Katana combines precision engineering, breakthrough technology, and decades of experience to produce its signature sound. Combine that with an enviable number of built-in effects and a host of easy-to-use features that allow deep sound creation, and you have the basis of Katana’s winning formula. Since its launch in 2016 and now in its third iteration (Gen 3), the Katana family of amps has rapidly grown to encompass seven distinct models and an extension speaker. Walk through the BOSS Katana amp range and see how each amp might suit your needs, from the popular Katana-50 to the flagship Katana Artist.
BOSS Katana: A Brief History
BOSS developed the Katana Amp series to provide guitarists with versatile, high-quality amplification at an affordable price. In 2019, BOSS introduced the Katana MkII, which expanded upon the success of the original series with enhanced features and updated models. Over the years, BOSS has continued to expand the Katana line with new models and features, solidifying the Katana as a leading choice in the guitar amplifier market. Fast-forward to 2024, and the Gen 3 series is the latest upgrade.
"Aside from size, weight, and power differences, each BOSS Katana has varying functionality, connectivity, and controls."
Key Features of the BOSS Katana
Though several versions of the BOSS Katana exist, let’s first identify the critical ubiquitous features within the range. We’ll focus only on the core range of Katana amplifiers. This section excludes the Katana-Mini, Katana-Air, and Katana Bass.
Class A/B Technology: Unique to the Katana, its class A/B power amp section brings a character-rich tone and organic response to every part you play.
Tube Logic: Tube Logic is the proprietary amplifier technology of BOSS. With a tube guitar amp, you need to turn up the volume and push the output tubes to get the amp to open up and sound its best. With Tube Logic design, the power amp works at full power even when the output wattage is lowered by the power control function. The wattage is dropped inside the power control circuit, making high-load behavior and low-volume work smooth and with no tonal compromises. You can achieve exceptional sound at reasonable volumes.
- Six Unique Amp Characters: Instantly select an inspiring amp tone from Katana’s six onboard presets (each with variations), then dial in your sound to perfection.
- Variable Power Control: Achieve authentic cranked-amp response at any volume, from bedroom practice to stage performance.
- Included BOSS Effects: From the world’s most respected pedal innovator, find sixty-plus onboard effect types ready for every setlist.
- BOSS Tone Studio Software: Connect to your PC or Smartphone and create your signature sounds using BOSS Tone Studio. You can also access BOSS Tone Exchange, the free community patch-sharing platform.
BOSS Katana Gen 3 Comparison Chart
Aside from size, weight, and power differences, each BOSS Katana has varying functionality, connectivity, and controls. In this comparison, you can see how each model compares.
Understanding the Different BOSS Katana Models
Katana-50 Gen 3
The BOSS Katana-50 combo amplifier distinguishes itself from other models in the Katana range through its balance of power, portability, and features. While sharing the same DNA as its siblings, the Katana-50 offers a more compact and manageable size, making it an excellent choice for musicians on the move or those with limited space.
Despite its smaller footprint, the Katana-50 doesn’t compromise on sound quality or versatility, boasting many amp models, effects, and customizable tones. Its 50-watt output provides ample volume for practice, rehearsals, and smaller gigs, striking a sweet spot between power and convenience. Additionally, the Katana-50’s streamlined control interface ensures quick and easy access to its various features, catering to beginners and experienced players. Overall, the Katana-50 stands out in the Katana lineup as a versatile, compact, and gig-ready amplifier that doesn’t compromise tone or functionality.
"The BOSS Katana-50 EX combo amplifier represents a significant evolution within the Katana series, offering enhanced features and capabilities compared to its predecessors."
Katana-50 EX
The BOSS Katana-50 EX combo amplifier represents a significant evolution within the Katana series, offering enhanced features and capabilities compared to its predecessors. One of its key distinctions lies in its BOSS GA-FC Foot Controller connectivity. It also sports an IR-enhanced line out and stereo expand feature.
