NEW Boss Katana Gen 3 - The Best Gets Better? | MK2 vs Gen 3 Comparison!

[@BOSSinfoglobal]

Thank you Team Andertons!

[@HenriqueHC0197]

I would love to find some of your amps officialy in brazilian stores

[@barrysorensen6999]

@bossinfoglobal Will you be bringing out a Nextone Gen 2/Mk2?

[@Alex_Martz]

Hey BOSS are you going to implement some of these features or tone models into the newly released Katana GO?

[@Phoboss32]

And what about GT-1000?

[@lescaster2179]

Love the idea of showcasing these amps alongside relatively affordable 2nd tier guitars (Sire, Epi, Squier, etc). It removes any imagination that the tones are relative to a $2,000 guitar rather then $750. New players have never had it so good... But, let's not let that detract from the good sport of finding fault with everything in life. ;-)

[@cliftongardner4367]

Boss Katana names: 1. Katana 2. Katana Mk II 3. Katana Gen 3 4. Katana Ver. 4 5. Katana 5.0 6. Katana the Sixth 7. Seven Samurai with Katanas 8. Katotto Octavius 9. Nine Lashes with a Katana 10. Katena

[@evilclownattack]

2Fast2Katana

[@sixstringgypsy1]

You forgot: Boss Katana, Tokyo Drift.

[@Milehousestudios]

It's a weird choice to make Bluetooth connectivity a paid extra. In an age where seemingly everything electrical has that as a standard. I'm talking about phone connection and alteration of sounds, and not guitar connection.

[@JohnWiku]

That would add like 5 bucks final price to implement, now they want to charge extra for that extra that shouldn't be an extra. Gen 4 will have it built in, and it will be the next industrial revolution of amps 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@KenithCopeland]

I don’t really care for Bluetooth. They’re never stable on amps

[@MrBossei]

Great choice for all of us traditional players that don’t use bluetooth and apps. 👍

[@bry8500]

I miss the town city heat pedal voiced by Greg Koch. Any chance of getting more of them?

[@bassyey]

@@MrBossei lol if you're a traditional player, you wouldn't use a Katana.

[@michaelpurdy9165]

I love my Katana, it survived community college, my bachelor’s degree, and hundreds of gigs. If they want to make a slightly different version and market it, go ahead! Your MKII was spectacular. As a college student who literally would not be able to afford something more, no one tells me “hey dude your amp sucks because it doesn’t have tubes.” Thanks Boss for saving my back fr.

[@imnjs]

100% with you on this. I'm keeping my Artist Mk2, still a LONG ways off on figuring out everything it can do. Also best bedroom-volume option in the market IMO.

[@alfgwahigain5544]

I have the Mk2 50 EX that can use the footswitch and with the editor you can make it sound however you want - the only limit is your patience. Crazy versatility and value.

[@nobrakes3765]

Wow, 100s of gigs is a lot of tours. Congrats to a great music pursuit man! I'm impressed. All with a Katana?

[@victorious3531]

I used to be a huge tube amp supremest. But today I got the chance to play one of these things. I am genuinely considering selling my all tube Marshall plexi and picking up one of these. Some absolute killer amps.

[@imnjs]

@@victorious3531 Dude whatever you do hang onto that Plexi, the second-hand value on them just keeps going up. Not only that but sometimes you just want to rip into a cranked Plexi and be in heaven.

[@TheBigburcie]

I appreciate the fact that Pete is using a Squier strat in the demos, then another Squier or two pops up in the band jams. It's a good example of what a young player might be able to do as maybe their first or second rig, obviously without Pete's hands.

[@habbahan]

As a guitar builder, I can’t find a significant difference between fender and squier, apart from pickups. Probably just better QA on pricier ones

[@officialfanofrichiebricker8324]

exactly, thats what should be used not like some reviewers playing some weird 7 string guitar with alt Tunings that give you no idea what it will sound like if you brought it home and played it with a squier or epi paul jr.

[@robphillips8351]

​@@habbahan couldn't agree more with you, I have 6 squier guitars, from the bullet,to affinity, to paranormal and a 40th anniversary telecaster. Change the bridge saddles (brass or stainless steel) change pup's, switches and pots, adjustments, simple fret level and polish and cannot tell much if any difference at all, except maybe paint job is a bit thinner which is kind of nice anyways in regards to resonance and tone..

[@rock-my-mind]

Main difference in the wood and cheaper approach in all details) ​@@habbahan

[@habbahan]

@@rock-my-mind body wood - probably. Necks are equal. Details - I don’t think so. It’s all machine-made gear, with minimal handy work, just as Leo intended

[@mothershiphip]

Just did my first gig with the Katana 100 Gen3 1x12 --- it was a great success. It was an outside gig in a pavilion with a loud band and for stage volume I was set about 50% on the master volume. A major plus regarding the amp performance and design is the master volume does not affect the line out to the front of house...this is very practical. If I need to adjust my stage volume it doesn't affect the front of house mix. I love tube amps for musical breakup and rock tones AND I love solid state amps for great cleans. This amp is 90% of a great solid state on clean and 90% of a great tube amp for leads. This amp does both and everywhere in between very well. This amp is so much more versatile than a good solid state or a good tube amp. Your audience will not know you aren't playing an expensive guitar amp. This amp is worth so much more than the price!

