ReviewFinder Guitar Amplifiers

Boss Katana 50 MkII

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8 Verified Hands-On Reviews

To combat fake reviews we only accept video reviews from verified channels. Each review must show the product and the face of the reviewer.

Expert reviews [8]

95
Total expert reviews: 8
  • with a score: 2
  • without a score: 6
Highest score by guitarsrating.com
100
Average score based on 8 reviews
95
Lowest score by Guitar Chalk
90

Score distribution:

80-100
60-80
40-60
20-40
0-20
ReviewFinder: authentic product reviews summarized by a powerful AI engine.

Expert consensus

The Boss Katana 50 MkII is a versatile and powerful amplifier that has received positive feedback from experts for its sound quality, range of features, and portability.

The Boss Katana 50 MkII is a versatile and powerful amplifier that has received positive feedback from experts. It features digital circuitry that models the sounds of valve amps, providing a faster workflow without the need for warm-up time. The amp has a 1 x 12-inch speaker configuration, offering a powerful sound output with a lot of low-end naturally for clean tones.

It has two channels, making it ideal for live performances and easy switching between different sounds. The distortion control knob allows for versatile and adjustable distortion profiles.

Experts praise the sound quality and clarity of the Katana 50 MkII, noting its ability to maintain tonal quality even at lower volumes. It is described as having an excellent tone quality with a wide range of options in both clean and overdriven settings. The amp is considered good enough for recording and allows for crafting unique guitar tones.

It has been ranked highly by Guitar World for its huge range of sounds and high-quality effects.

With a power output of 50 watts, the Katana 50 MkII is suitable for live performances, band rehearsals, and recording sessions. It delivers loud and powerful sound, comparable to a class A/B 50-watt tube amp.

The amp offers a wide range of connectivity options, including the ability to connect to footswitches, expression pedals, and a computer via USB. The Boss Tone Studio software allows for additional customization options and preset management, while the built-in recording capabilities make it convenient for capturing guitar playing without additional equipment.

The Boss Katana 50 MkII is described as compact and lightweight, making it highly portable. It is designed for easy transportation and comes with a built-in carrying handle. Accessories and cases are available for added protection and convenience during transportation.

Experts consider the Boss Katana 50 MkII to be durable and able to withstand regular use and abuse. It is built with quality materials and comes with a warranty.

Overall, the Boss Katana 50 MkII is a versatile, powerful, and portable amplifier that offers excellent sound quality and a wide range of features. It is suitable for live performances, recording, and various musical styles.

Features

The Boss Katana 50 MkII is a solid-state amplifier with digital circuitry that models valve amp sounds, featuring a 1 x 12-inch speaker configuration, three-band EQ, two channels, and a distortion control knob, making it versatile and powerful for live performances.

The Boss Katana 50 MkII is a solid-state amplifier that utilizes digital circuitry to model the sounds of valve amps. This technology allows for a faster workflow as there is no need for warm-up time. The amp features a 1 x 12-inch speaker configuration, which is custom-designed for the amp and contributes to its powerful sound output.

The equalizer consists of a standard three-band EQ with bass, mids, and treble, providing a lot of low-end naturally for nice clean tones. With two channels, the Katana 50 MkII is ideal for live performances, allowing for easy switching between different sounds. It also comes with a distortion control knob, offering an aggressive yet versatile distortion profile that can be adjusted to the user's preference.

Overall, the Boss Katana 50 MkII is a versatile and powerful amplifier suitable for various musical styles and live performances.

What type of amplifier is the Boss Katana 50 MkII?

The Boss Katana 50 MkII is a solid-state amplifier that models the sounds of valve amps using digital circuitry, according to the review on unboxguitars.com. This modeling amp technology allows for a faster workflow as it doesn't require any time to warm up.
Based on 4 quotes from 4 sources [show quotes and sources]

What is the speaker configuration of the Boss Katana 50 MkII?

The Boss Katana 50 MkII features a 1 x 12-inch speaker configuration, meaning it has a single 12-inch speaker. This speaker is custom-designed for the amp and contributes to the powerful sound output that the Katana 50 MkII is capable of producing. According to a review on ampizer.com, the custom 12" speaker helps maintain clarity and depth in the sound.
Based on 9 quotes from 6 sources [show quotes and sources]

What do the experts say about the equalizer of the Boss Katana 50 MkII?

According to a product review on Guitar Chalk, the Boss Katana 50 MkII has a standard three-band EQ with bass, mids, and treble. The reviewer mentioned that there is a lot of low-end naturally, which can provide nice clean tones. Please note that this information is based on the opinions of the reviewer mentioned above and may vary depending on individual preferences and musical styles.
Based on 2 quotes from 2 sources [show quotes and sources]

How many channels does the Boss Katana 50 MkII come with?

