I Gigged a Boss Katana - Now I Feel Stupid

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It's 2023 and I just gigged a Boss Katana.
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[@DRChevalier]

Good on you JNC! I recommend Katanas to most guitarists looking for something that they can use for practice as well as gigging. No tubes to shake loose, no massive weight, built in BOSS effects and when you are playing a gig where people are talking, drinking, dancing and otherwise having fun, no one notices or cares about your vintage tube monster, or your vintage guitar for that matter, except for other guitarists, who are either super supportive or utter nobs.

[@greevar]

It's great for what it can do, but it's not very repairable when it breaks. I'm a middle-aged guy giving off "old man" vibes, but I prefer analog hardware that is easy to fix with a cheap soldering iron and access to a RadioShack.

[@ricardogomezvasquez3291]

Most of other guitarists are complete nobs 😢

[@vmx23]

@@greevarmodern tube amps with their PCB assemblies aren’t very repairable either.

[@acw2237]

I remember back in the 80s. All the arguments between tube and solid state. If you used solid state...You didn't have a real amp they said... LOL now they feel stupid, probably.

[@thomastucker5686]

@@greevar we no longer have radio shack. It has been 6 or 7 years.

[@ogmakefirefiregood]

If the Boss Katana was around in the 60's, it would be just about the only thing you ever heard recorded.

[@illgottengains1314]

Likewise every modern valve amp

[@volkanozkol5309]

Ironically, that Katana tries to model those 60's amp tones, and I don't recognise any modern band that record their album with Katana.

[@dawnkeyy]

@@volkanozkol5309 Because most don't even use real amps to record.

[@ROCKNROLLMODS]

It wouldn't for a few reasons. Amps needed to be LOUD. They didn't have much in the way of live sound reinforcement back then. Consequently, stage volumes were insane. No way a katana was loud enough. And just like nowadays, why record an imitation when there's no shortage of the real thing.

[@papadavewatson]

What is it an imitation of?​@@ROCKNROLLMODS

[@ellisscott9840]

Just joined a pop punk band. My setup is incredibly humble, literally just a fender stratocaster and the katana 100w combo. Took to the first rehersal. Had it on the lead channel, no pedals or anything and they were all blown away by the sound. In a live situation nobody cares what gear you're using, just if it sounds good So I'm gonna gig this thing to death

[@eduardolorandi3628]

Since when a fender and a 100w amp is a « humble » setup

[@thomaspodmore7424]

Yeah a real humble set up would be a picture of a squire being played into a plastic cup....... Kids these days will never know the struggle

[@robertstan2349]

no pedals? it is a pedal. that's all you ran was a fancy pedal 😋

[@ellisscott9840]

@eduardolorandi3628 maybe humble was the wrong word. Simple definitely.

[@godbyone]

Seems kind of want clean power. Use pedals for tone and color. More if a power amp

[@nicolas.grisanti]

I used the Katana in a rehearsal space, in a loud rock band and pedal platform context, it sounded amazing, really clear, connected to a 2x12 and 50w mode. Nothing but good things to say about this amp.

[@toolittle7204]

I think the only complaint anyone could justifiably have is the reverb and stock speaker, but both are easy workarounds. Very excited for the MkIII

[@57ebartley]

I’ve become a solo acoustic musician in the last few years but I used to play in band. My last band stayed together for 10 years but broke up in 19. We had a Hurricane last years that wiped out Fort Myers Florida last year where I was living at the time and all the sudden I had no gigs. So our old lead singer that had moved to Florida invited me up to Panama City Florida to do some gigs. He got me two acoustic gigs for that week and one band gig with his band. I had to travel 500 miles up North and had all my acoustic gear in my vehicle and my outboard electric gear. My vehicle was pretty Packed so I didn’t want to have my nice tube amps to be banging around back there. So I took my 1st generation 100 watt. Katana combo that I bought for $200 and a paired down pedal board .Man I was blown away with the sound I got out of that thing with my Gibson SG. The stage was so tiny I had to leave my Strat in the case. Had it set on the crunch channel edge of break up tone and at 100 watts. I was getting that cool feedback any time I wanted it that you are only supposed to be able to get with a tube amp. The whole band was happy with my sound .

[@evenstephen2000]

Great video. These Boss Katanas just work! They’re so capable and underrated for so many scenarios. The live music and intro sounded great, as well!

[@BrandonOutside]

I really only have one thing to say: more live band videos please! That was quite tasty! 🤘

[@deanopie4390]

Yep .. replace the intro with these

[@Jonathan-L]

Yeah, he's right up there with the best!

[@guitarspeakpodcast1383]

Yeah it's cool hearing Jon wail over the same tunes many if us play on these gigs.

[@stallionstudios]

Agreed!

[@TheAdamBates]

“I’m a part owner of Boss” killed me. Lovely playing as always! The Katana has been great for practice and gigs. Loaned it to a friend for one of his gigs, and I’m not sure I’m getting it back….guess it’s time to grab a new one with the line out option!

