Boss Katana 50 Gen 3 - Should You Believe The Hype?

Is the Boss Katana 50 a cash grab or is it worth your time if you own an exisiting Katana amp? This is my first impressions of the Boss Katana 50 Gen 3. This video is not sponsored.
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Video Chapters
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00:00 - Boss Katana 50 Gen 3 Amplifier
00:55 - Disclaimer
01:10 - Setup & Recording
01:38 - Clean
02:09 - Clean Variation
02:52 - Pushed
03:46 - Pushed Variation
04:50 - Crunch
05:24 - Crunch Variation
06:15 - Lead
06:50 - Lead Variation
07:32 - Brown
08:28 - Brown Variation
09:37 - Power Attenuation
10:14 - First Impressions / Review / Rant?
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#guitar #intheblues

[@intheblues]

This is as balanced of a review as I can give this amp. If you own the previous version, you don't need it. If you don't and get it, you'll enjoy it as it sounds solid. Thanks to Sky Music for the loan of this amp! Check out here using the affiliate links below. 🛒 Sweetwater - sweetwater.sjv.io/xkYW5k 🛒 Thomann - bit.ly/45nYCNX 🛒 Guitar Center - guitar-center.pxf.io/eKY9Eg 🛒 Sky Music - alnk.to/eDRaCoO

[@chessrootslove9916]

I picked up a new/old stock v2 for $200 while the great inventory dump was in progress and don't see anything worthwhile as an upgrade. Same experience with the Blackstar idcore series, the upgrade is less dated connections, but still dated - no usb-c, bt? Both used (rev) and can be dialed in without additional fiddling...I've picked up a practice amp problem. 🎸😎🎸

[@montyellingsworth4982]

I appreciate your candid and honest review. TBH , it seems like I might be to old for this but if I did get one it would be the 100 and probably the 2 12 version because that makes a difference. The 50 is to weak. I do think it could be worth buying a cheaper old version if the price becomes right and it should.

[@skukeness6201]

Have you reviewed any quilter amps? Specifically superblock or cubs?

[@addieandleesfunplayaddiean7325]

I'm a tube guy....but, 5 years ago I was given a Katana 50 and I was quite impressed. Used it in small club venues and it was surprising how good it sounded. I sold that amp a couple of years ago and bought a Katana Mk2, with the Katana foot pedal (which cost as much as the Katana amps) for $150! Glad to have it back. I tried the Katana 100, but the tone on the Katana 50 led me to trading the 100 for a 50 Mk 2 which happened to have the 6.button foot pedal in the back. In perfect condition, I love this amp. It won't replace my Mesas or Soldanos, but it's the best solid state amp I've ever heard! As an added plus, it's light as a feather, so great grab and go amp and easy on the back!

[@JHKNVY02]

Try the Artist, it holds it own against British voiced tube amps. Amazing combo and head.

[@jasonb5898]

Yeah right Mr paid poster, GMAFB!😅

[@vmx23]

The katana mk50 is not compatible with the GAFC

[@octtrinittolavg]

I just don't get how can 50 and 100 be different? There should be only a power difference (and some tech specs), not the tone.

[@TR-uw2sp]

​@@vmx23 the mk2 ex is i think

[@georgeflowers3730]

We are living in the golden age of guitar gear for beginners. I wish I had these kinds of Amps in the '80s or '90s. Katanas are incredibly convenient for carry-on; they are very light. I was so convinced by their practicality that I bought one a couple of years back. However, I ended up selling it, because I only used it a couple of times. I am happy with my tube Amps; they are heavier, but I always keep a retractable cart in my car to carry them; there is enough space in the cart for my guitar, pedalboard, and Amp.

[@EricMerrow]

I've been a fan of my Katana 100 mk1 for a long time. I really love the sound of the clean channel - I tend to not use any of the other channels honestly. Thanks for the video Shane!

[@johnspokus]

Neither do I. As someone pointed out once, the clean channel is a Roland clean, as in a Jazz Chorus, one of the best solid state amps ever. I get everything else from modeling pedals and overdrives, which are much easier to control in a live setting.

[@jasonb5898]

Then why not just use a SD power stage? Just curious.

