Boss Katana V1 vs V3

[@Think_Up]

Dave could make a chicken sandwich sound like a cranked plexi.

[@eoinjennings519]

Was waiting for this as a happy v1 user

[@jasq99]

Yeah, I have to agree, gen3 sounds better. This video has actually convinced me to get one I believe. Cheers Dave. Boss should employ you man, you're so cool

[@carinhall4508]

Can't wait to pick up a gently used one in a year from now. As i already have a mk1 50 and a mk2 112 that I'm still in live with.

[@jasq99]

Just bought one(100w), purely based on opinion and ears of this Gentleman. Thank you dear Dave. I’m hoping to be as inspired to play it just like I am after watching YOU playing it!!

[@TimMer1981]

Mk3 sounds fuller (less flat) and more open (less boxy): definitely an improvement.

[@kjneese]

Brilliant! I have a Mach2 Artist and adore it. Waiting to try the Gen3 Artist (when it's released)...who'm I kidding, I'll BUY IT! Can't wait. Great shootout Dave!

[@johnalfieri1613]

I am in the same situation and have already pre-ordered the Artsist Gen3. I will definitely A/B them before I leave the store cause I am trading in the Artis Mk2. No one seems to have a real handle on when the dealers will receive them, in my case Guitar Center. Dates are all over the place.

[@kjneese]

@@johnalfieri1613 Same here. Gonna A/B and I too will be using Guitar Center. My contact is supposed to let me know when they're getting them in, but he doesn't have that info yet either.

[@johnalfieri1613]

@@kjneese It is very frustrating because I pre-ordered mine June, 4th and it started out being an Oct date but when I asked why Sweetwater and other dealers say, Aug. two different reps on different calls at G.C, said the pre-orders are coming in Aug for G.C.as well. Very interestingly now you will see Sweetwater says they expect them in Dec 2024. I deal with them as well but this is a trade-in so have to stay local. My Sweetwater rep said it is because all of the amps they were getting in Aug were pre-ordered so the next shipment is in Dec. I guess it all makes sense. I will let you know when I get mine and please do the same. I can handle Aug but after that, all bets are off LOL

[@twelthstring]

Unfortunately, the Artist gen 3 is much more expensive than Mk2

[@johnalfieri1613]

@@twelthstring $70, so not that bad and still a lot less than the Blackstar Silverline which to me is subpar to the Artist

[@arnolddealiii4259]

I bought a MKII Katana 100 because my tube amps are just too loud. The places I am getting gigs at smaller coffee shops and bars I absolutely couldn’t get the tones I was wanting because my amps were just too loud. I started gigging the Boss Katana 100 and it changed my life. I was able to sell off all my pedals because the effects built in were great. The foot controller allowed me to turn the effect off or switch channels, and it opened me up to so many more tones than I had. People literally ask me all the time what amp I’m using and they are shocked to find it’s a cheap solid state modeler!

[@fastacesus8499]

This the one we have been waiting for. Dave's honesty as always is very welcome.

[@bysykler4959]

Cant help but to notice the Marshall behind you...... 😁

[@HotGates]

excellent as always I prefer the Mark 3 but I'm buying the Artist Mark 3;)

[@PeterErikson-rd5tj]

I got a V2 Boss Kat.50. and hooked it up Via ABY Box. w/ a 5 Watt Tube Amp. for Stereo Sound. It was a Big bang 4 the buck Setup where I got the 5W. Monoproce amp. for $90. bucks. on sale. 🌋🌋

[@robphillips8351]

For me, the Boss katana and the line 6 catalyst really nailed things tonal wise. I really like the orange crush series as well.

[@nobelj3137]

honestly thank you dave for making this video ,, i own a mark1 katana and have no plans to upgrade at all but i would be lying if i said i wasnt curious as to the differences and boom up popped ur video :D keep the content coming buddy and i hope you are well.

[@tryten9]

I love my Mk2 100 combo. Nodded it to plug into my randall 4x12. Very versatile.

[@rexorotten9262]

I ordered a Gen 3 100 yesterday because of your video. Thanks, Dave. Had a MKII awhile back but sold it. I miss it.