[@dammers89]

Really like that you're demoing things in the context of a band! Really great idea

[@TheBircat]

The quality of where these Andertons videos have come to in 2024: musicianship, sound quality, graphics, pacing, variety, interplay of the personalities, visual editing, information provided... I don't think it could be any better. A new Andertons video is a stop-what-you're-doing-and-watch experience. I can only say you have my sincere appreciation.

[@barrettflorida]

What is all this not talking crap? They've always talked. That is what I love about this channel. They literally have given me solid advice. What people hear over KZbin is very different than what the true sound is. I trust their opinions. So keep talking!!!

[@akwamarsunzal]

Optional bluetooth dongle? Come on Boss! Its the 21st century!

[@KeithMilner]

I'm fine with that. A lot of people will want to just use the amp through the front panel and will never use Bluetooth, just as many existing Katana owners have never used Boss Tone Studio. Plus, the Bluetooth on some of these amps is pretty flakey, because they use cheap components. From what I have heard, the BT-DUAL is rock solid.

[@andyfadillah]

some people don't need it and the dongle concept make it easy to replace when broken. "Modular" technology actually better in most situation.

[@bassyey]

@@KeithMilner That doesn't make sense. They can include the dongle. And people can choose to ignore it.

[@davedavem]

@@andyfadillah I agree on the modular thing. Although not all of the modular bits works with all of the products, like these not taking the bluetooth footswitch witht he bluetooth dongle, and the 50 not taking the footswitch for the 100. Seems a bit confusing.

[@markdouglas8073]

First, I am relieved they added Bluetooth, my only gripe about previous Katanas. But second, for those of us who already have that dongle with the GX-100 or Dual Cube LX, we don’t have to buy another (and can use the wireless EXP, etc). It does make it cheaper for anyone not needing it.

[@denmar355]

I’ve had the Artist 100w mk1 for a long time and have loved it! You want loud? No problem. You want diversity of tones? No problem. And the GAFC foot controller makes it a very capable complete package for most all my effects. It’s a great amp, and has never had any issues. And the bonus is I paid $250 cash for it. Unbeatable.

[@Antron89]

Loving the full band samples, all great!

[@timhopkins3810]

Really good showing all of the functions of the new amps 👍 Also, you really need to have a section of every video in a band setting! That really was a standout and let the amp shine and show what it could do in a mix. Would be great showing amps, pedals and guitars like this in the future even if it was a quick 30 seconds 😊

[@Place_to_keep_videos]

I have used two 50w mkii’s in stereo through the “power amp in” for the last three years in clubs and theatres all over the States. I send my Helix signal out stereo to a D.i. That goes to front of house and run the “thru” line to the power amps. They make stage volume manageable and sound fantastic so my mates can hear me onstage through their IEM’s just enough too be useful without overwhelming their mixes. Still a great value.

[@jt4ylor829]

I do this but with a toneX and a pedalboard. Never been happier with my tone. The variable power settings are extremely useful as well

[@alfredcakeburn1166]

The band mixes are the best really. It's more of a true life use of the amp.

[@MS-Patriot2]

Does it hold up / cut through ?

[@ithemba]

i mean, with reality for the overwhelming majority of guitar players nowadays being what it is, it probably nothing like true life. for most people "true life" probably is playing the katana on its quietest setting to youtube lessons or backingtracks. What percentage of guitar players nowadays actually play in a band? 10%? Even less?

[@MS-Patriot2]

@@ithemba fair point, however I play in a gigging band and have just moved from a valve combo amp to a pedal amp direct to PA. With that single point failure I need to carry a backup and the light, compact Katana looks attractive.

[@ithemba]

@@MS-Patriot2 I have been working 4 years as in-house sound guy in a small venue and done literally hundreds of shows, some of which with Katanas on stage. I can tell you that you'll be perfectly fine with one of those. Depending on your sound, style and your band maybe you'll have to tweak the parametric mid EQ in the app a bit to either heighten the 2.1-2.5 khz region but that's the same with virtually any sound. However same goes for those orange micro heads with a decent cab or even pedel amps, as long as there is a backline cab. I use a Laney loudpedal for gigging (mostly as backup as well since I just have it in my Pedalcase) and I love it, that one even has a DI out.

[@MS-Patriot2]

@@ithemba Big thanks for your reply. An alternate pedal amp would be a good option, so thanks for the Laney recommendation. I have a BluGuitar AMP1 Mercury on my board, it’s taken a lot of experimenting to get it where I like it for classic AC/DC and ZZTop territory with option to clean up for more ‘70s rock tones. I use just a switchable potentiometer in the fx loop to cut out for solo boost. I did also consider the Hughes & Kettner AmpMan classic, mainly for the 2 channels and built in Red Box IR. All these units just seem to lack one important feature to make the price point but that Laney looks good. I like a speaker but my sound guy doesn’t 🙄🤟so might still squeeze a mk2 100w Katana in the car too.

[@bretspangler8717]

I am buying a Gen 3 and running it with my MkII in stereo using my ME-90 as the preamp, a killer setup!