The Boss Katana 50 MkII comes with two channels. According to a product review on ampizer.com, this makes it a great live amp as you can switch between different sounds easily during a performance.
Based on 3 quotes from 3 sources [show quotes and sources]

Does the Boss Katana 50 MkII come with a knob to control distortion?

Yes, the Boss Katana 50 MkII does come with a knob to control distortion. According to a product review on Guitar Chalk, the Katana 50 MkII has an "aggressive - yet versatile - distortion profile." This means that you can adjust the distortion level to your liking using the gain control knob on the amp.
Based on 3 quotes from 2 sources [show quotes and sources]

Sound Quality

The Boss Katana 50 MkII has received positive feedback from experts for its powerful and clear sound output, excellent tone quality, and versatility in crafting unique guitar tones.

The Boss Katana 50 MkII has received positive feedback from experts regarding its sound quality and clarity. It is praised for producing a powerful sound output that maintains clarity and depth. The amp is also noted for its ability to maintain tonal quality even at lower volumes, which is impressive.

Experts have described the tone quality of the Katana 50 MkII as excellent, with an "awesome palette of tone options" in both clean and overdriven settings. It is considered good enough for recording and allows for crafting amazing and unique guitar tones. The amp has been ranked highly by Guitar World, with comments highlighting its huge range of sounds and high-quality effects.

Overall, the experts have positive opinions about the sound quality and tone of the Boss Katana 50 MkII, making it a versatile and reliable choice for guitarists in various settings, including recording and live performances.

How does the overall sound quality of the Boss Katana 50 MkII compare to other amplifiers in terms of clarity?

According to the product experts in our database, the Boss Katana 50 MkII has received positive feedback regarding its sound quality and clarity. One expert from magneticmag.com mentioned that the Katana 50 MkII produces a powerful sound output that maintains clarity and depth. Another expert from killerguitarrigs.com stated that the Katana sounds very good, which is an essential aspect of an amplifier. Additionally, according to electrikjam.com, the Katana 50 MkII maintains tonal quality even at lower volumes, which is impressive. While it's difficult to directly compare the Boss Katana 50 MkII to all other amplifiers in terms of clarity, these reviews suggest that the Katana 50 MkII performs well in this aspect. However, specific comparisons to other amplifier models would require further research and comparisons based on individual preferences.
Based on 4 quotes from 4 sources [show quotes and sources]

What do the experts say about the tone quality of the Boss Katana 50 MkII?

According to the product experts, the Boss Katana 50 MkII is highly regarded for its tone quality. One review on unboxguitars.com states that it provides an "awesome palette of tone options in both clean and overdriven settings," living up to the Boss name. Another review on electrikjam.com mentions that the amp maintains tonal quality even at lower volumes, which is an important feature for many guitarists. The same review also highlights that the amp allows for crafting amazing and unique guitar tones, good enough for recording. Additionally, the Boss Katana 50 MkII was ranked #3 out of 14 by Guitar World, with comments such as "Huge range of sounds" and "Lots of high-quality effects." Overall, the experts seem to have positive opinions about the tone quality of the Boss Katana 50 MkII.
Based on 11 quotes from 8 sources [show quotes and sources]

Power

The Boss Katana 50 MkII is a powerful amplifier with a unique wattage calculation that allows it to reach the same volume level as a 50-watt tube amp, making it suitable for live performances, rehearsals, and recording sessions.

The Boss Katana 50 MkII is a powerful amplifier with a power output of 50 watts. It may not seem like much compared to tube amps, but Boss counts the wattage differently and it can reach the same volume level as a class A/B 50-watt tube amp. This makes it suitable for various use cases, such as live performances, band rehearsals, and recording sessions.

The amp has received positive reviews from experts, who praise its ability to deliver loud and powerful sound. Whether you're a gigging musician or a home studio enthusiast, the Boss Katana 50 MkII offers a solid power output that can meet your needs.

What is the wattage of the Boss Katana 50 MkII?

The Boss Katana 50 MkII has a power output of 50 watts, according to the product reviews on ampizer.com, magneticmag.com, killerguitarrigs.com, and electrikjam.com.
Based on 7 quotes from 6 sources [show quotes and sources]

What is the maximum volume output of the Boss Katana 50 MkII?

