Boss Katana 100 MK2 vs Fender Mustang GTX: A Tone & Buyers Guide

[@MJPGuitar]

I just got the GTX Friday night. I spent all day yesterday playing. I just can’t stop. It’s given me more inspiration to play than I have in years. I haven’t dug down deep into the controls yet. I love it.

[@dmartinez1993]

I just bought one this Thursday, haven’t had an amp since a I had a 25W Crate amp back in the early 90’s. I’m blown away, just hoping I didn’t overlook the Boss Katana since I’m more into the 80’a and 90’s rock sound with lots of gain.

[@QuanTran-uu9fz]

@@dmartinez1993 & @Matt Prentice - I just got the GTX50 a few days ago and super love it! I used to think that logically any amp sounds better if the speaker is angled at your ears or raised a ear level like on a table cabinet, but I found it sounds way better just on the floor flat without being angled back towards my ears. It does seem it wouldn't take pedals too well unless the pedals were completely digital. I'm gonna try to put my favorite metal pedal which is all digital in front of the amp, the Boss MetalCore.

[@carsandguitars6264]

@@QuanTran-uu9fz if you put the metal core what I noticed that if you put it on the effects loop it sounds much better.

[@chrissteffers6931]

@@QuanTran-uu9fz I still like it angled at my ears. You just hear any detail of playing. But I must say I'm a player at low volumes and haven't tried it yet in a band.

[@QuanTran-uu9fz]

@@carsandguitars6264 Ok, I thought about that but I don't know really know how to use an effects loop, haha. Never tried. And some so-called experts say putting pedals in front of the amp sounds better depending on the amp and your set-up, but I don't really know.

[@Rluce75]

What this video said to me was “I should go buy the gtx 100 to go with my katana 100 mk2. 😊🖖

[@jamalabdul2009]

The ultimate face off!! Fender vs Boss!! 😆😆 Shane, you made great points for both amps and it really clears up the pros and cons of the GTX and Katana MK2. If I had to choose, honesty I’d buy both!! The Katana would be perfect for all the pedals I own and love, and the GTX would fulfill my obsession with great Fender amps. I’m sure you can’t lose with either one! Great comparison Shane! Cheers!🎸🎸🎸🎸👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@hutchfromba]

I prefer the Boss Artist 100 MK2. Blues On....💙

[@alanknott363]

@jamalabdul2009 I totally agree, they're both great amps in their own right. I would love to have both. 👍

[@pompeii1275]

GTX might be more expensive but the footswitch makes up for the cost. It has built in looper pedal, integrated tuner, and can select any preset or effect you want.

[@chriscaskenette]

I have the Katana 100 mk2. Great amp and great tones right out of the box. Just bought it so I haven't delved into the tone studio. You can't go wrong buying the Katana. The Fender has those beautiful cleans. If I had to pick, I prefer the Katana. Either amp would get the job done!

[@tonepilot]

Even though I’m not the target market for either of these amps, this review was really well done. Probably the best I’ve seen so far. Enjoyed it very much. Thanks mate!

[@richardlucascronley5128]

Reasons I'm leaning towards Fender gtx: Built in screen Lots of effects bluetooth (Plan on using it as a speaker) App I don't own pedals

[@TurboMountTV]

I bought both from Sweetwater to test. Returned the Katana. The tone and versatility of this Fender GTX 100 is amazing. It does take a bit fiddling of all the settings to get what you want. But when you get there you will put away your tube amps. As a certified Mustang expert I can tell you previously that with all other models the first thing I did was swap out the speaker to turn them into great amps. That was my only previous complaint - they put speakers in that are a compromise to play regular music / line-in accompaniment, and cost. However... with the GTX 100 I can say the improved Celestion speaker they put in these are as good as it gets. I tried other speakers, while they sounded DIFFERENT, I won't say BETTER. I ended up putting the original back on. So save your money don't even bother. That being said, when I first turned it on I thought it sounded like an AM radio... it definitely needed to be broken in. Superbly smooth & sweet when it was. And most definitely use an amp stand to get it off the floor and pointing at you. I actually also bought the new Katana Artist MK2. The Katana amp does appear better built and more solid, also with an amazing new speaker. That being said, I always went back to the GTX for more fun and better vintage tones. The Katana only has 4 amp amp types. And each one is an extension of the previous. Add max gain to the "clean" and that is where the next "crunch" starts. So its basically 1 amp type, that you can extensively modify with the App. So ended up returning the Katana, and kept the GTX, if that says anything. The GTX 100 does absolute great vintage tones of old Fender & British amps. There are several modern tones also, I just never worked with them.

[@jakestadium]

The GTX is an insanely inspiring piece of gear! And the ability to tweak the tube bias and sag on amp models is amazing. After owning pretty much all of Fender's amps in their current lineup, I've settled on the GTX and a Deluxe Reverb RI. If I was just buying it for gigging, I'd go with the katana because of it's straightforward simplicity. But as a creative tool & recording amp, the GTX destroys it. Covers everything from home practice to gigs.

[@Ironworthstriking]

I also think with a little work you can get the GTX to be plug and play for a gig if you tweak your presets.

[@TimKierse]

@@Ironworthstriking Yep, I have done this with my GTX. Took a long time to sort out the patch for each song my band plays but worthwhile. The setlist function is the killer feature IMO. just flick from one song to the next when gigging.

[@richard.bailey]

I've got both of these amps. I've gigged with the Katana a bit and it hasn't let me down. It's solid. I'm only just getting started with the Mustang GTX, but I'm enjoying it so far. I'm starting to dial in some nice clean ('65 FenderTwin) and crunch('59 Bassman and 70's Marshall)) amp tones, but I haven't yet started to add drives or effects (other than some reverb). We'll see how the GTX fares when I can start playing live again. My band starts rehearsals again next week for the first time since February , so I'll give the GTX a run then and see how it goes in a band setting

[@misterknightowlandco]

I love the 59 bassman setting on all the mustang amps. I have a patch I made with it and its the only patch I use lol. Mids and treble on 10, bass all the way to zero or 1.0 and the reverb on 4 using the 65 spring reverb setting. I figured I'd run the bassman just like buddy guy 10 10 0 😆. Works great love it.