[@doc_matter]

I loved that jab about the Andertons controversy too haha It's so crucial people are transparent about what they are being sent or any affiliations they have to products

[@mikedr1549]

I bought a Katana for my grandson last Christmas for his first real amp. When it was delivered I tried it out (you know - to make sure it was working properly :) and was really surprised at just how good it sounded. My ToneMaster DR (at 3X the price) sounds better to my ears - but not that much that I couldn't live with the Katana and be happy. This is the golden age of gear! Also - I don't think I've seen you play a Tele - it was pretty bright!

[@brian91145]

I use a MK1 100 watt live for hundreds of gigs, never fails and sounds incredible. The tune stuff stays home

[@rwest8905]

I have gigged with my 100 mk2. Set @ 50w. Use the channel switching for different sounds/effects. Use a separate Boss pedal to trigger the Solo function. Sounds great. Easy to carry. Dependable. Suits my needs at a very affordable price. It’s WAY more than a practice amp.

[@larrysmith2703]

Been gigging with Katanas for several years and always enjoy the experience. No pedals other than the multi-button one for channel switching and effects. Super reliable amps that always deliver the goods.

[@stoicsceptic8420]

Please tell me that you know that holding a foot pedal button down engages the solo setting . I didn’t . For quite some time 😂

[@donvanco3078]

300 pound amp and you lifted it with ease. Impressive!

[@rmp5s]

HA!

[@tom-sn999]

I thought the same 😂 but he‘s only brritish 👑

[@timchalmers1700]

I have the Katana 50 Mk II combo and it works great for practicing at home in the 0.5 watt setting or the 25 wtt setting with the Master turned down to apartment level. Thanks for helping me not feel silly when I think about taking it out.

[@alexmbrenner]

I use it in 100 watt mode through a 2x12 totally clean through an HX Effects. It’s brutally loud and sounds fantastic.

[@allanwallace3538]

I’ve been using my MKI head now for a few years, and it never misses a beat as far as gigging has been concerned. Takes pedals VERY well, alongside the awesome gain and effects, as well as the onboard acoustic preamp being actually really usable too. Pretty hard to ignore such a steal for the price point 😅

[@i.b.l.b5627]

i've gigged with the katana head w/ foot switch for 7 years now, love it. i use the boss cab 2x12. one time i had to mic the little speaker for a gig, sound guy couldnt believe it.

[@Swingpark242]

I gigged a Katana Artist for a few years. It's the only time I've bought an amp new from a shop. I used it with the five channel footswitch and it was brilliant. I only changed to a Headrush Gigboard so that I could have a recording/practise set up in my living room. The Katana was usually hidden away in a wardrobe. Great amps! Easily as good as the Fenders, H and K's , Orange, valve amps that I had previously.

[@Optical_Ollusion]

Man I've got the Headrush MX5 and I was hoping for similarly usable tones but the Katana still blows it away!

[@587583922]

I think the shocking thing for me with Katanas was hearing Buskers outside in New Orleans with them. I think they ALL had Katana 2x12s and sounded awesome. It made getting one really tempting.

[@stallionstudios]

You live there? Wow that is amazing!

[@arjanhurkmans9190]

Went to a street festival this weekend. There was a band with two guitarists, one had a katana combo and the other a Morgan combo. Both miked, the Katana sounded so much better. Big surprise to me…. Need to check these amps out!

[@BoomerBends]

I was ready to send my Artist MkII back to Sweetwater because I wasn't sure I liked it. Then.....I gigged with it. I was shocked how well it performed live.

[@tonybowen455]

Ah darn I wish I could gig. I sold my katana. Wasn't in love with the tone. If I did gig even just a bit I'd want that so I wouldn't have to worry about a more expensive amp.

[@starmorpheus]

@@tonybowen455Did you use tone studio? The tones were just ‘okay’ to me before I hooked it up and messed with it. Sounds brilliant now.

[@AlanBetzScott]

Katana is an incredible tool, especially for the price. It is quite possibly the best bang for the buck money I have ever spent on gear. I have used it standup for gigs, ran it as a pedal platform for gigs, recorded direct, and as stage volume when gigging with modelers. No reliability issues after 4+ years. Boss knocked it out of the park on this one.

[@davethielet5158]

Cab is everything. I’m finding most amps sound good through a good cab, most sound bad through particleboard and cheap speakers (what most solid state amps have been packaged with).

[@pepeowen]

I used to look down on the Katana range. I thought it was mainstream because of the brand name and that there were better ways to waste your money. But after trying them I am converted. You get a lot of amp out of these and the quality is fantastic. They only have a few amp voices but then you can add their pedals in front and they combine very organically. It sounds great.

[@castleanthrax1833]

It is mainstream. Why are you saying that like it's an insult?

[@pepeowen]

@@castleanthrax1833it wasn’t meant as an insult. I meant they are popular and I attributed their popularity to the brand and little else. But again, I was mistaken. You can get amazing tones.

