BOSS KATANA 50 MkII Amp - 5 Reasons EVERYONE Needs This Amp

[@TomButwin]

Katana 50 MkII - sweetwater.sjv.io/4PnEK3 Katana 50 MkII - www.zzounds.com/a--3980673/item--BOSKTN50V2

[@jonsterngold4942]

fyi, people say that a limitation of the 50 is that there's no loop for things like a looper pedal. Well, there IS. Take the Line Out, send it to your looper pedal and send its output to Aux in. Voila, instant jam partner. Btw, I've been playing for 63 years, had tons of tube amps (starting from my '63 SR I bought new in '63 when in HS,) to all the modelers. These days, at home or in my band, I'm having a great time with my K50 MkII EX. Thanks, Tom.

[@TomButwin]

It’s a really fun home practice amp! I agree. Also, ‘63 Super Reverb!! Amazing.

[@mikehaisell4301]

So is that what you would call an effects loop? Can I run other pedals in and out like that? Or is it better to plug them into the front of the amp?

[@Spacefiddler]

you talk like this is not really useful gear for stage situation @@TomButwin

[@TomButwin]

It could work on a small stage, as long as it’s mic’ed. It could also be used as a powered cab with a modeler.

[@tedeisner822]

I just realized that looking at the signal path in the manual. Matter of fact, the fx loop wouldn’t include the effects in your loop pedal because the fx loop is before the effects bank in the signal path. Literally one of the reasons I got the artist, to use my looper pedal. Then I realized I didn’t need the loop by noticing the signal path….

[@arnolddealiii4259]

I have the 100 combo MKII. Bought because my tube amps were to loud at gigs. This amp has been gigged 6 times this year and honestly live I’m getting better tones than ever. Why? It can be turned down to basically line out only and still has a great tone, so I significantly lowered my stage volume. I don’t use much effects but this covers me when I need something. I did away with the amps and pedal. I’m not saying it’s for everyone but I am simple, and the Katana is too. I like simple. This is just really an intelligent design that boss has knocked out of the park. Is it better than a tube amp? Probably not in an A/B test, but I argue it’s better than having a tube amp that isn’t turned up enough to push the amp a little.

[@TomButwin]

Practicality is often king for most of us mere mortal players!

[@carloswhomusic]

how's the speaker ...... when you turn it UP ? Thanks!

[@arnolddealiii4259]

@@carloswhomusicI had a pick up gig where we didn’t run any amps or drums in the PA outside. We turned up loud enough to match the volume of the drums. I had the master set to half way on the 100 watt setting it was fantastic! I played a Les Paul Studio and was amazed at how well it handled high volume. It was also much more touch dynamic. As all things it sounds better loud! 😊

[@carloswhomusic]

@@arnolddealiii4259 thanks bro

[@StratsRUs]

The 100W is fantastic too.For the power scaling and speaker.

[@jasonwilliamshuck]

i gig with a stereo pair of the white 100 mk2 112 Katanas. they sound great stand alone with the GAFC switch (and i added a little tap tempo button that really is essential for having in-time delays live) i also have used them as powered speakers for my Kemper Stage in stereo and they sound great in that application as well. they they have a very punchy/hi-headroom power amp section. incredible amps, especially for the affordable cost.

[@TomButwin]

@jasonwilliamshuck love the powered cab for a Kemper application. Worth it alone for use with modelers!

[@caleshtcincredibles]

I always wondered how well my Katana takes pedals....answer is obvious....very well !

[@adaire451]

I have a deposit down for a Gen 3 Katana Head that I should be getting this summer. My thought with it is: - I can still use it while saving up for a cabinet since it has the built in speaker - I get to choose my cabinet speakers down the road, including the size of cabinet - If I still want a practice amp to use in another room even after getting the cabinet, it's the more portable option - If I get the disposable income to go crazy with cabinets and amp heads later on, it's STILL an option lol

[@TomButwin]

Love this approach!

[@TomButwin]

I did a video on the Gen 3 differences for Premier Guitar. Check it out if you get a chance.

[@marksmith7789]

It's an astoundingly good little amp with one glaring emission, no effects loop! I find it hard to understand why Boss didn't include one unless it's to push people to up to the 100w as it does have an effects loop. Come on Boss you almost had it but not quite.

[@TomButwin]

That’s the one, correct, complaint everyone has with it. However, I generally don’t use FX loops with my other amps, so I didn’t miss it much.

[@seeseees2798]

I keep hearing everyone mention this. I’m new to guitar. But what is an effects loop? Does it effect the tone at all? I googled it but the whole signal in signal out vocab confused me.

[@carloswhomusic]

exactly - push people to buy the 100w - external speaker output also only on 100w version

[@RyanMcQuen]

@@seeseees2798it is a loop for running other effect pedals through. It is a luxury feature. Some people prefer running Delays and Reverbs through an effects loop because this places them after the preamp, but even some pros (like Ariel Posen) do not use an effects loop.