[@davewalsh3885]

Same here, but my Mustang is the older 3 v 2. Still a good amp but I find the BOSS has more fullness and depth that cuts through the wall of sound the people I jam with put out.

[@games_n_shit]

Hey Richard, which amp do you prefer? I'm looking at both of these amps and i'm torn on which one to get.

[@metallion0738]

@@davewalsh3885 get a mustang with bigger wattage if you can, than you're good to go bro.

[@artb99]

I’ve done 6 gigs since June with the Mustang GT100, a 3 year old model. Thanks to the good quality PAs at the two places we play, which are both outdoors. I went through the line out , with pretty low actual amp output, direct to the mixing board. The Fender Deluxe 65 reverb model with compressor effect and medium reverb is my 70% of the time choice modeling output, sounds good with my American Strat. Also the Clean jazz preset with 65 Twin 65 basis and Buck Owens 65 Deluxe reverb and 70s Marshall presets are used regularly. In summary, without the external PA boosting the output, the amp and speaker have crap tones at higher volume. Great modeling preamp, but garbage output at more than medium volume. Worth it to me due to 22 pound weight with 12 inch speaker, and low cost, but only as either home modeling amp or for modest volume rehearsals, or for line out to a PA boosting it at my gigs with the foot switch for gig convenience. Not bad for $430 total including the foot switch, but not meant for doing gigs without a good house PA.

[@andrewross219]

As a person with a Katana 100 MK1 with footswitch, Ive been debating an MK2. After watching this video I was almost thinking Fender Mustang for it's more simple plug and play. For $500 though, I think I'd rather spend $600 for the Artist MK2.

[@checkpointcovid8021]

For $600 you could try your luck on craigslist and find a nice tube amp. Fender Hot Rod Deluxe amps can be found all the time for your price or even less. But if you did go for the Artist then that's still a great sounding amp. The feature I really liked on the MK2 was the power amp in feature allowing you to connect an amp modeller. Use the amp as like a blank slate for your amp models.

[@tonybowen455]

Wow, it's like 2x the price of the katana. Thought it'd be 300. Another option is something like a roland blues cube.

[@metallion0738]

@@checkpointcovid8021 . Tube amps can be afortable I agree, but nowadays I see no use for them but to keep them in my house to practice.

[@metallion0738]

@@checkpointcovid8021 . Tube amps are a pain and obsolete nowadays, that's why there are kempers instead.

[@user-os3ko9fw3c]

Building a guitar

[@kyleheaser351boombaby]

I've done loads of research into these. To sum up every single video and review, the Fender is more fun playing around on and more versatile, while sounding great if you tweak the presets/upload presets online and then tweak those to your liking and also has the best clean channel. The Boss sounds better if you're playing distortion, especially gigs. Otherwise falls behind in versatility. Both are great amps.

[@KVJworld]

I owned a Mustang IV V2, do you think there's any difference between mine and the newer Mustang GT 100? Especially amp selections, i'm not quite satisfied with the sound my Mustang IV V2 produces yet.

[@roberttaweel873]

The GTX also has a built in tuner and looper, just sayin'.

[@WarrenPostma]

That's a huge bonus for home players. Loopers are a game changer for practice and home play.

[@portuguesebeer5069]

Thats right. But the Mustang sound is not as good as the Karana's. Not even close! Cheers from Portugal 🍺🤘

[@MrSpeed-lt8gr]

Wow, a tuner! Heck you could just gig this amp (with included foot switch) and a guitar. I may need to get this.

[@necurrence1776]

You can just hook the phone in most amps and play something in the background instead of using a looper.

[@MarioHernandez-zc7dv]

And a Noise gate already there

[@bravewzr]

Just scored the GTX 100 off Facebook for 300 bucks, BRAND NEW.... can't wait to get gome and dive into this thing. Everything I read about this is super positive.

[@drewdavis2392]

Great review series, Shane. I appreciate the way you focus on what you see as the key differences between the products, which is especially important when the two products are similar. We get to hear some differences, without just marching through every feature in the spec sheet. The actual modelling is a pretty in-depth topic. I'm sure both amps can do more in the way of tones than anyone could cover even in a couple of hours. I'm sure with enough time invested, you could tweak the distortion tones on the Fender, or find a clean tone hiding in the Katana. But touching on the highlights shows which way the designers were leaning, and it's likely the whole package tends to lean those ways.

[@DamianS1893]

Cheers Shane from Alabama, I bought the Boss Katana MK-ll 100 Head. I'm still learning how to use the settings through the Phone App . However, I find the Katana MK-ll panel is very intuitive and easy to get the tones immediately. I believe the Katana MK-ll Head is more appropriate for playing Gigs because of the immediacy of the perceived sound. That's my 2 cents... Greatly appreciate your channel Shane.

[@mixodorians12]

Fair review, decent honest guy. To get the most out of the Katana you need the pedal. The fender is like 130 quid more expensive, but factor in the cost of the pedal to the Katana and it isn't that much more. I have a boss Katana 2x12.., no interest in the Fender really, when mine packs in I intend to get another one. The Katana and the Librarian app (where you can so easily download a wide variety of different tones via a USB otg cable) is just all you need.

[@darrenhunt7838]

You are right about the Katana software updates. This has always been my biggest issue with them. Being an older bloke and a little less tech savvy is a drawback for me. Apart from that I love my Katana. Good comparison Shane.