This means you can expand your sound in stereo using two Katana amps. The Katana-50 EX also boasts extra memory slots, offering eight in total. The Katana-50 EX Gen 3 also comes with a premium gray grill cloth. On top of that, it features an upgraded speaker for increased projection and resonance on stage.
Katana-100
The BOSS Katana-100 combo amplifier offers a step up in power and versatility compared to the Katana-50, making it an excellent choice for musicians who require more headroom and stage presence. With its 100-watt output and 12-inch speaker, the Katana-100 delivers ample volume and clarity, ensuring that guitarists can cut through even the loudest band environments.
One notable feature of the Katana-100 is its expanded selection of amp models and effects, providing a comprehensive palette of tones suitable for various musical styles. The amp’s integrated effects loop also offers advanced flexibility for integrating external pedals. Despite its increased power, the Katana-100 remains user-friendly and intuitive, with a straightforward interface for easy tone shaping and customization. Whether for live performances, rehearsals, or studio sessions, the BOSS Katana-100 is a reliable and versatile amplifier solution that offers uncompromising tone and performance.
Katana-100/212
Boasting the same features as the Katana-100, the BOSS Katana-100/212 combo amplifier represents a significant upgrade within the Katana series, offering a powerful and immersive playing experience tailored to larger venues and stages. Its dual custom 12-inch speakers provide a rich, full-bodied sound with enhanced projection and depth, ensuring that guitarists can fill any space with their music.
"Boasting the same features as the Katana-100, the BOSS Katana-100/212 combo amplifier represents a significant upgrade within the Katana series."
Katana-Head
The BOSS Katana Head amplifier offers a unique proposition within the Katana series, providing guitarists the flexibility to pair it with their speaker cabinet for a customized setup. Unlike the combo amplifiers in the Katana range, the Katana Head allows players to select a speaker cabinet that best suits their tonal preferences and performance needs, whether a compact 1×12 cab for portability or a full-stack setup for maximum stage presence.
Additionally, the Katana Head features a compact and lightweight design, making it ideal for gigging musicians who prioritize ease of transport without sacrificing power or tone. With its versatile connectivity options, including a dedicated effects loop and MIDI input, the Katana Head offers unparalleled flexibility for integrating external pedals and controlling various parameters, catering to the demands of both studio professionals and live performers. Overall, the BOSS Katana Head amplifier is a versatile and adaptable solution for guitarists seeking a customizable rig tailored to their preferences and performance requirements.
Katana-Artist
The BOSS Katana Artist combo amplifier stands out within the Katana series for its premium components and enhanced tonal refinement, making it a top choice for discerning guitarists seeking professional-grade sound quality and performance capabilities. Unlike other Katana models, the Katana Artist combo features a custom Waza speaker delivering wide dynamic response, smooth midrange, and rich harmonic overtones of the benchmark 25-watt British stack speaker from the 1960s.
The Katana Artist combo also boasts a refined cabinet design and advanced sound tuning, resulting in a more immersive and natural playing experience that rivals high-end boutique amplifiers. Its comprehensive selection of amp models, effects, and built-in presets provides many sonic possibilities. In contrast, its intuitive control interface and studio-quality effects processing make it easy to dial your desired tone precisely. Whether in the studio or on stage, the BOSS Katana Artist combo amplifier offers uncompromising sound quality, versatility, and performance capabilities that meet the demands of even the most discerning musicians.
Katana-Artist Head
The BOSS Katana Artist Head amplifier represents the pinnacle of the Katana series, offering professional-grade sound quality, versatility, and performance features in a compact and portable package. As a standalone amp head, guitarists can pair it with their preferred speaker cabinet, allowing for a customized rig tailored to individual tonal preferences and performance needs.
The Katana Artist Head is distinguished by its premium components and meticulous sound tuning. This attention to detail results in a refined, immersive playing experience that rivals high-end boutique amplifiers.
"The BOSS Katana Head amplifier offers a unique proposition within the Katana series, providing guitarists the flexibility to pair it with their speaker cabinet for a customized setup."
