offered in white or something cool.
One of the best features of the mk2 head is that it has a built in 5” practice speaker, so you don’t have to have a cab if you just want to practice at home. It appears the artist head does not have the built in speaker. So I think I will be sticking with the original mk2 head instead.
I took a Roland cube to the UK (because it fits in the carry on bag)to play my new Andertons purchased PRS SE Hollowbody II peizo..... I really missed my Katana 50..remember the Katana has the dedicated Acoustic amp..not an acoustic Simulator like the Roland Cube.
There are manufacturing issues now with the artist mkii combo. I've had two delivered from ZZounds and both arrived with a terrible vibration/rumble coming from some thing behind the logo. It's not the speaker. It's poor construction. Sucks, because I fell in love with it immediately. And these guys are right. The price difference between a head and cab and two combos is far too vast.
Still no stereo output, no stereo delay and you can’t disable the the internal IR not load external ones. Side bar: the stereo link is cool and it should be there however generally speaking no one wants to haul around two amps if they can help it hence why a stereo out other than the USB would be very useful 😉
I believe I read in the manual that you can actually have 4 presets (2 banks of "A" & "B" channels) that you can change with the GA-FC footswitch. Preset 3 & 4 buttons will take you to the "A" and "B" channel of Bank 2. Is that correct?
Looks interesting. I have a 100W Katana Mk2 that I love, I use it with my DigiTech Trio+ band creator in the FX loop (and sending drums and bass to a PA speaker). Ever since I moved away from the looper pedal and into using Ableton for looping though I'd run the Katana silently and Ableton would send everything out to the PA. I'm hardly ever using the cab on my Katana. In fact, I've also moved to using a Pod Go. Sure it'd be possible to have your live playing come out the Katana cab and have the loops come out the PA but it might sound drastically different. Could sound weird when you first record a loop then it starts looping and the tone has completely changed. This head would be cool to have, it's bigger than my Pod Go but smaller than my Katana 100 Mk2. I could imagine using the head only when I'm doing live looping stuff with Ableton but then being able to gig with it if I bring a cab.
I love the Katana and I like Boss products but I don't understand this. The old Mk2 Head has exactly the same features if you hook it up to Tone Studio. They ditch the 5" speaker and they charge nearly 50 % more?
Does the old MkII Head have the ability to use the Solo feature while playing? Regardless, I think Boss has the new Artist Head at a misplaced price-point. The main feature that attracts people to the Artist combo is the speaker. They could have made this a no-brainer if it also had an improved built-in Waza speaker (idk... 6"?) and the head + 2x12 Waza Speaker cab didn't cost you the same as 2 x Artist Combos.
Yes! Please do a comparison between the Wasa speakers and Celestion greenbacks!!! And if you do, you should also try them in the same cap. The size and shape of the cap also makes a pretty big difference.
I use the katana artist mk ii combo and I couldn’t be happier. Learning a lot about signal chain, effects, and the added bonus of the tone studio. Thank y’all for making such informative and entertaining content
Same!
Me too, IMO the God of all amps
Same here. Artist Mk2 combo is the best amplifiier I have ever had a chance to play (and to be honest I have only played a handful of amps and modellers). I am wishing for Boss to come up with a Katana (not GT style) "Amp in a box" pedal that I could take with me to practice/rehearsals/lessons where I can use my Katana presets with line out directly to PA speaker.
I just got the artist combo. I think im going to get 2 waza cabs also.
Do you use the Boss Tone Studio? Im trying to figure out how to use my phone to control/edit the amp. Any advice?
I still have my original Katana 50 and it blows my mind at how loud it gets. I just used it at rehearsal last night. Boss really outdid themselves with this line.
@@pedrocrush Such a great pedal platform!
If they’d just put an FX Loop in the 50 EX I would’ve bought it instantly. My only regret with my Mk2 50w is the lack of FX loop. Otherwise it’s perfect.
@@NubsWithGuns You don’t think a looper in the fx loop is useful for practicing? I’d find it helpful to use a loop station and octave pedal in the absence of a bass player. That way you’ve got a full band just through having an FX loop.
@@NubsWithGuns No, because I'd like to use different tones. A great lead tone isn't necessarily great for a looped rhythm part
Me too i have one and that's the part that sucks about it
Same here, looper pedal in the FX Loop is a must have.