[@flooptydoo1178]

I have a 50mkII I bought a few years ago. I had to use it at band practice because BOTH my Fender Princeton AND Mesa Mark V were in for repairs. I got compliments from bandmates - never happened before. I bought it for a backup, but it's been more reliable than my tube amps - and it kicks ass live. I never even tried using pedals with the Katana before - I was surprised. Very Nice!

[@garrettmundy4914]

I was never planning to rush out and replace my 50 Mk1, and this review more than solidifies that stance. I think you've nailed it Shane. Great for home use. I've used mine for a few jams, as well as micing it up for a party gig at work and it holds up just fine.

[@iancurrie8844]

I respect your honesty with regards to this one, especially about how it plays in a band.

[@ECO20222]

This is what I call an honest reivew! ❤

[@dmac3316]

Thanks for the review! I’ll be keeping my Mk2 100 for now. I also have had some issues with the pushed channel, I’m glad they added something like that but I feel I can still get better tones with the old clean and crunch channels.

[@mikenicholson7465]

Still playing my first generation Artist I bought in 2017. Still sounds brand new. I love it and don't need to upgrade.

[@JunkfoodZombieGuns]

I also have a Mk I Artist, but I do want to swap out for a newer version for two reasons. One, I do like the added pushed channel, which is something I always felt it could use, but I really like having the dual concentric knobs for the effects, which allow you to mess with four instead of two. It's one of those really nice "quality of life" upgrades that was also in the Mk II version. Plus if I sell my old one, it funds most of the price of a new or used version of a Gen 3, or even Mk II. Have a good one!

[@castleanthrax1833]

"Still sounds brand new."? It'll sound exactly the same forever.

[@revtimewest]

I have an mkII artist. Keeping it till the wheels fall off.

[@1992YR]

Great honest review!

[@philwren1749]

Thanks Shane I’ve got the Mk11 for practicing and was looking for an unbiased view on the new Mk111 - now won’t be upgrading soon 👍

[@salsplace]

This is a great amp for clean, rock and blues. Sounds amazing. I upgraded from the MK1.

[@PetefromSouthOz]

Hey Shane thanks for the honest review. I know that these Amps have a pretty big following and they obviously do the thing they do very well. I am surprised that it does not have Bluetooth given the target audience. For me, I have tried both the Mk1 and Mk2 50's in store and we did not get along. I spent quite a bit of time fiddling with settings over several attempts, and yes, I got a heap of tones, but none produced a sound I liked. That was not really a surprise as I like a "Fender" clean sound with a couple of Pedals for Dirt or Modulation, rather than mimicking a particular tone. As most things in Music it's Horses for Courses. Sounds like, to those that have an earlier one, keep it. If you don't have a good versatile practice Amp check out one of these (and a few others) at your local Music Store. Cheers Pete

[@stevep1941]

I had the Katana 50 when they first came out, and bought it as a rehearsal amp, then ended up doing many gigs with it, and left my valve amps home- they are a top amp regardless of price. Having sold that a few years ago, I just bought the Gen 3 version, and it's great. I just use the Katana a pedal platform and don't use the inbuilt effects.

[@andrewksadventures]

Thanks for the thorough review Shane. The light weight is something I find appealing as I get older! I'm leaning towards a Fender Tone Master however, as don't need all the effects. Maybe I should try one of these 1st however. 👍

[@JustinWoo]

It's great to see this unsponsored video. I don't love the "OMG IT'S THE SECOND COMING!" videos about the Gen 3.

[@Russell_Optics]

I bought the 100w Katana Mk ll head so I could use it daily and leave it on for extended periods of time without worrying about burning up tubes in my Mig-50 & Dean Markley 60-w tube amps. I got a second Katana 100w Artist along with the 6-button footswitch to run them in stereo and I am very happy with the results. I got both 100w Katana amps and the footswitch ( a must-have IMHO ) for about 1k and ended up with an excellent sounding stereo rig that I can run for hours every day without worrying about burning them up. The Boss Katana's can't be beat for dependability or price , and they sound great. I still run a stereo pedalboard because I already had it, but the effects in the Katana are definitely usable as well.