[@6stringcodger450]

The Fender definitely has a learning curve. Modeling can be complex. IMO all the presets are preconfigured for line-out or headphones (not the speaker). So if you want a good tone through the speaker you need to copy the preset then edit out the Cabinet simulation. I love and use the "Tweed Sugar" most often. But that preset comes stock with "57 Twin" amp and "65 Twin" cabinet simulation. For Exampe: Edit out the cabinet and set it to "None", then the GTX Speaker and amp EQ handles the rest. It makes no sense to simulate a cabinet then play it through another real cabinet and expect it to sound right. I have only done this for a few, but it really gets the tones right. Next GTX firmware update could even include a "Katana 100" preset with all the settings. It's how it works.

[@firemanjerry]

Outstanding in depth review! Thanks for that mate! Been leaning towards the Fender over the Boss due to the ability to get deep into the on board effects as well as amp & cab models. And especially for the Fender Clean tones. Notice when you demoing the High gain tones the Katana sound much richer fuller and could hear the dynamics much clearer. But I found on another review that if you tweak the sag and eq settings you could get much the same response out of the Fender Mustang GTX 100. Sure wish you'd be the guinea pig and try this out and do a follow-up before I pull the trigger on the Fender. Thanks again for an outstanding review. (Subscribing now, cheers mate!)

[@tedeisner822]

That’s def a plus in my opinion I have both and I like the katana but I wish it had the onboard display and full onboard functionality. I am not a computer person

[@landonbailey]

Great comparison! I think I would go with the Fender this time around (compared to the last round of Mustang vs Katana series)

[@PaulIsbell]

This video sold me. I’m going to sell my Line 6 Pod Go and use the money to buy the Mustang GTX100. The stereo out is awesome, and I’d much prefer an amp that can “do it all” as opposed to an fx unit that can do some things well.

[@toddsteele72]

Killing it in the intro tracks Shane. 💪

[@SAMUDRAMAC]

For playing in a band: in the GTX you can make playlists with up-to 5 sounds and name that collection. For each song you play you’ll have these 5 setting available on the foot switch. Just chose the playlist for your next song and you’re ready to go, I don’t know if the katana had this.

[@daro9582]

You can control the 8 presets of the Katana with the Footswitch and use it as a kind of Pedalboard

[@ianfowler7787]

I had a choice between these two & I chose the GTX 100 & love it. It satisfied a lot of needs I wanted to fulfil as a new player. The footswitch & looper being included sealed the deal for me. There is a bigger learning curve for the GTX but I feel like its much less expensive in the long run. I get to play around with all the pedals it can simulate without having to buy them all. I can test out a large assortment of amp models without buying each one & even if the preset sounds are off I can dial it in to what I like using the EQ, Gain, Cuttoff etc. Easily the best value for the money imho.

[@tzutzu6455]

exactly my thoughts as beginner

[@AJS86]

Given I'm a Strat & Clapton fan I think I need the Fender amp

[@nikospaleologos3907]

I've played the Katana a few times , it's high gain sound , out the box, sound amazing. If you like 80s/90s metal, you will be highly satisfied. I haven't played the Fender, but based on this review and being a 80s 90s metal player, I will purchase the katana soon enough.

[@YippeeSkippie426]

I had the Mustang GTX and traded it the very next week for a Katana 100 MK II. The Mustang locked up every time I used it and there is no way to bypass the digital effects and use the amp as just an amp. The Katana is an actual amplifier first and uses digital effects second. Tone-wise, the Katana makes the choices easy with its ability to switch from Acoustic to "Brown" and useful settings in-between. The big sell for the Katana is its switchable power: 100w; 50w; and a very usable 1/2w.

[@Sanman1212]

First time I have watched you, brilliant comparison.

[@intheblues]

Hey, thanks!

[@maximusindicusoblivious180]

Hey Shane, thanks for the great review. You have mad (cool) presenter skills. And you are one of my favorite lefty guitarist, after Jimi and myself of course. Best Wishes.

[@jwilder2251]

Best straight up guitar info on KZbin

[@JROD082384]

Here's a hot tip: buy both amps, because they can give you a wide enough variety of tones between the two to justify it.

[@mikesoubervielle8056]

excellent review! I have the Boss Katana MKII and I was thinking of buying the Fender Mustang, I am a guitarist who 90% of the time plays HiGain and this video helped me a lot to decide to keep my KTN! Thank you so much!

[@derred723]

I saw several reviews of the gtx 100 that seemed to conclude it took external effects pedals very well. The Andertons i think was one. I'm more about Fender clean tones so that's the way i'm leading. Also the gtx 50 in a smaller package seems to be a good choice and buying an switch separate. from my googling on line it still comes out cheaper than the gtx 100 and i don't ever need 50 let alone 100 watts. i'm never gonna be playing outside of a small room.

[@sharikmarius]

In all instances, I can hear the strings better in the Katana. The Mustang has some cools sounds, but it sounds like it covers the natural tone of the guitar.

[@sixslinger9951]

and that is key to me too. the strings must individually sing and not be muddy in the mix

[@banjosaurus]

I wish Roland / Boss still made the VGA series amps particularly the vga3 the 5 and 7 were beasts to lift around on a gig but were rated at 100 w and 160 I believe. They each had a GK pickup input with some cool synth sounds and of course Roland / Boss has been doing amp modeling longer than Fender but, Fender is onto something here with all the features it has now! I really dig the weight of this amp and with a little effort and tweaking I can get the sounds I need! I especially like having the footswitch, the harmonizer in the effects and the ability to adjust the resonance and tonality of the tube amplifier settings! I own the GTX100!