@@NubsWithGuns depending on what you play, you do need one.
I'm always so impressed with the crunch sound you can get out of those things.
The power of testing a budget amp with a £3000 pedal board
I sold my JCM2000 and got the MK2 Head (non-artist), and couldn't be happier. I had two 1960A cabs, sold one and kept the best of the two. Talk about a killer setup. I even have a 1931A with a late 80s g12t-75 for loud play portability
I've just got the katana 100 artist. I absolutely love this amp! I've played through many different amps over the years, and this is the best amp I've ever had or even played through. Fantastic bit of kit 👍
you're swaying me! I am very interested in it. Does it emulate the 'breakup point' of a tube amp pretty well? My problem with most solid state stuff is that it has this sort of 'always the same' tone.
@@adamwhitford2177 hi. Yes it does. The harder you strike the string the more it reacts, just like a valve amp.
I was like yourself, always played through valve amps, now technology has moved on so much with solid state, there's not much of a difference - and plus it's incredibly light 👍
I agree with Lee about the 2 Artist combo amps connected in stereo for the similar price of the Artist head and cab.I am lucky enough to have 2 Artists set up in stereo and it blows my mind and has complete flexibility and versatility, especially when you connect the GAFC - EX footswitch which can control both amps separately as well.The only problem is deciding which configuration to use and then throw in connecting a Boss GX-100 to the power amp in option to really cook your brain!
I've always hated how buying a Head alone is usually almost the same price as buying a combo. I've even seen some go for more than the combo. At the very least I think companies & stores should offer discounts when buying both the head and matching cab. If you buy them separately, then pay full price, but if you're buying both together knock off a couple hundred bucks. You're still going to be paying quite a bit more than for the combo, but it won't feel as bad.
A bit disappointed that katana 50 ex doesn't have an fx loop. One thing I miss about mine. Very beneficial to use a looper.
EXACTLY! Reason I sold mine. Had to buy the 100W but ended up selling that too because that one was way too big and loud for my use. The 50W with fx loop would be an ultimate option.
My 100 w head has switches for .5 and 40w, didn’t yours have that?
@@thewinenut9800 good point, a bit of a pay paywall to get an fx loop
Yup, size and price issue.
Can’t say Ive used a effects loop in any amp that has had one in the last 15 years. I still put all my pedals in the front and the looper too
Almost all of the Katana Content I have watched on UA-cam has come from Andertons 👍🤟🍻 inspiration enough for me to have purchased my Katana MKII 50 and now plan on purchasing another 😁 Thank You
Hi guys! I know that this video was about Boss Katanas, and they're really good. It's a testament to just how far solid state and modeling technology has come. What really sticks out to me though is the PJD guitar that Pete is playing. I really like that guitar. It has the best elements of every guitar that I love in one instrument.
I just got a 50 MKII last month and now you tell me there's an update, thanks a lot Boss !!
Be consoled; there's still no FX loop in the updated version so no-one will want to buy it.
You might still be within a 30 day return window
I can't believe they updated Katana 50 and didn't put fx loop.
It's Roland. If they can paywall a feature, you know they'll do it.
Well, yes but looking at some other retailers you can buy 100+footswitch for 20 eur more than the new 50+footswitch.
That is mad.
@@rafalstachura That makes it hard to understand what is the point of this 50 EX. I mean it is a bit lighter and smaller and well it has 25 watt mode. But compared to 100, it doesn't have amp type indication leds, presence control and only 2 channels.
Edit. okay maybe it has 4 tone settings, but the panel only has 2 buttons, so maybe you can access the other two with only footswitch or something?
@Ciri Sirpula technically its 5 but you've always only had 2 buttons, you hold down the panel button to access the other 2. You can use the fs 6 footswitch to jump between them
I really like my MKII, 100 watt. In this world of amps that have 500 settings and imitations of other amps, its nice to have an amp that's just an amp. Though, you can dd a lot with the settings and the app you can also quickly find great sounds within seconds with just the top controls. BTW, Pete being a maestro on the guitar again. :)
YES! I love that song. Great way to start the video. Brings back memories.