[@Neridog]

Great video and great playing as always! I've played plenty of tube amps over the years and I currently have the Katana MKII 50w. Like you said, definitely a different beast than tube amps, but they're simple and have tons of tone options. I love the "Swiss army knife" kinda-does-everything (including acoustic!) aspect of it, along with being able to output it straight to a PA or DAW for recording. For my uses it works. If I was playing out with a band I'd probably have an Artist version or a tube amp. But the Katanas are fun too and can hold their own. I'm a fan. That said, do I need the Gen III? Probably not. lol

[@Da_Porkchop_Xpress]

Great amps. If you are a beginner, this amp is a fantastic teaching tool as well. You get to figure out different tones, experiment with fx, its light so you can move it around easy. As of course its boss, which means these things should be able to serve you for the rest of your life.

[@simonsmith2642]

I hope you enjoyed your stay here in the states!

[@mattkelland9261]

Great video, cheers. For the blues/low gain tones, what sounds more natural (closest to a tube amp) to you...the Roland Blues Cube Artist or a Gen 3 Katana 100/50? I don't play high gain. Thanks in advance, love the channel.

[@nobuzzlitebeer7258]

I'll be upgrading my 50mk2 but not with another 50, I'll get the gen3 100 this time. There simply isn't enough new options to justify getting the new 50. I was about to get the MK2 100 luckily they announced the gen 3 before I did.

[@adamherring6693]

i own the 100 gen 3, 100 mk2 and 50 mk2 ex, they are a great gigging amp, coming from a delxue reverb and a hot rod deville i wont miss the back pain!

[@markteague5013]

I have an Artist Mk2 and got the Airstep pedal so that I could have Bluetooth. You are right about how this is disappointing that it doesn't have Bluetooth included, especially at 3rd gen.

[@albertmarkethinkpr1325]

Thank you for the honesty!

[@stevep7657]

Great bang for bucks amps, I've used the original 50 for many gigs, sold it to a mate a couple of years back, and now grabbed the Gen 3 great.

[@texmex697]

Spot on review. As I own the original I have no need to change. I'm just a home player and don't like any over the top options. I set it flat, put my SRV pedal in front of it and play. Perfect.

[@hixsy]

Nice review.. Your Playing is so tasty..

[@jloch9312]

Thanks for your honest review. You have confirmed what I've known all along - I'm too much of an old fart for all the faffing that goes with modelling amps! I've had the Marshall code and the Line6 Catalyst and the Mustang Micro. They have all been abandoned after a couple of months. Because of that I have never been tempted by the hype surrounding the Katana.

[@castleanthrax1833]

I'm a "set and forget" kind of guy, but I get why they have so many options. I usually spend an hour or so "faffing" about (when I first get something), and when I discover that particular sound that I'm looking for, I don't usually change... at least not much.

[@lenni-hazels]

Boss Katana is by far the most popular series of combo amps, since they came out (guitar stores say they make 80% of the amp selling volume!). So I don't think they will get abandoned any time soon. (Oh you mean you abandoned them? haha, silly me.)

[@2Plus2isChicken2013]

I won’t be getting one of these but I do own the 100W Mk II version and they’re good amps. Don’t be afraid of the editor software, either. It’s very easy to use, and I generally don’t like to bother with that sort of thing.

[@abradfordajb]

This is a pretty nice amp. Easy to use, the sounds are very usable as you say. To tell you the truth, alot of your overdriven tones, through KZbin, sound so close to each other that it's not much to impress. But, it's totally usable for practice, or even as a recording device mic'ed up. For the price and utility i'd definitely give it a thumbs up. Of course, absolutely no comparison to a "real" (tube) amp, which nobody should be surprised at, or even care, since someone looking at this amp would immediately be able to see it for what it is. (good point on the "cash grab" aspect. But pretty much all manufacturers are competing with each other, so maximizing cash flows is forefront in their business.) Thanks as always. Love your vid's 🙂

[@777logan5]

This is what I call an honest reivew!

[@user-jy3io4iz2p]

First Katana I am ready willing and able to buy. The BT does it. For about 100 credits more a Laney Cub 10 (10" 6 watts) is interesting when nice tuby sound for a fair price.