[@denbodg9311]

Split decision here. I preferred the Mk 1 for clean, dirty clean & lead, but the 3 for distortion. I thought the clarity on the distortion was better on lead lines. Maybe I’m biased to what I’m tuned into because I have a Mk 2 Katana 50, & play a lot of cleaner style music. Regardless, I think you’d make a battery operated Pignose sound epic. 😁

[@nev308]

Agreed

[@jonathanratcliffe5714]

I agree, I thought that the Mk1 sounded a bit boxy compared to the new one to my ears. The MK3 was definitely more open

[@stevep7657]

Done a lot of gigs with the Mk1, now have the Gen 3. Both are excellent amps, though the Gen 3 seems to have a clearer or more present sound. These little guys are all you need to do gigs.

[@tommaderos876]

Once again, you provide crucial information and let us all decide for ourselves. A Mark2 owner.

[@beaumas]

Boss changed the game by allowing everyone to have a world class amp at a super affordable price. You don't have to sacrifice tone for price and that is crazy.

[@joshuamartinez8216]

Yes! A new video. Hope you are well Dave!

[@ronniepratt2909]

We love you Dave. You always give great and honest opinions 🙂

[@TechnoRiff]

Always appreciate your candid thoughts on amps, as you've wailed quite impressively on Marshalls etc. throughout all of your vids. The Katana not only checks many boxes; it's also so underpriced for what it's capable of, and will never need re-tubing as well.

[@Dad-Gad]

This is the face off everyone wanted Dave !!! Thank you 🙏😊

[@gae7081]

Mk3 more articulated!! Incredible review, tankyou Dave!! Great job as usual!

[@wjdavey3]

Gen 3!!!! ♥️🎶🎵🎸🎵🎶👍🎶🎵🙏😎

[@ThatWhatIsNot]

Very nicely done and extremely useful. Couldn’t tell much of a difference on clean, but the newer version otherwise sounded way better. As always, thanks for the thought and hard work put into your content.

[@bobblake7132]

Well Mr Dave… Firstly, thank you for a fine and invaluable video. I have seen a number of videos on the new Katana, including your own and this is the greatest, most enlightening video yet. Also thank you for giving me a dilemma. I had a mk1 50 and I must confess I blasphemed and sold it after I got my mk1 Artist, I obviously beg you for absolution. I’m now fearful of the release of the new Artist. Hearing those 50’s back to back was an eye opener. I was sceptical how Boss could improve. I was thinking that the biggest single reason to get a new Katana was the Pushed channel. Oh I was wrong. The clarity, the refinement and focus, in every comparable way the new one sounded better. The bar has been raised again. As has yours, this is the best Katana video of all time.

[@jasq99]

Finally!!! Thanks Dave!!!

[@jamesmarcin4787]

Great video. I been interested in the Katana since it was first released. I ended up buying a Roland Blues Cube Hot which I love and various other types of amps, Supro Blues King and most recent a ToneKing Falcon Grande All great amps. I just want something with effects and overdrives incorporated in the amp and can be controlled on my phone. Probably going to purchase the new Mk3 50 EX. Something I can take out of the house for jam sessions.

[@adaire451]

Got the gen 3 amp head about a month ago and loving it so far. Don't have enough money for the cabinet just yet but that little practice speaker inside the amp head somehow even sounds good, It's obviously not going to match a full 12 inch speaker, but it's still good enough for me not to have to get the cabinet right away. Just shows even more how versatile these katanas are.

[@andrewryan3194]

Mrk 1 is more glassy on the clean tones and more boxy on the dirty tones compared to Gen 3. That's what I heard personally. I have a Mrk 2 and I do love it.

[@michaeleaster1815]

so excited! thank you Dave

[@marpymellow3805]

Yeah okay Dave cheers for that and I'm sure Boss will be well happy with your review, I'll stick with v1.

[@henryjones482]

Dave deserves more subscribers

[@An_inquisitive_thinker]

Mk3, hands down. Young stud vs respected but tired geriatric sounding Mk1. Mk3 is much clearer, articulated and more pronounced than Mk1, with much greater precision and agility that has so much more to offer.