Love that Owner of a lonely heart riff.
I like the overdriven clean sounds you guys are getting here. It seems like on most reviews everyone goes chug fest on the Katanas.
Perfect inspiration to buy my second Katana. I love these things so much. The only solid-state amp I enjoy playing since being spoiled with tube amps and V30 cabs.
I like the frontal layout of the Artist head.
I’m a lucky boomer, with Mesa, Victory, Vox and Fender tube amps. Bought a Katana 100w before Xmas and am really impressed. Sounds very good and features wise it’s brilliant. It’s become my go to amp and will certainly use it for noisy pub gigs. It doesn’t quite have the high end harmonics of a tube amp, but it’s very close and with some guitars, single coils, it actually helps soften the sound. Well done Boss.
Pretty crazy how close you can get with a $500 solid state combo... vs $5k of tube amps.. and all rolled into one. Brilliant 👏
The Capt is a straight jamming on that Strat. Sounding good!
I've been using the xSonic airstep for the Katana 50w, has great functionality and supports bluetooth so you can grab the app and make your own settings on your phone. Boss make some fantastic amps.
I use the airstep as well, the ability to change banks by holding down one button is awesome as well as being able to change settings on the fly with your phone.
@Ralph Reilly yes, with your phone
Just the katana airstep, not the gfac one
@Ralph Reilly as others have said the xsonic allows you to connect to your phone yes. But its through the Librarian app. Alternatively you can buy a CME WIDI Uhost adapter that allows the same thing.
I have an aftermarket Airstep KAT controller for my MKII 50w. It's a game changer, allows me to save up to 4 presets, plus switch all individual FX preset. Also has an option to switch to whatever the panel is set to.
I recently bought a used MKI 100w combo for band practices, great deal at $200. I've enjoyed using it so much I'm considering checking out a Katana Artist for gig duty.
The 50 Mark 2 has four channels, not two, and you can use the footswitch to move between the four. To access channels three and four, you hold down the panel switch. So with the panel setting, you have five options.
Technically it has two channels with two banks on each channel, giving you four presets. Semantics really.
Initially the Mk1 only had the two channels. The added banks came from a firmware update.
Indeed! I actually bought a roland/boss footswitch that lets me access both channels and banks- works like a charm!
The price on that PJD is about to skyrocket since it now has Pete's bloodstains all over it
It went inside the hollow cut
The Artist head is really nice. Cool to see the standard configuration with the knobs on the front, and the jacks on the back. The original Katana head has the knobs on top, so you have to set it face-down to have the knobs in the front, and then your jacks are on the top. Kinda quirky, but I have been using it like that for years with no issues. I have the Katana Mk-1 head.
Yes - Owner of a Lonely Heart Jam at the front.
I learn something new about this amp everyday. Yesterday was the first time i noticed that you can tap/press the lights lol, and its MORE reverb sounds!!!
I have a question: how come Pete doesn't have a signature pickup called the Humbugger?
I have the Katana MKII 100 and the Blues Cube Stage for that tube tweed sound which it DOES do magnificently! Love them both and have no other need for any other amp. Between the two of them there isn't a pedal I've tried yet that didn't sound premium to my ears and better than any overpriced boutique pedal. And using the Line 6 Helix, amazing!
If you might someday do a cabinet comparison, I would love to hear the Boss Waza cab against Orange, Marshall, EVH Invective, and such, with 212 speakers, using a tube head. It would be interesting to see and hear your opinion about the sound versus price point. Thanks! Love your channel.
I use the 210 bass one for my guitar and it's great. Always wanted to get into bass amps and I'm very happy with it.
I own a Mk1 50 and a Mk2 100 and have both the GFAC and the FS-6 foot switches. I use(d) the effects loop in the 100 more than the pedals. Being able to isolate your looper or time effects is more valueable. I guess they think it might kill the 100w sales somewhat. Exceptional kit though. The whole Boss/Roland range is underrated. The Blues Cubes are awesome.
50ex doesn't actually have an fx loop, though, and it's the same price as the 100w. So really the only reason to get it over the 100 is if you don't want an fx loop and want a smaller, quieter amp.
I really like your videos with the Captain and Pete.
Glad I chose the 100 . All the features you want without the maintenance .