[@GCKelloch]

Big throw of sound in the room? There's noting about an amplifier that would affect that. Maybe it's where you placed it in the room in conjunction with the open back and where you were sitting. There can be low end cancelations of up to 20dB in an untreated room. I wonder if shoving a shredded memory foam pillow behind the speaker would make a difference?

[@Grigory_Sharov]

Thanks for review! What compared to boss nextone artist amp? Which is best of them as a pedal platform, and filling, dynamics etc for live venues?

[@oldmetaldude3480]

Decent review and i agree with what you said about the bluetooth. They definitely should have added that. But you did not mention a few things. They upgraded the speaker and the construction of the cabinet, and revoiced the whole amp including the variations. It would be cool if you did comparison vid with the MK2 Version.

[@johnsmith-ug5tp]

Stereo headphone out

[@petetatonks]

Thanks for the video - yes i agree with you

[@RichardPerrymanGuitarist]

Thankyou for an objective review. I will stick with my Marshall tube amps. I get interested in these amps because of the weight. Who doesn't want to gig with a small combo...

[@donaldlaporte4227]

Shane, quick question I'm new to using a mic in front of a amp, does your mic go into your interface then your daw and do you listen to the sound threw your studio monitors?

[@juanjan__]

I have the Katana 100 MKII and I really like it. I mostly go in between the clean channel cranked and the crunch one. If I haven't already had the MKII I'd definitely get this one with the extra bluetooth dongle (which I think it's sold separately to keep the prices a bit lower, but I definitely would prefer it to be included) but as it is I'm fine with my MKII and my Katana Go 🙂 I think it's a product more aimed at new buyers than "replacers", let's say

[@Chucksguitargeekery]

If this is like the previous generation, hooking it up to the computer is essential purely for adjusting the global EQ. Rolling off those brittle highs makes a huge difference.

[@bluzikmusic]

I had a Mk 2. I play acoustic and electric guitars so I like that it's switchable between the two amps.

[@PooNinja]

For me having the mobile app makes it worth adding another katana to my rig. Even if i gotta spend a bit more for the dongle. 🤳🏽🔊

[@PooNinja]

Beautiful playing Sir

[@PaulCooksStuff]

The 3rd party katana librarian app gives you a phone/tablet UI (not quite as pretty as tonestudio but more than usable), though its old school usb cable.

[@pheonix3302]

Just recently bought the 100 gen 3. Bought the Bluetooth dongle too-cost $92 on top. For the convenience of being able to stream audio and access tone studio through my phone it’s definitely worth it. Sold my mkii for the Bluetooth convenience and for me anyway it’s worth the upgrade.

[@PooNinja]

@@pheonix3302 i plan to use my mkII as a stereo slave amp

[@ronross1145]

Found your report very interesting... I have the previous katana and a blues junior... I find the katana really useful for recording using the line out directly into recording... I think the really important missing feature is the lack of fx in/out which I don't think you mentioned...

[@Anjohl]

Feels like a paywall deal, as they've always kept the effects loop on the 100 only. This would have been a great time to add that as a standard feature on the 50. The Line6 Catalyst 60, which is ever cheaper, has it!

[@toddflowers8052]

I had the V2 100w and I was underwhelmed.....I definitely prefer my DSL 40CR Marshall..... thanks for the heads up Shane because I was considering trying it.... Cheers mate !

[@JHKNVY02]

Try the Katana Artist. Shocking improvement over the 50.

[@monahantp3767]

Reg the Bluetooth, it's not something I'd ever use-- much like the headphone output jack (which is now stereo on the gen-3). So for me, I like that I'm not paying for a feature I would never use. Agree about the Push channel- that's the type of tone I usually dial in on the clean, or crunch. Another change that I... probably... wouldn't use is the revamped Tone Studio app. I've owned a Katana MKII for over a year and still haven't plugged into a computer, but from what I've seen online it's an improvement over the previous version. Thanks for the video!

[@jimmyjames2022]

I never use any amp but clean and maybe crunch and a few drive pedals, why do I have to pay for all the high gain amps and pedals I don't use.

[@MatthewHarmon]

Problem is, it would have been cheaper for them to just include the $1.00 BT chip on the motherboard than the socket, bus interface and tooling to support the $60 adapter.