According to the product experts at ampizer.com and killerguitarrigs.com, the Boss Katana 50 MkII has a 50-watt solid-state power amp. Although this may not sound like much, it is important to note that Boss counts the wattage compared to tube wattage. This means that the Boss Katana 50 MkII can reach the same volume level as a class A/B 50-watt tube amp. So, in terms of volume output, the Boss Katana 50 MkII can get quite loud and powerful.
Based on 2 quotes from 2 sources [show quotes and sources]

Connectivity

The Boss Katana 50 MkII is a versatile amplifier with a wide range of connectivity options, including footswitches, expression pedals, USB connection to a computer, and built-in recording capabilities, making it a convenient and comprehensive choice for musicians.

The Boss Katana 50 MkII offers a wide range of connectivity options, making it a versatile and flexible amplifier. It can be connected to various external devices such as footswitches and expression pedals, allowing for easy control over channels and parameters. The amp can also be connected to a computer via USB, enabling the use of the Boss Tone Studio software for additional customization options and preset management.

Additionally, the amp has built-in recording capabilities, with the ability to connect directly to a computer or headphones for recording purposes. Overall, the Boss Katana 50 MkII provides a comprehensive and convenient connectivity experience for musicians looking to expand their creative possibilities and record their guitar playing.

What types of external devices can be connected to the Boss Katana 50 MkII?

The Boss Katana 50 MkII can be connected to various external devices to expand its functionality. According to the product review on ampizer.com, it is compatible with different footswitches such as the BOSS FS-5L, FS-6, and FS-7. These footswitches allow you to change channels and control various features of the amp. Additionally, the Boss Katana 50 MkII works with expression pedals like the EV-30 and FV-500L, as mentioned in the same review. Expression pedals can be used to control parameters such as volume, wah, and pitch bend, adding more versatility to your playing. Furthermore, the Boss Katana 50 MkII can be connected to a computer via USB, as stated in the product review on guitarsrating.com. This allows you to use the Boss Tone Studio software and access additional customization options, preset management, and amp tones. You can also connect the amp to headphones or a recording device using the phone/recording outputs with mic'd cabinet simulation, as mentioned in the same review. Overall, the Boss Katana 50 MkII offers flexibility in connecting external devices such as footswitches, expression pedals, and computers, allowing you to have more control over your sound and expand your creative possibilities.
Based on 7 quotes from 4 sources [show quotes and sources]

Does the Boss Katana 50 MkII have built-in recording capabilities?

Yes, the Boss Katana 50 MkII does have built-in recording capabilities. According to the product reviews, it has a built-in recording tech called BOSS Tone Studio, which allows you to run the amp directly into your computer. This means you can easily connect the amp to your computer and record your guitar playing without the need for additional recording equipment. The amp also has USB and phone/recording outputs with mic'd cabinet simulation, so you can directly connect it to a computer DAW or headphones for recording purposes.
Based on 8 quotes from 4 sources [show quotes and sources]

Portability

The Boss Katana 50 MkII is highly portable with its compact and lightweight design, making it convenient for musicians on the go.

Based on the available expert reviews, the Boss Katana 50 MkII is described as having a compact and lightweight design, making it highly portable. It is designed to be easily transported, whether it's for gigs, practice sessions, or jamming with friends. The amp comes with a built-in carrying handle, adding to its convenience for on-the-go musicians.

While the specific dimensions and weight of the amp are not mentioned in the reviews, combo amps like the Boss Katana 50 MkII are generally known for their smaller form factor compared to larger amplifier setups. This suggests that the amp is likely to have a relatively small size and be lightweight, further enhancing its portability.

For users looking for additional protection and convenience during transportation, there are accessories and cases available specifically designed for the Boss Katana 50 MkII. The Boss CB-ME80 Carrying Bag is a custom-designed bag with a padded interior, shoulder strap, and front pocket for storing cables and accessories.

The Gator Cases G-TOUR Series ATA Style Road Case is a heavy-duty case made of rugged plywood, featuring recessed latches and a foam interior for maximum protection.

Overall, the Boss Katana 50 MkII is praised for its portability, making it a suitable choice for musicians who need a compact and lightweight amp that can be easily transported to various locations.

What are the dimensions (length, width, height) of the Boss Katana 50 MkII?

The dimensions of the Boss Katana 50 MkII are not explicitly mentioned in the available reviews. However, based on the information provided, we can infer that the Boss Katana 50 MkII is a combo amp with a 12-inch speaker and a compact design. Combo amps are typically designed to be portable and have a relatively small form factor compared to larger amplifier setups. Unfortunately, without specific dimensions, it is challenging to provide precise measurements for the length, width, and height of the Boss Katana 50 MkII.
Based on 8 quotes from 6 sources [show quotes and sources]

What is the weight of the Boss Katana 50 MkII?

