Get your Katana Gen 3 at Sweetwater (US) - sweetwater.sjv.io/AWvD7D Get your Katana Gen 3 at Thomann (EU) - thmn.to/thoprod/586436?offid=1&affid=288 Get your Katana Gen 3 at Andertons (UK) - elkqr.link/6yqpq Play along with the backing track - kzread.info/dash/bejne/hIiTl8OHkrXIgrw.html

@dredzik

Ай бұрын

I wonder if Boss will update Gen 2 with any new software or are we just in the "just buy a new one" mode.

@dredzik

Ай бұрын

Also: BUT DOES IT HAVE USB-C?

@mannyfragoza9652

Ай бұрын

great review! I like the 100 but can only afford the 50 hmmmmm

@RuskyTheaterBear

Ай бұрын

@@dredzik Yes it does

@dredzik

23 күн бұрын

Also: Do you know if Katana Go will get the pushed channel as well?

excited for the upcoming Gen 4 release

@marekgitarzysta5193

28 күн бұрын

I heard Gen 5 will be even better, so much better they'll call it MK V

@Kennnxx

27 күн бұрын

cant wait for Gen 6 tho

@stephen8779

21 күн бұрын

Can't wait for Gen 9

@danielduplantier3741

6 күн бұрын

@@stephen8779 Me too. I'll be dead.

@vaiterius

5 күн бұрын

@@stephen8779 we’ll be getting it before gta 6

Im just going to buy a mk2 100 model at a discounted price sorted 🤘🤘🤘❤️

@castleanthrax1833

Ай бұрын

Good choice. I just bought a Catalyst 60 for half price. I get the feeling (because quite a few stores were selling them really cheaply) that Line 6 must be releasing a new Catalyst line. I haven't heard anything yet, but this was only a few weeks ago.

@endezeichengrimm

Ай бұрын

@@castleanthrax1833 I think the Version 2 Catalyst is already announced/released. They call it the Catalyst CX.(actually, that can be gotten with a firmware update for the previous catalyst too).

@colgrey438

Ай бұрын

​@@castleanthrax1833Line 6 Catalyst CX released a couple months ago. Update firmware to get CX new features.

@ClintsGuitarsNGear

Ай бұрын

Smart choice 👍

The Katana master! Top stuff, Andy!

Outstanding review. Very complete. Thanks.

Great review Andy! Thank you

I bought my Gen. 1 Katana 50 in 2018 and it still works great. Good job explaining the new amps. Thanks!!

@ptrisonic

Ай бұрын

Me too with the 100. Never bothered updating it either. Pete

I think Boss is hiring you to make these videos because you actually ARE are their user manual for the amp haha. Super informative, as you were with the Vintage and the MKII ones. Thanks!

Looks like I can save money and keep my Mk2 50.

One thing I appreciate about boss amps is they sound like boss amps. Yes they can model other sounds from other brands but they still have their unique strengths. I don't regret buying my 100w mk2 and it's hard to beat the price!

I feel with how inexpensive bluetooth technology is they should have just included it. Making it a separate dongle just seems like an add-on to increase margin. I'm not hating on the amps, I've actually been waiting for the Gen3 to come out so I can buy one the heads. Just saying it is a head scratching decision. I use the bluetooth feature of my Spark40 daily and will probably just continue to do so instead of buying the separate dongle from BOSS. Also, no tuner? While that's not a deal breaker for me, it seems like an odd exclusion when cheaper, but very much still great amps, come with these features. I feel like BOSS needs a User Experience Designer on the team. Hey BOSS, hit me up if you're watching. :)

@castleanthrax1833

Ай бұрын

Line 6 put a tuner on their Catalyst amps, and it's just 3 lights. Left one indicates flat, right is sharp, and the centre means you're in tune. It's not the greatest tuner, but it works if needed.

@JTB--

Ай бұрын

All of Katana's Direct competitors have Bluetooth as a Standard Feature. BOSS is now using the Apple Model. Frequently updating models and charging for accessories instead of including them or building them into the unit in this case with Bluetooth in the Katana Gen 3. I don't blame anyone for feeling shortchanged not having Bluetooth included when EVERY Katana competitor has BT. Total Head Scratcher

@castleanthrax1833

Ай бұрын

@JTB-- Line 6 didn't put Bluetooth into their Catalyst line... unless something has been newly released, of which I'm unaware.