[@Krullmatic]

Dang! The Cap'n getting funky with the bass! Good show mate! Sounds good!

[@piscada1829]

love that the channel still hits hard after 8+ (that i have watched) Keep it up

[@derick-smith]

This explains why I was able to pick up a MK2 last week for $199 in the states. I'll never regret the purchase but it does explain the sale!

[@lw1391]

Where was that???

[@derick-smith]

Guitar Center in Michigan

[@lw1391]

@@derick-smith great score, congrats! (and thanks for the reply)

[@fallenshallrise]

Best thing about a MK3 is that the MK2 is now even cheaper. Get 2 of them and use that link cable.

[@Jalapeno2107]

​​@@fallenshallrise I have two ​MKII 100 Watts coupled with that link cable. If you position and set the volume of the amps correctly (meaning you can't really tell if the sound is coming from the left or right amp) it sounds REALLY good. Even at low volumes. The sound really comes "alive".. ⚡🎸⚡

[@kenthhamner2641]

These modelling amps are great for home and recording and offer good effects. Live might be more challenging depending on your foot switch options and needs for changes on the fly. I wish this kind of stuff had been available to me 45 years ago!

[@Chip_57]

Sure some will lap it up but somewhat disappointed that Boss hasn't put FX loop on the 50 for looping etc yet again. Had chance to rectify that 3 times now. BT extra, FS extra, £££££££ go on........

[@skipneumann1]

Loop needed- when will it happen?

[@bikeman1x11]

50 sounds like crap anyway- get a used mkii 100 for $200 or so

[@littlespaceman]

Totally agree - and they could at least have included a looper like the Dual Cube has! Check out the Xsonic Ulooper though, it's a USB looper for the Spark amps, that will eventually have a firmware upgrade to allow it to work with the Katana and the Yamaha THR amps

[@Funkfreed]

am I bad for wanting this gen3 to flop so badly so that they learn their lesson, they're becoming like Apple lol

[@littlespaceman]

@@Funkfreed Ha, no, you're not bad - but sadly I think you'll be disappointed, Apple are still going strong!

[@AnBru]

Really enjoying Lee's base playing, he knows when to play and when to leave the gap.

[@yt12356]

Not making the blue tooth part of the amp is so scummy

[@alexsmart5452]

you can look at it that way, or look at it as a way to keep the price down for people that want the MK3 today but dont want/need blue tooth or cant afford the extra 70bucks this month and can get it next month or whenever.

[@perkaholic8787]

@@alexsmart5452it probably wouldnt cost that much extra, the postive grid and every new modeler has bluetooth. katana is just cheap

[@alexsmart5452]

@@perkaholic8787 I have no idea how much a Bluetooth doogle preinstalled would cost. From what Ive read Its not normal "Bluetooth". Sounds like you have some idea of the wholesale cost to make it and install it. What would that be? What price for a 300dollar amp would extra cost become as issue for the average buyer? $370? 350? Would it be worth it for those who would never use it? This is a brand new product, in a few months we will see bundle savings on the two purchased together.

[@timmackinnon]

At least it comes with a power cable unlike my Boss GT-1 lol

[@alexsmart5452]

one of the great things is that no one is forcing anyone to buy it. If there are better options out there, buy it instead. That's the beauty of capitolism. If not, then congrats!! youve found a new market. Gets some capitol and make it. Im sure there are people that think its scummy thats its not a full tube amp with 1200000000watts in a full super stack with every sound ever created, all for 5dollars...and swallows while making you a sandwich...Personally, Id buy 3.

[@isitreallyisitreally1756]

What a time to be a guitarist . I bought the Mk1 on day one as had enough of failing valves at gigs . Still use it as pedal platform for any gig big or small , yes I still keep a valve head / cab for fun , rehearsing etc . Still silly not to have fx loop in 50 ... but I suppose buy the 100 instead if that's the dealbreaker , so many fx there already , not keen on the new prices though , this may put off new buyers , 50 should be tad over £200 and 100 just on £300 for me anyway.

[@guygraham2580]

I agree it's a great time to be a guitarist in terms of gear, and I also think most of these modern modelling amps are really expensive brand new. If I was buying a current model I'd pick the Boss because reliability, but looking at all the various cheap used combos from respectable manufacturers for sale on eBay, Marketplace etc I just can't imagine needing to buy one of these new. At these prices I could just pick up a secondhand Hotrod Deluxe or similar, or an old Katana plus a nice drive pedal to cover your preferred boosted and dirty tones.

[@karmaandkerosene_music]

THE DAY OF 1000 KATANA VIDEOS IS UPON US.

[@pepmasters-999]

I didn't get more than 4 minutes into my first one (this one). Will be avoiding any more.

[@markrajfura4443]

Just want to say what a wonderful job you are doing with demonstrating the equipment. Showing all the different features, comparing to older version, showing the app feature and all other features and even playing it in band comparison. Bravo. You have seriously stepped up the game and I know it is taking a lot of time and effort on your part. You have always given it your best and continue to do so.

[@zeppelinboys]

great playing as always! you guys have dream jobs!

