Gearank High Notes
- 2021.06: Highest Rated Guitar Amp Under $500
In October 2021 we published the results of our annual guitar amp brand analysis, Boss ranked #2.
Gearank Recommended
If you’re looking for an all-in-one guitar guitar amp that can serve you both on stage and at home, then definitely check this amp out.
Pros:
Both beginners and experienced guitarists find themselves blown away by the versatility of the Katana-100 MkII 1×12″, they appreciate the various tones that can be played with, while pros appreciate the connectivity options and it’s volume flexibility, thanks to its built-in power attenuator. Many are also impressed with its tube like tone, and as expected, most users are pleased with the built-in effects. Boss’ reputation for durability also applies to this amp, and this is noticed by reviewers.
Cons:
There are a few who caution that it may take some time to learn the controls, but doing so lets you make better use of its many features. There are also a few who report issues with the software editor, but they have nothing against the actual amp.
Overall:
With its flexible volume and tone settings, the Boss Katana-100 MkII is more than capable of growing with your playing and productivity needs.
Boss Katana-100 MkII Overview
The best thing about digital sound processing is that it gets better as technology improves, and this is the reason for the staying power of many popular modeling amps, including the Boss Katana line.
This version superseded the Katana-100 (KTN-100) which was the mark 1 version.
The Katana MkII line expands its amp modeling with the addition of a variation switch, which tweaks the voicing to a different flavor while still retaining the sound quality that is expected from the line. Like before, it utilizes the same DSP technology found in their guitar processors and multi-effects units, albeit packed inside an amp.
Having the ability to attenuate its output is also another noteworthy feature, giving you the option to get cranked tones at lower volume levels. You can set it to 50W or as low as half a watt. The amplifier section is paired with a single 12″ speaker.
The effects are very widely well regarded in the guitarist community, which is something you would expect given that they are the same Boss effects you can find in their processors. They even increased the number of effect types for this release.
You can also edit both your amp models and effects using the BOSS Tone Studio Editor for Katana which was updated for the MKII series.
This is part of Boss’ improved line of amps that feature their Tube Logic technology, which emulates components of tube amps for improved realism.
It also comes with built-in digital effects, allowing you to choose from 60 Boss effects and run up to 5 of them simultaneously.
Amp modeling is divided into 5 voicings: Clean, Crunch, Lead, Brown and Acoustic, and MkII introduces a variation switch that changes the voicings – essentially giving you 5 more Tube Logic amp models.
Another noteworthy feature is the inclusion of Variable Power Control, which lets you attenuate the power to as low as half a watt, to achieve cranked tones at lower volume levels.
It has a wide variety of connectivity options including USB for recording with speaker emulation, and a power amp input.Both beginners and experienced guitarists find themselves blown away by the versatility of the Katana-100 MkII 1×12″, they appreciate the various tones that can be played with, while pros appreciate the connectivity options and it’s volume flexibility, thanks to its built-in power attenuator. Many are also impressed with its tube like tone, and as expected, most users are pleased with the built-in effects. Boss’ reputation for durability also applies to this amp, and this is noticed by reviewers.There are a few who caution that it may take some time to learn the controls, but doing so lets you make better use of its many features. There are also a few who report issues with the software editor, but they have nothing against the actual amp.
With its flexible volume and tone settings, the Boss Katana-100 MkII is more than capable of growing with your playing and productivity needs.
From “Complete Guide to the Best Guitar Amps Under $500 in 2024”
This is part of Boss’ improved line of amps that feature their Tube Logic technology, which emulates components of tube amps for improved realism.
It also comes with built-in digital effects, allowing you to choose from 60 Boss effects and run up to 5 of them simultaneously.
Amp modeling is divided into 5 voicings: Clean, Crunch, Lead, Brown and Acoustic, and MkII introduces a variation switch that changes the voicings – essentially giving you 5 more Tube Logic amp models.
Another noteworthy feature is the inclusion of Variable Power Control, which lets you attenuate the power to as low as half a watt, to achieve cranked tones at lower volume levels.
It has a wide variety of connectivity options including USB for recording with speaker emulation, and a power amp input.
Specifications
- Power: 100W with Power Attenuation (50W, 0.5W)
- Speaker: 1 x 12″
- Amp Modeling: Clean, Crunch, Lead, Brown, Acoustic
- Effects: 60 Boss Effects
- Input: 1 x 1/4″ (Guitar), 1 x 1/4″ (Power Amp), 1 x 1/8″ (Aux)
- Outputs: 1 x 1/4″ (Line), 1 x 1/4″ (Headphones/Rec)
- Weight: 32.6 lbs.
| Website | Source | *Rating Value |
| Guitar.com | Richard Purvis | 80/100 |
| Guitar World | Daryl Robertson | 90/100 |
About the Author
Alexander Briones
I have been writing about and researching music gear for many years, all while serving as a music director at my local church. I engage in guitar playing and singer-songwriter stints, in addition to mentoring young musicians and teaching guitar and bass.