Boss Katana 100 vs Artist Amp Shootout - Is the Katana Artist worth the extra?

Here's the video that you've all been badgering me about.
The showdown, the versus battle! Old versus new, Katana vs Katana!
Katana Artist:
Thomann - www.thomann.de/gb/boss_katana...
Sweetwater - imp.i114863.net/9W5L2j
Andertons - bit.ly/3iysV0b
Katana 100:
Thomann - www.thomann.de/gb/boss_katana...
Sweetwater - imp.i114863.net/9W5L2j
Andertons - bit.ly/3iysV0b
Katana 50:
Thomann - www.thomann.de/gb/boss_katana...
Sweetwater - imp.i114863.net/9W5L2j
Andertons - bit.ly/3iysV0b
We all know that the Katana series is the most popular amp in it's class for a reason - great tone, cheap price. The new flagship Artist changed that. It's not cheap but is it worth the extra?
I've put them up against each other, head to head (combo to combo) and hopefully helped you to make the choice for yourself!
T-shirt link - teespring.com/stores/theguita...
Find me on social media here:
Facebook - / theguitargeek
Instagram - / theguitargeekyt
Twitter - / guitargeekyt
#bosskatana #theguitargeek #guitaramp

[@toneseeker4968]

Am I the only one that can hear a tremendous difference in favor of the Artist?

[@TheGuitarGeek]

Do you mean when they are both plugged into the artist speaker?

[@sjoerdklarenbeek]

Oh my god it's not even close. I'm not a tone snob but I can't believe that some think they are similar. The level of detail in the Artist is 500% higher.

[@Avatar7x7]

@@TheGuitarGeek When you run the Katana 100 through the upgraded(Waza) speaker there's not any real discernible difference..at least not over KZbin ! All the folks that claim they can tell the difference is falling for the "Placebo Syndrome" !

[@phil5171]

Hey, the R word! But, yes, placebo syndrome is a bad band name.

[@blueshowlar]

No, there is a nice difference.

[@richardvidil6994]

WAZA... excellent video. I'm an engineer by trade, and I appreciate the systematic approach you've taken to accurately compares these amps. Thank you!

[@rickhammel9541]

such a perfect way to compare amps, well done! All other reviewers should take note, use a looper and an a/b switch to hear back to back quickly

[@TheGuitarGeek]

Thanks man. It really is the only way

[@Cymanytb]

one thing he didn't try is comparing the recording outs of the amps thus eliminating the speakers.

[@davidfrisken1617]

EQ could have made them closer

[@gillesgenete9598]

​@@davidfrisken1617 that's the question I had, but I know for sure that wood and size of the cabinet, AND speaker performance play a big role in the sound you hear. Is it worth 250bucks difference ? Anothef comparison would be with the Katana 100 212 offering more headroom.

[@chrisaungier2394]

It's really noticeable how much better the base response and clarity is with the Artist, it just so much fuller, balanced and rounded. Irrespective of the way the 100 and Artist are packaged, I believe the real difference is the Waza speaker. If you put the Waza speaker in the 100 I think you would struggle to choose between them.

[@milfordhopkins3436]

Either that,or just use a eq pedal,i did,and it,s fuller and more bass sounding than the artist.

[@davidfrisken1617]

Yep. The only diff seems to be the speaker. So buy or build a speaker cab and buy the cheaper head.

[@JustinEthnostate]

What do you think was happening in this video? Artist mkii amp is head and shoulders beyond the 100 mkii

[@gentelmanjunkie542]

​​@@JustinEthnostateArtist has a better speaker. people can buy the 100 mkii & 2 or 3 used speakers to swap in and out of it for different tones for same price as the artist.

[@JustinEthnostate]

It's a different amp too. You don't know what you're talking about@@gentelmanjunkie542

[@ninorafanelli4768]

The Artist wins. It sounds much wider and fuller, but only due to the cabinet and speaker. Keep the original Katana, add the speaker out and hook up an external cabinet for better sound.

[@TheGuitarGeek]

Adding the external cab REALLY makes a difference

[@Mclasher18x]

I've seen people doing such thing already, great advice!