[@perryhudgens7788]

MY HONEST REVIEW: I spent a few hours playing on both using a $600 fender and a ibanez S series prestige 7string. I've played on a fender cybertwin (se) for the past decade. The katana 100 mk2 honestly blew me away! Very responsive to every string and note with gain/distortions, plays very nicely at bedroom lvl or switch up to the 100w and its going to hold its going to stand out! Beefy riffing, great leads and the effects stacking. I was not so impressed with the fender mustang, but fender clean channels are untouchable! You'll need to access an app/computer to trim up the clean channels with the katana. If I were comparing the mustang to the cybertwin se, I'd go cybertwin everyday of the week because of the tube preamp thats built in and better foot switch, but good luck finding one because there aren't many left in the market. For my 7string players, you'll be pleasantly surprised with the response and cleaness of the gain/distortions on the katana. You can hear every note in a chord and it hits harder than twisted tea!

[@davidwoods358]

Shane, I thought your review was spot on (as always) and told what needed to be told. It really is different strokes for different folks as I can see a need for both, depending. I do wish you would have mentioned something about "playing feel" both on the cleans and the drives of each of the amps as every amp has it's own feel. I have the 100mk2 and it actually feels great to play, it feels as good (responsive and soulful) as any of the tube amps I have owned over the years. No feel, no deal! BTW I'm not using the "tone studio" because of the hassle of so far "not being able to load" all the different parts to get it up and running in the laptop. I could almost strangle Boss for doing it this way as it's a huge part of the amp I will more than likely never be able to use. If the actual amp didn't sound as good as it does, I'd throw it through their window. These are the frustrations of the digitally challenged! Yes, I will reluctantly be purchasing the foot controller. Bag me and Tag me!

[@JeffCPina]

Great Review! You really did an excellent job highlighting the best of both Amps. Looks like when it comes to overall tone use, with the exception of the Fender clean tone, Katana is the winner. Katana does a good job at clean tones but stands out against its high tones against the Fender. But the Fender seems to be a better overall package when it comes to hardware/software, with an included footswitch (and looper) and easier access to their interface. If you purchase the footswitch of katana it would make the overall cost about the same and no looper. I particularly, like your review on the Apps. Noting Fender's great interface and versatility but countering that with Katana simplicity that allows you to get to the tone you like quicker. Making it even harder to decide which I should get. I really appreciate your honest review, regardless of what I get, because of your reviews, I will have a better idea of what to expect and what I have sacrifice, one way or the other. So get more bells and whistle Amp or dedicate yourself to the tone Amp. The tone should be the winner but for a newbie, like myself, it's hard to decide. Does this sound right? Everyone, feel free to chime in and let me know what you think. Thanks again.

[@cass2771]

jeffrey pina Isn’t that a great feature of an honest review like this? You get the info to make an informed choice. That alone can save you selecting the ‘wrong’ amp (really, they both sound great!), saving perhaps $hundreds. And after you’ve brought it home, you’ll know your amp a bit better from the outset, and can get a head start in working with it.

[@Mrjtoomuch]

I bought a Katana 50mk2 and sent it back. I wanted and expected to like it but I REALLY did not like it. Of course it's subjective. I bought the GTX100 because I wanted the looper. I am VERY happy with the Fender. I hate to stop playing. The Android amp is great. I love it. But it's subjective. That's just me.

[@luismarioXD]

@@Mrjtoomuch Why didnt you like it man?

[@Mrjtoomuch]

@@luismarioXD I didn't really like the clean tones, seemed like too much mid to me and if you dialed that out it seemed thin, to me. Then each channel seemed like just more distortion piled on to the same tone, which I didn't care for.

[@Lateral032]

I’m debating between these two. I have a Peavy bass amp with a Boss GT1 multifx pedal, but I get tired lugging the amp around to my friends to practice. This video gives me a good idea what to expect with either one. I played with my Friend’s daughter’s sister’s cousin’s neighbor’s Mustang LT25, and it inpressed me with the size and sound. I do trust Boss’s quality. I just need enough opinions to help presuade me. Testimonials would work.

[@williekenk]

If you already have a multifx pedal, that significantly closes the gap between the two amps. A big sell point for me on the Fender was that it already had the footswitch which includes a looper, and the built in tuner. I was starting from nothing, first guitar and first amp. So having all of that packaged into one unit was very appealing for me to start exploring different sounds as I learned. But with the GT1, you have those advantages covered technically. But if you're still on the fence, here are some of the advantages I see for the GTX over the Katana, even with the GT1 involved. - BT is honestly great. Being able to pull up backing tracks, metronome sounds, etc. And the app for the GTX works very well and quickly via BT. Navigating with the screen can be a bit of a pain, but jumping around and testing various things is extremely easy with the app. - Being able to on the fly test and download settings from other users. I JUST discovered this and it's awesome. Have a band or sound you're trying to match? Just search it in the download section of the amp. Tons of users have uploaded settings to the community for popular bands. The best part is when you're phone is connected, you can click "try it" and it loads instantly for a demo. This allows you to try several back to back and compare, which is extremely cool. - Another advantage for your specific uses is the Fender would allow you to leave the GT1 with your bass. So you could jam with someone else and both have a wide range of effects and looping. Just more possibilities. *EDIT* - Forgot to add the headphone jack. It's so nice to have an easy access headphone jack on the GTX. Again, lends it self nicely to playing at home. Allows for playing without disrupting the family. I would say the biggest cons to the Fender are some will prefer the Katana sound, and honestly the learning curve is steeper than other amps. It's not entirely difficult, but it's certainly harder and you get the most out of the amp using the app.

[@tomacheteful]

Found you when i was researching the PRS SE custom 24 lefty (which i have purchased and received yesterday). I just bought the GTX100 today and hope to receive in a few days. I am just a little baffled that you didn't mention the looper function in reference to the GTX100 value-wise. That's what pushed me over the edge with the Fender along with the included foot pedal. But still i thank you for all this content and look forward to more.

[@1987Devo100]

Thank you for a very fair, in my opinion, review of both amps. I currently am looking at both, but I will be using one for live work with a classic rock band. I hope to get to a store soon to start forming my take on them. Thanks again!

[@jevonwhite5193]

Did you try out both? What did you end up getting?

