Boss Nextone - A Combo With Potential (and a Couple of Potential Problems)

[@MrPolevaulter]

Check out more of my amp reviews here: kzbin.info/aero/PLNaLwTdlpQNHNo5bubVjV1OW04gkqU8rM

[@brettgoetz6085]

This is the most honest review of this amp by am experienced guitarist I've seen - thank you very much for posting!

[@MrPolevaulter]

And thank you Brett :)

[@thesoundpurist]

Second opinion to add. I tried the artist version, waaay better than the Stage version. Got more balls, more lows. Very agressive, compared to Stage version. You might better go for it and get the Artist version that imo might be the original design making the stage for a more affordable option

[@rlevis501]

But the stage is 40w the artist is 80w. Its normal

[@steverolfeca]

I don’t see the point of this review. If Yngwe, a Plexi and a 4*12 is your happy place, why would you buy a small, open-back, low gain 1*12 combo? Hundreds of Euros spent on the wrong tool for the job.

[@MrPolevaulter]

I do loads of different things where I need different types of gear. Mostly though, I'm doing this review for others, not for myself. That's the point of reviews, helping others decide if they should check out whatever is being reviewed.

[@ZerstoerenDieStille]

You said you like amps which do one thing really well. Have you tried any of the little lunchbox hybrid amps, like the ones from Orange or Joyo? I got an Orange micro dark a month or so ago and have been enjoying it as a practice amp. Would be interested in your take.

[@MrPolevaulter]

I'm planning on trying the Joyos, and I've also thought about the Orange amps.

[@marike1100]

It's my impression that the Nextone isn't meant to be a high gain, metal type amp. Similar to the Roland Blues Cube, it excels at valve amp cleans and crunch. Anderton's had a shootout with 4 popular valve amps and the Nextone sounded surprisingly similar. The breakup sound really legit. I'd buy one.

[@MrPolevaulter]

I didn't want a high gain metal amp. I use Plexis, and steer clear of the metal stuff. I saw the Anderton's thing. It was interesting. And like I said, this amp has potential, but also a couple of problems.

[@TheAngello120]

I got one as a trial , hated the Katana" expected to send it back , tried the custom settings and love it , it stays .@@MrPolevaulter

[@MrPolevaulter]

@@TheAngello120 Cool :)

[@thesoundpurist]

Markus Arike now it does high gain with the version 2 editor. I tried it into a cabinet, very heavy sound.

[@Hikaru109Ichijyo]

good to know the the cabinet improved some of the sounds on that thing, the nextone is on my SS amp list .. . .

[@woundedronnygreen]

You should try the software he gives you abundant settings you can make this speaker sound awesome

[@MrPolevaulter]

I've thought about that. Problem is I hate tweaking amps using software.

[@sjazzp]

Such an honest review, thanks for that. Boxy is no good and it is surprising as it is a 12” speaker. As someone said, I think I will try the next model, Artist just in case.

[@whatwouldhousedo5136]

The issue could be the input headroom when you run the YJM pedal into the dirty channel- it's clipping the input and squashing the transients, making it sound like there is a dropout. I had a similar issue running some drive pedals into a Fender Superchamp X2.

[@MrPolevaulter]

Yeah, I thought the same later.

[@steverolfeca]

Yup. Sounded better near the end, when you dropped the output level on your overdrive. Why not drop it some more? The glitching sounds like the front end simply doesn’t have enough headroom when hit that hard...

[@benlogan430]

Channel one on the Fender x2 and your overdrive pedals sounds the stuff!