[@jordandangelo180]

What about adding a second 100 watt and running it in stereo? Will that make a difference or just create more of the same tone?

[@einsteincreative]

or get another katana and play in stereo...or use one as FRFR with another amp...you can use these like powered speakers with fx using the power amp in.

[@metalliholic]

The head and cabinet closet $100+ more than the artist though. Unless you already have a cabinet laying around.

[@pingtrip77]

The artist has more clarity and less muddy. Anybody else notice this or is it all in my head?

[@ZacBarnesMusic]

The artist was much better IMO.

[@baradalamasa]

Me too. That's right...more clarity in the Artist

[@andreapasillas8478]

You are absolutely right. The Artist sounds better on every sample.

[@Johnny-oy9fh]

Both amps are great but in my experience the Artist sounds n feels a upgraded katana. I hope they don't ruin the Artist with the mkII mods they've done to the 100 and 50 including different speaker.

[@einsteincreative]

Is the artist 2 as good as the mk ii 100? I just bought this. Im a tube guy. Its kinda good for the money you can't complain....But is the artist 2 like more realistic....Asking for someone outside the video...

[@jamesahassett]

WAZA! Excellent job. I appreciate your meticulous approach in both set-up (including graphics) and concise delivery.

[@jorgelgaray]

Great review! I didn’t know if upgrading my 100 to the artist was a good idea, now I know it is the best way to go! At the end you are very right it all depends on what does the user likes, and definitely I like very much the way the artist sounds. So thanks for your fantastic and very accurate review about the sound and tones of this two fantastic amplifiers.

[@jakeoneill1049]

I love your aby box technique for review amps!!!! Awesome review man!!!

[@TheGuitarGeek]

Thanks man, it's the only way to do it fairly

[@MrWhiteguy6]

Wazaaaa! Thanks for the awesome video! Exactly what I needed and what I was hoping to see. You're the man, Andrew!

[@TheGuitarGeek]

Thank you very much for watching. Could I interest you in a T-shirt? ;)

[@Mr.6String]

Paintbrush!

[@400bones6]

WAZA! Love your vids, very unbiased and clear testing method. Subscribed and will continue watching!

[@winfielddixon5166]

Wazaa! This video really helped me, was planning on buying the 100 tomorrow but was super annoyed by the placement of controls on the 100, wasn't aware the artist has the controls on the front. With the better speaker and front controls I'll now buy the artist despite the cost. Thank you for posting this, very well done!

[@littlewoodenboy1971]

So glad you did this. I was hoping you would but hadn’t asked so yay! Honestly though - you’re really doing a service here.

[@TheGuitarGeek]

Cheers Joseph! Please like and share to help me out. Maybe even get yourself a t-shirt if you're feeling very supportive!

[@littlewoodenboy1971]

TheGuitarGeek Will do on all three counts. Stay cool.

[@TheGuitarGeek]

You're the man!

[@ssa-dn8yj]

Thanks for the comparison. I just got a Katana 50 ( after 40+ years of tube amps- I've always been a huge fan of deludes, vibroluxes, and love my Peavey Delta Blues 210 w/ el84s). But the Katana is great- particularly because you don't need to muck around to find basic tones

[@michaelpaolucci5361]

WAZA. Best side by side comparison ever! You’ll be my go-to for reviews and comp videos 👍

[@williamking7420]

I totally agree about the controls on the face of the amp being a big advantage. Another drag about top mounted controls is the possibility of damage due to accidental spills.

[@davidfrisken1617]

Yep. Bong water is a bastard.

[@SameerSubedi.7]

​@@davidfrisken1617🤣

[@justinfantastic4882]

why do guitarist use their amps as a coaster??🤣

[@brendandavis9710]

WAZA! Great comparison here. Just getting back into playing with all this Covid lockdown and was going with a Katana 100 1x12 until i saw this. The sound of the Artist really comes across alot nicer and that front panel is just a huge bonus

[@chrisb.8984]

Great content! I ordered the katana 100 MK2, but now I'm convinced I need the katana artist in my life. It sounds much better, imo. Thank you for putting in the time and effort to make this video!