@JTB--

Ай бұрын

@@castleanthrax1833 In this day and age Bluetooth and Tuner should be standard in these type amps. Especially one's with in depth apps and computer software

@davva360

15 сағат бұрын

I agree bluetooth should not be a separate dongle. It's just stupid and excusing it because not everyone wants bluetooth is idiotic.

Well done man. Seriously great review of these and their differences. Love the moods of your reviews.

Cheers Andy, loved the presentation, but now I'm intrigued 50 EX!

Great review. Thank you 🙏🏼 😊

This is the first of your videos I’ve watched. Very insightful. Thanks.

Cool stuff Andy. Thanks for the info! Digging that pushed setting for sure. Much love buddy, be well ✌🏼

Thanks Andy for a great review, I have a collection of amps so went with your advice and ordered the 50.

@TheGuitarGeek

Ай бұрын

You’re very welcome!

This is by far the most informative video so far about the Katana Gen 3, thanks Andy! You‘ve got a very good rhythm of presenting information, it‘s never boring and never hectic. I’d really be interested in a direct sound comparison of MkII vs Gen3, for either model.

@TheGuitarGeek

7 күн бұрын

Thank you! I’ll bring that video to you soon!

Excellent breakdown.

@TheGuitarGeek

Ай бұрын

Thank you Tom

Awesome job. As usual.

@TheGuitarGeek

28 күн бұрын

Thank you! Cheers!

I like your videos! Good job

I ran my GX100 through my Artist mk2 and my 50 mk2 as a pseudo stack and I absolutely loved it. The bottom end of the Artist with the highs of the 50 made my rig sound huge.

Finally a stereo headphone out to send to the pa!!!

Looking forward to hearing about the 100W head!

I only play at home and have the 50. It's absolutely the best single speaker combo amp I've had. It's a keeper.

Great pic of you on the 50EX page!

Shit man is this when people start feeling old? I remember being so excited when the Katana Gen 1 came out. E: The pushes setting sounds so damn good!

@TheGuitarGeek

Ай бұрын

yeah.. 2016!!!!

@stellar_cartographer

28 күн бұрын

For real, feels like yesterday I got the 100w head and the internal speaker blew my mind… then got the artist… where did the time go!

@jasonhuang6332

28 күн бұрын

@@stellar_cartographer The head with the little internal speaker was surprisingly handy. The tone from that internal speaker was undescribably bad though, but hey it's just used to check things are working/ get some practice in!

@stellar_cartographer

28 күн бұрын

@@jasonhuang6332 yeah it was really nice for bedroom noodling or couch jam sessions

I like having a external bluetooth adapter because bluetooth chips are notorious for going bad and it is possible to have upgrades in the future!

@castleanthrax1833

Ай бұрын

I did not know that. Do you have any examples of Bluetooth chips going bad?

I use expand mode with katana 100 mk 2 and 100 mk 1. It was working very well. Guitar gig is the best channel for me. Regards bro

@TheGuitarGeek

Ай бұрын

Thanks !

Upgrades over Gen 2 are slim and sad unless Andy forgot something. 1. One extra amp model 2. Stereo headphones jack instead of mono 3. Comes with phone app instead of buying the Librarian app 4. Boss will sell you a Bluetooth dongle instead of needing to buy a third party one on Amazon 5. USB C port instead of USB B - not sure if this is an upgrade since it's required by law now.

@TheGuitarGeek

Ай бұрын

If you already own a katana, I can understand there might not be enough there to upgrade but I’m not sure you really need to. However, imagine a new young player coming into Guitar and being offered katana 50 gen 3. It’s absolutely mind blowing what you get for your money.

@GrungyChris

Ай бұрын

@@TheGuitarGeek For sure you get a ton of features for your money with Katanas. That's what makes them so popular. I am just a tad underwhelmed and think it's more like a Gen 2.1. But, like you said the new buyers should be very happy with Gen 3.