[@guitarslinger4837]

I bought the GTX100 a few weeks ago and I prefer the 65 Deluxe Reverb with Gain on 5 and everything else on 6 for nice edge of breakup clean and I highly recommend the Bassbreaker 15 Mid Gain Model for a perfect medium crunch rhythm sound. That sounds organic as hell. For lead I boost it with the mythic drive. Perfect for me. I dont like most of the other gainier amp models. Too synthetic in my opinion. But Fender nailed their own amp models. One last experience: The amp sounds best with a little volume. The speaker needs to push some air. Put a good mic in front of if and you can play Wembley Arena. Just my two cents.

[@Mrjtoomuch]

I'm really liking the Tweed Deluxe in there as well.

[@gc1282]

Katana is pure hard rock & metal. 🤘 But if you know how to tweak it just right straight off the control panel you can make it sound jangly. I love it.

[@projekt1824]

Strangely, I’ve been enjoying my Katana for gigs, straight in as it were, and using a little tube amp at home with my ever-changing pedalboard. Back when there were gigs, that is. 😿

[@SticksAandstonesBozo]

Also don’t forget most people I assume are looking at the katana 50. You can’t use pedals with that amp nor does it have any outputs other than the PC usb connection.

[@TheCSpang]

These are my two most recent amps, and I’m a lefty too; so I couldn’t resist watching this video! The biggest question is… Where’d you find a lefty Flying V?! I’ve been looking for one forever now!

[@DennisAlvarezMusic]

Thank you for giving me something to watch with my morning coffee. This was a very thorough and useful review. I personally would like to buy the Katana 100 MkII for some of the reasons you outlined. I wouldn't mind hooking it up to a computer to edit my tones. I'm currently still using a Boss GT-8. I was ecstatic when I came across 3rd party software that allowed me to edit my sound on my laptop via midi cable. I've played professionally since 1974 and even with all that the GT-8 can do I only use the Plexi I for cleans and the Hi Gain Marshall for leads with a few basic effects when needed. I really like the fact that with either amp I wouldn't have to transport and set up a separate pedalboard. My newer Peavey Bandit with a couple of pedals sounds just as good as either of these amps for my needs I.M.H.O. But I need another amp just in case something happens to it. For me I think the Katana is that amp. Cheers Shane!

[@alanknott363]

Thanks Shane. As usual an excellent analysis (pros and cons) of these 2 amps. My conclusion: I could definitely find a good use both lol..

[@markt747]

I had a Katana. after the new wore off, I found the deficits in it. I sold it. I'm going to be getting the GTX 100. For me, it's simple, easy, and sounds great.

[@zzzhuh]

I use to enjoy fender amps, but after owning my katana for about a month, it is just leaps and bounds better. The tones you can find and download from others, as well as dialing in my own is far superior than any fender I've ever played.

[@Ironworthstriking]

Have you owned the GTX? It’s WAY better than any fender modeling amp from before.

[@Ironworthstriking]

@@devinsinderwitcz9134 as a GTX owner, I quickly learned a few things. 1: the speaker takes time to break in 2: global EQ makes an enormous difference 3: the amp will only sound as good as your presets. It took me some time but I managed to make presets that sound fantastic, definitely as good as the Katana. And the app is super useful. The katana is great too, but just a different animal. It’s much more a standard solid state amp than a modeler. But it’s not quite as user-friendly. The fact that I can just pull up fender tone app on my phone, search for a band/song that has the tone I want and download it in seconds is pretty amazing. I’d like to own a katana as well though just for fun.

[@edwardcating]

I bought the GTX100 and used it extensively for over 3 weeks before deciding to send it back. Having played a friends Katana MKI, I pulled the trigger and am now awaiting delivery of an Katana Artist MKII. The WAZA Craft speaker and more robust cabinet, along with the panel controls facing the front of the amplifier, sealed the deal on the Artist over the base Katana for me. The GTX sounded very good, but it fell short on physical user interface (although the app is outstanding) - however the models are iffy. All of the Fender stuff sounds good, some better than others, but I fall into the camp that just wants an amp-like amp which has full traditional controls exposed on the panel. The Katana range checks that box for me. I also appreciate the vastly more extensive user base that offers deep-dive technical tutorials and samples for the BOSS Tone Studio. The Fender Mustang has a wealth of effects and built-in pedals, but almost no instruction that gets into the nitty gritty of adjustments on all these options; you even have to download the full INSTRUCTIONS for the GTX100 as a PDF, and then it offers little to no information on the effects. Most of these are pretty intuitive, but there is just so much more instruction available for Tone Studio, so the techie in me was satisfied with developing a deeper understanding of what's under the hood. Others may find this totally unimportant. As Shane says, these amps are apples to oranges, but for me, I found one fruit to be more to my liking than the other.

[@MikeColeVocals]

Great playing and comparison Shane! One thing I noticed in the sounds, especially the higher gain tones, you can hear the digital-ness of both amps which is a shame. If modellers could overcome this it would be a game changer! Don’t get me wrong, both sound really good, there’s just something in the distortions that tells me they are digital.

[@TurboMountTV]

Distortion pedals in front of a tube amp are "digital"

[@SDisonYT]

The Katana is incredible value, but I hate that it doesn’t have a display, no Bluetooth or an iPad/iPhone app to go with it, and no built in tuner. I don’t like having to connect it to my laptop with a cable to change the effects. I also don’t like that I cannot drag and drop every effect in any order I want for pre or post amp effects. As a result, I tend not to use it as I often as I use my Mustang. The Fender is just far easier and more flexible, so it’s the one I use most. But if Boss would make a Katana mk3 with Bluetooth and an iPad app, that would be the best of both worlds.

[@Superjet113]

Been waiting for this shootout from someone! Thanks Shane!

