Which BOSS Katana Amplifier Is Right for You?

For decades, the BOSS name has been synonymous with innovation and great sound for guitarists. The company's 50+ years of experience has resulted in many iconic pedals and amplifiers, but the BOSS Katana series, released in 2016, has taken the world of guitar amps to a new level.

Since their launch in 2016, BOSS Katana amps have gained immense popularity thanks to their reliability, flexibility, ease of use and the amazing feel of playing that is reminiscent of the world of tube amps - all at an affordable price and without compromise.

In this post, we'll go into detail about the features that make the Katana series special and help you navigate through the different models to find the one that best suits your musical needs

Why choose Katana?

The BOSS Katana series has become one of the most popular amp families among guitarists for a reason. Below is a list of the features that make the Katana Gen 3 amplifier family an excellent choice for beginners and professionals alike.

• Reliability - BOSS is renowned for building rugged, durable instruments, and the Katana amplifiers prove it with their excellent build quality and long life.
• Analogue Class AB Power Amplifier - Katana amplifiers use a true Class AB power amplifier, which provides natural dynamics and a warm, organic sound.
• Tube Logic Technology - BOSS's proprietary amplifier technology. Unlike tube amps that require high volume for optimal sound, with Tube Logic design, the power amp works at full power even when the output wattage is lowered by the power control function and it maintains high-load behaviour and tone quality, ensuring great sound at any volume.
• Variable Power Control - Achieve authentic cranked-amp response at any volume, from bedroom practice to stage performance. Just crank up the MASTER volume and use the POWER CONTROL knob to set the desired volume level.
• Six individual amp characters - The Katana Gen3 Series' six unique amplifier characters (ACOUSTIC, CLEAN, PUSHED, CRUNCH, LEAD and BROWN) and their variations, ensure you'll find the best sound for any genre of music.
• Included BOSS effects - Find 60 plus legendary onboard effect types ready for every setlist.  
• BOSS TONE STUDIO Software - Dedicated editing software lets you fine-tune your effects and settings to perfectly match your playing style. Plus, you get access to the free BOSS TONE EXCHANGE Patch sharing platform. 

Thanks to the above functions, the Katana series is an excellent choice for those seeking a versatile, professional, yet affordable amplifier.

Features of each Katana model

Katana Gen3 amplifiers

Katana 50 Gen3

It’s an ideal choice for guitarists who value portability and a compact size while still needing enough volume to play alongside a drummer. Easy to use, it includes over 60 BOSS effects, allows you to save your settings to four memory slots, and offers adjustable output power ranging from 0.5 watts to 50 watts, making it ideal even for home practice. Thanks to the seamless integration of Tube Logic and a reactive analogue Class AB power amp, it delivers an excellent playing feel and outstanding sound. It also features a dedicated power amp input, making it a perfect solution for monitoring modern modelling multi-effects. 

Katana 50 EX Gen3

Expands Katana-50 Gen 3 with enhanced features, specifically designed for gigging guitarists. These include an upgraded speaker and a specially tuned cabinet, optimised for stage use with a wider sound projection and enhanced resonance. Useful features for live sound applications include a Line Out with speaker modelling and the Stereo Expand function, allowing two Katana amplifiers to be linked for true stereo operation. By connecting the optional GA-FC/GA-FC EX footswitch, players can control various functions hands-free during performances, such as toggling individual effects, activating solo boosts, adjusting Delay Tap Tempo, and even switching between eight saved memory settings.
The 50 EX Gen 3 is an ideal choice for those seeking a lightweight, portable, yet stage-ready pedalboard/amp solution.

Katana 100 Gen3

In addition to the features of the Katana-50 EX Gen 3, extra functions are available, such as adjustable output power ranging from 0.5 watts to 100 watts, a larger cabinet, a bigger speaker magnet, and up to eight memory slots accessible directly from the control panel. It also offers various sound-shaping options and a SEND/RETURN effects loop for connecting external effects. An ideal solution for stage, studio and home use.

Katana 100/212 Gen3

Its features are identical to the Katana-100 Gen 3 but with a larger cabinet and dual 12” speakers. It cuts through the mix even on large-stage performances and delivers a fuller sound thanks to the increased surface area.

Katana Head Gen3

It is the compact and portable, amplifier head version of the Katana-100 Gen 3 combo. It features an extra MIDI input for full control and a new BLOOM power amp setting for an even more organic tube-like playing experience. It can be connected to your favourite guitar cabinet for use on stage, in the studio, or in the rehearsal room. Additionally, it includes a built-in 5” speaker, perfect for practising without an external cabinet. Ideal for gigging musicians who prioritize ease of transport without sacrificing power or tone.