@castleanthrax1833

Ай бұрын

I've never heard anyone complain about the name before. Very strange indeed.

@adamstrachn

Ай бұрын

These will never be giant leaps unless they build a tube version. They will update every few years with incremental changes just like phones & tablets.

@squicker

26 күн бұрын

I don't think Boss wanted to build a compelling case to upgrade, more just raise the quality level to compete for new buyers. MkII was the main leap forward, but MkII is so good the rest will be incremental improvements.

Great review and a katana fan, but I will wait a bit longer for a mk3. I’m still Happy with mk2.

Great review! Will you be doing a comparison with Gen 3 Artist amps?

Fantastic review Andy! I got the email from boss this morning and jumped right to your channel as I knew you would have a review ready to go. At first my heart sank, as I literally just purchased a mk2 50 watt that I just received 3 days ago. Thankfully after watching the review I don't see enough difference to return my 50 for the mk3. Possibly upgrade down the road, but I am content with what I have at the moment. Thank you for doing what you do and for the great reviews!

@TheGuitarGeek

Ай бұрын

oh great news! I agree that with people that own the MKii, there is not a very enticing reason to buy the new one but for newcomers, WOW!

I have the Boss GX100 and an Eventide H90. I love the Boss amp models and their approach to modeling. I actually appreciate only having 20 or so models to choose from. Pick one and get to making music.

@LuisJimenez-pb3ge

Ай бұрын

Not to mention they sound and feel great to play!!!

@castleanthrax1833

Ай бұрын

I'm usually that way myself, but I'd be disappointed if the amp I wanted wasn't available, so I understand why they offer so many.

I have multiple amps, tube, solid state and digital, but I just picked up a Katana Go and it's pretty cool. I also have some Line 6 gear, so it's nice to hear and try the other big player in the digital amp realm. If I needed an amp, I would get the Katana 100, it makes the most sense in my mind, thanks for your informative breakdown, Andy.

I can’t wait for Gen 4!

Great review mate, do you know if the katana go will get a software update to include the extra "push" channel?

It looks like this upgraded Gen 3 could have just as easily been a downloadable upgrade to the MK2 line. I'm surprised they don't sell a dongle to make the MK2 line bluetooth compatible through the usb input. Maybe something for some inventive type to start selling. Like I posted on Anderton's site, so far there's nothing that would make me go out and sell my MK2 100 W to get this new one.

Looks nice. But I wish they had made it possible to stack overdrives.

Cool video, thank Andy. As always you ROCK!!! I’m not sure if it’s worth upgrading from my trusted mk1. I was expecting slight visual changes. I know if it’s not broken don’t fix it. If I didn’t have mk1 I believe I’d have bought gen3 though. Thanks Andy

@TheGuitarGeek

Ай бұрын

Glad I could help! For existing katana owners, it is a tough choice but for newcomers, the value presented here is phenomenal!

@michaeleaster1815

Ай бұрын

I agree on both: great video and I also have a Mk-1 that is working great.... 🤔

Great video, Andy! Loved your playing, especially on the "Pushed" setting - that alone makes me consider an upgrade... Will there be a 100 EX...? Or an Artist, maybe. Or a Head. Damn, options.

@TheGuitarGeek

Ай бұрын

Thank you very much. Take alook at the links I posted and you’ll see the full range

No bluetooth? I'll keep my MK2

@joshL28

Ай бұрын

There is Bluetooth, at least for the Artist line which tbh are the only ones I actually care about. Bought an Artist MK II a few months back but I may replace it sometime this year literally only bc of Bluetooth as I would like to play music on it as backing tracks or to play along with. Who knows maybe I’ll get a second Mk III for stereo expand.

@NautilusGoth

Ай бұрын

broo serach for the standard gen 3 head not "artist" its cheaper and comes with bluetooth and also i tiny speaker integrated

@castleanthrax1833

Ай бұрын

There is Bluetooth... you just need to buy that doohickey to enable a connection.

Hi Andy, Thank you, as usual, for your reviews and honest opinions. I have the 2Gen but, Question: How this new Boss Katana Gen 3 compares with the Fender Mustang GTX-100? I know it is old, but has all those features, including Wi-Fi & Bluetooth along with the Fender App, Footswitch and connections in the back of the amp...