[@jdeery1990]

Great review, and would be surprised if Andertons don’t see a rise in Squire sales too! Pete making everything sound amazing as usual

[@CCovers1]

They haven't changed it because the design is iconic like the Dual Rec or the Marshalls. Kat will look like this forever. The only change would be the panel.

[@ithemba]

okay that said: having the katana in other kickass colours as well would be so cool. Imagine having a red or green katana.

[@Fektthis]

At the end of the day, Boss is Roland. Go look at a 40 year old JC=120 and a 4 day old one.... I agree. They don't change much over the years. Although the Cube did oddly.... RIP Cube, Katana's older brother.

[@littlespaceman]

@@ithembathe 50 Mk 2 also comes in white in the USA

[@lf170]

Yeah, but they could have made the cabinet a dark blue (or maybe red as suggested in the video). Or given it dark blue or red accents (knobs & logo, perhaps?). The design is pretty dull to begin with. The Blues Cube was no stunner in the looks department, but it had an attractive and appealing, classic tweed amp look.

[@MrPhins]

As we're staring at a purple Marshall 🤣

[@danveywalsh7947]

Not sure if you've been doing the band sound bit for a while, but I find it very useful in evaluating the amp. Nice work!

[@Ripperx121]

Wow that amp is amazing! You push a button and this drummer dude shows up! I will take one! 😉

[@JonDeth]

Save yourself the disappointment because if you advance as a player, you'll soon realize the sound quality of the Katanas is utter shit, it just performs really high gains well. *Sound quality wise and usable wattage they crap out at about 60% of full volume* The sound implodes on itself and turns to nasally mucus mud and gunk. I say this as an owner, a shred and sweep style player and just as importantly, *as a college educated electrical/electronics engineer.*

[@dimitrisdimitriadis4913]

@@JonDeth alternative recommendations at the same price range? I want an amp that - plays very well at bedroom volume - at least chugs well at high volume - cheap maintenance (no valves/tubes, it's ok if it's not analog) - fx loop - footswitch compatible to change channels/presets - couple of basic effects like reverb. I'm trying to keep my apt clutter-free so pls no "just get a pedal for xyz" - I don't care about software/connecting to pc/whatever, I don't want to have to touch my phone or pc to practice at all Katana 100 mk2 covers that. Anything else that does around the 300ish euro mark?

[@JonDeth]

@@dimitrisdimitriadis4913 Gamma G50 combined with a modeler like the Zoom 3Gn. You will get literally over 20x the amount of amps, pedals, cabinets, noise gates, equalizers and so forth. I have the Katana, I have the Gamma and I have literally a dozen more amplifiers including all tube heads, digital modelers with valves in them and beyond. *You won't have to touch anything on a computer or smart phone and can just stomp through dozens of patches.* The Katana is absurdly limited considering what it is and that's because they want us to buy all the shitty accessories lol. Oh boy, a bluetooth foot controller! yeah give me a fuckin break.

[@CornerstoneWorshipTutorials]

Love the band settings! Please do more of those!

[@jadergn]

nice video! I think that, for those who have the mk2, the upgrade is not necessary.

[@derekfromtauranga6012]

Vox did all this twenty years ago. The Vox blue grill cloth 60 and 120 watt modelling amps were amazing sounding amps.

[@petdoe8938]

Still looking for one of them amazing

[@ou8428]

I've been seriously looking into those amps for about a month now... but I joined a forum and apparently they break down a lot which sucks if you're a gigging musician. So idk whether to go for a Katana or bite the bullet with those blue AD120VT. What say you mate?

[@derekfromtauranga6012]

@@ou8428 If you could find a good Ad120VT with the floor pedal they had that’s all you would need. They are getting old now but if one has been looked after and stored in a non damp place they would be fine. I had an AD50VT years ago and that was a versatile amp but went the tube amp way and pedals.

[@RomainG6409]

well ... if I sum up ... same look, same size, kind of same sounds, same effects, more expensive ... but ... still no FX Loop on the 50, a useless stereo option, and... cherry on the cake ... in 2024 ... you need to pay for having access to the Bluetooth ????? Boss really ??? I go to Nux, Yamaha, Positive Grid ...

[@nedim_guitar]

That sounds about right.

[@hutchfromba]

The 100W has an FX loop but I wish the 50W did.

[@JonathanKillstring]

No lie, I smiled wide to see Oz in the full band mix. I think this is a great shout - Cap and DP are lovely players, but very stylistically different from most of what I do. This was really cool!

[@anomalousresult]

The difficult third album. No looper, no tuner, extra for Bluetooth, doesn't seem nearly as different from the pack now. There was me wondering if the 2x12 would have a stereo effects loop LOL.

[@DavidAllenMD]

buy a tuner pedal. lol

[@Jaxon_69]

Fr lol. Thousand dollar Amps don't have built in tuners. A tuner pedal is like 20 bucks. ​@@DavidAllenMD

[@DavidAllenMD]

@@Jaxon_69 BRO YES like that entry level shit. all the new kat needs is a noise gate on the panel THAT would be sick.but it still looks dope

[@johnelcanrab2114]

​@@Jaxon_69thousand dollar modelling type amps have a built in tuner. Of course an analogue tube amp doesn't. Fan boys defending shite company choices is frankly stupid behaviour.