[@chrisw5742]

@@pepeowen Boss is well known for good effect pedals going way back.... TUnlike some better known brands that are out know that haven't been around long and therefore don't know how to build things like Boss does.........

[@timjones9727]

I own it’s cousin. A Roland Blues Cube. Mines the Hot, EL84 Modded version. It’s a terrific 30W amp that’s loaded with enough power to floor a mule. It’s also wonderfully simply with one channel (with a boost and tone push button), three band EQ, reverb which really sweeps from classic to utterly luscious and a master. The power control is 0.5, 5, 15 & 30. I’ve never once missed my tube amp since getting it.

[@renaissancekid5240]

Great video! You should absolutely try the Roland Blues Cube series if you like the Katana. It is pricier than the Boss, but I find the Artist 1x12 to be astonishingly convincing for both practice and gigging. That said, the Katana does dominate the bang for the buck department. Really hard to beat.

[@ianbarnes1406]

Absolutely. Bought a BCA to replace an old Hot Rod Deluxe and it sounds and feels great. Great pedal platform

[@stallionstudios]

@@ianbarnes1406 interesting. My Deville is pissing me off. Fender is really crapping out on the quality of those circuit boards in the hot rod series. Its making me quite angry.

[@IamMusicNerd]

The Katana head into a 2x12 cab is a fantastic sound. I leave it on the clean channel with the built in delay and reverb, and use my own OD pedals, and it sounds incredible. Love the handy built in practice speaker as well. Very portable and light.

[@philbrannigan5854]

I've gigged a Katana 100 v1 combo since they first came out. I've enjoyed playing it as much, and felt as proud of my sound, as the Boogie F50 it replaced. I also play the Katana in 50w mode. If I'm playing a bigger gig, then either the line out or a mic in front deals with that. I don't really want more volume on the stage. My Katana works well at any volume, whether it be for home practice, rehearsal rooms, or large gigs, whereas the F50 was really only at its best at larger gigs where I could run the master a bit higher. From a practical viewpoint, the Katana is smaller and weighs about half of an F50. I look inside and marvel at how little there is in there, when compared to the mass of glowing hot glass and what appeared to be a hundred things waiting to go wrong in the F50. If the Katana failed I would just go and buy another one without worrying too much about the cost. While the Katana is definitely made cheaply and the controls are plastic and don't feel like they would stand much abuse, I bought a decent padded cover for it, I'm pretty careful with my gear, and touch wood everything works as well as the day I bought it. My Boogie on the other hand, despite its apparently solid construction and military-spec parts, had several things go wrong during its time with me and what I spent on F50 repairs far exceeded the cost of a new Katana. When I first got the Katana, I started off running pedals into it and through the loop because I had the gear and that's what I was comfortable with. Over the years though, I've done more and more in the amp, to the point where can now make one trip from the car into a venue, put the amp on it's compact stand, connect the GA-FC and an expression pedal, plug in my guitar, and be ready to go in a few minutes. The downside of this approach is that, when sounds are baked into presets, it's hard to tweak them at a gig, whereas if you just use the panel settings and get your sounds from pedals, the knobs do reflect what's actually going on so it's easy to just push up the mids a notch or pull back the reverb if the venue needs that. I've just bought an XSonic AirStep Kat, which allows you to control the Katana's settings from your phone. Obviously it's not the same as walking back to the amp and turning a physical knob, but it's better than booting up a laptop. Of all the amps I've owned, I've owned the Katana the longest. It's the only amp I've had that, if it were to fail, I'd run out and buy another one as quickly as possible.

[@Annunaki_0517]

John, you always speak the truth. I’ve always felt that the sound in any club is so sub-optimal that no one can ever hear the subtle (and expensive) harmonics of your precious tube amplifier. It’s for home, or the studio only, other than that, a clean solid state reliable amp to power a Helix is by FAR the better setup for gigs.

[@stevelogan1699]

I think that, as regards the Katana, it may be time to put aside the distinctions between cheap/expensive or pro/beginner or practice/giggable amps. I’ve gigged with the Katana in pubs, clubs, small theatres and festivals (usually mic’d through the PA). I have also used it to record guitar parts for an album, d.i.’d into an interface. I find it superb. The speaker in the Katana Artist MK 2 combo may well become an emulated speaker. Paul Drew of the Studio Rats has shown it’s possible with the Katana to imitate the tone of (eg) a Marshall 900 and a Matchless amp. Live, I generally try to get it sounding close to a vintage Tweed Deluxe on point of breakup and then plug in my pedalboard. I bought it initially on the recommendation of Tom Quale, who said he couldn’t distinguish between the Katana Artist and a tube amp.

[@pronumeral1446]

99% of the audience would never be able to tell the difference in a live environment. Especially after your tone has gone through a big pedalboard, mixer, PA etc. By all means, keep the tube stuff for the studio and your own personal enjoyment at home - I certainly won't be selling my Orange Rocker any time soon.