[@ronfalkoff]

Love your content!!! Very thorough and just what I was looking for!!! Really appreciate the breakdown overall!!!

[@vicpnut1]

More is better and I personally liked tones on fender much more, and I hate using the laptop for anything so that along the app on my phone and iPad for the gtx with those fender clean tones that crunch up nicely has sold me on this comparison ….now I need a gtx vs the line 6 catalyst

[@visual33]

Well done Shane, one of the best amp comparison and review videos I have seen and heard.

[@TheSookean]

Having had a Mustang III V2 and regretting selling it I think the GTX would suit me better. Just add the expression pedal and it has it all.

[@Robertstar-p9r]

I tried both amps and I prefer the Mustang for heavy metal. The katana was a little muddy compared to GTX100 in my opinion. Everyone is different. I went with the Fender for all the options and sound. I returned a Peavey Vypyr vip3 that was great sounding for metal but it made hissing sounds and crackle. Then kaput. The GTX100 was a blast to play. I tried a Vox and a Marshall code 50. The Fender for me hit the spot on how easy it was to understand. Go down to your music store and compare yourself

[@nashtr79]

As a novice player looking for my first electric guitar and amp, this video is right up my alley. Both amps sound great, but for me, for a home practice amp, the lack of needing a physical connection to update/control the amp is huge, and puts the Mustang at the top of my list. The only downside for me is that I'd be looking at the 50 watt version (I like my neighbors), and it doesn't come with the foot pedal that the 100 watt version does. The 50 watt version with the optional pedal added on is within 30 bucks of the 100 watt. Thanks for this video Shane, excellent review as always.

[@D-NastyNoise]

Just buy the 100 watt. Solid state amps work different from tube. You can have them at a low volume and they still sound great. Plus the 100 watt will give you more headroom and the footswitch is a absolute must.

[@benallmark9671]

What exactly does the pedal do ?

[@benallmark9671]

@@D-NastyNoise why is the footswitch a must ?

[@D-NastyNoise]

@@benallmark9671 It lets you operate the looper which is key for practice, as well as the tuner and being able to access all your saved presets as well as cycle through all the patches. All without needing to go near the amp.

[@benallmark9671]

@@D-NastyNoise ok , awesome. So it comes with the 100 watt. , I just ordered the 50 , so am I better off switching the order to a 100 or just buying it separately. I’m just a bedroom player so don’t need the 100 watt but dollar wise it might make more since , you think ?

[@calebfowler5146]

I got the katana mkii head. Dear gawd it is glorious. The price and overwhelming greatness is fantabulous. I'm sure the fender is good but 4 channels and the main panel is super versatile and over 60 boss pedals of tones when hooked up to pc

[@arsenmarek597]

Thanks, nice comparison. Note that the 50W boss katana MKII lack some connections on the back compared to the 100W. see the katana manual.

[@JS-mz4xf]

My opinion? I bought the Mustang GTX. Yes it had plenty of bells and whistles, and unbelievable amount of different scrollable sounds. BUT...it still sounded like a solid state amp which to me just wasn't right. I took it back and bought the Katana. Less bells and whistles but the sound, superior. Glad I made the switch.

[@TheBedroomRocker1]

Great review! I think the Katana sounds much better! I can hear your pick attack and playing dynamics much better. The Fender sounds a bit overly produced and compressed...

[@alans1313]

good onya shane for stumping up your own cash to do this type of review,all us home players appreciate it,,,great playing and a great in depth review on both amps,,,a good friend has the katana 100 head and its very easy to use and sounded terrific,,,i will have to pop into a shop to see how the fender sounds now,,again a big thanks for doing this type of review,,,cheers

[@SticksAandstonesBozo]

I’ve demo’d both. The katana sounds better for sure. But having to plug a laptop into it just ruins it for me. I personally have great sounding tube amps so I don’t really need this for that. So I think I’m going to get the fender for what I’m doing with it.

[@JunkfoodZombieGuns]

I bought my Katana used. I plugged it in one time, just to make sure the software was updated. Haven't hooked it up to my computer since, and it has been over a year. You CAN hook it up to a computer, but you absolutely don't have to. I find that to be a good thing because it can work for both types of people. Ones who just like to plug in, and those who like playing with techy stuff.

[@simonbowen4254]

Absolutely love my Boss! Incredible sounding amps. 🤘🏻🤙

[@ericmachuca5383]

I have the GTX50 and a Katana MKII50. I really did not bond with the stock Katana speaker. Far to brittle for my ears. Swapped the Katana speaker for a Celstion Super 65 and it sounds amazing.

[@UNEAKinfluence]

So which do you prefer?

[@doggo7405]

Personally I prefer the Katana for some reasons. The main two reasons are that I don't like the screen, I don't want to stay on a little screen to push just too many buttons just to low the level of the delay, I just prefer to put the settings that I want on my pc with the (very well made) Katana progam. The second reason is that I prefer the semplicity of the Katana, 5 channels and 5 variations, done. I think that having too many models on your amp is just too distracting and I know that because I had AmpliTube, which has many amps in it. Oh also I like my distortion high, so that's also why I prefer the Katana.

[@GenosGlory]

Fender Amps have great reverb for 50,60,70 music but both great amps. Can never go wrong with Fenders though. I had a Fender Champion 40 and sold it to get a Boss Katana 50 Mk II Amp. Nothing wrong with the Fender amp at all just wanted to try something new and USB connectivity and the use of patches.

[@vincentl.9469]

forgot to mention one thing..the Fender does not have power scaling...very important away from a stage

[@GenosGlory]

@@vincentl.9469 Thank You for the info

[@vincentl.9469]

@@GenosGlory ok..I believe the .5 setting on the Katana 100 w is about 20 watts..just right in a room or small studio

[@vincentl.9469]

@@GenosGlory OK..by the way I replied to your blues phrasing thread...

[@GenosGlory]

@@vincentl.9469 Blues phrasing thread?