[@Arkoudeides.]

​@@Jaxon_69 line6 has it all.We are not talking about tube amps.

[@davidhughes6933]

As always, a balanced, musical review, this one on the Katana Gen 3. Thanks, Andertons, and well done for not completely dissing the old model. I’m one of those mentioned in the video who has recently bought a MkII, and I intend using it for some time at home and at gigs. Ultimately what Boss (and Andertons) want to do is shift units - it’s called running a business. There will always been a new kid (or even a Katana!) on the block, as evidenced by the quest for e.g. the latest iPhone, but it shouldn’t be in the back of your mind if your current set up keeps you happy, on stage or off!

[@bathburn71]

I’ve played in pretty much every scenario possible for the last 30 plus years and Roland Cubes and the Katanas are flippin superb. The only amps that let me down live were tube. I’ve never had a cube or katana let me down. Also with thousands of gigs under my belt, both original and covers, no one in the audience can give a flying f*ck what gear we use. They just want you and the band to entertain them and help them escape their mundane lives for and hour or so🤪👍🏻🤘🏻Great vid as always guys!

[@1970sman]

You are so right, the vast majority of audiences couldn’t give a sh*t what you’re using. Play well, sound good and get paid. Rock n’ roll.

[@rickbennett105]

I have a Mkll artist and it’s incredible. Can’t wait for the Gen 3 artist. People trash the Katana but theyre phenomenal amps for literally any genre.

[@JHKNVY02]

The Artist MkII is a killer amp. The 100W MkII is very good but not quite as good. The Waza craft speaker is stellar, and the front controls (plus extra features) are totally worth the small increase in price IMO. I sold my MkII 50 and super happy with the Artist having played on the 100 MkII quite a bit.

[@GuitarMav]

I’ll wait for Gen 3 version 2 when the Bluetooth is standard like every other amp with that feature.

[@brighterhealthshop]

I love my (2) Gen 2 100 watt. Those i use in stereo with my GT1000 or Helix/Headrush Flagship Units on my gigs.

[@robertj1303]

I use the Xsonic footswitch which also allows you to control the Mk1 up Katana with the Katana Librarian app

[@JHKNVY02]

100%

[@jasonswitzer1748]

WHOA… you guys need to do more full band segments in the future. Great way to see how instruments and amps sound in a mix.

[@jimsieben1970]

Except for the guy playing the high gain stuff. Looks like he’s having a seizure.

[@davedavem]

Love the new pushed sound

[@nobrakes3765]

These amps sound great live (in the background played by the other guitar player while I cut through with a clear, uneffected tube amp)! Truly, they sound ok live. Mostly, there's so much stuff/pedals that guitarists use all of them at once, of course.

[@eggweed_productions]

Hmm. I had a katana mk1 and got option paralysis trying to make it sound like a blackface fender. It never did. Then the mk2 came out and I was tempted but thought nuts to that and bought a Deluxe Reverb. So glad I did! Saying that these are lovely amps if that’s your bag, just not for me.

[@Matt-zg8os]

Andertons deserves every single subscriber. Their reviews are so thorough and timely. Great job guys!

[@Emoralis]

I like the pushed option. Even if lately I’ve just been using brown…

[@dylannolan7454]

Brown model is great. I also usually create a pushed type tone using a booster in the clean channel, but having it be its own voice is definitely preferable.

[@Emoralis]

@@dylannolan7454 I’ve been playing a lot of acoustic this year but sometimes you gotta let out your inner rebel. 🤙

[@daveytones222]

Still love my Katana MKII, got rid of all my tube amps awhile back because they were too loud for home use, and I don't play live anymore. Does everything I need it to.

[@Sexadegen]

Hard pass for me. No Send/Return on the 50 (again) and optional BT? Really disappointing.

[@soundscapematrix]

Thanks for the great video. The Xsonic Airstep Kat used to be a great foot controller for the 50MKII. It is no longer compatible with the 50 Gen3. However, Xsonic said they are working on making the Airstep Kat work with the Gen 3.

[@toms5951]

The 100W MKII has been great and unless it suddenly bricks, I probably won't be on the shiny new hype train.

[@dylannolan7454]

Same, I'm glad they're innovating, but mine is more than enough for me right now. Folks hopping on the Katana train should seriously consider the 100, its pretty awesome.

[@janusn9]

Them making the bluetooth optional was smart, they didnt want the people that didnt want it to have to pay for it. If they had made it integrated they would have made the price for all of them 50 or 60 bucks more. (The 100 combo would be pushing 500 after taxes and the head wouldnt be far behind it.) The other companys that "include" the bluetooth in their units already......you're paying for those too, it's just in the price of the amp already. It's not like those other companies are giving you bluetooth for free. You pay for everything you get, Boss is actually giving us the option, I respect that. Ive played the Artist combo gen 3 a few times now at the local GC, really sounds fantastic, love the new pushed setting.

[@Roger-il8iw]

Didn’t even know this was coming out

[@jasonleaman.]

Didn't Boss call you up before the launch? I don't get it....

[@deckert618]

Boss is good at that. I bought my MkI back in 2019, and literally 2 weeks later they launched the MkII

[@rodmorgan7041]

Holy Cow Captain! That little jam at the end was very ZZ Topish. Great video guys, as usual.