[@tres311]

99.999% that .001 would know only because they know what Boss Katana symbols are

[@Dave-ug9bh]

And that 00.1% would know how great they are 😊

[@K707OR30]

I love my tube amps, I have too many but they’re fun toys that I enjoy. I encourage anyone to play through whatever they want, I don’t think one thing is better than the next. What the reality is, is 99% of the audience just simply does not give a shit what you’re playing through at all. Tube, solid state, modeler, a toilet rigged up to be an amp and speaker. They don’t care. Most of this is just guitarists trying to impress other guitarists. Which is fine, I like nerding out on gear as much as the next guitarist. But if we’re being real, and I’m not trying to be demeaning at all, but the audience doesn’t care what our signal chains are and most don’t even think about it or have a baseline understanding of it beyond “guitar make noise.”

[@gnrfront]

And that’s the problem, people like you care more about what the audience thinks than how you feel with your gear. I play a tube amp because I LOVE IT. In short, my question is: Will you notice the difference? Because the player is the only one using the amp. The audience isn’t using it.

[@brendanpmaclean]

@@gnrfront I agree with you to a point, but there are, in my view, exceptions. I once played in a band where the other guitarist had an amazing sounding Vox tube amp. It really did sound great when he plugged his Tele in but only when he had it at or near full volume. There was no master volume and he didn’t use pedals. So we had this situation where the only way the whole band could sound balanced was when we played at ridiculous volume. That caused us all sorts of problems with PAs and sound engineers. All the time the other guy kept talking about his tone, and yeah it was amazing, but ultimately, in a live, semi-pro setting, totally impractical. He loved it, I loved it but you simply can’t play at full whack in a small venue. So yeah, absolutely, a good tube amp is a truly astonishing beast but, as a tool, it is often not appropriate and gear that gets emulates to the point that only purists are any the wiser comes into its own.

[@Deuterium2H]

As others have noted, John, your friend who had the "disappointing" experience with the combo Katana most probably was playing one of the regular Katana combos. The Katana-*Artist* Mk2 combo is a completely different animal, and features Boss' proprietary (and AMAZING) WAZA-craft G12W 12-inch speaker. It is a 100W power handling recreation of a classic Celestion Greenback. In all seriousness, the Katana-Artist Mk2 is basically is worth the price of admission for the speaker, alone. Yes, it is that good.

[@bennettskb555]

Five years gigging Katana 50 combo in a five piece 60s band…more than loud enough, used as a pedal platform does every thing I need. I certainly don’t feel silly, and my back and bank balance are happy too. Best Wishes

[@James-eg3nf]

I went from using a custom-built pedal board with a big tube amp rig to just the Katana + GA FC foots switch. I used the Boss tone studio software and created all my own presets and now I’m golden. My rig is lighter, simpler, and more reliable. You can also use it as just an fx processor for gigs where they only allow in-ear monitors. Only thing I would have done differently is to get the head and cab separately, but the combo is a fantastic value.

[@johnhennessey5]

Why would you want a head and cab instead of combo?

[@James-eg3nf]

@@johnhennessey5 In case there's a gig where I don't need a cab or they don't allow them on stage, in which case you would use in-ear monitors.

[@TheOligoclonalBand]

I bought an IR-200 (should be similar models to the Katana) and am doing all kinds of ambient stuff with it and am really happy. The IRs influence the quality immensely, though. I have three presets for clean, crunch and lead and one for my bass. I love my tube stuff, but the IR-200 does a really good job for practicing and recording.

[@thomasbyrne7372]

I had a pickup changed for a Bare Knuckle recently and the shop let me try it out there before I took it home. The guy plugged me into an amp and I didn't even look at what it was. I played it and thought, that sounds amazing. Was not expecting to see it was a Katana given the negative snobbery I often hear towards it.

[@davidpapendorf6764]

Always blown away by your playing John.

[@Soloist1983]

I'm just going to say it, it is a better all around solution than most anything out there. I started gigging with it pre-covid, people would look at it all perplexed, until they heard it. To this day, even compared to all the tube amp rigs I've had, I've had the most compliments from using the Katana live...go figure.

[@ReneRosa]

Now I FEEL stupid. I have had the MKII for about 3 weeks and had no idea that this fuckin thing has a built in speaker until i saw this video lol

[@CMQ01]

I get what your friend means with the combo. I was underwhelmed for months until i bought this little connector a guy was selling that let me disconnect the 12 inch speak and hook to a cabinet. Life changed for me and the Katana after that. I'm with you and can't believe how much fun i have and how great it sounds. For the longest time i was almost embarrassed to say that to other guitar players but now i don't care. It's my main rig and sounds awesome to me and end of day, that's mostly all that matters.

[@blueleaftuber]

What kinda speakers do you run now instead? So you basically use your combo as an amp head?

[@CMQ01]

@@blueleaftuber exactly. When I bought it I was only thinking combo. As time went, I wasn’t using combos and was looking up how to run the Katana through a cab and ran into this guy selling a connector. He has a video on yt and there’s others that will teach you how to make your own connector. For me it was easier to send him $40. Opened up the Katana for me without having to get the head.

