The Boss Katana series – find the right amp for you
This article was adapted for the Teacher Hub from Boss' Ultimate Katana buyers' guide, originally written by Jack Cooper:
The Katana series is Boss’ flagship guitar amp range, popular with players of all abilities and experience levels. This article aims to help you decide which of the many Katana options is best for you.
What does Boss say?
“BOSS developed the Katana Amp series to provide guitarists with versatile, high-quality amplification at an affordable price. In 2019, BOSS introduced the Katana MkII, which expanded upon the success of the original series with enhanced features and updated models. Over the years, BOSS has continued to expand the Katana line with new models and features, solidifying the Katana as a leading choice in the guitar amplifier market. Fast-forward to 2024, and the Gen 3 series is the latest upgrade.
Part of the charm of the Katana is that it is versatile enough to get a great sound across a range of styles. Whether you’re looking to create thick, tight metal sounds that chug or creamy blues licks that cut through a mix, the Katana can handle it.”
What does Boss Katana give you?
There are some features and characteristics which are common across the entire Katana series. Let’s unpick some of these:
Class A/B Technology: Unique to the Katana, its class A/B power amp section brings a character-rich tone and organic response to every part you play, with excellent efficiency and minimal distortion.
Tube Logic: Boss’ technology which allows for the rich sound associated with traditional tube amps, without the requirement to turn the power up to max. As Boss say, “You can achieve exceptional sound at reasonable volumes”.
Six Unique Amp Characters: Katana amps come loaded with six onboard presets, each with variations – these can be instantly selected and edited to find the perfect balance.
Included BOSS Effects: From the world’s most respected pedal innovator, find sixty-plus onboard effect types ready for every setlist.
BOSS Tone Studio Software: Connect to your PC or Smartphone and create your signature sounds using BOSS Tone Studio. You can also access BOSS Tone Exchange, the free community patch-sharing platform.
Which Katana is right for me?
Katana-50 Gen 3
- Highly convenient, the most portable amp in the range
- Still powerful enough for most uses: practice, rehearsals, and smaller gigs
- Streamlined user interface for straightforward navigation
- An affordable route into the Katana range
Ideal for: Beginners, practice spaces, breakout rooms.
Katana-50 3EX Gen 3
- Expanded performance features including upgraded 12” speaker
- Allows for BOSS GA-FC Foot Controller connectivity
- IR-enhanced line out and stereo expand feature – connect with another amp for stereo sound
Ideal for: Developing guitarists looking for better customisation features.
Katana-100 Gen 3
- A step up in power (100W) for bigger stage presence, still with one 12-inch speaker
- Integrated effects loop also offers advanced flexibility for integrating external pedals
- Smart, simple interface ensures that it remains easy-to-use despite the added power!
Ideal for: Gigging guitarists, performance spaces and recording studios.
Katana-100/212 Gen 3
- Upgrade to a more immersive playing experience with two 12-inch speakers
- Still with 100W power output
- Other than the extra speaker, the 100/212 has the same features as the 100
Ideal for: Same as the Katana-100 but at an even higher level. Can fill a larger space in a more sophisticated way and give even better recording quality. If you've got an auditorium, this might be the one for you.
Katana Head Gen 3
- Pair it with your speaker cabinet for a customised setup
- Also features 5-inch practice speaker with 100W power output for standalone use
- Versatile connectivity options, including a dedicated effects loop and MIDI input
- Highly portable, so very useful if you have speaker cabinets in situ to connect with
Ideal for: Anyone who needs volume and plans to plug in at different locations. Can be shifted around between practice rooms with haste!
Katana Artist Gen 3
- Top level 100W amp with premium components and enhanced tonal refinement
- Professional-grade sound quality and performance capabilities
- Features a custom Waza speaker delivering wide dynamic response
- Three cabinet resonance options: Vintage, Modern, and Deep
Ideal for: Guitarists who are truly passionate about the intricacies of their sound.
Katana-Artist Head Gen 3
- A more refined version of the standard Katana Head
- Distinguished by its premium components and meticulous sound tuning
- Allows for a customised rig tailored to individual tonal preferences and performance needs
Ideal for: Anyone who needs volume and plans to plug in at different locations, wanting more customisation options than a standard head.
Katana Air – wireless options
The Katana-Air is a totally wireless guitar amplifier. If you’re like most guitarists, you’re likely to play more often when all you have to do is grab your instrument and go. The Katana-Air solves this problem because it’s always ready to play, and you don’t even have to mess with a single guitar cable. Just remove the transmitter from its charging dock in the amp, plug it into your axe, and start jamming for up to 12 hours on a single charge. Check out:
Katana for Bass
Katana KTN500B bass guitar amp head
- Professional 500-watt bass head with refined preamp circuitry
- Resonance calibration for the ideal bass sound
- Offers a wide range of premium tone tools
- Four-band EQ, including low-mid and high-mid controls
- Pair with Katana KTN-C112B bass speaker cabinet
In 2022, following the introduction of the Katana-110 and Katana- 210 combo bass amps, there was a Katana available to provide power and utility for bassists. Featuring bass-specific effects and controls, these two new additions took the principles of Katana and applied them to bass guitarists.
Katana Mini
- Makes serious Katana tone accessible in a small, go-anywhere amp that runs on batteries
- Offering sound quality far exceeding other amps in its class, but still ultra-compact and travel-ready
- Authentic multi-stage analog gain circuit for big, expressive sound, a traditional analog EQ, and an onboard tape-style delay