[@andyfadillah]

Appreciate the use of Squier to make this demo. I mean it could sounds better with better guitar & pickups but they know their market in this one.

[@rocklives8251]

Great playing at the end Lee, you've come a long way.

[@matthewbertram3304]

the optional bluetooth dongle not included is a bummer, but man this is the best sounding katana Boss ever made. Can't wait to hear the head unit.

[@alteredstate07]

A nice rendition of Kayleigh to start off. Thanks for the 2 pedals Andertons, arrived quickly and love them.

[@jasonleaman.]

I have the 100 MkII. Although this looks like a solid Upgrade sound-wise, I doubt I would hear the difference in my small studio/space. The MkII is still a good amp, relatively speaking. Not sure that there's enough here for people like me to justify an upgrade, and that's the thing : I would guess there are more 'people like me' (non gigging, non professional musicians - you know - the usual Katana owner) who aren't going to benefit from what appears to be only a couple of extra features, and a couple of glaring omissions - no tuner, no fx loop on the 50 etc. The Bluetooth thing is already stirring up a disgruntled backlash and the price, once you include the bluetooth dongle and footswitch, is pushing the decision between this and something more traditional and, dare I say, more simple. Is the stereo expand backwards compatible with the MKII? It might not matter now, as it looks more likely that I'll be getting a Valve amp for dry and relegating the Katana to the Wet effects. A simple ABY and I'm away. Sorry BOSS - at least for me (and there are lots of similar guitar players out there) this is a bit of a fail.

[@daysleeper3910]

Exactly this!.... MkII Head, and there isnt enough of what I wanted to warrant the upgrade. I did think they would have had an IR loader too... Too much stuff on here that very few would use also. Contour and cab resonance, stereo expand Ive never used either... All in all a bit disapointed, and makes me think I'll go another route...

[@Blxglt]

The only reason I'm thinking I might upgrade to Gen3 from my MkII 100 is if I upgrade to the Artist head for better portability between home, rehearsal space & gigs as I do them every now and then.

[@mrctdd]

I bought a 100 MkII less than one year ago, using it in my room to practice and recording guitar. I think this Gen3 is definitely not worth the upgrade, you can recreate the same sound with EQ via Boss software and save it as a preset. Yes bluetooth is handy and also having physical buttons for Contour/Solo/Cab Resonance, but nothing you can't overcome via USB connection. As you pointed out, it would have been great to have a tuner and a looper... but that's not the case. I'll keep mine for many years to come, it is perfect for my needs!

[@cgh1026]

Well said totally agree not enough to upgrade

[@AnnoyingCritic-is7rp]

I currently use a $8 usb B to USB -C cable from Amazon from the Mk2 to my tablet with the Katana App. It's a decent app. And you can change the order of effects.

[@PooNinja]

Bluetooth tone editing!!!! I don’t mind adding a dongle , I’m definitely getting the head for my Christmas present to myself 🤘🏽. Christmas will probably come early this year 😂

[@manjushreedas2406]

I'm gonna buy one soon, sounds very good

[@bobdillon1138]

Trip to the audiologist might not be a bad idea.

[@Jangorexful]

I have a MK II that I just bought a few days ago. Out of the box I just can’t get any tones like the ones I hear on You Tube vids. It’s going back.I’m sticking with my Deluxe Reverb , it doesn’t need software to make it sound good.

[@Joe-mz6dc]

@bobdillon1138 BOSS has sold 15 million katanas so if you visit any random audiologist he probably has bought one himself LOL

[@tomstegall1346]

Love my mk ll artist 2023 , it has brought all of my guitars to life at any volume, just fantastic, puts all of the tubers I have owned to rest.

[@tomstegall1346]

Uhhhh , I don’t know, something a little tinnish about it on crunchy and beyond, I think the mk ll has it right, it’s not broken so immuna stick with it.

[@dariusd20]

So Boss made a few technical improvements in Katana gen3, that don't change much in overall amp capabilities and increased the price by 100-150 Eur. Fantastic🤣

[@miloszivkovic6256]

Yup, in general all the voices in gen3 can be dialed in MK2

[@bobevans9955]

I just bought the boss katana go that plugs into your guitar it is absolutely fantastic for $119

[@madsam7582]

I'm saving for the Mk2 artist, I may wait for the Gen 3 Artist! 🤩

[@NickMaruca]

I have a MK2 Artist, it's great. Try to find a used one, I got mine online from guitar center for $400. I'm not sure what they're going for now, but it was a pretty damn good deal when I got it.

[@stratplayr6997]

Yeah but now you can find a lightly used Artist MKII for a lot less than the cost of a new Gen3

[@alexsmart5452]

Gen 3 artist came out on the Sweetwater website at the same time this morning as the other gen 3 Katana. Its $599 here in the US. The EX is already out as well.

[@minjiigo]

okay, pushed channel spot on, nice finally having a bluetooth (even though you have to pay for it separately, but the oen thing, THE ONE THING STILL NOT THERE is a BASS CHANNEL! Without it, I'll stick to PG Spark (if update will be Yamaha THRs)

[@robertlafferry3455]

Dag nabit I just got a katana 100 MK2 now 5 days later the MK 3 comes out!