[@cjhenry41]

I have that same 100W head with a Mesa Boogie Lonestar cab. Plenty of power, and I run it without the internal effects off most of the time except the reverb. No reliability issues on stage.

[@davelewis4215]

I’ve had a MK2 100 Katana combo for a few years and it’s a awesome . I’ve also got the head and that’s awesome love the internal speaker for home use. Both take pedal board s brilliantly. I’ve also got both the Boss GA-FC & the newer Boss GA-FC EX Pedals that work amazingly well with all the Boss built in internal pedal effects 👍👌

[@matthewcates38]

Also don’t forget the stereo linking output on the 100 👍. Also, I think that going with a class a/b amp design (despite it being heavier, less efficient etc) was a good decision from Boss. Sounds so much better compared to all the class D modellers out there.

[@PhreddCrintt]

I have the same Mk2 Head into a Blackstar 1x12 cab loaded with a Celestion GK100 something or other and... It's the best amp I have ever owned. (Marshall/Blackstar previously in recent years - and a lot of others since the late '60's!) Excellent video.

[@jaypaduadesigns]

I use a katana mkii combo at 50w it sounds super great on stage. With the sneaky amps Clean Twin, it just became much more amazing.

[@JarickL]

I loved the little section you added on TrueFire courses worth exploring. I'm a rock guy who keeps trying to dip toes into the jazz and funk world and I've had TrueFire all access for years, but there's so. much content. Nice to have some recommendations, and may be worth exploring more in a standalone video!

[@buxongs]

I, too, gig a Katana but mine is an older first issue 50w combo and yields four channels. Two banks each with two channels. I have a clean, a clean lead, a crunch and an all-out lead. I run a fifty seven on it and use in-ear monitors and my sound guy is very happy with low stage volume but killer tones just the same. I have more guys coming up saying how they've been loving their Katanas as well and my other guitarist just got the 100w combo. At first I wanted to trade out the stock speaker for a Celestion or similar but I've grown to love the one in it for now anyway. I love the fact it is so light in weight yet has such great tones and a very compact footprint on stage. Almost comical sitting next to a big drum kit but will keep up with it no problem. I have stopped using my pedalboard. Now it's just a two button switcher. The little rig has been bullet proof, so far, and all my tube rigs sit in the studio. It was a treat to hear you and your band is great! You're an excellent player, man and I enjoyed the video very much! Cheers!

[@shfnderrock]

Wow killer tone, I find the key to the Katana is you need to spend time really tweaking the EQ, as an example the treble is so extreme on these amps and if not dialed out the Katana can sound nasty. After lots of tweaking I find it sits in an Band Mix brilliantly and are so much fun to play. Cheers for the great Video

[@kbroomall]

Dude, I had a Mesa Boogie triple rectifier for 20 years, recently got a BOSS Katana - LOVE IT.

[@dustinvandehey9885]

I was in a situation where my mesa mark 4 blew a tube the night before a gig. I had bought the mark 1 katana head during the pandemic. Blew my mind at the gig how good it sounded. In my experience, it is all about the speaker cabinet you put it through. I have an avatar 2/12 with a v30 and g12 in it. Sounds perfect for the prog metal my band does. Super versatile, and I am not breaking my back, trying to lug a tube amplifier to a gig.

[@rgbplumbinghilton]

I have a mk1 head and it sounds great through a 2x12 with v30 speakers in. Most people who down play the sound quality of these amps have never owned or played one. They are way above a starter amp. I know a few players that use them in orchestra's as they go direct and keep the head near them in silent mode. Best value new amp on the market

[@guitarnist]

I gigged my Katana 100 MK2 for a week at Tootsie’s in Panama City Beach back in September with all effects from the amp. I had no problem playing New/Old Country or Classic Rock. We did choose to Mic it.

[@russellzauner]

Preordered my Katana Air before it was released and have worked and beaten it mercilessly and it just keeps coming back for more as well as sounding awesome. I just walk around the yard and jam; my neighbors hate it.

[@DeadShred9]

The Days of 4 Hundred pound Tube Heads & 4 x 12 cabs are over especially for Gigging !! Tube amps will still have their uses in recording and for certain live situations . But Modeling is here and has been for the last 10 years . They are great for recording and for Gigging especially . Welcome to the 21st Century . I have used my 10 Watt Blackstar ID:Core mic'd out to front and played 3 Complete Metallica Tribute sets 1st set Ride the Lightening 2nd Master 3rd Justice , all 3 Albums played in full and it sounded spot on and wasn't one issue in any of the sets . Modeling amps are here to stay so Embrace the Utility and ease of use & great sound reproduction !

[@AfroRedMusic]

Yeah man! I just got hip and I miiight have to cop one; just got a started 7 string and in general improving my guitar playing (I'm a bassist professionally).