[@TheGuitarGeek]

You’re welcome mate. I would hold off for a bit in case they release a katana artist mk ii

[@amitbarot2913]

Waza up! Amazing comparison video on these two amps. Just ordered the Katana Mk II Artist upgrading from the Katana 50.

[@joebiondo6898]

WAZA! Good video. I'm looking at buying one of these, and while I'm still debating, you gave me a lot of info to ponder.

[@678tucker]

Waza -Just pushed me over the edge for an Artist - Even through KZbin my ears you can hear the differance. Great stuff - thanks..

[@cliftontorrence839]

Your side by side video structure is impeccable, thank you and well done. Most enjoyable and accurate too. I have both amps up and running right here. Earlier this year May 2018, I purchased my friends Kat 100 for $225, after he decided to get an Artist. After hearing the impact of the Waza components and the fuller, rounder tube like tones of the Artist, I trotted back down to my local GC and ponied up for an Artist for myself. Artist, and foot controller pedal NIB and out the door for $564. Now, I have both amps for $789, Now I'm thinking I need the Kat 100 Head amp, too. With the capabilities of the BTS app and the latest developments in solid state electronics, add in fewer working parts and no expensive tubes, this series is a long awaited happening. Add in the hundreds of people the world over working on interesting and creative low cost or free downloadable sound patches and magic is in the air. Now the problem is Hmmmmn, should i play the Paul or the SG ? or mebe today the TerribleTele. Thank you again for an excellent video

[@jessesmith2906]

Did you get the Gen 1 or gen 2 artist?

[@cliftontorrence839]

@@jessesmith2906 Thanks Jes, I had the Gen 1, and it was def a cut above the rest, regarding sound reproduction. In 2019 I sold off all the Kats to make room for new gear. And then reverted to my beloved tubes. Then the version MkIIs started to come out so I purchased a 100MkII combo on the idea of later adding a MkII Artist & creating a stereo rig for cheap. The Kat sits there NIB under cover waiting for the Artist. The real key here, imo, is the clever management of the BTS software to create good quality patches.

[@jessesmith2906]

Thanks for the reply? If you only had one amp would you take the artist gen 1 or would you go for the 100w mkii gen 2? Cause i have the option to buy a artist 1gen for 280 used

[@cliftontorrence839]

@@jessesmith2906 well, an artist for 280? a deal indeed if all is good with it.

[@jessesmith2906]

Clifton Torrence gonna test it out today! That’s where I’m torn if it’s not worth it due to the outdated software. But supposedly the wazoo speaker sounds great.

[@MDK269]

This was a great comparison thank you!

[@marmaladebrah]

thank you for all your work man, looking forward to more as always!

[@TheGuitarGeek]

Cheers!

[@iansmith9]

Wazza Thanks for this, I don't have a Katana and the toss up between these two is so hard - artist updates or 100 v overall £cost. For me it also probably relates to factoring in a foot control as well.

[@wilsonstrickland8967]

Waza! You convinced me to get the Artist. Thank you so much; I can't wait! EDIT: I received the Artist and have had a chance to play with it thoroughly. GET THIS AMP! You will NOT regret it; Worth every single penny!!

[@jessesmith2906]

Did you get the mki or mkii (gen1 or gen2)

[@Requimatic]

@@jessesmith2906 I've gotten the MKII myself, and yes.. it's very worth it. The Waza speaker really is amazing. Plus.. 8 presets you can save and swap to quickly instead of just 4 is always great. Then there's the desktop software you can use for various things..

[@omarqabbani27]

@@Requimatic is it worth it to pay the extra $250 for the artist? I’m a beginner who only plays at home, what do you think?