[@Flying-V-Shredder]

I bought 2 so I can go stereo.

[@Shjandy]

You'rebnot missing out on much. The MK2 is just fine 👌🏿

[@pablo9364]

You’re not missing much. Mk2 perfect

[@dizzy7454]

Mk2 supports sneaky amp tones youre probably better off

[@DudeMcGuybro]

The full band jam is awesome for context. Great idea, great execution, looking forward to seeing those in more reviews!

[@WithCarePlz]

Pete dropping the “Bad Boy for Life” lick had me rolling 😂 Danish pete, Idk how long news takes to reach The Netherlands, but uh, you might not wanna be rocking P Diddy rn 😂

[@tredogzs]

cancel yourself thx

[@WithCarePlz]

@@tredogzs who hurt you buddy? Maybe it’ll grow..

[@ericblair6984]

Wow, Lee playing some bass. Sounds great.

[@larryshields2302]

The Band is sick!!!

[@kevintrawick1278]

Hopefully they will get better soon!

[@officialfanofrichiebricker8324]

I love the wide varietyof effects and the distortions with the new "Pushed" mode. My combo amp desperately needs that as my clean channel is overly clean so thats awesome. What Im not hearing, even with the "contour" on is any kind of "Boom-iness" that gives the feeling of Power. Maybe thats because its been mic'ed and recorded and compressed or is it the cabinet. I dont know but its missing the Boom Boom at least in the sound of this Demo

[@filtermat]

No line out and no send return on the 50 model? Thanks, I will consider the Catalyst

[@BAND-MAID-USA]

That’s why it’s priced the way it is. Get a better job and save a few dollars to get a higher speced Katana. What a dumb complaint.

[@ReductioAdAbsurdum]

*"No line out and no send return on the 50 model?"* Only on the base model. The "50 EX" model has a line out.

[@filtermat]

@@BAND-MAID-USA hey this is quite offensive. I was considering the 50 just for the weight to have something that I can play always for rehearsal, lessons, jams without moving around with 15 kg. I already have two Katana 100 MkII, despite of this, your comment is very very stupid. Furthermore Line 6 Catalyst has send return and line out also for the 60 model so I’m not pretending something out of mind, calm down man. Calm down

[@eddy67]

​​@@filtermat I was disappointed by that as well. The 40W Nextone has a send & return

[@BAND-MAID-USA]

@@filtermat the Catalyst is a POS and doesn’t compare to any Katana first of all. And if you want those features in the most budget friendly amp made, and are mad they didn’t offer it on their most budget based amp, then YOU’RE the actual dumb one. It’s the best budget amp ever made even without those features. You sound like a spoiled brat. Get a job.

[@UniversallyRy]

Watched this video at least 10 times before finally deciding on getting the 100 for a first Katana, night and day from the Mustang LT25 I was practicing on. Only thing I would suggest, to others planning on buying, is make sure the store has adapters if you aren't trying to order one and wait for it to ship to you. This upgrade has already caused longer daily practice sessions and finding more expansive tones and effects, will pay for itself. 🎸🎸🎸

[@ItsaCatsLife]

Extra for Bluetooth! Deal breaker right there. Corporate greed.

[@skipneumann1]

Can’t cost more then like $2

[@bretspangler8717]

Once you own Boss/Roland gear you can appreciate the overall quality and feel inherent. I have at least a dozen pedals and accessories from Boss and they will most likely last me a lifetime. More tones than I need and the ability to always change it up to something completely new.

[@EventHorizonPrdctns]

It better not be since I just bought a MK2 three months ago!!

[@stephanguitar9778]

I bought a Fender Mustang just after Fender discontinued the software for it.

[@msaintpc]

Wow! It was amazing seeing and hearing the Captain play bass, and he sounded good too!👍

[@Funkfreed]

lol still no effects loop on the 50

[@PaulIsbell]

I love this update. The Artist MK3 will be going into my rig.

[@WSBM]

Pete could play a two by four through a string attached to a tin can it would still sound amazing.

[@timothymartin2137]

The comparisons..YOUR screaming BIG DIFFERENECE>>>and I am seeing and hearing all they did was model different amps this go round!!

[@simongummer4515]

And here begins the onslaught of Boss sponsored videos 😂😂😂

[@hervesub]

Thats it

[@christophbecker1639]

They are a guitar store advertising and selling product - how is that not obvious to you ? No sponsorships needed, they make money from selling those amps…

[@loneranger2385]

It’s called marketing and capitalism, nothing new about it.

[@simongummer4515]

Observation not criticism

[@simongummer4515]

I know exactly what it's called hence the comment​@@loneranger2385

[@Sonny-lx7je]

Boss is good quality good sound , I have a Boss DR550 Which I bought used in the late 90s and it still works perfectly

[@cdnpunk2270]

Optional Bluetooth addon is such a dumb extra thing. Just build it in ffs.