[@DosHemperor]

I finally found my Beach Boys Setting... Now I'm rocking out firm in front of my broken strobe lite every nite. Hi Yaw!!!! Stay thirsty....

[@An_inquisitive_thinker]

@@DosHemperor You better! 🕺

[@lucbos7516]

Katana V1 has more bass

[@shezlacroix847]

I am 100% with you. I have a 100w MK2. For the price is the best amp on the planet. Very very very good price. Tons of tones inside, good software, channels, I love mine.

[@shiftystylin]

I had a mk1 50 and thought it was quite sterile and hated the mid range. But with all the mk2 improvements and the new pushed setting, I'm game for a mk3. Apparently the acoustic is a "flat EQ" which makes sense for the pedals in your last video - great videos Dave, you legend!

[@tomgsk]

Great video man. I bought the Katana Go instantly when it went on sale, love it to bits as 95% of the time I play wearing headphones. Yet, there’s just something about the actual amp with the Gen 3 that makes it so compelling I want one as well - would just have to be super careful with the damn volume!

[@robphillips8351]

The gen 3 sounds just a touch darker and a little more presence.. both sound good 👍👍

[@AllanGildea]

Terrific demo, Dave. Hats off.

[@g0dsgreen]

What a timely video :D I also wondered about the speaker and was thinking (if I'm bored enough) to replace my mk1 speaker with a greenback or creamback.

[@jdfosho7292]

Nice demo!👍 MK 3 sounded best to me - MK 1 is still an absolute beast though!

[@charlesharper7292]

I got my mk2 on your recommendation. To date, the best amp I've owned. No regrets. I am curious about the big mk3.

[@00Resev]

The speaker is why i went with the Katana Artist V1. So much so that i have zero interest in replacing the amp. Its that good. If the speaker of the 100 V3 was changed, that's good news for everyone.

[@MrPinkfloydian]

Since your opinion is based on what you hear in the room... it seems your mics really captured it very well. I was already distinguishing Gen3 as the "brighter" one. You find it "clearer". So I guess it is the same opinion about light 😂😉 Great stuff! The most noticeable difference was indeed the distortion. Sometimes "Gen1" seemed more of a fuzz effect than actually a distortion. But yeah, Gen3 sounds really amazing! So... just an idea (a crazy one): - Why won't you sell your 100 to buy the Gen3... 100/212... so you can have 2 speakers to try taking one out and test it on your Mk1?! 😁 If something fails... I'll always have one left 😂 Now more seriously. If this little new thing is already that impressive... how the hell they are selling the Gen3 50 EX as another version with an "upgraded speaker", huh?! So it can be even more impressive?! 😲

[@aminahmed2220]

What a fantastic video have a wonderful day Dave ❤❤❤❤❤❤😊😊😊😊😊😊

[@Hordebarraged]

I was using my 50 watt mk1 Katana live this afternoon... on max, as ever, and it really can't compete with drums and other loud instruments. I literally have to use an additional little 25 watt (proper old school 25 watt) little Pearl amp on the ground pointing up at me as a self monitor. I've never understood people saying these amps are loud- in my experience the mk 1 50 watt is not very loud at all. I use one because it's portable and the above ridiculous setup so I can hear what I'm playing.

[@shaky_lifts]

Speaker sensitivity - if you try replacing a stock one with V30, it can give it that missing volume.

[@daddurs2206]

Dude I have the MK2 50 watt and the 25 watt setting is all I need with the band. I do have the global EQ settings boosted out through tone studio though.

[@VexylObby]

I’ve been comparing the Mkii and the Gen 3 EX (both 50w models). I love the new one as it feels crisper, clearer, and more responsive. But again, I am using the EX, so the new speaker might effect the results. Also, the amp itself feels light to carry. That’s a huge bonus as I carry this sucker around all of the time.

[@dmac3316]

Another great vid, thanks! I’m thinking of trading my Mk2 100 for a Gen3 mostly for the extra panel features let’s me dial my tones better without having to use the software.