[@NathanielBTM]

@@omarqabbani27 Get the Artist MK1 if you can't afford the Artist MK2. You get a bunch of software when connecting via usb using boss tone studios. you can add noise suppressors, tube screamers, EQ's and many more effects then save them onto the amp, creating your own presets so that you can use those when playing live or in your bedroom. I was playing my artist without using the boss katana studio for a while and boi, I constantly had the hiss and hum from my amp, but putting that noise suppressor on, EQ's and tube screamer made the artist amp sound 100x better, and it already sounded great to begin with. saved the preset onto my amp straight away, now I can use it even if I'm not connected to the pc and I don't have to go spend an extra 150 or so buying a Tube screamer, EQ and Noise Suppressor Pedals to fix those issues I was having. the solution was already there

[@vyvynylification]

If you are a beginner beginner (less than a year of playing) I would 100% recommend the katana 100 or katana 50. If you´re still a beginner but KNOW you´ll keep playing, i´d say go with the artist as it´s definitly better and therefor is a better longterm investment. However, the 100 is cheaper AND still very good.

[@christiandesrosiers1954]

Absolutely great video, thanks for doing this, very well engineered comparison

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

Extremely good review, very helpful, excellent work!

[@Thejayfrancis]

Great point on the front panel. As clean as the 100 looks, still nice having a front panel. AND it has that nice tolex too. Boss is killing it.

[@johniveyband5174]

Thanks for the great video. To my ear the Artist was far superior. The 100 sounded squashed. Loks of head room in the Artist's highs and separtion from the clear bottom end. You can hear the full spectrum of tones where the 100 sounds compressed. WAZA

[@mynameisbooks]

WAZA This was one of the best comparison videos I have seen. (I did watch it to the end!) Too often different guitars are used on the amps being compared. Having the software set the same on both amps is a great starting point, and something that can't be done comparing different brands. Knob positions being in the same place on amps from different manufacturers doesn't mean much as the designs of the amps are different and the impact of the settings is not universal. Using the looper and playing the loop through both was a great idea. Thanks.

[@robertmyers5926]

Waza! Nice video. I have been trying to decide on which of these for about a week. The Artist sounds a little better to me, but the real advantage is the front controls. I've had a Blues Jr. for 10 years, still hate the top controls.

[@mixmasterwillyd9959]

No other guitar related channel has the production quality of this one

[@steveymoon]

So you've never seen Pete Thorn or That Pedal Show or Rhett Shull or the thousands of other amazing guitar channels with production quality content?

[@maxkryuchkov210]

Perfect comparison! Helped me great in the final decision! Great Job! (:

[@peterjones4621]

I just purchased he Artist and I was hoping to find a review just like this! Excellent review and comparison. Thank you very much, great job! New subscriber. WAZA!

[@khund03]

Great Comparison, I wonder why more reviewers don't A/B a loop into 2 different amps for comparison?? Brilliant!!! WAZA

[@TheGuitarGeek]

No idea but it's my preferred method

[@Supperconductor]

First of all - GREAT testing methodology, this really let me hear differences between both combo amps. BUT the cross-wiring demo was VERY insightful. So here's my observations: 1. The cabinet size, construction & speaker of the Artist DEFINITELY have an impact. 2. The amplifier circuit in the Artist SEEMS TO ME to be slightly more biased to Class A - this is a tweak sometimes used in HiFi amps. 3. The law of diminishing returns ALWAYS applies and if I owned the Katana 100, NO WAY I'd be upgrading to the Katana Artist. 4. I didn't own either, and was torn between the two choices here, my wife got annoyed at my indecision and just made me get the Katana Artist and the controller pedal. YES, that's just one of a million reasons I married her, and I surprised her by buying her a bass guitar - she's a MASSIVE Bootsy Collins fan. See, that's yet another reason I married here. Oh yeah, I almost forgot, WAZA!!!

[@TheGuitarGeek]

thank you, I need to be as accurate as possible or there's no point in doing this video. Does your wife have a sister? :)

[@RWulff007]

Wazzzap!!!

[@blueshowlar]

Waza

[@hassanbayomy7566]

:)

[@xperia9x727]

Erm...could I borrow you both for one day at the music shop?

[@raymonette9345]

Waza here. Artist model is on sale in Canada now - makes the decision easier. Thanks - great depth in the review, especially when using the same speaker in both. Keep it up!