Additionally, the Katana Artist Head features a comprehensive selection of amp models, effects, built-in presets, intuitive controls, and studio-quality effects processing, enabling players to achieve their desired tone with ease and precision. Whether in the studio or on stage, the BOSS Katana Artist Head amplifier offers uncompromising sound quality, versatility, and performance capabilities, making it an ideal choice for professional musicians and tone connoisseurs.
What’s the Best BOSS Katana?
It’s hard to define the best BOSS Katana, but on occasion, specific models lend themselves well to certain playing situations, and here we offer our recommendations to you:
- Beginners: The Katana is a great amp for beginners, but that doesn’t mean you should opt for the Katana-50 by default. Read The Beginner’s Guide to the BOSS Katana Amplifier Series for a more detailed article.
- Playing at Home: Due to its compact size, lower wattage output, and essential features for bedroom practice, we’d recommend the Katana-50 or Katana-50 EX if you want to use the GA-FC (EX) foot controller.
- Gigging and Live Performances: Thanks to their higher power output, additional features, and enhanced tone controls, the Katana-100 or Katana Artist would be most suitable for a live environment. For portability, either the Katana Head or Katana Artist Head would also be an appropriate solution for gigging. If there is an available speaker cabinet on location, this could be a convenient and transportable option.
- Recording and Studio Use: With USB-C Connectivity, all Katana models can be used for recording, but users may prefer the Katana Artist for its premium features and tone-shaping capabilities in a studio environment.
"Aside from size, weight, and power differences, each BOSS Katana has varying functionality, connectivity, and controls."
BOSS Katana by Genre and Style
Part of the charm of the Katana is that it is versatile enough to get a great sound across a range of styles. Whether you’re looking to create thick, tight metal sounds that chug or creamy blues licks that cut through a mix, the Katana can handle it.
Differences: MkII and Gen 3 Katana Amplifiers
While the core line-up of Katana amplifiers has remained the same, the Gen 3 series adds new sounds and features to each Katana Amplifier. For an entire run down, read BOSS Katana: What’s New in the Gen 3 Amplifier Series?, but in summary, Gen 3 adds:
- New and improved amp types
- Additional power amp voicing (available in Head, Artist, and Artist Head)
- USB-C connectivity and control panel upgrades (per model)
- BOSS Tone Studio UI
- Bluetooth connectivity
Other Katana Products
You may have noticed that this article focuses on the core range of Katana amplifiers. Over the years, additional products have been released under the Katana name. While these products don’t inherit the entire stack of Katana amplifier features, they may provide a beneficial use case for your needs.
Katana-Air: The Katana-Air and Katana-Air EX offer the world’s first wireless guitar amplifier solution. Battery-powered and wireless. Designed with convenience and practicality in mind, connect the wireless transmitter and start to jam freely.
Katana Mini: The Katana-Mini makes serious Katana tone accessible in a small, go-anywhere amp that runs on batteries. Offering sound quality far exceeding other amps in its class, this miniature powerhouse features an authentic multi-stage analog gain circuit for big, expressive sound, a traditional analog EQ, and an onboard tape-style delay. Ultra-compact and travel-ready, the Katana-Mini delivers inspiring Katana tone anywhere you want to play.
Katana Bass: In 2022, following the introduction of the Katana-110 and Katana- 210, there was a Katana available for bassists. Featuring bass-specific effects and controls, these two new additions took the principles of Katana and applied them to bass guitarists. The Katana-500 Bass Head has also been added to the line.
"In 2022, following the introduction of the Katana-110 and Katana-210, there was a Katana available for bassists."
Ultimate Choice
We hope this guide helps you choose the ideal BOSS Katana to suit your needs and wish you many happy years of playing. To explore the BOSS Katana amplifier series further, we recommend checking out the BOSS Katana Gen 3 series, watching Katana videos on YouTube, and joining the global Social Media community.
- Explore the Katana Gen 3 Amplifier Series
