Boss Katana Head MkII 100-Watt Guitar Amp Head / Combo 5″ Speaker

Gearank High Notes

• 2022.08: Highest Rated Combo Modeling Amp from $300 to $500
• 2022.08: Highest Rated Practice Amp between $200 and $500
• 2021.06: Highest Rated Modeling Amp Head Under $1000

Gearank Recommended

The Katana Head MkII first appeared on our recommended list for Modeling Amps in June 2021 and it’s still on that list now.

It also went on our recommended list for Guitar Amps Under $500 in June 2021 and it remains on that list today.

Then in March 2022 it went on our recommended list for Practice Amps and we’re still recommending it there now.

Overview

The Boss Katana Head MkII is a versatile amp head that fits perfectly in your bedroom and on stage. Boss made a smart choice by focusing on just 10 high-quality amp models rather than overwhelming you with too many options.

This means each one, from Clean to Crunch, Lead, Brown, and Acoustic, sounds genuinely great. Plus, the “Variation” button adds a twist to these core tones, giving you a total of 10 different voicings to play with.

If you’re into high-gain tones, the Katana Head MkII won’t disappoint. The Lead and Brown modes deliver the kind of saturation, tight response, and heavy bass that modern metal players crave.

The Crunch mode gives you a nice mid-gain tone, though it’s a bit more refined than the raw vintage sound some might expect. Both the Clean and Acoustic channels do their jobs well, even if they’re not as bright as some old-school amps, which might be a good thing depending on your taste.

One of the coolest features is the built-in power attenuator. You can dial down from 100W to 50W or even 0.5W. This, along with an internal 5″ speaker, means you can practice quietly without sacrificing tone. It’s like having a full-blown stage amp that can also whisper when you need it to.

And because it’s a Boss, you get top-notch built-in effects, expanding your sonic possibilities without needing a bunch of extra pedals.

There are also multiple boost types, a power amp input, and an effects loop, making it super friendly for pedalboards and ready for any gig. The software editor opens up even more tweaking options, though it might take a bit to get the hang of.

So, if you’re looking for an amp head that’s got everything you need for home practice and live shows, the Boss Katana Head MkII is a fantastic choice. It’s highly rated in the market, and with good reason—this amp really delivers.

Specifications

• Power: 100W (Power Attenuator: 50W, 0.5W)
• Channels: 4
• Amp Models: 10
• Effects: 60 Boss Effects
• Input: 1 x 1/4, 1 x 1/4″ (Power Amp), 1 x 1/8″ (Aux)
• Outputs: 2 x 1/4″ (Line/Speaker), 1 x 1/4″ (Headphones/Rec)
• Weight: 19.4 lbs.

Demo