[@Carlospabe]

Great video! This is the exact thing i was looking for

[@OrbisonTributeArtist]

WAZA...I am thinking of getting the artist. This video helped immensely. Thank you, sir!

[@TheGuitarGeek]

You’re very welcome

[@OrbisonTributeArtist]

@@TheGuitarGeek I just received an unexpected end of year bonus. My Artist arrives next week. Thanks again. Love your work.

[@christopherrowe7719]

Waza! Great review. I’d say the bulk of the tone difference is in the speaker. The other artist vs. 100 review with two clowns playing together with different guitars was laughably pointless. Thanks for having a clue. I’ll be putting a steel guitar through both in the morning. Anxious to see the results!

[@TheGuitarGeek]

Have fun! For me, the artist is worth it

[@lijkenkist1]

What was the conclusion for you? I'm very interested to hear

[@TheLithGH]

Excellent video and comparison. Thinking of getting the Artist, so appreciate your video!

[@PedalExperiments]

WAZA!!! Thanks so much for this video. I appreciate the hard work you put into making this comparison video as flawless, informative and short as possible. Imma buy the Artist. 😉👍 Keep up the good work! 👊😎

[@TheGuitarGeek]

Thanks man. Enjoy the amp

[@frankodel5318]

Waza! I already have the Katana 50 and was trying to decide between these two amps. For my usage, the Katana 100 is good enough for me even though the Artist had more clarity in tone.

[@max_mittler]

this is exciting. The improved speaker plus the improved cab size and build makes a big difference. Knowing how good the artist is as just a cab, it opens up the option of getting a separate tube pre-amp head or pedal and using it with the artist as a cab/power amp, and you get the best of both worlds.

[@TheGuitarGeek]

Yes Max!

[@esticaandres3169]

Not really, that would a lot of money spent for no reason.

[@KASmonkeys]

Thanks , this has helped me decide to get the Artist. You can clearly hear the difference between the two.

[@maestro0428]

WAZA! Seriously considering a Boss Katana amp for myself! Thanks for your informative videos.

[@brianosborne9393]

Katana head w/ external cab(s) opens so many doors. Being limited to the same speakers all the time just isn't my cup of tea. That being said, the Artist speakers are killer and really add some nice full warmth in my opinion. WAZA

[@TheGuitarGeek]

i love the combo portability but more cabs are great!

[@justinturner653]

That's why I want to get a Katana mk2 head, and run it through my Mesa 4x12.

[@NecropsY1]

Get the head and cab ver: i did its great

[@tommilitello198]

There’s a speaker out on the artist for a cab as well

[@pardosbf4623]

Can we get “cowboys from hell” Mom: we have “cowboys from hell” at home “Cowboys from hell” at home 4:25

[@xeofela]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@joelmunoz7646]

Great job!!! You have solved my doubts about both Katanas!!! You have got a new subscriber. Waza!

[@TheGuitarGeek]

Hi, welcome to the channel!

[@jimjames4875]

WAZA Thank you for this vid! Perfect comparison! Helped a lot.

[@TheGuitarGeek]

You’re welcome

[@Deliquescentinsight]

I am used to tweaking settings on the top with tube amps, so the 100 Katana will do it for me, the foot switch offers you an extra layer of convenience also

[@TheGuitarGeek]

Good point. I have always preferred front panel amps though

[@mendamp1715]

I updated my Katana 100 with a Celestion Redback and it totally changed the amp, loving it! The stock speaker just doesn’t do the amp any justice.

[@JustinEthnostate]

At that price why not just buy the Artist

[@snowbirdmusicianexprealest7483]

I'm at a crossroads. Done so much research (much from your channel alone) and this comparison really clarified the differences. The obvious is the control panel on the front. But shoot, the tone comparison sealed the deal. The Artist really shines there. Thank you!

[@nikkypage2728]

thank you so much for your easy to understand and easy to follow explanations and opinions. Extremely helpful. Wazza - yep watched till the end.