[@suttersgoldntouch]

Great comp. Not a heavy rocker. Just ordered the Fender. I trust I will make great sound. wls Thanks for your time.

[@AZ-FPV]

Been checking every day for this !!! Thanks for posting !!!

[@Jeff_Bobo]

What an outstanding and informative review! I am now leaning toward the Katana, thanks to you. Well done sir!

[@SynZ777]

The Fender tries to emulate 4x12 cabs with a 1x12 speaker, while the Katana doesn't utilize any form of cab simulation (except DI) and is pure in terms of tone stack.

[@SynZ777]

@@Mostly50 I only use my Katana as a power amp for my Helix. The katana power amp section is supposed to emulate EL84 tubes and it does it quite well actually.

[@checkpointcovid8021]

I emailed Fender and asked them what changed from the GT100 to the GTX. Faster processing, models were tuned better, and other marketing speak. If he had told me they doubled the number of processors and RAM then maybe I would be interested. I've owned a GT100 and I still own a Katana. The Katana has that 3D projection, while the GT100 always felt like I was playing a computer simulation of whichever amp I had dialed up. That being said, the '65 Twin and Bassman patches were really good. Odds are, you'll have fun with the new GTX...for a while. The shine will wear off eventually. Between the two choices here? Go with the Katana every time.

[@guitarocd9984]

What surprises me is there are people that can actually figure these amps out. I guess I'm too old and lazy. But for the price you get a lot even if you're dumb.

[@JBMOZ]

Love this channel! Thanks for your content. Super helpful.

[@1111undici1111]

They are both great amps! You can't go wrong with either one.

[@pieterrossouw8596]

Prospective BOSS buyers, there's an Android app called "Katana Librarian" which allows you to tweak stuff using your phone. It uses the same USB cable you'd use with Tone Studio but you'd need to get a $5 USB OTG adapter for your phone (either USB C or the older microUSB). My Samsung phone included this in the box. There's a free version of the app to test with if you're still deciding but I bought the full one and I use it with an old cheap tablet that's now basically my dedicated amp controller. The Fender solution is certainly more seamless and supported but you're not really tied to your computer with the BOSS amp. In the end you probably need to try the amps in store and pick the one that feels best. For me that was the Katana and I'll happily live with its downsides.

[@paloportugal]

Thank you for this straightforward, detailed, rational review. Your playing is great but so is your detailed commentary. Thanks again.

[@iio-toshiteru46]

いつも参考になる動画を見させていただいております。 先日アンプの購入を決意いたしまして、最終的に残ったのがこの２機種でした。 留意していた点は、音量、音色、可搬性、使い勝手、それと価格です。 音量は石アンプの40wで十分なので両者問題なし。 音色は好みのクリーントーンが出るかどうかだけ気にしていて、歪みは考慮しませんでした。色々な動画を見る限り、GTXの方が好みに合いました。 外寸は大差なくても重量は大きく違っていて、GTXはKatanaの2/3ですね。Katanaと同程度のJC-40は重いと感じていたので、ここはGTXに軍配が上がります。 使い勝手はやり方が違うだけで、共に問題ないでしょうか。ただし、今のところGTXをアンドロイド端末で操作するのは大きな制約があるのでマイナスポイントではあります。私の端末ではメーカー非対応なので、そもそもTone Appが使えません。 販売店にもよりますが、おおむね日本ではGTXの方が安いようです。Katana＋GA-FCはもちろんのこと、Katana単体でもGTXの方が安かったりします。 と言う訳でGTXを購入しました。モデリングアンプタイプにJC-120が含まれていたのは嬉しい誤算でした。'65Twin をメインに使いますが、JC-120らしさも侮れません。 最後に、個人的な好みを言えば、刀の漢字ロゴは無い方がすっきりしていて良いと思ってます。

[@mikehurley5052]

Yep, i agree.

[@kuffs06]

I did a direct comparison in the music store for about two hours. I admit, I actually like the way the katana sounded better at first… But the versatility of the Mustang is untouchable. There are 200 presets that you can completely customize and put effects before or after the amplifier. There’s a built-in EQ as well, that completely changes the tone of the amp. As he mentions, the foot switch alone is $120. If you had to buy it separately and the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity are magnificent. The foot switch was $160 more which brought the price right to the same as the fender.I would do the fender again all day long. It’s only been two days for me, but I can imagine how much better I will get with it. Might be more of a learning curve, but there’s much more to it. I guarantee you would not be disappointed with the Mustang, GTX 100.

[@CptCoitus]

Another great honest review. Thanks Shane! I've had the Katana 50 MkI and the Fender GT40 (Not the same comparison, but close). I found the Katana sounded great, but cumbersome to adjust and dial in tones via the computer. I eventually sold it. I find the Fender more accessible in that regard and I enjoy playing it a lot more than I did the Katana. The Bluetooth feature is incredibly handy. Also, I believe the Fender has a looper function accessible through the foot controller on these GT and GTX models. That is a great feature that should be considered when comparing these amps.

[@x-menwelcometodie624]

Had the Katana 100 and end up trading for the Fender For the most part i will not regret it Nice PRS btw

[@christopheoconnor4251]

Great explaining, man. Straight and simple. Good job.

[@portuguesebeer5069]

I think the Mustang is awesome in secundary questions, like the bluetooth, and tuner, and having lots and lots of possibilitys, but in the end, the Katana is a real AMP, and the Mustang is something that is trying to sound like a real amp... Cheers from Portugal 🍺🤘

[@alexcastro7339]

Real amp? They are both digital (modeling) amps. The tone on both amps are simulated by software. Any amp that takes firmware is not a "real" amp.

[@D-NastyNoise]

@@alexcastro7339 Exactly!