[@RyanAmplification]

The katana head is awesome. It's a perfect practice amp too because of the built in 5 inch speaker. I run the head into a DV Mark 2x8 guitar cab and the cleans are fantastic. It also has a cool smooth drive sound with the lead channel. I traded a Bugera Trirec for a MK2 head and it was a great decision. It's also really cool to use a boss gt1000 through it because it basically becomes a midi controller. If I didn't build guitar amps and pedals I would suggest everyone buy one.

[@jr0706]

I love tube amps, but I can’t afford one right now. The Katana 50 MK2 is my amp right now. I use it weekly at church (a larger church with a full, modern band) using patches I made myself using the tone studio parametric EQ, both a couple black panel fender (to my ear sounds like a Twin and a Princeton…Princeton is usually my live “amp”)and a Vox AC type patch. Takes pedals so well and sounds studio quality.

[@andrijasentic9702]

starts 7:05

[@AdamGoesProin2024]

My first physical amp was a Katana 50 MKI and it was absolutely amazing, even though I've upgraded to a multifx, I still keep the Katana 50 just as an emergency amp. It really helped me gettin through lots of ruts, love it to bits.

[@RodVonLongrod]

A Katana Artist MkII is a great gigging amp and the best Katana combo amp to get. I love mine. It covers a lot of ground and sounds so good.

[@luisfguitar]

I have a friend that plays guitar with me in a band and has a Katana. He brings it to all his gigs with me, even though he has like a vox ac15 and other amps. I use a Marshall dsl20 and a nodded blues jr mostly, but sometimes in larger venues I get to use a Jcm900 4x12, voxac30 or a fender twin. I have to say the katana sounds great paired with those amps. Seriously Considering getting one. Sometimes I go and try it at soundcheck and i think it's sounding better than what I'm using and I'm like wtf

[@jimkordahl9490]

Melody is ruling over speed, Jonathan. Great studio intro, you are really playing exceptionally well. I enjoy your unique jam tracks. Sometimes complex, sometimes simple, always a great landscape to jam over. I love the gig shots/video.

[@geusefrava960]

"I am a part owner of boss" hahahaha

[@rovidelarosa]

Might be true, you never know. If he owns even a single share of Roland, he is a part owner of Boss.

[@eoinc_Ire]

You never know… KDH could be watching 😂

[@claytonmurrayguitar]

Especially the Katana Artist model, it’s so good. I played a TV thing one day and they had the back lined and man did it sound good.

[@denmar355]

I recently acquired the Artist and I think it can do pretty much anything. With the GA-FC pedal and a few hours of messing around it’s amazing. The only way anyone would know it’s not a tube amp is if they look at it. At the price I paid it’s not even a question whether or not it’s the way to go. My PRS Silver Sky actually sounds better through the Artist than my old Mesa Boogie.

[@tenebroruncr4374]

I've had it for more than two years and like other Boss things, I admit that I love it. They are products of the highest quality. I use this amp at maximum power, 100w and it sounds just as great.Everything on it sounds great, including the Booster. For the price I think there is no other like it.

[@jwise15]

I was having trouble with my Marshall 100w combo sounding different in different rooms. I got a 100w katana Mk2 used and a Harley Benton 212 cab with v30s. I also got the boss foot controller and spent no more than an hour in tone studio tweaking 3 channels. I’ve giggled it 3 times now and I’m so happy to have a consistent sounding “set and forget” rig

[@Magik1369]

I used to gig with my Marshall 100 watt head through a 412. I've had the Katana for around 3-4 years now and it is now my gigging amp. It is much more versatile, can sound like the Marshall, and most of all, it is lightweight and easy to carry across the parking lots to the clubs. Love my Katana...most versatile amp I own. Love that I don't need pedals. Guitar straight through Katana....done.

[@billvanzandt1430]

Just did a first gig with a Katana mkll head i picked up used. Paired with a 50w anthem speaker in a closed back cab. Very happy with sounds... articulate, highly tweakable, optional foot switch adds a lot of flexibility for live use.

[@PNWGuitar]

I gugged the boss katana 50 mk2 combo and my experience was the same. Better than expected and absolutely did the job, clearly reliable and value for money is insane on them. You can even use one as an external speaker for a helix, which ive also done for stage volume and honestly, if i had to gig with nothing but the helix i could do it no issue at all

[@derekmartin8498]

The mk2 head is my first and only amp I have owned. Only been playing guitar for a year and a half and for me it’s been great. I just used the 5” speaker for the first six months then brought a 2x12 Marshall cab. I have the cab in my living room and if I don’t want to annoy anybody I just unplug the head a play in my room. It’s so versatile and the effects sound great to me especially once I learned how to use the EQ. I’ve had loads of fun with this amp it’s a great buy for beginners like me.

[@revbaxter3681]

Isn't it strange how much of a difference the court of public opinion makes on how we feel. We love handmade pedals in our bedrooms while our heroes are playing stock and mass produced gear that inspires us. That lie that investing more money means I'm more serious as a musician gets me every time.

[@yobanyhernandez125]

Another comment, I never heard someone regret buying a katana, I have however regreted and heard others regret buying a tube amp.