[@TheGuitarGeek]

You are very welcome! I wish you luck and fun

[@jesseparrish9198]

You should compare the artist to the mk2. 👍

[@Dan-os1rg]

Difference can be heard without headphones, holy $hit

[@joshthepandabear6923]

first off man I found your channel recently and I love your content! I just purchased the artist and for me its night and day between the two. The artist is extremely versatile and the base tones are amazing. run a cry baby thru it and you'll never stop playing it

[@jamesgoddin8880]

Waza dude! This was a brilliantly thought out video and your methodology gives me the information I need to make the choice between the Katana 100 and the Artist. It’s the Artist, hands down. In the long run the better sound and ergonomics of the Artist make the extra cost worthwhile imho. Keep up the good work

[@tomarnebrandsegg4041]

Waza - I’ve bought the artist, and lovin’ it. Don’t care about the price, for me it’s close to a perfect amp

[@SuperMikeBishop]

I have a Katana 100 1x12 and footswitch for over a year now. I like the sound of the Artist, but after seeing some reviews side by side like yours. I was at Sweetwater GearFest on June 22 and seen they had the Katana head on sale for $299.79. I pick one up, because I had Marshall 4x12 cabinet at home. If I did not all ready have a Katana I would of got the Artist. I'm keeping the 100 combo because I have 2 grand daughters learning to play the guitar and when come over we can jam out in the garage. I have the garage heated. Plus one day I want to build my own 2X12 speaker cabinet out of birch plywood.

[@TheGuitarGeek]

That was a great move

[@TheGuitarGeek]

Jamming with family is great. I hope to do that too one day

[@dantheguitarman6839]

Wazauupppp! Little play on words there :-) . Great video thanks man! I am going to try these out.

[@jteichma]

Waza! Made to the end twice. Great review and playing. Thanks.

[@purpleheartscott8553]

If I were to hear the Katana alone, I’d be perfectly happy! And as an amateur that doesn’t gig, I’m sure it’d be more than adequate for me. BUT there is absolutely no denying that the Artist has some extra mojo that the Katana doesn’t, in the lower end obviously. The cost is a bit more but I believe worth it.

[@Steven_SK]

I wound up with the 100 after your demo and review. While I do think the artist has an edge the 100 will do everything I need and make me happy for a few dollars less. Thanks for the info.

[@TheGuitarGeek]

I love the 100. The artist with the front panel makes it easier for me. The sound of the 100 is stellar.

[@GrahamMylett]

That was a very helpful review and your conclusion/ advice is excellent. I've decided to upgrade from my katana 50 Mark II to the artist model 👍

[@susanstewart7365]

Waza ... pppp . Hey this was very well done and really helps me with the decision . . . swap up from K 50 to this unit. Happy to subscribe . . . like the way you asked at the END instead of the beginning like so many others. Lookin' forward to taggin' along .

[@frederickhockey2760]

I really appreciate your videos. I have been vacillating between the 100 and Artist. I’ve decided that I really want that WAZA speaker and the controls on the front. I also have the foot controller so I’m set there. Keep makng the videos. Love ‘em!😊

[@felipecuenca2811]

Amazing review, the Artist sounds so much better. So sad it's quite out of my budget now. I might get the 100 tho. WAZA!

[@samueltaylor2757]

Its deffo worth saving a few months for the extra £150

[@bennettskb555]

I gig my Katana, the difference is unlikely to be noticeable in the mix, the price, and weight hike mean the Artist is not for me. Thanks for the review, best wishes Waza👍😉

[@TheGuitarGeek]

Cheers Steve. I love the weight of the 100. I happily sacrificed the 5kg for the front panel though.

[@bennettskb555]

I think I would too were I as young as you👍

[@ryanmurphy5615]

Waza, awesome vid, gotta go get the artist now. thanks for the awesome review.

[@guitar6591]

Well done and how you explained and how you set the neutral way of comparison

[@kevinoverson8321]

Personally, I felt maybe the Artist came out marginally ahead of the 100, but real close, Having the controls on the front does make a huge difference, but again, that's a personal preference.........and WAZA

[@TheGuitarGeek]

Cheers Kevin. I'm with you on that

[@LeviBulger]

In person, the bass is reasonably different and more pronounced in the waza artist cab

[@tonybowen455]

Artist sounded a lot better to me. I just wish the price made more sense.

