How to use use an expression pedal with your Katana MKII - UNLOCK THAT POWER!

[@Gk2003m]

3:20: you’re not exactly ‘stuck’. For K50 owners, there’s a thing called AirStep KAT that will do nearly all the stuff you’d do with footswitches (such as turning reverb on/off) - and waaaay beyond. It works via the USB port, and is available right now for $70 plus shipping. This frees up your expression pedal port.

[@danielmiller2886]

Thank you!! You are a true comment hero.

[@radionowandthen]

Yes - I have both and have not used the MKII 100, GA/FC and the AirKat - have not used any of them yet as just getting into it. But my intention was to be able to use the iPad with the Katana Librarian, etc. Gonna have to get into it step by step I figure - Great vid by GG!

[@chichachicha4553]

useful info. Thanks!!!

[@92RB-4]

I EXPRESS DAILY. Your videos are SO helpful to an old, inexperienced player like me. You are the one who convinced me to buy a Katana 100 in the first place, and I'm so happy I listened to you. It just keeps getting better and better!

[@mikelaffey5159]

I express daily...drinking my morning coffee and watching Andy helps!

[@isaneblog]

I express daily! Thanks so much for all your excellent and helpful content. Boss should hire you as this video was 100 % more helpful than the doc I couldn’t find and didn’t read.

[@jasonwojcik]

I express daily that channels like this and my Katana artist II are the reasons I am broke all the time.

[@eraldopaulesu1267]

Just a caveat: if you want a wha and you want to turn it off completely (not to colour your sound even if you are not moving up and down the pedal) then you have to assign the wha function to the "FX "slot NOT TO the "pedal FX" slot using Tone Studio, so that you can turn the whole thing on or off via the GA-FC controller

[@sinistrality7883]

Kinda wished you showcased it with a Octave/Pitch-Shifter so that we can see if it can emulate Whammy Pedal type sounds.

[@dbs3222]

I express daily. Really enjoyed the video. I had no idea that an expression pedal was able to be used & ‘programmed’ like that with a Katana and GAFC. Never used one before but now I must get one!

[@JoeSpinamusic]

I express daily! Glad I found you! I've been wondering which Katana would work for me as a gigging musician. I love the 50 but never knew there were such differences! The artist may be a bit too heavy...getting older lol!

[@jimshunamon2512]

I express daily. I really appreciate the videos. I live in a small space and have to setup my gear every time I use it. Your videos give me ideas ahead of time so my time spent with the gear is more enjoyable.

[@wglennhowells]

I express daily. With that said there is a problem not mentioned, using Boss volume pedals with the GA-FC, and that is that they do not change the tone characteristics. Ex. When you lower your volume knob, your gain decreases, so you can quickly clean up your sound. The GA-FC combined with a boss FV500H (volume/expression pedal) and the one you demonstrated in this video, do not do that. When you raise or lower the volume, no change in tone (i.e. sound doesn't clear up). That's a fatal flaw, but there is a solution. If your volume/exp pedal has an input jack (like the Boss FV500H) you can run your guitar into that input, run the output of the volume pedal into the front of the amp (ignore the GA-FC entirely) and suddenly your volume pedal will act correctly, cleaning up your tone as you decrease volume. That is the primary use, to me, of a volume pedal. Why the manual does not mention that at all (for either the FV500, the GA FC or the Katana Artist) I will never know. It's a much more functional use of a volume pedal than just "louder or quieter".

[@RNation100]

I'm happy to express daily. You explain the functionality for both software and hardware so well. Great communications ability. I think I have to look at trading up to the 100 from the 50. Much appreciated.

[@nicolasfliedl1009]

I use a HoTone SoulpressII. Its a wah/vol/ expression pedal. It has an normal output, a tuner output and an expression pedal. Its great

[@TheGuitarGeek]

I also have one of these!