[@nightswatch8659]

If you use the tone studio you don't need an effects loop.

[@jamesshaw476]

Great Story on getting the amp. Thank you for sharing😀

[@TomButwin]

Thanks for watching, James!

[@mattjns]

This amp is no joke. The deeper you go on it, the better it gets. For an unbelievable deep dive hop over to LambChopper’s channel for some epic demos.

[@boomslayer66]

No, buy the mk2 100 NOT the 50, there's a watt switch to turn it to 50watt, the speaker is also better in the 100, for a little extra you're getting more

[@TomButwin]

Fair enough!

[@goodheartmedia]

@@TomButwin I would suggest trying the Artist mkii version. When I decided to get into the Katanas "to see what all the fuss was about" I wanted to try out what was the best version of it and not be sorry there were some features I would miss (like effects loop, dedicated emulated Line Out, speaker jacks to use external cabs, and MIDI input). The Artist has the upgraded Waza speaker and large semi-enclosed cab for better resonance. I wound up liking it so much that when the Artist head came out I jumped on that too (although the regular 100 watt mkii head has 98% of the same features as the Artist head - mostly some front panel controls that are only accessible via software on the regular model.

[@Guitarnivore]

I concur. Buy the 100 instead, but if you can afford it...buy the Artist.

[@greg6162]

So as a new player that doesn’t have a working PC. Should I get this and a BOSS ME-80 MFX pedal… that way I could adjust the sounds without having to use the Tone software?

[@Douger318]

Just got same amp but 100 watt. Love it

[@guitartheeasywayllc582]

Thank you for sharing the information on this amp - I have one of these and agree that these amps should be part of your gear - good job - Morris/Roberts Group 1

[@TomButwin]

Thank you! Appreciate you watching.

[@ThanshokAwungshiZimik]

The white looking way too good 🔥

[@Yohnson892]

Hi sorry if this is the wrong video to ask this question.. to be honest can't find anything on the web except for downloading software an such. I recently bought a boss katana 100 mk2 amp an absolutely love it. I even bought a boss gt 1 or 100 effects peddle with it.. is there by chance any way to set up the settings. Before I go into detail I have idea what the F##k I'm doing with the knobs😂. I have been playing guitar for at least 8+ yrs an still can't tune it by ear unfortunately. Anyways now you know that. My question is how do I set up the amp to sound like Metallica heavy Palm mute sound, as well as all that remains tone. Without using a computer.. if it's not possible without it. Can someone help me get it as close as possible? It would vary much appreciate it😊.. if this helps the guitar I'm using is a RRx24 Jackson with active Seymour Duncan pickups..

[@scaredypicker]

Thinking of getting one of these. It’s between a Katana 100W or a Fender Tonemaster Deluxe Reverb. I love the idea of the DR because I’m such a big fan of the classic sound of it, but the practical side of my brain says the Katana is more versatile and cheaper

[@TomButwin]

Are you running pedals in front of it? I think both are very good options, just different.

[@scaredypicker]

@@TomButwin yeah, but not many pedals. That’s something else about the Katana that appeals to me: the option to experiment with more effects without having to go out and buy physical pedals

[@TomButwin]

If you’re looking for some really great onboard effects, the Katana and Line 6 Catalyst lines are awesome.

[@leonsodati4325]

Congratulations and thanks for the video. I wanted to ask if I put the Helix Line 6 in the power amp in the Katana should I avoid the cabinet simulation in the HeliX and only use amp? Thank you

[@TomButwin]

You can definitely do that. I'd experiment with the cab sim on too. Just see what sounds best. If you're running a direct line to the PA/FOH and then using the Katana for some stage volume, I'd say you want the cab sim on. The power amp in basically turns it into just a powered speaker.

[@leonsodati4325]

thanks a lot@@TomButwin

[@michaelolz]

I like that white canvassing on it. I keep hearing so many good things from guitarists all over the place about it. I also play bass. Can it handle that kind of output?

[@nathaniel7186]

There is a bass version; I imagine it would be full of goodies like the guitar version in this video. If I had more $$ I would buy one and let you know how it performs. Have an awesome day!

[@TechCrazy]

Why do all amp reviews always have the amp somewhere in the back and they never show the amp at all? Like controls, the back side connections etc..

[@TomButwin]

You got me. But, to be fair, this isn’t a demo/review. Just 5 reasons I think everyone could use one. 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@AlexanderXtcSlayin]

I'm still midway through the video (great so far) so if you mentioned this already nvm, but how did you get it in white?

[@TomButwin]

It’s a special edition. A very generous subscriber sent this one my way.

[@jamesbondaygee]

How is it compared to the Yamaha thr series?

[@marutfitness8064]

There's no service available for boss katana in india 😢😢😢 no repairing available.

[@lawrencetibby305]

Nice amp shame there's no affects loop.