Pedals work well with it .
Right up front, I've owned two Katanas, the Mk1 100-212, and the Mk2 100 112. Regrets I didn't buy the 212 for the Mk 2. Having said that I've since moved on to a Fender GTX 100 and I ADORE IT. Obviously the Katanas are amazing amps, no doubt! Everything depends on the sound you're looking for. Great video guys!
I just switched to the GTX 100 and I think with some tweaking it nails the fender clean & od tones. Have you changed your EQ off of flat? The default EQ setting of flat sucks the life of out the amp for me. It wasn’t until I changed it to Guitar Focus 1 that I really loved the amp. Then messing around with the sag and tube bias sealed the deal.
The head takes pedals really well! I'm impressed!
I love all the January new gear shenanigans, it’s like 2nd Christmas!🎁
The outro jam was killer.
Have you guys done those Waza speakers vs the Greenbacks yet? I'd love to hear that. The Waza speakers look like proper workhorses with reliably great sound, but I really want to know what an "upgrade" or replacement would sound like!
I have had the KAt 100 now for about 6 months, my first amp and I think it is pretty cool, no need to have a tube head, with modeling you can have almost any combo you can imagine, I am going to add the GX-100 effects pedal to my setup, I am using the GA-FC and an Airstep Kat to control everything.
Please make a video putting tube heads through the Katana cab to see how it sounds compared to their own matched cabs.
Why are people still surprised that speakers make such a huge difference? They are literally the only part of your electric guitar's signal chain that actually produces a sound! Everything else manipulates the electrical signal; the speaker pushes air.
4:44 yeah, Pete for me, there was enough of a difference between the 100 and the 50 to make me get the 50 for traveling purposes... that said, its not a HUGE difference, so I'd say check em out in a shop first before making a choice 👍
I`ve got 2 Katana 100 MkI, connected with a Lehle Little Dual, in dual mono or wet/dry. Works great!
I wouldn’t think a Katana is bullet proof. It appears that the knobs are direct mounted to the PCB board. I treat my Nextone with kid gloves because it doesn’t feel bullet proof like my sturdy old Peavey amps. The test of time will tell I suppose? Excellent video as always!
The test of time will expose A LOT of dead Katanas. Due to the price point, they simply aren't worth servicing. What was one of the best selling amps will eventually become one of the most thrown away amps.
Heat kills electronics. Solid state = nice and cool.👍 but yes, the knobs.. who knows ?
Boss!!! What are you doing
The katana head with the build in 5” speaker was FANTASTIC, it was a super convenient feature. And honestly I quite like the look of my regular katana head with top mounted controls. This half grill looks odd
Awesome jam at the end!!!❤
Totally off topic but- I finally got a decent CV Strat. It took 4 tries- the first two were used- the second two were new- but finally I got a good one. Still beats Gibson though- I have a buddy who is in the process of buying a Les Paul right now- he's on try number 7. He's not buying them- and they're not broken- he's just trying different ones out and so far, he can't find one that will hold tune, sound good, feel right, etc. He's found a couple that will do one or two of those things- but none that will do all of them- and he's not parting with 4-5gs until he finds "it". I am proud to say the CV I got however- does do all those things- and for only 450$. And since it looks like David Gilmour's Strat- I feel like a rockstar when playing it.
I've played every Les Paul he's gotten to try out so far and in all honesty my Epi Les Paul sounds and feels like 97% the same. It's a LP standard- with the bound fret board and front, highly figured maple top, in cherry burst- and it's a little over 10 years old, and still sounds and plays great. The real thing is better- but only about 2-3 % better- and that 2-3% costs like 4500$- not worth it. If you want to make an investment it would be worth it maybe- it will definitely gain value over time, the Epi won't- but it's not going to sound or play that much better.
I think what is missing is how much those things love P-90s.
Holy #$%^ Pete's neck pup sounds nuts
The head is $569 and cab is $599 (Sweetwater). The normal Artist combo is $599. Is an extra $600 worth it for an extra speaker?
No
Unless you can disable the "Amp Type" that literally models different amps isn't the Katana still a modelling amp?
Pete making good use of the F Hole. F is for finger.
owner of a lonely heart! nice job guys!! thanks for all the videos.