@bpilley

Ай бұрын

Just look at a Katana MKII vs. Mustang GTX100 comparison because the Gen3 doesn't really seem like a big upgrade from the MKII IMHO because the MKII already sounds amazing and you can tweak everything til your heart's content in Tone Studio anyway.

Missed opportunity to make 50 able to use the big footswitch.

@Wir3dMagician

29 күн бұрын

Marketing reasons

Hi, Andy! Great channel, long-time viewer and first-time commenter here. I own a Mk2 Katana Artist combo. I bought it primarily for the Waza speaker to use as a cab for higher-end heads, but I do enjoy using the amp itself too. I mean, think about it -- for the price of a cab anywhere else, you're getting a great speaker... oh, and a great amp happens to be built in too! One thing I don't like about the Katana is that it sounds a bit thin or fizzy to me. While using the EQ through Tone Studio has helped quite a bit, I wish it was a little more balanced in tone. I would really love to see an A/B test of the Mk2 vs. Gen 3 tones, seeing as how you mention that these were redesigned from the ground up. If there really is a significant difference, I could be convinced to get the latest and greatest, but definitely need to hear the difference first. -- Is a Mk2/Gen3 comparison video something you can do for us? I really think your viewers would enjoy it!

Sir, you have a great video! I think about buying katana head. It would be nice, if you made a comparison between mark 2 and gen 3 in future!

@TheGuitarGeek

24 күн бұрын

It’s on its way!

Are there now more stereo effects, and are the effects of better quality or made using different technology in gen 3 amps? Better latencies?

I like the sounds of these, but I think they're really losing me with all this app/bluetooth/etc stuff. I guess I'm old, but I just want to switch it on, twiddle some knobs, and play. I appreciate you pointing out the benefits for people like me.

@NeungView

Ай бұрын

Couldn't agree more.

I have the 50W MK2 EX , its an awesome sounding versatile amp that tote to gigs I also have the foot controller so I dont need to bring pedals

I want a bass channel like this...

@TheGuitarGeek

Ай бұрын

I wish i could play bass!

I am really glad they added the Bluetooth dongle as an option. If you already have a GX-100 or Dual Cube LX (I have both) you can just swap the dongle without buying another one. AND then you should be able to also use the wireless expression pedal or FS-1-WL footswitch, right?

Will they update the katana go app to have the same features as the gen 3 katana like the new pushed channel and the ability to edit the signal chain etc?

I want to see the iii on the front cloth 👌🏻🌹

Dang. All it needed was the tiny screen from the Katana go for the tuner and to show what effect is selected so you don't have to carry a crib sheet to see what effect "yellow" is. Such a missed opportunity. Also, have the dang controls closer to the front! You know, where the player is. I don't play behind or on top of my amp.

@castleanthrax1833

Ай бұрын

It's always a compromise. If they're on top, they're easy to see when the amp is on the floor. If the controls are on the front, they're more easily seen if the amp is on a stand. If I were to guess, I'd think more people have their amp on the floor.

@iancurrie8844

Ай бұрын

@@castleanthrax1833 Right. So on top at the front is obviously the correct place.

@castleanthrax1833

Ай бұрын

@@iancurrie8844 I think they place them towards the back so they're away from the speaker. It saves having to raise the front panel when there's plenty of space available behind the speaker. It's only 3 or 4 inches.

@iancurrie8844

Ай бұрын

@@castleanthrax1833 They place it towards the back because it's CHEAPER to make a single unit with the power input, transformer, outputs, etc all at the back. It costs more money to run a separate cable to a front panel which would contain a separate PCB for all the pots, encoders, LEDs, and buttons. It's 100% about cost. It's a bad design made in the name of cost savings.

@castleanthrax1833

Ай бұрын

@iancurrie8844 It works fine for me. Nothing bad about the design as far as I'm concerned.