[@rangerdoc1029]

Is "WAZA" Japanese for "tack an extra $100 onto the price"?

[@naegleriafowleri2230]

The fuck is waza

[@rnarizona9686]

Your setup and protocols are the gold standard for comparing the two amps. Well Done!

[@TheGuitarGeek]

Wow, thanks!

[@screamin5325]

Now THIS is how comparison tests should be done! Thank you. -new subscriber

[@simplygreg17ify]

WAZA !!!!!!! Subscribed & thumbs up...GREAT VIDEO BROTHER ! ! !

[@hutchfromba]

KATANA Artist seemed louder and had a little more bottom BUT I don't think it's worth the extra money so I will buy the Boss Katana 100 1x12 with a footswitch. Blues On.... & thanks.

[@Johnny-oy9fh]

I have gigged both and I can confirm that the Artist has a much bigger and more "pro" tone, and easily has enough punch and spread to play a big club unmic'd ...superb. A pair of these would do anything you need. It's like a pro version of the 100. The amp itself sounds and feels like a redesign too....unlike the mkII 100 which just sounds cheap!!

[@godsinbox]

its just the speaker dude. cheap speakers in cheaper amp

[@JustinEthnostate]

@@godsinbox did you watch the video with the sound muted or something?

[@LucianoCallero]

Waza! Excellent idea using a looper and ab switch. I didn't notice too much difference regarding the preamp, I think the sound difference is around the loudspeaker and the cabinet of the Artist, which for my ears seems to shape the sound a bit better.

[@tombstone1440]

WAZA! Great info. Like you, I really value controls on the front. The Artist also sounded fuller/warmer replicating frequencies. Thank you again.

[@TheMasonator777]

Definitely the speaker that makes the difference.

[@aliensporebomb]

Waza indeed. They both sounded great but the bigger one would probably be able to keep up with a loud kit drummer better.

[@TheGuitarGeek]

Even the 50 goes well with a drummer believe it or not!

[@thegreatcerebral]

Bro... They are both the same. They are both 100W.

[@TheGuitarGeek]

Both being 100w does not make them the same

[@thegreatcerebral]

TheGuitarGeek well the comment I replied on made the OP seem like he thought there was a difference. Both are 12” 100W amps. Now yes different speakers sound different but all coming from the same company one would assume that the output level on both units is within a few decibels. Also he said the “bigger” one which is more of a design aesthetic to get the knobs to the front.

[@TheGuitarGeek]

He is confused by the assumptions you make. He does enjoy how you are dissecting His videos.

[@glenntravisfuzzard3328]

Waza. Great video. Perfect way to compare. Artist sounded like a bigger sound spectrum and deeper bass response. Wondering what just the heads would sound like through the same speaker. All the best with your channel. 👍

[@billrodrigues3343]

The best comparison I’ve seen on the subject!

[@TheGuitarGeek]

Thank You!

[@waynejohnson4959]

I bought the Artist used today for $400 to save money up the wazoo! Waza. Love the amp!!!!!

[@TheGuitarGeek]

That's great news man! Congratulations on the new amp

[@dimebagtribute]

Same preamp, almost same power amp (just the resonance control is add to the Artist one)?! So to be honest, for me the price difference is not totally justified! I bought a Katana 100 and add a speaker out, I plugged it into my Marshall 4X12" and compared it with the Artist model: in this configuration the Katana 100 was unbeatable!!! (And the Artist plugged into the 4x12 cab gave me the exact same tone as the Katana 100!!) As it was previously said by other guys it's just a matter of tastes and budget. I totally understand the player who haven't the knowledge to modify his brand new Katana 100 (and possibly destroy it) and prefer to put 150/200 bucks more in the Artist model and don't have to be worried about any modifications after buying it!!! But for me the price difference is way too big for just a different cab/speaker with the addition of a speaker out jack and a resonance control on the power amp section...! But anyway, that's just my point of view... Who am I to tell you what is better for you!?? 😊

[@joeblo9111]

wow dude.. this was a badd ass "controlled experiment" with how you set everything up.. hats off man..