I was wondering if anybody else got the chord progression
still no fx loop on the 50 EX? u could literally do the same thing on a normal 50watt mk2 with an airstep
…and much cheaper
I only hope that someone high-up in the marketing department at Katana has read all the comments here about the 50EX. Don't they understand their own customers? The 50 watt, with attenuator, is a perfect choice for practicing at home without annoying the neighbours. So what do they do? They enable you to connect a second Katana and a super-duper foot-switch as if you're playing live at Glastonbury. Don't they understand that the vast majority of potential MKII buyers would have preferred them to ditch all that in favour of just one simple modification; an FX send and return. Are you listening Katana?!!
Buy an Airstep KAT edition,, Amazing third party controller for the katana that also allows you total control via an app over bluetooth !.
A built in tuner on the font would have been the icing on the cake.
I use my Katana MKII artist for recording via USB, as the range of sounds and stereo output is fantastic. Neighbours are happy I'm not mic'ing up a 100w amp too!
The learner driver Eddie has make me spill my morning coffee. Great stuff Gentlemen!
Find a boss 80 cube,amazing amp. I run 2 plus 2 1x12 cabs with same speakers. Amazing versatile rig.
Cool jam at the end 😎
I've been wanting to pick one of these Kataners up for my bedroom practice amp.
Already got Katana Mk II 100w head. Here I am somehow wondering if getting one of these will make me a better guitar player (it won't).
Got the gear bug bad.
What expanded, still no fx loop in the katana 50? Boss doesnt get looping does it.
Awesome vid! I need that V4 Sheriff preamp for my Katana 100Mk2, need that valvy goodness 😛
I’d like an extra cab out so I could use 2 cabs on the head version. Like a left right stereo without buying another head and syncing it
What is the point of the Artist Head? The combo is only $30US more and has (2) 16 ohm outs and (1) 8 ohm
I use a Katana 100 watt head and my Line 6 pod 2.0 which I've been using for 22 years through the effects loop. I play Metal and use a Rectifier setting that I programmed 20 years ago and people are always asking how I get such a brutal metal tone and no one believes me it's from my 22 year old Pod. 🤣😎
I’m an owner of a lonely Katana!
Very good!
I am too, a 50 mkII. I had to sell off all my other amps and guitars to pay bills. the last guitar is a 10 year old Squire Classic Vibe Tele.
Me too, I have the mk2 100 Watt. I love it
Either could've or could have ... never could of!
Still no fx loop on the 50w ex, even for £329?
Everyone wants an fx loop yet nobody uses it anyway
@@NintenDub I love playing with looper pedals, without FX loop it limits you quite a bit.
Didn't expect to hear some Yes on this channel. :)
Just bought a MkII 100 head and am using it as a practice amp by itself and I am gonna pick up the matching 2X12 cab and bigger footswitch. That should cover all my bases pretty evenly. I do have a MkII 50 and my only gripe was no FX loop (like everyone else lol).
Still got my Roland Micro Cube! Gotta be about 17 years old now
I would love to see you guys have a podcast or some long from conversational content.
I wish they'd do a 50 Watt Artist MKII with the Waza speaker, loop etc
Bro the Artist has a 50 watt mode.
@@PerryCodes I get what you guys are saying. It all comes down to wanting the Waza speaker for that classic British stack speaker tone and only the Katana Artist MKII amp is the only Katana version that has the Waza. It's also $600 Bucks. Boss could make a 50 watt Artist MKII with the Waza and effects loop stuff for around $350 and it would sell like Hot Cakes for Bedroom/Basement warriors not looking to gig with it.The other option which would save space is the new Katana-Artist MkII Guitar Amp Head to use with my Ampeg SS-140C Combo Amp as the Cab.The Artist MKII Head cost almost as much as the Artist MKII amp but it would save some space at least which I'm running out of. Decisions Decisions.
@@King_V2 50 MkII: $270. 100 MkII: $380. Now... why in the world would anyone want a 50w when they could just buy a 100w and step-down to 50w? Hmmmm. I'll have to think on this one...