That stratocaster 😩😩😩

How is the patch compatibility with the katana go? Specifically going from the go to the big box katana

good. i just bought the mk2 artist combo 3 months ago... i guess i'll wait for the gen 3 artist head and get that together with a nice cab once it is out 😂

@markdouglas8073

Ай бұрын

The only thing better than a Karana Artist is two in stereo.

@mrcl_

Ай бұрын

@@markdouglas8073 that is very true, that way i could run my quad cortex into both at once LOL

Do they both have the power soak to reduce the volume while maintaining the gain?

Dear Andy. Please advice if katana mk 2 and gen 3 sound the same in headphones? When I owned mk2 the sound in headphones was no good , but I don't understand why

I might just wait to grab the artist 100 gen3, if not, maybe the 100 gen3 will be my go to.

Please compare mk2 to the mk3 using the loop in the future.

Love my Katana 50MkII and I'll stick to it hahahaha

Got to say I'm disappointed. The lack of built in Bluetooth app connectivity, when it's in the katana go, is a kick in the teeth. It would be £5 on the cost, they still have to manufacture the din socket and internals anyway. I feel like the Gen 3 was marketing realising they actually haven't taken much of a step forward, so had to come up with something to make it sound like more than it is.

Great video as always, thatnk you Andy. Would you please say a few words about that "punky, raspy, naughty, angry" that K50 has vs K100 especially for in house use.

@TheGuitarGeek

Ай бұрын

Thanks! Both amps can be used in 0.5 watts mode meaning both are bedroom suitable.

Im waiting for the gen 3 artist...till then ill play my current artist katana...but cant wait to stereo expand

I’m waiting for the white version otherwise I would buy one today !

Can you do a review of the Katana 100 Vs the Katana 100/212 please?

Got my 100 mkII two months ago and paid 328 EUR (in SEK equivalent). Thomann has the gen 3 at 527 EUR for me, which is an increase of about 60% which is quite a lot for the presented upgrades. I think the mkII will server me great for quite some time. I'd probably look at the artist version if I want to splash more money on an amp, or go Tonex with a Cab and pedals.

Yes we do...we all want it for free. Like Fishman! I have both!

Will you do a rundown of the EX at some point?

@TheGuitarGeek

Ай бұрын

Certainly will!

I mean all in all those are good amps/ I do like my mk2 even though I am mostly using Sms currently. What I highly disagree with, is do sell a 50 euro bluetooth adapter for amps in that price range. As by now that is part of the cheapest toys.

So what I notice is that the Gen 3 100 upgrades are the mkii artist features. Am I wrong? I have the mkii Artist and it has all these features but Bluetooth and the push amp type

Seems decent for a first time buyer, but I see no reason to upgrade from the MKII series. Also, not including Bluetooth to Tone Studio/KZread/Spotify is a huge face palm in 2024 imho. This technology is dirt cheap and standard in competitors from 3-4 years ago, so I don't buy the excuse of cutting costs for the customer. Hell, Bluetooth is standard in $20 kids headphones these days... Charging $60 USD for an adapter is just sad and half the price of a Katana:GO.

Get the 50 and the Airstep KAT Footswitch ;)

Still have the Gen1 Katana and still no tuner on the new one. It's a shame.

You can Bluetooth your older Katana using the Airstep Kat. You can also use a third party mobile app to control the amp and load effects either by USB or Bluetooth. No Artist MK3?

@LairdDavidson

Ай бұрын

Answered my own question. Yes there's an Artist MK3. It's not a huge upgrade which is just as well for me because I recently bought the MK2.

@Gunde

Ай бұрын

Not for streaming though. The Airstep only gives Bluetooth control.

@LairdDavidson

Ай бұрын

@@Gunde True, as far as I can tell. You have to use a wired connection through the aux in to play audio.

I'm surprised the 50 and 100 sounded so different. I have a 50MKII and love it except I find the speaker a bit harsh and needs Global EQ adjustment. I was planning to get 50III EX but maybe I should get the 100 instead. Hope the 50EX will be out for testing soon.

Currently i own a mk2 50 and planning to get a gen3 100. If i plug in a tube preamp into the power amp section of the 100, can i use stereo expand with my 50?

I still have my Mk1 Artist!