[@caleshtcincredibles]

I gig with my Gen 2 50 EX with the foot controller add my volume pedal and it does everything I need . It is certainly loud enough in fact I have never set it on the 50W setting I run it at 25W and its more than enough to punch up and stand out . I Also love not having mic it as it has a Line Out option that doesnt cut the speaker so what I hear on stage is what the audience hears through the PA

[@tonepilot]

I think it sounds pretty good. Whenever I’ve played one though, I’ve always much prefered the 2x12. I would say if you’re looking to buy a new solid state amp, this should be a contender. If you already have one, I wouldn’t be bothered to upgrade.

[@xferodenx273]

Currently choosing between this one and Marshall Dsl5cr. Very hard choice! I feel like the only effects I need are reverb and delay (and booster sometimes). But there's a 10-inch speaker in Marshall Dsl5cr and that's a problem. And I'm concerned about the tubes in Marshall. Will they sound worse in time?

[@IamMusicNerd]

I don’t think any amp will ever replace my Soldano or Synergy amps, but I do have a Katana head that I use as a practice amp once in awhile, and I am always surprised how good it sounds compared to other solid state amps.

[@heavybrett-al4082]

My spark amp blew up last week,so I was considering a gen 3, but then I noticed my local store are dropping the price of gen 2? So might grab the gen 2 if the differences aren't that huge between them.

[@mojobag01]

All I can establish from this video is you have a great Telecaster and your playing is gorgeous. Now what is the amp like?

[@DrDrake_Ramore]

A 50 MK2 is worth it for the Class A/B Power Amp Input alone. It’s sounds amazing with my Tonex 👍

[@lenni-hazels]

Uh, I'm hoping I can get some great tones going from my audio interface (tonex plugin) into the power in section, or maybe just front input on the acoustic channel, we'll see!

[@guitarandotherthings6090]

If youre a beginner who still wants to sound good and experiment with effects this is great, or if youre experienced but are flat broke and have a tight budget.

[@anthonyward8587]

The problem with the 50 watt mk2 amp was that there was no effects loop for my RC 5 looper. So i ended ip buying the 100 mk2 instead. I still think that the 50 watt sounded better for some reason. !?

[@mivuboy8335]

I use it at home pretty much only on clean channel with some reverb for practice. Might add a blues driver pedal but that’s about it for my level.

[@yaguitar]

The 100 MK1 can be gigged really easily, but works best as a pedal platform. But mk2 and mk3 just don't seem a big enough shift to warrant the move.

[@markerf16]

I have the V2 100. I only use the clean channel and the acoustic - with effects.

[@jamalabdul2009]

If one was in the market for an amp, this version of the Katana would work. In my opinion this amp is great for someone that doesn’t have a pedalboard. It sounds quite versatile right out of the box. Not for me but if I needed an amp, this a good choice 👍🏾! 😎🎸😎🎸🎸

[@bigdaddysprinkle]

I owned the artist version of the mk2 and although it was packed with features, after a certain volume level, i could never get it to sound good. For me its in the same category as the line 6 spider amps.

[@Andrew-qc9xw]

Yeah,nah! I’ll be sticking with my faithful Roland Cube 40GX. It’s versatile enough to get the sounds I need without causing choice paralysis. I can access whatever tone I need quickly and the amp models make decisions easy and no doubt about your choice. No faffing about with computers or wasting playing time. It might not sound the best but it’s good enough and I’ve played alongside a Marshall in a band and it sounded close enough. It suits my needs and that’s all that matters to me.

[@Anjohl]

I have a Bass Cube, and it's great for playing live!

[@thiscorrosion900]

The other option I guess, is plug a good guitar processor or multi-pedal into it, and use those sounds and presets or set your own up. If you want options but don't want to deal with messing with the PC or MAC constantly to get tones. That might be fun at home, if you have time, but live? Nah.

[@erpece]

Wow - that Lead tone with the variation on (you call it 'muddy'😉) is a nice hot Plexi sound... Same goes for the Brown tone. You should try lowering the gain a bit for those two...