@@JTB-- I totally agree with you. My comment was in response to the "bro" guy... Updated to reflect that. Guess I should know by now that sarcasm doesn't translate well over text :)
@@PerryCodes 👍
Whoa, the lights are the buttons 🤯
Katanas are so good...My true appreciation for them was when I bought a ROckerverb MKIII50 and have them side by side...diff flavors but the Katana could hold its own in many aspects. Wish they would offer there is more color options though...mine are white which look sick and would consider the Artist if it was offered in white or something cool.
One of the best features of the mk2 head is that it has a built in 5” practice speaker, so you don’t have to have a cab if you just want to practice at home. It appears the artist head does not have the built in speaker. So I think I will be sticking with the original mk2 head instead.
Seems something that would be easy to add at home, but yeah including it would have been minimal cost
I took a Roland cube to the UK (because it fits in the carry on bag)to play my new Andertons purchased PRS SE Hollowbody II peizo..... I really missed my Katana 50..remember the Katana has the dedicated Acoustic amp..not an acoustic Simulator like the Roland Cube.
There are manufacturing issues now with the artist mkii combo. I've had two delivered from ZZounds and both arrived with a terrible vibration/rumble coming from some thing behind the logo. It's not the speaker. It's poor construction. Sucks, because I fell in love with it immediately. And these guys are right. The price difference between a head and cab and two combos is far too vast.
I wish they would add a balanced stereo DI to it, then I would buy one. Until then, I’m sticking with the Cyber Twin.
Still no stereo output, no stereo delay and you can’t disable the the internal IR not load external ones. Side bar: the stereo link is cool and it should be there however generally speaking no one wants to haul around two amps if they can help it hence why a stereo out other than the USB would be very useful 😉
Really Boss, you didn't include FX loop with the 50. Like are you serious?
It would be great to hear a variety of heads through the Cab, just to see how the cab holds up on its own
You rock boys!!! Is there a chance for an Andertons Music Co shop in Athens??? Keep up the good work!
That sounds soooo great!!!!!😮
I believe I read in the manual that you can actually have 4 presets (2 banks of "A" & "B" channels) that you can change with the GA-FC footswitch. Preset 3 & 4 buttons will take you to the "A" and "B" channel of Bank 2. Is that correct?
All amps these days should have an effects loop.
The cab would be nice with my Artist combo running into it.
My first thought too, but as they said, it's just pennies cheaper than a second combo.
The still don't have a loop effect plug in and out? Why remake it without that...
14:03 Wait a minute! Try the “acoustic” with an electric with the neck pickup and a Boss Blues Driver!!!! Not just for an acoustic guitar.😊😊😊
Huge bummer the artist head doesn’t have the built in speakers like the regular head.
This is one of the only few channels I've seen not to be sponsored by discoKit.
I love LP shape guitars with fender style necks. What is that guitar Pete!?!
Looks interesting. I have a 100W Katana Mk2 that I love, I use it with my DigiTech Trio+ band creator in the FX loop (and sending drums and bass to a PA speaker). Ever since I moved away from the looper pedal and into using Ableton for looping though I'd run the Katana silently and Ableton would send everything out to the PA. I'm hardly ever using the cab on my Katana. In fact, I've also moved to using a Pod Go. Sure it'd be possible to have your live playing come out the Katana cab and have the loops come out the PA but it might sound drastically different. Could sound weird when you first record a loop then it starts looping and the tone has completely changed. This head would be cool to have, it's bigger than my Pod Go but smaller than my Katana 100 Mk2.
I could imagine using the head only when I'm doing live looping stuff with Ableton but then being able to gig with it if I bring a cab.
I absolutely love the TRIO+. I do the same with my Line6 Catylst 100.
I love the Katana and I like Boss products but I don't understand this. The old Mk2 Head has exactly the same features if you hook it up to Tone Studio. They ditch the 5" speaker and they charge nearly 50 % more?
Does the old MkII Head have the ability to use the Solo feature while playing? Regardless, I think Boss has the new Artist Head at a misplaced price-point. The main feature that attracts people to the Artist combo is the speaker. They could have made this a no-brainer if it also had an improved built-in Waza speaker (idk... 6"?) and the head + 2x12 Waza Speaker cab didn't cost you the same as 2 x Artist Combos.
@@PerryCodes yes, I think you can assign it to a GA FC button. Maybe even to the Mod/FX switch