[@johnnathancordy]

I definitely have seen some folks saying the Katana sucks etc but I'm never really sure if there's much context behind it...

[@smugler1]

@@johnnathancordyi can't say I know. But it seems folks' issue with the Katana is that it costs too little and it makes them feel stupid for spending tons of money on whatever else they think is the real deal. And those folks wouldn't have experience with it. It's a conceptual issue with the device, not that the device fails to deliver. After I got mine my tube amp just sits there jeaslously

[@edsfarm1]

I do the same kind of work, private parties, weddings and bars. I use the Boss Katana 100 combo for everything. I also have the 100 head that I use with a Mesa Boogie cabinet that has an EV 12 in it. The EV cab does sound better, but for convenience I use the combo.

[@rhythmguru1]

I think this is the new dilemma. We all want that tube amp feel in the room, but the versatility and setup of something like the HX going FOH. Been eyeballing some of the Victory amp pedals with Two Notes built in and the new Revv D25 with Two Notes also seems really interesting. A bit of the "best of both worlds", tube feel, can push to an external speaker (or with the D25 it's a combo), send signal direct to FOH, can plug headphones into them, can send directly to a computer. Neither is inexpensive, but really interesting options are finally being brought to market in this more hybrid approach. The more cables and setup that can be eliminated from live performances without sacrificing the feel and tone.

[@dylannolan7454]

Once I’m good enough to justify the expense that’s the route I intend to go.

[@jonalexander8935]

Use a 100w MKII Katana Artist as a FR cabinet with Kemper floorboard. Works GREAT! Nice to know I got a back-up if things go south with floorboard. Few seconds can be back up and running.. Love your channel J... Great playing and LOVE the live feeds! Bless you and yours bro..

[@BUNKERJR53]

I bought a Katana and ran it through a Marshall 4x12 cab. I loved it. My son plays more than I do so I gave the rig to him. When I owned it I thought it sounded amazing and it kicked some serious ass. Worth every penny I paid for it.

[@buzzfretwear2906]

"I am a part owner of Boss..." LOL! I see what you did there 😄. I still don't understand why that other "thing" is such a controversy. Who cares? BTW, really enjoying your channel. I had seen a few of your videos previously but I'm starting to get more of what your channel is about. The playing and lessons are great, and the gear reviews are honest and address "real world" applications. Well done my man! Keep up the good work and good luck going forward!

[@ValNanovsky]

Katanas are the best selling amp for the last couple of years. For a good reason. I LOVE it. I have two of them. And in many cases I prefer it to many of my expensive tube amps.

[@EvacTheGreat]

I have the boss katana 100watt head with the boss katana waza craft 2x12 cab. 10/10 recommend. I have gigged this rig for almost 2 years now (144 gigs total so far) no reliability problems or complaints. Love it to death.

[@eahudimac]

I have a Boss Katana 100 head I pair with a 2X12 cab loaded with Celestion vintage 30's and the sound is great. It has become my primary gigging amp.

[@tomnelson5815]

Just got a 50 MKII EX and it's all I expected and will ever need. I stowed my other amps so I'd not be distracted by them. Ridiculously great value to boot.

[@neilbrewer]

Someone has already said it but try the Nextone Artist is you get a chance, especialy if you are setting it up to use with a pedalboard. I had a Kanata Artist for gigging for a couple of years and it was great. Nextonne is better, and I'd love to hear your response to it. Love your work mate! Cheers Neil (Australia)

[@ernestobenschop6087]

i live for the subtle jabs at the victory drama.....

[@wiegand6640]

Looks like you opened pandora's box, John! Very cool. Huge Roland and boss guy from the beginning, so I'm completely biased, but I think it's hard to beat the tone and versatility for the money. I've owned a Katana Air for a few years now, and love it. Not sure if I've spent more time playing the GT 1000 Core since I got it six months ago, or not. I run both direct to PA or DAW, and they sound incredible. I'm with you, John, if Boss stepped up their marketing game they'd rule the world, if they don't already, lol. And, let's not forget, kids, old timers back in the day, (to this very day!)! doing gigs like John, were using JC amps as "pedal platforms" before the term existed. Love the vids, John. Peace

[@ThatMattGoodMusic]

I was playing a gig recently with my originals band Trust Club, and turning up to the venue we were promised there'd be two combo amps available to use. As there were a lot of bands on the bill and I had a few people in the car I didn't bring anything, worst comes to worst I could just use my HX Stomps amps. There was a 50w Katana Combo there, which on initial inspection (not realising it was 50w) I was skeptical of as it looked quite small and unassuming. Fired it up and plugged in etc and I was immediately impressed - all I did before our set was turn the reverb off! Think it was on the crunch setting, and plenty loud enough - when I get to use my own rig I tend to use a Marshall Origin20 on a Marshall 4x10 cab, but playing this gig I was quite content with the sound of the Katana and my biggest surprise is it responded very similarly to my Origin when it came to using my overdrives and delays etc. So if I were on tour or something and my gear crapped out, I'd probably look for a Katana as a fast and probably quite reliable replacement!