[@brunojacq5473]

You did an amazing work on the update coming soon ! BOSS could thank you ;-)

[@MrPolevaulter]

Thanks Bruno :)

[@ronedee]

i agree with most of the points you made about this amp. My feeling after watching & listening to whats available for demo's on this amp is; the clean sounds are very good. The FX seem to be also very good. The speaker doesn't help sell this amp. It has no range, or character. Strats, or single coils sound brittle and thin thru the OD channel. The one humbucker guitar that I heard on video sounded the best w/ the OD & Boost. The tube/valve selector is basically a joke. It may be a slight representation of said amplifiers, but not in any major way. IMO not enough to "base" the whole concept/design on them. I must admit that the cabinet infused a lot more tonal appeal in this amp, and with some tweaks, one might get a real, believable sound. But, that would defeat the purpose of a small combo amp. And if I need to drag out my computer for hours to get one or two sounds I like? eh....no thanks! I'd need to hear this amp with a high quality internal speaker, and my strat before I'd consider $600 for one. That all being said, if this were half the price, I might own one now to play around with! Thanks for the honest, revealing review! R

[@MrPolevaulter]

Thanks! Yeah, I feel pretty much the same way about using software to tweak amps. I'd much rather just use the panel, and if that doesn't work, then just ditch the amp.

[@8sigreg]

The speaker has to break in, just like other amps. The editor exposes a lot of additional capability especially in v2. There’s more flexibility and additional presets which can be used as starting points.

[@benlogan430]

$349 for the stage version for me. I have never hooked it up to a computer and it works just fine.

[@daniellarson3068]

After your review, I wouldn't be too surprised if the manufacturer changed the speaker in the amp next year. I wonder if the speaker problem could have been in that particular amplifier. It would be interesting if you tried another of the same model or perhaps the 80 watt model to see if all the Nextone amps have a similar deficiency. After all of their work in modeling amps and making fake tubes, you would think they would supply a good speaker.

[@8sigreg]

Daniel Larson The speaker is good, it just needs time to break in. It’s surprising how big this amp sounds live when turned up.

[@davidjorgenpedersen8010]

Thanks for an Honest Revue, I May Change the Speaker in My Katana and See if that Improves The Overall Sound!

[@MrPolevaulter]

Could be a good idea.

[@SteveMavronis]

Good honest review as usual and love your mahogany and scalloped Strat more than anything. I have YJM-Fury's in my rosewood scalloped neck Strat too. I like that your amp reference to compare amps to is the classic Plexi sound.

[@MrPolevaulter]

Thanks Steve :)

[@francescopaolo8389]

So..in my honest opinion, It's almost impossible to know from a video if an amp sounds good or bad. There are way too many variables to consider: the guitar, the pickups, the cables, the strings (capables of changing a tone from night to day), the pedals and the way you place them inside your chain...and also, most importantly, the way it sounds. The best thing you can do when you are planning to buy a new amp is: go to the store, test it, play with it and with your guitar. Maybe someone likes it, someone hates it. For example, I have the katana 50 and I love the way it sounds, while some people (from what I'm reading in the comments) don't. One more thing: always consider that this solid state amp is at least 200 euros cheaper than an equivalent valve amp from fender, marshall and vox. And there are 4 amps in one. For me it looks like a big deal. Only my test with my ears can say if it is good or not. What do you think?

[@MrPolevaulter]

You're spot on. Reviews can give you a clue, but there's no substitute for trying something yourself.

[@MrPolevaulter]

There it is: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aGO8fH2Bp72DppI

[@kebotrans]

Francesco Paolo I have this exact version the 40 watt. I have Diezels and all kinds of stuff. For what it is, it sounds great. I thought the stock speaker sounded pretty good. This video makes it sound like a Katana Air or something. The amp was never made to do metal. It sounds great so far, and I have not even dove in to the editor.

[@jonlennon3348]

I love your true honesty. So after spending 500 dollars and then I have to spend over a 100 dollars more for a speaker I may as well buy something else.

[@MrPolevaulter]

Thanks :)

[@sixfoursoul2538]

Yeah like a blues JR or a Tube amp ..lol

[@MrPolevaulter]

@@sixfoursoul2538 Indeed.

[@gibsonsgspecial]

I got a curious question, it’s a dumb question too because I'm a little newbie about ohm impedance lol, but am I able to connect a 2x12 (16 Ohm) extension cabinet (wired parallel) into one of the speaker outs on this amp? The 16 Ohm A and B thing is confusing me lmao

[@MrPolevaulter]

I can't remember the connections on the back of this amp. I sold it ages ago. I seem to remember disconnecting the internal speaker, and connecting my 4x12 to the Nextone. My cab is 16 Ohm.