[@nicolasfliedl1009]

@taxationistheft2.0 its a wah pedal with a switch that give it the ability to change to volume. Or there is a third mode where you change between the two with the footswitch. It also has 2 wah modes and a EQ. I recommend 100%

[@nicolasfliedl1009]

@taxationistheft2.0 yeah it has an output that goes in to your pedal chain, and another one for expression so you can choose what to use it for. You can always use the tuner output though

[@katewanat5541]

Dear Australian guy, I love you you are a lifesaver. I was having multiple mental breakdowns before I came across your video. I can not thank you enough!! After seeing your video, I now have hope in humanity. May you have the absolute best luck and all the good karma!!!!! You rule!!

[@micklsoft]

Excellent tutorial, answered all my questions that were missing from any Boss manual, thanks!

[@GordonOrser]

Great tutorial, thanks for posting! I recently purchased a Katana 50-MKII Ex, and that model does support the GA-FC and GA-FX Ex footswitches in case anyone is wondering.

[@somsamayvisoonalat7572]

i love the way you are explain and show how to connection and explain about each of cables do,,,,thank you so much !!!

[@gavinhiggs8636]

I express daily. Iwas unsure how easy it maybe to find the tones I want compared to the music I play. To the point I was about to buy two different amp anABY pedal just to get as close to 1 bands music I like to play. But with the way you guided us through the hardware and software. I feel I can do this extremely easily and then save more money for more guitars than more amps. As well as that it also makes me realise how easy it would be to hook two up together. Thanks so so much for you knowledge

[@teetosh]

Always great Andy. So helpful when geeking out on this jam packed mini-beast.Oh yeah, I do express daily. Keep up the great work!

[@solamon6388]

Whilst expessing daily I want to refer to my comment a few days ago about the foot controller, there is a work around of course - just write the same tone to two channels then delete the expression pedal effect from one of them. This way you can turn the effect on and off by selecting the channels on the footswitch with exactly the same tone.

[@mikebetzen1145]

I express daily and you're help has been awesome. You've made me feel more confident with buying something for my Katana 100. THANKS!

[@prime4sd32]

I express daily. I was looking at a Boss Katana amp at a music store, and had lots of questions about it. This helped me more than the salesman.

[@markdouglas8073]

It has taken me a few days to get both my new 刀50 and new 刀Artist (both MK IIs) set up with the GA-FC, FS-6, Rhythm Looper RC-10R (with FS-7), and now the EV-30… so I can now express daily!

[@dansmusic978]

Hi GG. I express daily! 😂 Another great video. Just wanted to say thanks for all the work you put in and the genuine / no nonsense approach to your reviews and guides. I was lucky enough to have use of a Katana MK1 100W head and I really enjoyed using it. Since checking out reviews on KZbin, (including yours) I have now purchased the GA-FC EX pedal and I am awaiting delivery of the Katana Artist Mkll 100W Head! An expression pedal will be my next purchase. 🤘😎🎸

[@robertmyers5926]

I Express daily. Thanks for all the help. The Katana is a great platform but a little overwhelming at times. Your videos have helped tremendously. Great content, great attitude.

[@greg6162]

I agree!!! As a beginner I bought the Roland Micro Cube GX as a (demo) for $140/shipped. Mainly because I don’t need a PC (which I don’t have) to get tones. I’m hoping I can buy the iPhone adapter (for iPhone 14 Pro) to hook up an possibly use GarageBand w/iOS?

[@onlyrealufos4146]

wow.. i was planning to buy lots of pedals... whammy... tremolo... wah... you just saved me some money!!!!!!!!!! Love ya!

[@MarceloHernandez1962]

Andy, great video on Expression Pedal usage on the Katana! New to channel and noticed you're using an iPad/Tablet to bring up the Tone Studio to modify on the fly. Are you connected wired or wireless and if wireless, would love to know how you're doing it as I'm befuddled with all the videos out there on how to connect via Bluetooth (as Boss somehow forgot to include that LOL). Any assistance/advice would be greatly appreciated. Keep up the wonderful work!!

[@Lucas-bu6oo]

I express daily! Love the videos, I look for them when seeking information. Keep up thr good work!