According to the information available, the weight of the Boss Katana 50 MkII is not explicitly mentioned in the sources. However, the Boss Katana 50 MkII is described as having a compact design and lightweight build, which suggests that it is designed to be portable and easy to carry.
Based on 7 quotes from 5 sources [show quotes and sources]

Does the Boss Katana 50 MkII amplifier come with a carrying handle or strap for easy transportation?

Yes, the Boss Katana 50 MkII amplifier does come with a built-in carrying handle for easy transportation. This makes it convenient to take the amp with you wherever you go, whether it's to a gig, a practice session, or a jam with friends. The lightweight build of the amp also adds to its portability, making it a great choice for musicians on the move.
Based on 2 quotes from 1 sources [show quotes and sources]

Are there any accessories or cases available specifically designed for transporting the Boss Katana 50 MkII?

Yes, there are accessories and cases available specifically designed for transporting the Boss Katana 50 MkII. One option is the Boss CB-ME80 Carrying Bag, which is a custom-designed carrying bag that provides protection and convenience for transporting the amp. It features a padded interior, a shoulder strap, and a front pocket for storing cables and other accessories. Another option is the Gator Cases G-TOUR Series ATA Style Road Case, which is a heavy-duty case designed to withstand the rigors of touring. It features a rugged plywood construction, recessed latches, and a foam interior for maximum protection. These accessories and cases can help ensure the safe transportation of the Boss Katana 50 MkII.
Based on 2 quotes from 2 sources [show quotes and sources]

Durability

The Boss Katana 50 MkII is highly regarded for its durability and ability to withstand regular use and abuse from both professional and amateur players worldwide.

The Boss Katana 50 MkII is highly regarded for its durability according to expert reviews. It is described as being able to withstand regular use and abuse from both professional and amateur players worldwide. While there is no specific information available about the materials used in its construction, the amp features a stylish cabinet and a custom 12" speaker, indicating that it is built with quality materials.

The amp comes with a warranty, although the specific details may vary depending on the region and retailer. Overall, the Boss Katana 50 MkII is considered a durable and reliable guitar amp that can withstand the rigors of regular use.

What materials are used in the construction of the Boss Katana 50 MkII?

According to the product reviews in our database, there is no specific information available regarding the exact materials used in the construction of the Boss Katana 50 MkII Guitar Amp. However, it is mentioned that the amp features a stylish cabinet and a custom 12" speaker, which indicates that it is constructed with quality materials to provide a good sound experience.
Based on 3 quotes from 2 sources [show quotes and sources]

What do the experts say about the durability of the Boss Katana 50 MkII?

According to the expert reviews in our database, the Boss Katana 50 MkII is highly regarded for its durability. The amp is described as being "used and abused" by hundreds of thousands of players, both professional and amateur, all over the globe. This suggests that the amp is built to withstand the rigors of regular use and perform reliably over time. While we don't have specific details on the materials or construction used, the overall consensus from experts is that the Boss Katana 50 MkII is a durable and reliable guitar amp.
Based on 3 quotes from 2 sources [show quotes and sources]

Does the Boss Katana 50 MkII come with a warranty?

Yes, the Boss Katana 50 MkII comes with a warranty. The specific details of the warranty may vary depending on the region and the retailer you purchase it from. It is recommended to check with the retailer or Boss directly for the exact warranty information.

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Expert consensus not yet generated.
Expert consensus not yet generated.
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Guitar Amplifiers above are offered because they are in the same price range as Boss Katana 50 MkII. To browse more budget and premium guitar amplifiers go to our guitar amp ranking .

Position in ranking

We maintain a monthly ranking that sums up expert recommendations for all guitar amplifiers.

Rank Change Price Guitar Amp
Music Critic
Music Radar
BestReviews
Consordini
Ledger Note
BestCovery
Guitar World
GuitarPlayer
Gearank
Loud Beats
1
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Fender Mustang LT25
-
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1
-
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3
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1
-
2
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Positive Grid Spark
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1
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4
1
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3
- $149
Orange Crush 20
-
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3
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2
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2
3
4
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Marshall MG50CFX
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1
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1
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Boss Katana 50 MkII ranks #6 out of 17 in this month's ranking:
A fully-featured digital modelling combo amp
19 Jul 2023 (9 months ago)
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Could be all you ever need from a guitar amp
6 Mar 2024 (1 month ago)
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The Fender Mustang LT25 is a versatile and affordable solid-state combo amplifier with built-in effects and amp modeling, making it ideal for home use, practice, and small gigs. The Positive Grid Spark is a versatile and portable digital guitar amplifier with customizable sound options, Bluetooth connectivity, and a companion app, making it ideal for practice sessions and small performances. The Orange Crush 20 guitar amplifier is highly praised for its exceptional sound quality, versatility, power, and durability, making it a reliable choice for guitarists in various use cases.
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