[@johngonzales8224]

I have a few tube amps including a fender pre cbs 1965 twin reverb and a couple of others I did buy a boss Katana mkii artis head. after some tweaking on the computer, I found some very comparable tones. I am waiting to see how the Artist gen3 head sounds as it adds more tonal options. I found it to be a great amp on stage but two things it is lacking. I tuner built into the foot switch and a more useful expression pedal that could easily be switch between wah and volume. and if that could be built into a foot controller would be even better.

[@JHKNVY02]

100%. Same experience. Overall spectacular amp

[@AnnoyingCritic-is7rp]

One thing i don't like about the Katana is the Crunch amp cuts the bass, which I presume they do so that it doesn't sound bad when you distort it. But I have two EQs that I could put one in front of the distortion and one after and let me choose how much to put in there. I thought the push would be more distortion and less mid-range. But it doesn't sound like it.

[@thedoodl38ug]

Hi Shane, I currently looking at changing my Blues Junior IV as it is just to loud for my home playing to get that edge of breakup sound but i love the sound. I've been looking at either a Katana Gen 3 (owned a MkII before the Blues junior but did find all the settings to much hassle!) or spending that bit more on a Tonemaster Deluxe Reverb or Twin Reverb (which i have the budget for too). I've got a ton of pedals and only need a few select sounds and wondered if the Tonemaster is significantly better than the Katana for those typical Clean & Breakup sounds? Any advice would be greatly appreciated!! 😁

[@mkrj2576]

Hold on. I’ve got two Katanas, including an Artist, and a BJ IV. None are made to sound great at low volume. The 12” speaker needs to move air. Look at the Yamaha THR series. I have two of them. They are great for low volume tone. That’s what they were made to do.

[@thedoodl38ug]

@@mkrj2576 So would a THR 10 for instance sound better or equal to the Deluxe Reverb attenuated to 12 watts? Can you get that slightly edgy clean tone. All gets a bit confusing and I don't have much chance to go try anything locally.

[@sabbathcross]

Is it possible to connect gen 3 to a smartphone via USB?

[@phillippitts6294]

I like the pushed channel. The speaker does sound good. Having to spend more money to make it Bluetooth compatible isn’t cool.

[@addicted2tone349]

I have a Gen 1 Artist.. I have never seen the need to upgrade it. Honestly, I play my THR10ii more than any of my other amps.

[@michaelt2842]

It might just be my age (50s) but every ti me I hear modeling amps all I can hear is a thin, brittle high end and and what seems like a lot of missing frequencies. That crunch sounds fizzy to me. Maybe more-so what I don't like are the options. I prefer simple gear that does one or two things really well.

[@Floodland-bn3ol]

Have to tested the Catalyst yet? I think you might prefer it to the Katana. It's much simpler, does less but sounds better for blues and rock imo.

[@akwamarsunzal]

First, graet video again Shane! Strangely, I have never bought into the Katana amps, oh, aside from the Katana Mini which is immense! I like them, they always sound "good" but, meh, I got enough crap kicking around doing nothing already lol My go to is my PG Spark 40, its just amazing! Ok, it does have the app thing that many don´t like but I can play through the night and not disturb anyone, even without headphones. I totally agree on the cash grab comment! Come on, everything has bluetooth these days built in! Expecting another 50 quid for bluetooth add on is just criminal. Just another Boss amp that I will pass on, but I dont like the cash grab and that puts them very low in my book!

[@scottreynolds6317]

I had the MkII 100watt and found it was good at most of the different tones, but not great at any of them. Much prefer my Marshall DSL40CR or my Fender Deluxe Reverb. They just have a much fuller 3-D sound. 🎸🔥🎸🔥🎸

[@tdunster2011]

Does the katana 50 have a noise gate? If so, I might give one a try for low volume metal home practice.

[@andrejgregoric1324]

they all do besides plethora of boss effects.