[@kevinmcguinness1113]

The missus expresses for me daily 😁. Cool videos mate, probably the most comprehensive and easiest Katana vids to follow on YT, thnx for posting👍. One thing you didn't cover, which makes the EXP pedal into the back of the GA-FC even more useful ... if you plug simple tap tempo switch into the second EXP input, you can program the BTS to get the tap tempo switch to alternate between two different modes/parameters every time you press it - e.g. between VOLUME and WAH or between VOLUME and PEDAL BEND. Very cool. Cheers 🤟🤟

[@jamiefookes1579]

I express daily. Such a great comprehensive video.

[@Joshjames6985]

I express daily!!! Great explanation of the expression pedal options .

[@chrisoxley7148]

Also a daily expresser... not only that but , NOW a happy subscriber ... awesome channel ... great personality.

[@geraldhenrickson7472]

What timing.! My Katana 50 arrives tomorrow and now I am even more pumped. Thanks for the heads up.

[@TheGuitarGeek]

You’re welcome!

[@bcrocks3935]

I express daily. Honestly every chance I get. Sometime several times a day. If I have an extended period of alone time I’ll just sit around and express over and over...

[@MustafaBaabad]

I express daily. Thank you very much for the explanation. Cheers from Indonesia.

[@joncole8793]

I express daily. Currently I only have the Katana Air for noodling at home. (my main amp is a old Marshall valve state, but with no gigs it's been hibernating in a garage!). I've got to say I'm very impressed by the Air and am considering getting its bigger brother. But we shall see what happens regarding gigs etc in the coming year.

[@davidstagliano3689]

I express daily. This was very helpful and I’m looking forward to working with my EV5. Rock on!

[@LookinUp2001]

I express yearly! I do love my Katana mk 2 100, but it can be overwhelming. Thxs for you videos, I just want to use a wah pedal lol!!

[@nathanbartlett5284]

I just got an expression pedal and this video is just what i I needed to be a daily expressor! Much obliged

[@elgo2008]

You inspired me to buy the Katana 100 mkII. I’m very excited to check it out. Tomorrow it will arrive I hope. You are a funny cool guy 🤘🏼

[@TGABozzz]

I express daily. Your video is the reason i just bought the ev-30 :D

[@tsc9034]

Can we take a moment to appreciate how cool your hair is. Awesome. Love your channel.

[@douglasnewman4163]

Great expression pedal demo with the Katana. Thanks so much. Quite comprehensive.

[@Markle2k]

I have yet to express daily, but I thank you for this introduction to how to further explore my new mkII head. I have a DOD wah that does exp.

[@robbolandsvids]

I express daily, with both feet. I got a low cost M-Audio exp pedal to run into the Boss SY1 synth pedal that controls filters and sequencer speeds etc, with that and the volume expression on an ME80, I'm slowly learning how to dance.

[@TheGuitarGeek]

How is that m audio? I had one ages ago but can’t remember how it was

[@robbolandsvids]

@@TheGuitarGeek It's worked out fine for home use. As you mentioned, something sturdier would be better to take on the road, but for the money, it was definitely worth the experiment.

[@gilesashley1299]

I express daily. Just got the boss ev 30 to experiment with cheers.

[@fallingmanuk]

I express daily! Thank you for this - very helpful.

[@bigbassbrian8747]

I express daily and am expressing my thanks to you now as well.

[@jragonese]

Thanks for unlocking some of the mystery to my pedal options and the endless possibilities of this amp

[@TheGuitarGeek]

No problem!

[@riddlem067]

I express Daily! Great video! Thanks for all the knowledge!

[@jheart1223]

I express DAILY!! Thank you for the video!

[@judosailor]

Very cool. *I* never really knew how to use an *express* ion pedal. But now I do. Thanks for my *daily* dose of new information!

[@chavisgrandpa]

What a great video! I am wanting to get the most out of my Katana 100 and this really helps a lot. I express daily, LOL.

[@erichfrederick9229]

Express daily. Very informative video. I've always used the Expression for volume. I never plugged it into the fx part of the pedal. Always kinda wondered what the default setting for that was. Now i have to try it. Because i don't have a computer, and I set it up at the old guitar shop before they closed down.

[@malcolmmcatee3752]

anyone else have trouble using the EV-5? I seem unable to assign it to any effects...just works as a volume pedal. Followed all of the instructions in this video. Thanks!