[@thelolguy007]

Like it. But I’d be more inclined to buy it if it came with the pedal (channel switcher etc)

[@bluarcher5941]

check out that Xsonic Air Kat as an alternate to the Boss footswitch...pretty impressive and less expensive.

[@22bombz5]

very useful information

[@joekelly9369]

Il wait untill they re design the controlls # like maybe put them on the front where they belong , a recess at the rear of the top plate is like a friday job

[@felixdk8727]

I have had 2 with power supply issues within 3 years under warrant.

[@TomButwin]

Hm interesting. I haven’t heard of anyone having those issues! That’s unfortunate.

[@oinkooink]

Just got the 50 mkii. Is it pretty normal for the amp to make noise at the Lead and Brown amp types? Clean and Crunch stay pretty quiet but when you switch up to Lead and Brown there's a fair bit of noise coming from the speaker. I kind of thought a solid state amp would be pretty quiet. EDIT: I just found the Noise Suppression in the software. Eliminates all noise perfectly.

[@TomButwin]

Higher gain definitely brings more noise. What type of guitar are you playing? If it’s a single coil based guitar, you’re going to get a lot more noise than a humbucker equipped guitar.

[@oinkooink]

@@TomButwin The software for these amps has a Noise Suppression setting that eliminates the noise.

[@greg6162]

@@oinkooink so if I don’t have a working PC now… could I buy a Boss ME-80 pedal to mitigate those options I don’t have access to in the software? If not what’s a good pedal board that would work like that with physical knobs… any help is greatly appreciated 🙏

[@oinkooink]

@@greg6162 The noise gate thing in the software fixes it completely.

[@carloswhomusic]

Nice work thanks bro😋 now I'm a subscriber.

[@TomButwin]

Thank you! Glad to have you.

[@sergioalvarez5949]

Why are there so many of these amps up for sale fb market place, craigslist, reverb and other market platforms?

[@56bigmike]

Those are the doubles and back up amps people bought and realize they don’t need .. lol😂

[@sergioalvarez5949]

@@56bigmike LMAO, of course they are. What other reason could there be for the high volume that are up for sale🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@skaboosh]

The footswitch only works with the 100....oh dear

[@rmcf3972]

Where did you get the white cab?

[@TomButwin]

04:50

[@rmcf3972]

@@TomButwin lucky!

[@matijabaksaj9360]

I want white katana! Why they dont make them 😪

[@mckevrock]

Is there a speaker out?

[@TomButwin]

On this specific model, no. It only has a USB and headphone output.

[@mikehaisell4301]

Can the power amp in be used as an effects loop? I don't yet fully understand the concept. I normally plug everything into the from of an amp.

[@TomButwin]

On the -50 version in this video, no. The power amp in isn't really an FX loop. However, the -100 versions and above all have FX loops. The basic concept is it allows you to place certain effects (usually delays/reverbs/chorus/etc) after an amp's preamp and before the power amp section. My personal opinion is that some of the greatest guitar tones ever created were from having all effects in front of the amp...so it's definitely not "wrong" to do it that way.

[@GonzaloMelo1990]

I was waiting for some sounds 😢

[@TomButwin]

There will be another video with tone demos!

[@duanelamon243]

I don’t even think they make it anymore

[@TomButwin]

Not the white cab version, but I think they still make the black one?

[@TheFishbulb80]

For sure. It's even on Amazon.

[@TomButwin]

Please tell me “Fish Bulb” is a Simpsons reference.

[@TheFishbulb80]

@TomButwin ...it is! I'm not a huge fan but we don't usually choose our nicknames.

[@jessetate9701]

Tube amps are great but why not move up into the kemper world or something

[@TomButwin]

Kemper/Helix/Fractal are all awesome. Definitely a steeper learning curve and more expensive than the Katanas though.

[@jessetate9701]

@@TomButwin true or the pod go or the head rush is another good option headrush is touch screen can help them discover what tones of amps they enjoy and pedals and extra stuff we guitar nerds like lol

[@AndrewSkinburn]

It was like playing with an amp and feel nothing. I gave my Katana away.

[@nightswatch8659]

What?

[@chalyjudge7749]

👍😎❤️

[@michaelnachoescamilla6241]

It is a disposable product. No repair possible. Why waste the money. Let alone all the other issues.

[@robertbrown2728]

Hi. What are the other issues that you mention?

[@nightswatch8659]

What issues?

[@59plexi]

boss sucks

[@TomButwin]

They made a movie about that. “Horrible Bosses II”

[@arrowtotheheart5602]

just got one today! Great video!

[@TomButwin]

Awesome. You’ll love it. Such a great amp.

[@leehenderson8132]

Imbarrising.

[@TomButwin]

*embarrassing

[@mckevrock]

​@@TomButwinBurnnnnnn

[@JamesLapiana-vv7hp]

Had one got rid of it