[@danstringer7610]

I have katana mk2 100 combo that I use as a pedal platform. I just need an amp that works. All my tube amps have let me down: hot Rod deluxe, egnater, and lastly a Marshall dsl40cr died on the second week of the honeymoon…

[@DrDrake_Ramore]

Tone Studio is a must with these amps. You can really beef up the tone and get a much fuller sound than the standard that comes out of the box. Global EQ is where it’s at, but it is a pain to deep dive into software, I get it. And they sound way better putting pedals into them, than using the inbuilt effects. All subjective, mind. I was going to buy the Gen 3, but instead I bought myself a cheese sandwich and a packet of pickled onion Monster Munch. Cash in the bank 👊

[@Back2TheBike]

Tuna and sweetcorn with cheesy wotsits would have been better.

[@thelolguy007]

100% mate 👏👏👏

[@michaelholmes9153]

They needed the update with Bluetooth and app usage to compete with Positive Grid. But then again what could Positive Grid put out that is a massive upgrade? Not much to upgrade so Katana was and still is simpler modelling on a budget. It fills a niche I guess. A lot of these "practice" amps need to improve on live and studio situations with volume and emulation.

[@bobbyparks801]

4:50-5:09 😮 pretty sweet!

[@keithbenedict8764]

I can tell exactly what Line 6 would do, because they just did it: They would add the new amp models via firmware. That's what they did when the introduced the CX version of the Catalyst. The same day the Catalyst CX was released, Line 6 released firmware which added all the same features to the "legacy" version that the new CX had.

[@castleanthrax1833]

This firmware you mentioned... is it just an upgrade to the CX models, or will it upgrade the older Catalyst iterations?

[@user-vx7ok4vf5n]

@@castleanthrax1833 old Catalysts are in game too. As for me, they sound better than Katanas (at least, mkI and mkII), maybe except for high gain amp models. And now after start of Catalyst CX sales, old Catalyst 100 could be purchased for about 250$.

[@hartlee1160]

Should i get a red stripe peavey or katana gen 3? I wanted high gain marshall tone

[@Alejandro1956]

You need to try. Mi opinion is very personal and then subjetive. I use to have the KAT 50w Mk1 and later the KAT 100w MKII. Both were allright for home use or some gigs. Now, If I want dynamic, analog sound (besides my tubes amps) I pick any transtube Bandit + pedals any day long. And if I need complex or more effect, same thing: Bandit and any decent Multieffect. And yes, the Bandit is more heavier than the Kat, but you can pick a lighter model like the Studio Pro 112 65w and its loud! or even the "baby bandit" Envoy 40W with 10"speaker with whom I have player without problems in small gigs. Regarding high gain Marshall tone, you can approach that sound with a number of pedals that try to emulate it, starting with the Marshall Guvnor, in the style of the Marshall JCM800 or more Hot Rod Marshall like the Friedman Dirty Shirley, the Xotic SL Drive (super lead position), and many further. Any of them highly superior to any digital emulation

[@oldasrocks9121]

The G3 Artists 100 head is the one.

[@philgraves4998]

Good review! I had a Katana mk1 but never got the tones I wanted from it even after paying for some pro patches! But I do agree they are good value. It sat around after I got a Yamaha Thr10x that is way easier to dial in.

[@jimmyjames2022]

I was waiting and hoping for 50W version 3 to have both bluetooth and fx loop. Even the bargain Catalyst 60 has an fx loop! But no. So I bought the Kat GO instead and I've got bluetooth and some Kat amps and pedals with the excellent "Stage Feel" from WAZA. For a 'real amp' I'm staying with my Quilter.

[@mkrj2576]

If you are playing to yourself and focus on tone you’ll hear this is SS. Not bad, just different. If you are playing to a crowd not only will they not care, they won’t barely notice, if at all. Playing live, in your average bar, once your tone is good enough there are way bigger factors to a successful gig than SS vs tube.

[@Hornet135]

People hear with their eyes, not their ears.

[@ynwiemalmsteen560]

Iv heard ppl playing with what I thought were tube amps only to find out they were a peavey bandit with a tubescreamer from a busking band playing texas srv style blues on one occasion and a boss katana recently at a nasvhille country bar

[@dblat1291]

I think that there would have been less pushback if they named this update the Mark 3, put another chevron under the Katana kanji. Hopefully you can now get some deals on closeout Mark 2s. The bluetooth dongle is a joke, ever piece of junk coming out has bluetooth capability built in without a special device. Wish someone would make a BT receiver you can plug into the Mark aux jack same size as the proprietary Boss dongle.