[@julianwilsonsongwritermusi9413]

I express daily!. Thanks for all your content Mr Geeky! You've made a an old man very happy lol I've got a 100 Mk1 Katana but I'm waiting for delivery of a 50W Mk 2 Katana tomorrow. Now I'm wondering if my BA-FC switch will actually work on it I find so much advice, but its not always good advice - Your is! The chaos that's caused when they update an amp and everyone starts writing the presets for Mk2 and discontinue MK1 etc are a nightmare... Thx mate, Jules

[@druidavey]

I express daily. Great video, many thanks for all the info.

[@phillramirez8323]

Very awesome review. I'm still torn between choosing amps, this (Mk2) or the line 6 catalyst 😥 I'll wait. And still compare. Awesome review. Keep rocking man 😎👍

[@TheLivingTempest]

I express daily. You answered my question about 3 expression pedals, and showed off the slicer quite nicely! I cant wait to use it myself to make some glitched out synth guitar riffs. >)

[@m.lehmann6648]

Thank you, perfect explained the functionality for both software and hardware so well.

[@TheGuitarGeek]

Thank you

[@angylugo5367]

Awesome. Please, more videos about the BOSS Katana and tone studio. 😎

[@TheGuitarGeek]

Will do!

[@lrowlands53]

Since you first put this video up the Katana 50 MKII EX was released. It has the GA-FC port.

[@danguldenzopf9510]

Great video !!! Just got another Katana and the new GA FC EX foot switch. Sold the last one, not sure why. Regardless, I appreciate the lesson on the foot-switch. I express daily 😅

[@raymagnan4968]

Great job. made it much easier to set up an expression pedal wah. Thanks. Espresso Daily

[@mickeyburns3494]

I express daily, so big thumbs up for this video!

[@philippeweber3293]

I express daily ! as for every video you make it is super usefull for us, trank you for your Work in this video

[@Ritual_Gaze]

I express my gratitude for giving me this information!

[@TheGuitarGeek]

You’re most welcome

[@daventheband5587]

BS"D I express in daily doses. How do I add regular pedals to the katana also using a GA -FC , including a wah...?! Thank you! I love the Bob Ross of the katana vibe😍🙏

[@dannydurie7727]

I express daily, thanks for this. Really useful!

[@spittingsteel_X2]

I personally love the classic morley pedals due to the noiseless light sensor

[@jimmiebrown3009]

I express daily thank you .

[@lawrencebyrne1422]

I express daily! But just finding you Andy. Great educational and fun video! Hoping to find answers to other questions I have for my new Katana 100 mkII - such as, how can I put the Boss Tone studio on an iPad vs. laptop. Where are you located having that wonderful accent? - Lawrence

[@BeagleDogLuci]

"I express daily!" Thanks for the great video!

[@aubreyholman1951]

I express daily. Thanks bud, very valuable info on an amp I just purchased. 😁

[@Chemist1076]

Good job. Great video. Great production value and organised.

[@TheGuitarGeek]

Thank you!

[@TNTX2010]

I too Express Daily and I do so quite voluminously.

[@ChrisKallaher]

I express daily, even all these years later! One question I have is whether you still have to turn the wah effect on and off when using the expression pedal through the GA-FC. Thanks for another great video!

[@stevelee6667]

Great video. Thanks for all your help.

[@TomKulesza-tv3qp]

I made it through. Excellent review.

[@johnwood4488]

I express daily, to the delight of my neighbors. Wondering what kind of computer / notebook your using? Daily expression frees the soul for musical adventures. thanks

[@aliveandkicking1]

Fantastic video. Thanks so much. I express daily

[@mattechperf]

I express daily!!!!! Thanks for the helpful video!

[@opiumdennis7249]

Posted a comment here the other day that I regret and wanted to apologize... You've got a great channel and I reacted poorly. There's certain features on the Katana that's I've found irritating, but that's certainly not your fault. I apologize for my foolish behaviour. Please keep up the good work.

[@masaharumorimoto4761]

hmm maybe I'll just grab a cheap one for now, I'm just learning and want to unlock the wah on my katana 50.

[@doegywhail728]

I express daily, since I started the seven pints of water a day routine . More hourly than daily.