[@gibsonsgspecial]

Elmo Karjalainen Nice, thanks for replying man! It should work out then I'm pretty sure, I still haven't tried it yet lol, I'll give it a test later today. 🤘🏻

[@rlevis501]

Do you connect the effect to the input or send return?

[@baronvonchickenpants6564]

I bought a vox AC 10 lovely little amp but it really only had one sound Which was sweet and lovely, but it hated every drive pedal I put through it.... No Brian may tone for me so much for valve amps eh, as for speakers, would you say the green back is the best sounding speaker ever?? I thought the am sounded great

[@MrPolevaulter]

Sorry to hear that. I have a Vox AC10. It doesn't do the Brian May things, but it doesn't hate overdrives either.

[@bennettskb555]

How many players are prepared to carry a 4x12 in addition to a combo amp to the gig?

[@MrPolevaulter]

No one 😂 It might be good with a better speaker.

[@workplease123]

I’m hoping they release the head version of this.

[@MrPolevaulter]

I think they just might.

[@workplease123]

aleh bhaba Well my artist has speaker options out, and the head of that is out. So I think it’s still possible

[@williamthomson7624]

I returned my Stage 40 after two days. The amp is useless without the software and I could tell VERY little difference in the four power stages.

[@MrPolevaulter]

I hate tweaking amps with software. And yeah, the power amp stages are rather similar.

[@8sigreg]

With the master cranked the tube setting affects the sound more because the speaker is able to move more air and interact with the power amp.

[@DonSimpson4stringer]

I have a Katana. It's ok but not spectacular. I also have a 3w Roland MicroGX which I actually like much better than the 50w Katana. The Katana is used as a bedroom amp and ususally is set on the 0.5w setting so the 12 inch speaker never gets much power to move it. I am looking for an amp to like better than the Katana but I am not finding it in any Boss amp products to fill that order. Thanks for the informative review.

[@MrPolevaulter]

Hi Don, I'd go for the Roland Cubes. You can still get those second hand, and I prefer them to all of the new budget friendly modelling amps. I especially like the Cube 80. I have a video on it, in case you feel like looking it up.

[@GabrielNacu]

Excellent break-down of the amp from a players perspective! Cheers for the insight on this one ;)

[@MrPolevaulter]

Thanks :)

[@guitarlife6190]

What are your thoughts on the katana artist vs this thing?

[@MrPolevaulter]

Hi Kevin, I don't really know. I haven't tried the Katana Artist. I just filmed a video where I compare the Nextone to the Katana 50, and I'd say the Katana is a better investment. The Nextone is a bit expensive compared to that.

[@bigtsshackfestival9563]

Is that a warmoth Strat ?? What kind of pickups and how much u think it weighs??

[@MrPolevaulter]

No, made by a luthier friend of mine. It has Seymour Duncan YJM Furys in it. No idea how much it weighs. Not too different in terms of weight to a regular Strat I'd say.

[@toddknott135]

I find it interesting that this is the only reviewer that can't get a good sound from this amp. That said , I've seen one other reviewer that while getting a good tone from the stock speaker, got an amazing sound from a Celestion Greenback.

[@squawk3120]

I was excited when I had seen this amp was coming out. Between the whole american & brittish sound, I was hoping for a possible closeness to both SRV and Malmsteen tone. It seems unlikely now.

[@MrPolevaulter]

Yeah. It kind of falls a bit short. But it's good enough that I'm not going to give up on it quite yet.

[@sixfoursoul2538]

I dont see a reason to spend $550 + speaker up grade on a SS amp when I can just buy a tube amp Blues JR for $ 550, I LOVE my KTN- 50 I use as a back up to my Carvin so its very useful for my needs . But if I have to break the $ 550 barrier on a 1 X 12 combo and still do a speaker upgrade its going to be tube amp. Great video straight to the point , great playing !