[@andrewkrodel7976]

I’m still happy I have a Fender GTX 100.

[@Allan-ts1ux]

Agreed

[@chrisvdv5608]

I sold my katana mk1 50 and bought a fender champion 40,...now i can get very nice blues tweed tones.

[@shanewalton8888]

I owned the second generation model and I felt a bit underwhelmed. It wasn't a bad amp, but I didn't see it being all that much better than my Fender Mustang or my Vox Valetronix. The price was nice, however.

[@brucehayes7251]

I agree, not bad but not the 8th wonder of the world.A good platform to add to but I’ll head for my old v3 mustang

[@JHKNVY02]

@@brucehayes7251Try the Artist. I have played and used a Mustang GTX100, as well, had the Katana 50w and 100W. The Katana Artist sounds best overall (to me) except for the Deluxe and Twin tones on the GTX. That said, I prefer the Katana layout to the GTX and the amp is built better than any of the others mentioned.

[@jimmathews8427]

Great playing ,lol it's a 300 dollar amp that's sounds really good..wish I had an option like this when I wad a kid

[@pads-zr9ln]

I have a mk2 50, i like it but i miss the effects loop and the speaker cluld be better, id like an artist but at £800 with the footswich youre in tone master teritory, silver jubilie and a multitude of very good amps, new player by a katana every time

[@JHKNVY02]

Try and find one used. I picked up an Artist Mk2 combo for $400 USD with a cover in mint shape. Sounds amazing and super flexible.

[@Tone-Quest]

As always Shane I appreciate your insight. The Boss Katana Gen 3 uses AIRD instead of COSM technology, so I guess you are essentially saying the Gen 3 AIRD doesn’t sound way more superior than Katana MK 1 & 2 (COSM).

[@intheblues]

It sounds good, but I don't hear it really doing anything the previous ones haven't been able to.

[@tattoofred]

Me quedó con mi MKII no veo una gran diferencia, y siguen si ponerle el afinador XD gracias por el video ;)

[@timtimmonsmusic]

my honest opinion? if you already have a katana you don't really need the new model especially if you have a boss me80, from my understanding the new katanas basically have a built in me80. but if you don't have a katana and are curious about them now is the time!.

[@adrenalinejunkie9428]

I wish you had less reverb while testing out the tone

[@TheRange7]

Shane, I watched a British guy do a review yestersay. He's a good player like you. TBH, I though the thing sounded like crap. I'm an old cranky TUBE only guy and thus far, not a single moedeler I've played through or heard has stoked me up enough to actually buy 1. I bought the Fender Mustang v.iii based on yoru reviews and it's still int he box brand new....7 or 8 years later. This stuff is all 100% subjective, so to all who disagree with my opinion, I'm good. If you have the newest Boss and love it, that's all that counts.

[@castleanthrax1833]

I don't think anyone disagrees that this is subjective. The one thing that amps like the Katana do much better than tube amps is allow you to get a decent tone without having to crank them. You can use the same amount for a gig or at home, which isn't often possible with a tube amp. For someone who just wants to use it at home and never have the issue of replacing tubes... it's perfect.

[@TheRange7]

@@castleanthrax1833 I agree to an extent. I have several tube amps that get great sound at home volumes just by using the master volume as my main control.Not all respond well, but a lot do. I'm old and very set in my ways too, which isn't helpful when it comes to liking new tech.LOL

[@DamianS1893]

Shout out from South Carolina... Flatbed Trucking Life ✝️👍🤙✌️

[@milotin2755]

I've had the mk1 and mk2 50 watt and sold them both almost immediately. I get there cheap and have heaps of effects but to me the distortion just sounded horrible not sure if it was the 50 watt speaker or what but i don't get all the hype

[@JohnShalamskas]

The Katana Artist series has a superior speaker which makes a big difference in sound quality.

[@beefnacos6258]

The heads sold out everywhere already 😂

[@doneriksen5599]

Will you be reviewing the Katana 100w GEN 3 in the near future?

[@intheblues]

I'll see what I can do :)

[@doneriksen5599]

@@intheblues Thanks!