[@capitanvonchickenpants8492]

Costs forty quid

[@GuitarMav]

It will come as standard in version 2

[@GMSlash]

I'm completely ready to see these appearing in a whole new "Sound Like" series! 😄

[@JohnWiku]

Those that bought the newer artist head are gonna be punching the air 😂😂😂

[@tapescripts]

Congratulations on another great video! I especially loved the sound demos of the amp in a band context. I would love seeing this more often in your videos. You can demonstrate gear much better in a used case in a band similar to the JHS Demos. BTW I love the editing on your videos, it gets better every time!

[@Sticky_Tea]

Third version in 7.5 years, great business model........

[@CCovers1]

its a software amp, software moves fast. get with the times grandad.

[@Sticky_Tea]

​@@CCovers1 hahah, I work in software development and have a Helix 😂 Software is perfect for updates, the hardware should be the upgrade here, but the Bluetooth dongle is sold separately 😂 cash grab

[@cirisirpula152]

​@@Sticky_Tea what makes you say there isn't hardware upgrades? Since there is no update path from mk2 to this like there were from mk1 to mk2 it is clear that the internal components have been upgraded. Not to mention they just can't software update bluetooth capability or usb-c ...

[@Sticky_Tea]

@@cirisirpula152 I'm not saying there aren't any Dude said it's a software amp, that point was not very solid imho Of course the hardware is upgraded, but probably up to the bare minimum for what they can do now? Also, I may have a Helix, but I remember line6 doing the same thing with the spider amps It's just that it was a more acceptable approach in the early 00's than it is now in my opinion If Boss could put out a Katana with proper future proof hardware and software that you can upgrade periodically, an amp that will be all you need for the next 10 years or so, they would probably sell more Will they make more money? Probably not These amps sound great, the older ones too The sentiment that we always want the latest and greatest version is very marketable and profitable It really is a great business model 😄

[@cirisirpula152]

@@Sticky_Tea I am not sure they would sell more as the price would increase. You have to remember Katana is relatively inexpensive line of amps. People would go nuts if they put future proof hardware and thus increased the price. "OMG digital amp costs almost as much as tube amp!!!!". They have to keep the price low to hit the beginner segment of customers. Helix is also a lot more expensive and is not meant for beginners so it is much easier to put more future proof hardware there because they don't have to cut on every possible corner to keep the price low. But still kudos to Line6 for pushing that hardware even though people constantly say helix hardware is outdated. They are doing great job!

[@SpartanLaserCanon]

Finally the clean channel on a Katana by itself can get more Jazzy with the variation button they added. Those are the best Katanas.

[@Lez325]

I will stick to my Valve amps

[@loneranger2385]

Good for you.

[@Lez325]

@loneranger2385 I know what I like. Did buy the mk2 Katana as a practice amp. But for me, nothing beats my old Vox ac30 or Fender blues deluxe

[@thanksenjoy3493]

Omg. When Pete did the Van Halen part and was like “this is how you talk” And then Captain Lee Anderton gave that look the whole thing just cracked up. Don’t usually comment but that whole bit was hilarious. Had to watch multiple times.

[@bobdillon1138]

Seriously we have Tonex Kemper Player and Quad Cortex and this is the best they could do.

[@cirisirpula152]

Other is $1600 modeling unit and other is $300 amp. What is your point? They are completely different products for different use cases and different price tags.

[@bobdillon1138]

@@cirisirpula152 The point is we are in 2024 this thing sounds like something from 2010 and Tonex is about the same price by the way.

[@cirisirpula152]

@@bobdillon1138 ye tonex and katana 100 is about the same price. The other has cabinet, speaker, power amp, effects. The other is modelling pedal. This make as much sense as me comparing intel i7 processor with an ipad. This is the whole package that sounds good enough. Tonex might sound better but it needs other stuff with it. Different use cases

[@bobdillon1138]

@@cirisirpula152 Technology has progressed there is no reason Boss couldn't have comparable sound quality to the Tonex this new version of the Boss doesn't sound any better than the last and Tonex isn't a modeler it is a profiler and player.

[@cirisirpula152]

@@bobdillon1138 Well maybe ikmultimedia should create tonex in an amp and then lets see how these compare sound and price wise. Lee and Pete seemed to hear a difference in this video between mk2 and gen 3.

[@igorhenrique835]

They did it guys. The best affordable practice and gigable, versatile, friendly, compact, robust and only one I will ever need amp.

[@dereklong801]

The Pushed setting sounds great. I've tweaked my MKII endlessly trying to get exactly that.

[@Emet.V]

Sounds like Neil young esk

[@robertconnor7911]

Great video, really thorough walk through of the features and the band context segments were an informative addition. Another brilliant product from Boss. My takeaways were like the MK2, the Gen 3 still has a brittle and sometimes harsh voice to its' upper frequencies, really evident with single coils. The Brown sound seems to be less effected. Unsurprisingly perhaps. On the crunch setting the guitar disappeared in the mix, but that may have been the choice of guitar, as this wasn't the case for the other settings. As the MK2 it sounds like the Global EQ settings will be your friend to get rid of those harsh high frequencies. Really enjoyable watch too!

[@Tmidiman]

Thanks for the demo. The re-voice seems like just a drop in mids and a touch of boost to bass and treble to my ears.

[@MrVishnuu]

Great drums playing in the 2nd clip Tay !!