[@MrPolevaulter]

Thanks :)

[@8sigreg]

No need to buy a new speaker, just let it break in. The Stage will easily keep up with a Blues Jr., without the Jr.’s tubby sound, and with a much deeper bass response if you want it. Mine gets good compliments for its sound live.

[@bigfootingermany]

So you pay 500 euros for the amp, swap out the speaker for another 130+ and now your north of 600 euros. For that money, there are many other real amps for the gigging musician that makes much more sense. Too many of these new style amps have come on the market in the last few years. While some are better than others, non of them have really ever touched the good old fashioned tube/valve amps. I would rather buy a slightly used Hot Rod deluxe, and for home use, plug in a power attenuator to drop the room volume. Or a Marshall DSL 40 for those into a more brit sound. I'm guessing at some point the builders will finally get a solid state sound like a tube amp, but they have some work ahead of them. Just one man's opinion. Bob in Germany

[@MrPolevaulter]

I'm with you on that Bob.

[@sleepymarauder4178]

Secondhand Engl gigmaster for about 300 euro. That thing does a lot. Even better would be the tweaker for about 400 euro.

[@johnnorth9355]

In the cost cutting mode of today the easiest target is the speaker and is why I dislike most modern low cost amps. Asking a single speaker to handle the range of amp sounds is asking a huge amount and only top quality speakers would do the job well. As most of these will end up as bedroom amps I guess it's not a big deal but cynical cost driven engineering all the same. Far too costly for the benefits it brings. Should be in the 350-400 Euro price range.

[@MrPolevaulter]

Yeah, I think you're right. Factor in changing the speaker, and the overall costs start getting quite high.

[@GunsNRoosendael]

Being the same price range as the Origin head, which one you like more?

[@MrPolevaulter]

I'd go for an Origin, although you do have to invest in a cab as well.

[@GunsNRoosendael]

@@MrPolevaulter Thanks for the advice Elmo! I already own a vintage 30 loaded cab. ;)

[@MrPolevaulter]

@@GunsNRoosendael Cool :)

[@trilogyopus]

It would be very interesting to see (and hear) your review of Roland Blues Cube Hot. Maybe some day....Your Malmsteen approach to gear is very interesting (at least to us Yngwie fans). This review is fairly surprising, almost like your comparison Roland Cube 80 and Boss Katana 50. Probably I expected from Roland/BOSS maybe too much. Their amps were great discovery for me. Any way, well done!

[@jamesmarcin4787]

I have a Blues Cube Hot. Great sounding amp

[@MrPolevaulter]

Thanks :) I might have a look at it.

[@MrPolevaulter]

Cool :)

[@GuitarMav]

@@jamesmarcin4787 I have the blues cube hot and blue cube stage and love them both. The hot is amazing for that focused Tweed tone.

[@sixstring4]

I'm sure the speaker in time will sound better..no need to change, every speaker has it's own character..I picked up the Artist last week couldn't be happier..its quite obvious you dont like this amp, it's cool, while you cant condem the amp because your pedal doesn't sound good with it..this amp is aimed towards Blues and classic rock, it's not a amp for "shredders."

[@MrPolevaulter]

It's not obvious I don't like the amp. I don't like the speaker. The amp sounded quite good via good speakers. If you want to see what it's like when I obviously don't like the amp, watch my Marshall Code review.

[@otborgen]

Hey!, Cool channel. Could you test the Marshall DSL 40cr?? Would have been cool. Greetings from Norway.

[@MrPolevaulter]

Thanks! :) I have thought of reviewing a DSL. Not sure which one though. I have to sell some gear first, as I have a huge amount of gear hanging around, and a ton of reviews waiting to be published.

[@calleguerraylagrimas]

sorry is this the stage or the artist?

[@MrPolevaulter]

Stage.

[@jonimrbusiness4060]

Definitely very good with strat,..