[@texmex697]

Totally agree Dave. I have the first one and the frequencies seem to bump into each other, I do a factory reset occasionally and all is well again. I won't be swapping for the gen3 though until this one pops, which will probably be never

[@charlesharper7292]

I swear, i believe my m2 could blow my curtains through a closed window!😂

[@rossg661]

Dave, first time commenter, long time viewer :) As your video played I had the same thought that you brought up - What would happen if you swapped the speakers from mk1 and mk3 with each other??? Did BOSS change things up in this department as well??? I have this thought because I run the GT100 and some extras, and I just need two epic power amps to run without any effects - I leave that to the GT100. So if there is a change, do I keep my 100mk1 and pair with a 100mk3 for the stereo spread?! or do I get another 100mk1 and do a speaker swap? *not mentioning my build-a-cab project* I patiently await your content :)

[@jasq99]

What would be amazingly cool Dave if you could do something that no one done yet, compare all katanas, what I mean, compare mk1 vs mk2 and gen3 100W. I know you’ve sold mk2 already but maybe boss or andertons can send you one just for shoutout:) Cheers, loving everything you do!!

[@neilward928]

The thing to remember is that this is a very good demo of the stock presets. I am sure all katana owners are tweaking their custom patches on a mk1 which may well end up sounding more like the mk3. I have a mk2 100 and spend far too much time tone chasing vs practicing. This shows the mk3 sounds better out of the box, would be interesting to know if the same tones can be achieved with tweaking the presets on a mk1 or 2. Brilliant video as always Dave! Chapeau!

[@thedavesimpson]

There not stock presets. I dialed them in on the panel setting. I don’t use presets.

[@neilward928]

@@thedavesimpson Ah fair play Dave! Apologies I missed that, but delving into the tone studio could get a mk1 sounding more like a mk3 I would assume.

[@astewart9410]

I have 50 MkI and 50 MkII, so this’ll be a fun comparison to hear.

[@CanadianRockerGuy]

The Gen 3 sounded much clearer and brighter than the Mk1 which sounded darker and more scooped, I would say the Gen 3 is the clear winner, I also have the Mk1 50w, and yep, could just be the speaker, why not swap them around and find out for sure, you're gonna keep the Gen 3 anyway since you love it so much, Boss should let you have it for free for being such a huge fan, supporter and promoter of the Katanas

[@thedustykeratometer8570]

A “Rolls Royce” of an amp at a Toyota price and reliability.

[@alexvijlbrief]

That was problem with mark 1 for me i didn’t like it with distortion or drive also with my own pedals.this seems to be gone like you pointed out.great video Dave! Thanks.

[@rybol71]

i still preffer my peavey vypyr 30 for chunky distortion tones for practice, i got katana so i can compare both, nice video as always

[@hozzer68]

I saw on other KZbinrs direct comparison, the gen 3 sounded open, clearer & less muffled than the original, same as you on the first tone, the rest not so much, just seems like a different eq curve with gain. Also couple of lengths of wire and some male and female spade connectors no need to swap speakers 😁

[@jimlutz1290]

I liked the black one with the BOSS name plate - 🍦Time for ice cream . . .

[@mikevanleeuwen2858]

Great sounds and playing . Aren ‘ t the speakers the same ? Mark 1 and gen 3 ?

[@pauljohnson3686]

Could you do a video that demonstrates the new Katana 50 in a band situation..? That way it would be possible to see how it cuts through the bass and drums when running straight out and no mic...

[@JamesFlorio-ti8gc]

The 50 will struggle bottom line. It's only $100 more for a 100 with a effects loop and plenty of power and volume. Btw the gen 3 100 sounds much bigger than a combo

[@daddurs2206]

I agree I would go with the 100 but I'd bet the 50 can hang with the band, mine does not maxed out.