[@allanharris970]

Great review. I have that exact head. It's been my main amp for about 6 months now. No complaints. It does handle pedals very well. Mine does have a huge bump in level when you switch from clean to crunch and I am going to find out if the boost mode can bring up my clean channel. I am not a loud player but my clean channel sometimes is a bit weak with a full band on stage. I built a homemade cab to the proper specs and put in the lightest speaker I could find. Celestion G12 Neo Creamback 12-inch 60-watt. If anyone knows about the volume output on that speaker please comment. I usually run it on the 100 watt setting and set the crunch channel as clean as possible and use pedals for any overdrive settings. The acoustic voicing on the acoustic channel is ok with a mandolin or acoustic guitar if it's in the mix of a full band. Obviously not as nice as going through the FOH but in a rehearsal setting plenty good enough. I like mine. I think maybe the speaker I use could be weak. I like it a lot and have had soundmen tell me I have a good tone with it.

[@BipityBopity93]

I went in to a music store looking for a cheap strat to essentially strip apart and customize myself. I plugged in to a Katana because it was just the amp closest, and I fell in love with the amp and probably played around with the amp for 30 minutes and forgot about the guitar. I’ve had your traditional tube amps and massive pedalboards and played in arguably the most gear snobby environments (church) and I truly believe if people just get over themselves there are good options out there like the Katana. I’ve recommended this amp to everyone I’ve come across for a solid practice amp/starting amp that will keep up with the times and your growth as a musician.

[@hubieh3374]

@JNC.. check out the parametric EQs in the Katana !! They are AMAZING!!

[@schlagdog]

This Katana head is ridiculously good when you use the software. I blow everyone’s mind when guitar buddies come over and I plug it into my Mesa cab.

[@valuedhumanoid6574]

The only "gig" I do is every other Thursday a local club has an open mic night. The owner doesn't care what you do, as long as it's entertaining and last up to 15 minutes or so. Most will karaoke, some do a stand up comedy bit or whatever they want. So I took my Line 6 Amplifi 150 with the Shortboard Mk II in with me and did a 3 song set. The nice thing about that amp is it's 100% controlled by a Bluetooth app and has all my backing tracks in it. Literally all I do is plug it in, wait for it to boot, select the song I want to play over and place the PA mic in front of it. Done. Just three 12 bar blues backing tracks and I sing/solo over them. It sounds great. No one gives a shit that it's digital, no tube driven tones or it's not a $10k Klon pedal or any of that crap we have convinced ourselves we have to have. When I am finished, I get a round of applause from the half dozen customers and the bartender gives me a free drink. Last Thursday four women got up and danced with the waitress. That's the best feedback you can get! lol. The owner is a cheap ass and makes me pay for all my other drinks, but oh well. It's a gig!

[@jonewah]

I’ve gigged a katana 100w combo for five years now. Still very happy with my tones. No issues with the amp.

[@davegrice3423]

I've had a couple of Katanas. My GAS resulted in me settling on a Tone King Imperial a couple of years ago. Know what I play the most on now? Neural plugins on my workstation :) Durp.

[@leeandguitar]

Jeepers - Katana aside! That's some guitar playing.

[@mveitchmunich]

I use a Fender Super Champ XL tube preamp out into amp in on the Katana. Four ten cab and the single ten on the Fender also stays active. 50 watt setting. Superb!

[@loki3292]

They're excellent gigging amps for the money. Gave the low end model to my nephew for his first amp, but almost kept it for myself- thing was full of good usable tones.

[@robbie12207]

Amazing amps. I have a katana and a Nextone. Sold all my tube amps. Haven’t missed them ever.

[@glassGPT]

I take the katana head to venues where I can run it direct while using the little speaker as a personal on-stage monitor. I tend to make good use of the various internal eq’s to dump the highs and lows in conjunction with the dyn421 simulation. For outdoor gigs, I run it into a 2x12 at 50w and it’s plenty loud. The katana is a great value for the money.

[@jaypaduadesigns]

how loud can the internal speaker go?

[@glassGPT]

@@jaypaduadesigns it’s not going to project over an open, loud drum kit. If the drummer is behind a baffle and you have the head on a stand pointing at you, then it works quite well and doesn’t have to be pushed to the limit.

[@dbmabe]

I have a 50 Watt Katana combo and I absolutely love it. I bought the first generation Katana in 2015 and then, in a boneheaded moment, sold it in 2019. I regretted it and ended up getting another one. If you're in a band that plays larger venues, for a couple hundred dollars more, you can get the 100W Artist Katana head. It has a few more bells and whistles too.

[@CoffeeConversationMusicGear]

I have a Boss Katana 50 watt combo and has gigged that thing with no problems. Takes pedals well and just a great sound. I’ve had my boss pre pandemic, got it in 2015/16 and it’s never let me down. But if I want to go smaller I just use the Boss IR-200.