[@steelysam7189]

It just doesnt sound like the amps its trying to emulate...except maybe the marshall

[@rudijurgens2166]

Play all your amps through a 4 x 12,it always sounds better.

[@MrPolevaulter]

True.

[@scottpayne33]

If only there was a 4x12 close enough to run a speaker cable to.......

[@MrPolevaulter]

@@scottpayne33 Oh yes! If only I'd thought of trying the 4x12 cab behind me. No wait. I did think, and I did try.

[@MrPinkStrat]

So it needs a NEXTONE HEAD into a 4X12 cab .

[@MrPolevaulter]

As far as I know there isn't one. They might be making one though...

[@rubentrevino6288]

Katana artist is way better amp than this

[@MrPolevaulter]

Personally I'm not so sure. I'm still thinking the Nextone can be quite good. Just needs another speaker.

[@sixfoursoul2538]

I guess if like to carry that thing around.. fuck that. I prefer 1 1X2 combos

[@bigtsshackfestival9563]

Man I love that freaking Marshall. How and the hell can anyone get into a digital shit box like this when there is tube greatness is out there for around the same price used. U can simply sell it for almost the same money if you aren’t satisfied with it. That plexi and cab are totally sick Man what a bad ass amp. I understand those are prob 3 grand but u can find a used hot rod deluxe for cheaper than this boss and it’s far superior. Much more bottom end and ass. Your playing is really good man. I subbed up.

[@MrPolevaulter]

Cheers!

[@featheryfemme]

This isn't digital, and anyway, valve amps require a relatively large amount of work. More work than I'm good enough to justify doing, anyway. I'd like a nice amp, but I think I'll settle for something I can justify having.

[@paramediccpo]

Roland cube or just buy a blues junior

[@MrPolevaulter]

Yep. Cubes are great.

[@gillyboyNY]

Yikes I think the Code sounded better in your demo 😂 great reviews.

[@MrPolevaulter]

Haha :D

[@INVERTEDBUKAKI]

while I love boss the propaganda behind the katana was too much. Sounds thin on the gain and nobody else pointed it out. I sold mine.

[@yjmsrv]

Interesting- to each their own I guess. I love my Katana so much I bought another one. I put both in tweed cabinets - one with it's original 1x12 speaker and the other with a 1x15 speaker. I think they sound just brillliant- gig with mine several times a week. Love the tone and the feel of the Katana. I'm more of a Hendrix-/ blues tone guy- I love how well the amp reacts to the volume of my guitar to clean up in the lead channel. I have a TON of quality vintage tube amps- the Katana wins for playability, tone and volume over my tube amps every day. I love my tube amps- but you can't play them at the volume they require anywhere where I play- (no stadiums for me yet!)

[@MrPolevaulter]

I've thought much the same. On the other hand it's all subjective, just like yjmsrv said.

[@MrPolevaulter]

Have you seen that one? kzbin.info/www/bejne/Zn21YZuXgbCspMk

[@deadcatforcutie9349]

@@yjmsrv i would love to know the 15" speaker and hear samples of them both

[@deadcatforcutie9349]

@aleh bhaba but why must every amp be tube-like as if this would be the holy grail of guitar amps. Sure, they can sound good, but they are usually pretty heavy (30watt and more), have no built-in effects except reverb and are way more expensive. take the fender champ: this design is from the 50s, so its rather simple, all parts are mass products (except the weber speaker,ok) and it is produced since decades - still u pay around 800-1000 bucks for that! thats insane tbh. or maybe its me .... On the other hand I as a player have a larger focus on WHAT i play rather than the never ending search for the 120% sound. its like listening to average radio songs through a 5000$ HiFi system. no, thx. i chose good music played through a bad device - not vice versa

[@georgeallison6228]

Yep...a true review. Proofs in the pudding. Time to rip another offering a new asshole...NEXT!!!

[@MrPolevaulter]

Haha :D Thanks :)

[@jvanb231]

Box of farts

[@MrPolevaulter]

Haha :D

[@sixstring4]

it was his $40.00 DOD overdrive