[@gratefulape12]

I used to express daily, but not since the court appearance...sob...

[@MrQueueBall]

You have great energy maing I express daily

[@ilopezguitar]

I express daily. Thanks for the great video! I’ve recently been gigging w out my pedal board and found it liberating. I’m considering getting the katana artist, I already have a boss FV500h

[@TheGuitarGeek]

Great to hear! The artist is a phenomenal amp. I really hope it suits your needs.

[@greg6162]

@@TheGuitarGeek is there an amp that you don’t need a PC to get great tones? I’m a beginner and I just bought a Roland Micro Cube GX because it’s all knobs and I don’t have a PC. It’s a rocking little box I think but I would like to have mid controls like a 3-band EQ so I can sharpen my non musical ears and have more versatility in tone. Was playing Santeria by Sublime and it took 20min to dial something in. To be fair I just got the amp 2-days ago… but I’m a bedroom rockstar (not really I’m trash lol) so I don’t want anything bigger than a Katana 50mkII… do you think I should sell my Roland and get the Yamaha THR10II? I know that has a EQ settings but was more than double what I paid for my Roland MC-GX ($140) I got from Sweetwater as a demo… in the box with everything and could’ve passed as brand new. I’m really hoping I could use I-link and hookup my iPhone 14 Pro and utilize GarageBand on iOS… do you think that’s doable?

[@solamon6388]

Hi GG, Dig your vids as you influenced me into 2 katanas which are superb. However, regarding the expression pedals and the GAFC foot controller, there is a slight issue in that you cannot turn of/on the pedalFX with said foot controller like you can with other effects which means this has to be done via BTS, unless I am missing something here?

[@davidarmstrong7903]

Just trying to understand the basic operation. I will likely use the exp pedal as a wah only. I have to assign the wah parameters to individual presets to use, and the only way to turn the wah on and off is to enter and exit the preset, correct? I cannot use the pedal across the board, i.e. all presets and panel. Otherwise, there is no way to turn it off. Do I have that right?

[@missioncontrol9296]

Why do every video miss the most important question. How would i turn on the wah whilst playing? Do i have to program a switch on the foot controller or is there an activate switch on the expression pedal?????

[@awittypilot8961]

Ok...good vid..I learned a lot. But you did not recommend the proper expression pedal for Artist. There is a low impedance and high impedance pedal available. I think we need a high for guitar but I don't want to buy the wrong one. I am looking to put a volume pedal and expression (mostly for wah) and will be buying 2 pedals. Can you tell us which is for the proper expression? The instructions for the pedals AND amp leave a hell of a lot to desire. I'm getting it but it started out as a mystery. Thanks...rock on

[@WatchfulHunter]

The 50W MK2 also has the EXP pedal RCA slot.

[@rolfj953]

I have a boss katana 210 bass combo with an expression pedal and ga fc and I am jealous that there are so much more options for guitar with the expression pedal. With the bass amp you can only set volume/foot volume/wah/pedal blend. That’s all. I had hoped to be able to control more.

[@georgelacy1332]

Thank you for this information. I've discovered as well that when you press and hold the EFFECTS button (on the Katana foot switch) it gives you additional options. But I haven't quite figured them out. Got any info at that too? "I express daily" LOL

[@glh1956]

Looking at amp for gigging thinking of Katana Artist looks sounds good on your video

[@amills0516]

3:16 Not stuffed. Get an airstep kat.

[@亚超熊]

Your video is very useful, helps a lot❤

[@Superjet113]

lol, I didnt even know my Katana 100 head had a input for expression pedal. Very cool, thanks buddy!

[@TheGuitarGeek]

You’re welcome! 20 bucks and you can do a lot more with it

[@CKRTGRDN]

Cheers I have an EV5, this should hopefully work as well

[@TheGuitarGeek]

Yep!

[@synonyx]

Awesome! Now my Katana is WaaaH WAAAhhh! Saved it to a channel and wrote it. Now I can quickly switch to it. Wish there was a way to activate pedal wah without the PC though. Maybe a button on the head I am missing?

[@TheGuitarGeek]

Very cool! I hear you but I don't think there is a way