Waiting for the gen 5, it comes with a dishwasher,sink and linguistics modal teacher who speaks in mixolydian,phrygian dominant, aeolian, and even lydian #4 amongst other fine harmonic modulations. But maybe I'll just end up buying the gen 3?? When will the Gen 6 come out?? Is there going to be a 7?? Does anyone know lmao??

How about updating and patches to fix digital and digital capable amps? That would be better.

Neither, I have an Artist MKII, but thanks for the review :)

Please compare the mk2 head sound to the gen3 head. Comparing the mk2 and gen3 combos might not mean a thing because of different speakers.

Will the Gen3 50EX have the effects loop for a looper as the 100 does?

@MN_Life5

23 күн бұрын

I’ve seen pictures on sweet waters website, no unfortunately. Foot control and line out (normal 50 doesn’t have)

I think for the first time since solid state was a reasonably new thing in guitar gear where stuff can become obsolete within a few years.

I just got on MK II delivered. Seeing as it's still in the return window, should I send it back and fork out extra for a Gen 3? Or is it really worth the cost difference?

@TheGuitarGeek

19 күн бұрын

That depends on the difference of the prices which you haven’t stated. If the price difference is not much then I would definitely go for gen 3

@depbassist7848

19 күн бұрын

@@TheGuitarGeek Sorry, the MK II is currently €355 on Thomann, whereas the Gen 3 is over €500. Big difference! Though it might be closer to €450 on other websites.

The biggest question I'm seeing most people ask right now are, with the new voicing of the Gen 3, how does the previous MK2 100 compare to the Gen3 50. Many picked up the previous 100 not for the wattage but for the larger sound. Now that the Gen3 has been re-voiced for a 'richer' sound in general, can we now look at the 50?

What are you using (with the green rings) to hold the mics?

@anomalousresult

Ай бұрын

I think it's a Gravity.

@NeungView

Ай бұрын

It's a gravity product. They come with green rubber rings and black ones in the box, if you don't like the green look.

@Robstafarian

Ай бұрын

@@anomalousresult The brand name was somewhat helpful, thanks; it looks like this is a either a Gravity MS CAB CL 01 or a Gravity MS CAB CL 01 S. I asked because this looks to be a much better option than putting a gooseneck on an Audix CabGrabber (which I planned to order neck week).

What does the Solo switch on the 100 do?

Hi, anyone knows if it will be released the Katana Air gen 3 soon ? Thanks

Can you use your old patches from mk2 100 on the gen 3

I’m feeling pushed to get a gen 3 head!

EX Gen? That is the curiosity. Cosmetics and a "better" speaker (FX Loop should have been a NO BRAINER for the premium because speaker and line out worth it?). Otherwise, USB-C is the only change? Sounds that much different?

Is there a CHARGE for using the Bluetooth Feature? I've heard 99 in Europe and 69 in the US.

Not sure I understand the Bluetooth, you can always turn it off if you don't want it and a BT dongle can be made for less than $3 or so... it wouldn't have increased the cost and $40 for the module is a little crazy... otherwise I really like the amps, great and very thorough review / comparison!

@TheGuitarGeek

26 күн бұрын

It’s not just Bluetooth audio.

I just got a Katana 100w MK2 but the richness of the tone was a little disappointing compared to something like the Tiny Terror tube amp. The Artist version is better but I can get a lightly used tube setup for the price, and it still wasn't all the way there in tone but the MK3 series sounds like it does get right up to the tube (valve) amp sound with all the tech too. I might just return the MK2 and order a MK3 might still go for the Artist just because I will never need another after that.

I was lucky enough to catch a sale at Sweetwater on the mk2 100 for the price of the mk2 50 last year. I see no reason to bother with the gen 3 to be honest.

Not sure why it’s a positive that it doesn’t have a screen; something like the Katana Go screen would be helpful - not for deep editing but just to know what patch you’re on; I often get confused as to which patch I’m on with the random pressing of the top panel buttons. I’m also really disappointed they didn’t add an onboard looper, like the Dual Cube

I think my mk2 will still be relevant enough.

I wish they had moved the tap tempo button to somewhere more accessible. I don't have big hands and I struggle to use it with any accuracy.