[@portuguesebeer5069]

@@alexcastro7339 The Katana has analog circuits, and the Mustang has not. The Katana its a class A/B amp and the Mustang a classe D amp. Want more facts? But what i meant is that the Katana sounds real and the Mustang at least in dirty sounds, dont sound not good neither real. At least in my oppinion. I had 2 Mustangs, and i like it, but in my oppinion the Katana is mutch better. We have different oppinions but the same passion! Cheers from Portugal 🍺🤘

[@alexcastro7339]

@@portuguesebeer5069 All the "crunch and gain" tones in the Katana are simulated digital sounds... It doesn't work by overdriving the circuit as a valve or even solid state amp does.... Even if the main power amp circuit is analog.. Are you the Portuguese guy Juca that has the tone channel on KZbin?

[@portuguesebeer5069]

@@alexcastro7339 Hi. No, Im not Juca. I think i saw videos from a Juca, but if its the same i saw, he is not portuguese, but brazilian. 🤘🍺

[@sammyrothrock6981]

I used both I love the Fender way better! Fender has been doing it a lot longer!

[@nedbaez]

I play live with a katana 50 and a mustang ii v2 40 boths blend and it works for me. Off course am using the fender clean tones and blend the distortion with the katana crunch channel. Works really well. Cheers.

[@Nikoo033]

The fender sounded more compressed. I felt that the first clean demo of the katana using the Tele didn’t give it justice (maybe an EQ issue). In my personal experience, the Katana delivers a pristine clean when set up properly for the guitar used. GTX seems to definitely have an easy-to-use aspect that might appeal to some. 👍🏻

[@jsnlbf]

Really well described and compared. It's a well-assembled video! Thanks for all of the details and specs. It helped me with my decision.

[@websurfer1585]

Great video, really helpful and informative, thanks!

[@JunkfoodZombieGuns]

I was in GC yesterday and a man who was just starting asked me about both these amps and which would be better. I just told him they were different, and gave him a quick rundown of the pros and cons of each. Since he is sticking mostly to cleans and light breakup, I told him they would both work fine. If he was using high-gain tones, then Katana all the way. The high-gain sounds I experienced messing around with the Fender were (with few exceptions) just garbage. But since he isn't looking for that, it doesn't really matter. I prefer the Katana because playing as long as I have, it's nice to just have one central practice amp that I can plug into, tweak a couple knobs, and be on my way. I have a bunch of amps if I need a specific sound for recording. For a beginner, the Mustang could be a lot of fun, experimenting with a billion models, sounds, and effects. It could also cause you to spend more time scrolling through menus than actually playing guitar. You are correct in saying that they are very different, and both good in their own ways.

[@andrewcroft9333]

Great review. Really helpful. Many many thanks.

[@JustinWoo]

This was great. Thank you!

[@EDCBushcraft]

I always love your videos, they helped me with a lot of decisions. One thing I’d like to mention: I know you like the Edge-of-breakup cleans, but could you please show us some real clean tones when reviewing amps? That would be great!

[@intheblues]

The final video in this series will be a test between the Katana, Mustang, Tone Master, and Mustang GTX with pedals on clean! Let me know what you think. I tried to cover all the things I like and dislike about both of these two amplifiers. :) Time codes are in the description. ⎖ Fender Mustang GTX100 ►Sweetwater: imp.i114863.net/FenderMustangGTX100 ►Thomann: bit.ly/2y6N6va ⎖ Boss Katana 100 MK2 ► Sweetwater: imp.i114863.net/BossKatana100 ►Thomann: bit.ly/2US8ahC (affiliate links)

[@DMSProduktions]

GOOD angle!

[@TropicalFuzz]

Can i suggest you throw the mustang GT100 in the comparisson? Gtx 100 and GT100 on flat eq or guitar focus 1 (my choice)

[@kazzTrismus]

Which ones usb recording sounds most accurate to the room sound?

[@tedstryyker374]

Shane, outstanding video! Really enjoy both of these amps - have you tested/reviewed the new Vox Cambridge 50 amp? If not, would you please consider it?

[@lescaster2179]

@intheblues I rarely stray from the Clean channel on my KT50. I much prefer building a tone on top of that channel using built-in effects. For me, it's the best outcome and I'm in better control of the final output. Waiting on a KT 100 MkII (gently used) to arrive this week so I can gift the 50w Katana to my daughter. Couldn't pass up a low-cost opportunity to level up from the orginal 50 to the new 100 and generating a great handme-down gift in the process. Thanks for the great channel and content you put out. Really good stuff!

[@Arfonfree]

Second time I've watched this video (because I'm on the cusp of buying now...) Can't say I've decided, but I do feel like I've got more to think about. Thanks.

[@gearjammin_bluesman]

Number one complaint I'm seeing repetitively in reviews with the Fender GTX is bluetooth connection issues. I think this is the reason Boss avoided bluetooth feature with their amp. I have the Boss Waza Air headphones and connection issues to the app are the WORST! Very frustrating trying to dial in things and then consistently start over, but the sound is absolutely addictive! If you're use to that sound through the Boss Waza Air headphones then it might be best to stay in that direction. That's the way I'm leaning hopefully as I explore a Boss Katana MKII amp. Kudos to Fender because the GTX looks like a great amp with some awesome features, but I don't have the patience nor the sanity for constant bluetooth connection issues.

[@DavidC2-fc7tj]

It does have Bluetooth connection issues. When I have tried to run backing tracks from my phone via the Bluetooth and run the fender tone app at the same time sometimes it gets tripped up and I have to turn the amp off and on again. But if I run a small audio cable from my phone to the amp it doesn't do that. It's like if you try to do too much at once it will not be able to handle it for some reason. Other than that the amp is pretty sick. You can get any kind of sound imaginable.

[@porkpiepilgrim5302]

I have a couple of Katana’s and I love them. Found a way of connecting via Bluetooth using CME WIDI Uhost and then using the librarian app on my phone or tablet. Having said that I think I might try a Mustang GTX