[@JamesFlorio-ti8gc]

@@pauljohnson3686 I played both the 50 and the 100 this past weekend. Just like mkii either one does sound great and they are a bit of a upgrade. Just remember there is no loop on the 50, no resonance, no contour , on the panel anyway. I've had a Artist ever since they came out I have to say they are definitely worth a upgrade. To be quite honest I don't like apps or using software either the amp is good as it stands or it isn't. These katanas love pedals so I use pedals to get my sounds. Esp drives in front way more responsive than even the Gen 3. I will say for me the biggest difference on the regular gen 3 has to be the speaker 🔊. It sounds and responds better than before

[@pauljohnson3686]

@@JamesFlorio-ti8gc Thanks for that information... I picked one up a couple of days ago in a music store and it was very light in weight..As far as combos go I am finding it difficult to find anything that matches my JCM 800 combo which can be any amp itself when the likes of a Line 6 pedal board amp modeller is hooked up. I do like the sound of the Katana but it feels a bit cheap in its build quality, especially if it's a weekly gigging amp.

[@JamesFlorio-ti8gc]

@@pauljohnson3686 I just remembered Rob Chapman did a video a while back on how to make Katana sound like a 800 just from the panel check it out. Have a blessed day 😎💯👊🏻

[@wb8802]

Gen 3 and gen 2 are definitely clearer. One thing though about the Gen 1 100 is it seems louder than all others - I had a gen 1 artist and the regular gen 1 100 amp was louder, more powerful (the kick stand prolly helps. Also seems the same when comparing the gen 2 artist.- the gen 1 kt100 seems louder, but more midrange. Yes a change of speaker in the gen 1 would be interesting. Thanks for a great vid.

[@JustSomeGuy]

You should pitch the speaker switch to Andertons. It'd be interesting to hear the difference between the original Katana speaker, the new one, and the Waza speaker.

[@SteveBaerThatsMe]

Through my speakers I couldn't tell exactly what was different but in headphones as others have said the gen 3 is more rounded and articulate overall.

[@richardlynch5632]

So far...prefer Gen1 with your settings and guitar😁👍 Be interesting to swap speakers when Gen3 breaks in. Gen3 sounds toppy...perhaps that too will change with a broken in speaker...? Time will tell😉👍 Thanks Dave👍👍 😎✌👍❤🖖

[@deancutajar5322]

Hey dave been watching you for a while now bro and your rite inspiration to m6 playing and tech and to my mental health you are da main man bro come to swansea and we can chill with me bro your welcome any time and stay strong bro deano

[@snuffelsuf]

maybe if the speaker wires just slip off.. you could use some alligator clips and wires and it wouldn't be messing with your friends amp at all and you could just shut your friend's amp off and just connect the speaker

[@kalaharithorn]

Great comparison! I also though the new one sounded fuller and better. If possible, please consider doing a sound comparison between the 100 Mk II Vs the 50 Gen 3.

[@kalaharithorn]

By the way, I could be wrong, but I think that all 3 versions of the Katana 50 (MkI, MkII and Gen 3) have the same speaker. The only Katana 50 with a different speaker is the new 50 EX Gen 3.

[@Moto1cc]

Bet the MK1 will be worth more in the future 😉 They haven't updated it enough for me to change...Yet.

[@GROCK619]

Very very interesting !!

[@secretdaisy6484]

I liked the Gen I for all but 1 sample. I probably need to get my good headphones 🎧 out & listen to this through my device without a DAC. I can usually get accurate sounds with my iPod but it’s not perfect. Thanks-planning to get that Gen 3 and sell my Fender Champion. 👍☮️🌞🎸🎵

[@robphillips8351]

Yep the speaker In the Gen 3 is 70 watts RMS and the mki is 50 watts

[@h1strat]

Just like everything else with technology, I bet the DSP and processing is using newer chips with faster speeds and more power. I bet that is a big piece of it. I have a gen 3 and bought and sold two mkII due to boxy sound I thought they had. Maybe it was the midrange. The gen 3 is easily more listenable and I also think more touch responsive which I thought I heard on the clean comparison

[@wulfseavers7460]

Are You the new advertising director of Boss??

[@JDStone20]

Dave, I think Boss added some baffles to the gen3, which is why you are hearing a difference that you heard. I heard a slight difference between the two, like when the cabinet mode is changed. That frequency that you don't like in the mk1 is probably solved by going in the Tone Studio app and in the Global EQ set the high cut to 5kHz, this is what Juca Nery does, it gets rid of the harshness.