[@bobbya8622]

Waza. Great review, thanks. I have a Katana 100 MK II, and hopefully it will change places with an Artist tomorrow!

[@lewisbeeman]

Thank you so much for this review. I own a Katana 50 and I love it. I am currently looking to possibly upgrade. I am thinking about getting the Katana 100, or possibly the 100w head. I mainly play at church so the reason for the head would be because of the ease of transporting it back and forth. I dont currently have a speaker cabinet so I would have to purchase one down the road. would love your thoughts on this situation. Also, WAZA!!!

[@TheGuitarGeek]

Hey Lewis. You're welcome!

[@lewisbeeman]

TheGuitarGeek well, the fact that you have over 7k followers and you took the time to respond to my post, that solidified me subscribing to your channel. If you get the chance, and would like to give me a little more insight on the question I asked I would really appreciate it.

[@TheGuitarGeek]

Sure! Message me on fb and I'll be happy to help if I can

[@PeteOliva]

The tones from the 100 sound better when played through the Artist, which means it's the speaker and cab that area making the difference here. Wow, to me, the overall package of the Artist gives it the edge here.

[@TheGuitarGeek]

I agree dude. Video coming of the artist mk 1 vs the artist mk 2 next week

[@dustingannon4635]

Waza, great video and exactly what I needed.

[@MPBassJam]

WAZA! I really enjoyed the way you set up the like for like comparison with the looper. Honestly couldn't hear much difference when the 100 was put through the Artist speakers, which says much for the Artist speakers and cab. Keep up the great work!

[@VinayKumar-dj4kv]

Waiting for boss katana artist head with 412 matching cab (waza😁😁😍😍😍😋😋😋)

[@robertkatzenberger687]

I am almost sold on the Katana based on your videos. I would love to see the Katana artist produced in a 212 configuration. That would really bring it home for me. Waza.

[@TheGuitarGeek]

Hi! That would be very cool. I'm not sure it needs it though

[@u.s.a.198]

thx for all your time, knowledge and skill!

[@amdsixtyfour]

Great comparison here holy shit. Thanks for making this.

[@DynamicFactorX]

id asume you could buy a better speaker for the katana 100w and install it to increase its quality of sound too. Probably would be cheaper too

[@TheGuitarGeek]

I'm not sure which speaker though. I really like that Wazacraft G12W

[@TrentSolo]

TheGuitarGeek I’ve seen some people saying a WGS ET65 which is their version of a Celestion G12-65. It goes for $79.00 US and apparently makes a “huge improvement.” Here’s another quote: “for a pretty nominal amount of money it made a big, big difference for the better.” So for $80 might be the middle ground option between the two stock amps. Thanks again for this great video, sir!

[@TheGuitarGeek]

Great idea Trent. I've heard the same story. Maybe i need to test it out

[@TrentSolo]

TheGuitarGeek just bought this speaker will swap this week and report. Thx again!

[@TheGuitarGeek]

Thanks man!

[@JuicyJonesHQ]

Hmm, $150 for a speaker and cabinet upgrade. That's not ***that*** bad. The artist speaker is worth it and I am a fan of front panels. WAZA!

[@joethompson2910]

Better go back to math class.. $599 minus $359 = $240 ✌🏻

[@unclemark1000]

Waza?... WAZA! Very helpful, cleverly executed demo. Listening to this, I personally found that my preference for one amp or the other varied from riff to riff. The Artist sounds nice and full for bottom-heavy tones. However, for more "complex" tones, I liked the original 100 model for its upper mid-range and higher-end, even though some of the bass-range sound was somewhat lacking. I have been using two of the version #1 Katana-100 1x12 combos since they were first released and have been VERY happy with them. Thank you for posting this well thought out and nicely produced video. Rock on & God Bless! -Mark

[@ByronStreitz]

Great video. WAZA. I have played tube amps for quite a while and the artist 2 12 is really quote intriguing. Love the tone and the fact it is so much lighter than a tube amp. Thank you