Katana Artist Gen3

The BOSS Katana Artist combo amplifier stands out of the Katana family for its premium components and enhanced tonal refinement. It's the best choice for guitarists who want professional sound quality and stage usability. Unlike the other Katana models, the Katana Artist combo is equipped with a unique Waza speaker that offers a wider dynamic range, smooth midrange and rich harmonics. In addition, the refined cabinet design and improved sound adjustment result in an immersive and natural playing experience that rivals high-end boutique amps. With a wide variety of amp models and built-in effects, external speaker output and control, and in-depth customizability, it's perfect for advanced guitarists, whether for home studio or stage use.

Katana Artist Head Gen3

The BOSS Katana Artist Head amplifier represents the pinnacle of the Katana series, offering professional sound quality, versatility, and performance in a compact and portable format. As a standalone amp head, it can be paired with your favourite guitar cabinet. Its features are identical to those of the Katana Artist Gen3 model.

Other Katana models

Katana Headphones amplifier

KATANA:GO

A perfect choice for travelling guitarists and bassists. With 30 high-quality guitar and bass tones and the “STAGE FEEL” feature, it delivers an immersive playing experience. The free iOS/Android app allows customisation of settings, importing, playing back and even slowing down backing tracks. Audio can be recorded directly to a smartphone or computer via the built-in USB-C port. Patches created on Katana amplifiers can also be loaded, and the built-in tuner completes the practice setup.
The KATANA GO can be expanded with wireless foot controllers, using the BOSS FS-1-WL footswitch or the BOSS EV-1-WL expression pedal.

Battery-powered Desktop Katana Amplifiers

Katana Mini

A practice amp designed for travelling guitarists. This lightweight, portable 7-watt amplifier delivers the inspiring Katana sound, featuring a multi-stage analogue gain circuit, traditional analogue EQ, and a tape-style delay effect.

Katana Mini X

A compact 10-watt Katana mini amp housed in a sturdy wooden cabinet, featuring six amp types and a multi-stage analogue gain circuit for rich and versatile tones. It includes two separate effect blocks with ten effects, a built-in tuner, a rechargeable battery, and Bluetooth for wireless music playback. Compatible with acoustic and electric guitars as well as bass guitars. With its rechargeable battery, it’s the perfect tool for practising and jamming anytime, anywhere.

Katana Air

This fully wireless stereo desktop guitar amplifier is an excellent choice for home practice. It can be placed in the living room without the need for cables, as it runs on batteries and includes a WL-20 wireless guitar transmitter for seamless connection to your guitar. With Bluetooth connectivity, you can stream music from your smart device, play along with your favourite songs, or customise your tones using the free KATANA AIR app. It can also be expanded with the BOSS EV-1-WL or FS-1-WL wireless foot controllers for hands-free control.

Katana Air EX

A 35-watt premium stereo amplifier with complete wireless freedom – just pick up your instrument and start playing! Connect to your smart device to edit your tones, stream music, practise, or simply play along with your favourite songs anywhere. Featuring two 5-inch speakers, a wooden cabinet, and a bass reflex port, it’s an excellent choice not only for guitar but also for bass and electro-acoustic instruments. Includes a BOSS WL-20 wireless transmitter and can be expanded with the BOSS EV-1-WL or FS-1-WL wireless foot controllers.

Katana WAZA Cabinet 212

A 160-watt, 2 x 12” cabinet delivering an iconic “Vintage” tone and playing feel, featuring custom Waza Craft speakers. Optimised for the Katana Artist Head and other modern high-powered guitar amp heads.

Katana Cabinet 212

Great sounding, modern high powered speaker cabinet to accompany Katana Head Gen3 or similar third-party products for stage/studio or rehearsal space set up.

Katana amplifiers for bass players

Whether it’s a combination of a head and cabinet, or a combo, bassists can find the right Katana amplifier too. Find details on the product pages:

Katana 500 Bass Head
Katana Cabinet 112
Katana Bass 110 Bass amplifier
Katana Bass 210 Bass amplifier

We hope this guide helps you choose the ideal BOSS Katana to suit your needs and wish you many happy years of playing.

Useful accessories 

​​​​​​​​To enhance your setup and maximize control over your gear, consider these useful accessories. Whether you need footswitches for hands-free operation, expression pedals for dynamic control, or stands for stability, these options provide versatility and convenience:

BOSS GA-FC   BOSS GA-FC-EX 
BOSS FS-6   BOSS FS-7   BOSS FS-5L
BOSS EV-30   Roland EV-5   BOSS FV-500H   BOSS FV-500L
BOSS FS-1-WL   BOSS EV-1-WL   BOSS BAS-1