[@10brucelees]

The Dave mk1 sounds pretty good to me

[@Paul-D]

I preferred Gen 3 I think, be interesting to hear how it breaks the speaker in over the same as your mk1

[@JayRaby]

I slightly preferred the mk 1. Perhaps YT compresses the sound but to my ears there is less frequency definition and the mids sound too muddy. Both very good though. I'm starting my katana journey this week with a mini, can't wait to receive it.

[@Rob-fn1lm]

Hi Dave just been watching your live videos see you are feeling down mate you ever thought about yoga and meditation both very good for your music and for state of mind bless you

[@joves3407]

Both sound great (obviously, when Dave is playing through them), but Mach 3 for me.

[@hks956]

The V3 just sounds better to me for everything. Has more depth and bottom. Now im interested in hearing a comparision about the V1 vs V3 Artist combos.

[@daddurs2206]

I have a katana and the IR-2 pedal. The last thing i need is this but damn it boss! Lol

[@mikevanleeuwen2858]

And I wonder if it is possible in the tone studio to put the new bloom function on ? The bloom function is not in the panel of the gen 3 50 or 100 . It is in the head , artist head and artist .

[@charlielamp2739]

Dave you could swap out the Mk1 speaker with another or that the Mk1 speaker wires to one off your cabs? Gen 3 on clean sounds full range. They may have used a PA speaker? Mk1 sounds compressed in comparison . With a bump in a med range. Like one of the others said you would have to check the frequency response with a daw plug in and a pink noise recording you can find on KZbin.

[@fabienbourdier9847]

lol ive been trying to replicate with no success the riff you play at 6:42 for 30mn, it's so awesome, definetly out of reach as of now :(

[@Junkbox44]

To my ears, the Mk1 sounds better

[@snuffelsuf]

sounds great.. what was the fast playing modeled after..i always think it's Rory Gallagher.. but it's probably not

[@snuffelsuf]

i guess you just like things without reading them

[@bobboitt3126]

Gen 3 was cleaner, had better note separation during distortion and seemed a bit brighter. Yep, my fave too!

[@ipullstuffapart]

Biggest thing I noticed in your demo was a reduction in the top-end fizz from the 1 to the 3. Slightly more clarity in the mids. I wonder how much if this is just done through software chagnes than hardware changes.

[@sd4beatsmore]

Hey Dave, how about recording them both into your DAW and check the frequency's in a analyzer, like a side by side comparison. Could possibly show where the MK3 is shining. After hearing this comparison, I'm thinking the MK3 has better low/mids, but not muddy. I'm leaning with you it's a better speaker in the MK3 The MK1 sounds like it's being played behind a closed door. 🤟

[@duplorock752]

Hello, Dave. I own a Katana 1st generation, and I would like to know if it's possible to use it along with Gen 3 and expand them both to stereo mode. Cheers!

[@thedavesimpson]

Not sure.

[@papablue3015]

Wonder together in stereo or wet/dry ? You should try!! Thanks 🤘 try a different speaker out of a 4x12 cab!

[@budgetguitarherogeartv4143]

Have the gen1 head and gen2 2x12. I play in a heavy rock band and but don't use the brown channel. To my ears the katana sounds it's best on the crunch channel with a green boost ( ie T.S.)

[@TarenLeitzke]

The Gen 3 definitely seemed to have more clarity than the MkI to me, especially on the full distortion setting where the MkI sounded significantly muddier. The Katanas have typically come across as too modern-sounding for my tastes (which is why I have my lovely Orange CR60 🙂), but I've heard they slightly revoiced Gen 3 so I'm hoping my local Guitar Center gets them in stock so I can try them out in-person. I'm especially interested after hearing how much clearer it sounded compared to the MkI's here. I'm particularly curious about the new Pushed voice, which sounds like it has some good vintage bluesy tones in it from what I've heard in demos.

[@steverobinson7040]

I’ve got a mk 1 100 twin and it’s mental ! I’d like to hear comparisons. . Have you played one Dave? If not I would love to hear you play through one.

[@HaraldEngels]

I swapped in my Katana 100 Mk I the original speaker with a Jensen Tornado 100 (featuring a neodymium magnet)) and that was a difference like day and night.