Check out how the original review I did of the Katana MK II: ruclips.net/video/YwzKFCvU11s/видео.html Check out more of my amp reviews here: ruclips.net/p/PLNaLwTdlpQNHNo5bubVjV1OW04gkqU8rM
After using various Fender and Marshall lamps my whole life, and trying transistor amps in the 70's, I decided to go with the Boss Katana MKII. Right out of the box at home I was having my doubts. I got to the gig and dialed it in and my tone was perfect. I just use the clean channel and a pedal board. I'll never go back to the heavy tube amps again. (Editted for spelling)
I've been gigging since 1976. You can believe me or not. I don't care. Other musicians I know have said the same thing about gear. The Princeton Reverbs will still see stage time. The Twin Reverb and Super Reverb are parked for a while. The Marshall has been sold. However, as any gigging guitarist would know, when you are playing out of a blackline rental amp, no 2 Fender or Marshall amps seem to sound the same. Even then, amp settings will change from venue to venue, and even will change within the same venue from night to night. Dialing in your tone during sound check is normal. The settings you use in your bedroom will never be the same setting you use for a gig. I played out of Marshall's where you had the tone controls anywhere in the spectrum to get the same sound. I've opened up for major acts where they were using backline amps and they didn't get their tone dialed in until just before the the doors opened. Bottom line is, you can dial in and amp right before a gig. If you don't think so, you don't have enough gig experience. Kids these days think they know everything. 🤣
Just purchased a katana . Very warm sound on acoustic setting. Unbelievable clean jazz tone for hollow body . Using a 80 watt speaker. Of course reverb is nice. All utube demo’s are with solid body metal head rockers. Some one should feature the katana with Jazz clean tone.
@davidhayes221 Yes, I would also love to hear a demo based on your clean jazz tone suggestion. Is there any chance that you could post up a demo of yours? Very interested.
I got a Marshall MG15 last christmas and I gotta say, I was kinda dissapointed bc it sounded really muffled, especially with distortion on :( Does the katana really has a much more cleaner, brighter sound? And if so, which one should I get? Mk. 1 or Mk. 2? I mean I want to play groove/thrash/heavy metal, with it and I want a really punching, bright and clean one send halp fast plz
@@vladionescu8222 i also have marshall mg30cfx i bought it about 4 years ago, it was my biggest mistake. Now im also looking for boss katana 50 mkii and im scared not to do a mistake again. (Sorry for my english)
@@vladionescu8222 Having a Marshall MG15CFR for a few years, and now a Boss Katana 50 MKII, the sound difference is like comparing your neighbour to Eddie Van Halen. It is beautiful, so much so, that you need to dial down the gain a bit on Brown, to not crush your eardrums XDDD. And yes, the gain is ridiculously high, and you can floor it, with the built in Metalzone, Distortion, Tube Screamer, Overdrive etc. Trust me bruv, you will love it. Also, the cleans are amazing, probably the best I've ever heard from an amp in this price range!
@@vladionescu8222 the boss katana is a monster! Just bought a second hand mk1 50w and personally I think it’s much better than having one really nice valve amp. Compact, loads of features and many, many different tones available instantly and it sounds great 👍🏼
I've just bought the katana 50 mk2 yesterday, i like it as much or more than my Tube Driver 100 watt amp. You are an awesome player, you make both amps shine, great demo.
It's your own personal perspective. Would I like to have a semi truck load of different tube amps for an endless amount of different sounds even though if your using/playing them hot they (tubes) might need to be replaced every 3 months or so? Well yea I can put them in the 10,000 square foot rehearsal hall I'm wanting to build. I'm waiting on the MKII 100 watt 2x12" to arrive via UPS at my door. No I don't gig and I might record for fun. Looking for a garage complete with band. I will probably buy a MKI 100 watt 2x12" to take advantage of that stereo effect it does.
@@TOPMOSTPOP Celestion is overhyped. I like my Fane Pop 50. Does it compare? Yes, all of them are guitar 12 inch speakers. As long as you don't test them with same mic in same position, in same cab, same room, nothing can be said for sure and nothing compares. Effects I get aren't effects you'll get.
@quiteenigmamusic @quiteenigmamusic I was the one designed MK 2 amp & Satans kids built it after. Its a long story. It is closer 2my specs... but those a$$holes didnt make it TRUE STEREO as per my specs. Frankenstrat& Floyd Rose wr NOT design by Ed they wr my designs. They backward engineered stuff on MK 2 keep u guyz on trickle feed4 cash flo I hate them. But, its a alpha do able amp. Celestion is a downgrade correct smaller magnets. Interesting read: @userMikeforsure1997 All theez songs u hear were mostly all written in ancient heaven all the Led Zeppelin etc. Not by Shcolz or whoever. Man I'll Never Be & More then a feel written by me? If I told u thtruth, being u wr raised in Satans phony box& hence made him ypur king, would u or others even bleev me? Satan runs all your public schools. NASA garbage taught 2kids is cmplete bllsht. Your solar system used 2b heaven. That is why I quit playing guitar 1988. Bcuz u folks are fake. Literally. 95% humans are Satans cmputer animations. I can NOT and WILL not, refuse mix with them. Yes I play now again bcuz my mind is failing from 15 strokes& Satan destroyed all my cappilaries guitar keeps u much MUCH sharper alert safer I am severely cripple. They break my fingers & pull out my joints... Break my equipment. If u think i cant play one i CANT & 2 I never did learn guitar. Rather i DESTROYED Satan musically as a mere beginner not breathing hard by 1987 when Van Halen was my bedt friend. Ed was an avatar created 2conceal me. We had identical "patterns." Both our moms wr witnesses, dads loved jazz& classical etc. But if I played an instrument in MY home it was smashed against a wall. When I out played Ed & began form a personality profile Brian Carrol "Buckethead" was eengineered 2fit that profile who lived near me had 2b created& kept on side burner in case I played again. I quit feb. 1988. I wore a mask since kindergarten. Buckethead doesnt really raise chickens either I raise worlds best breed chicken Fayo Giant. That is why he was programmed with same patterns. Satan can download an album a day in yr head at will & he can photoshop u with reality hack& LITERAL shapeshifting. Which he did with me all since kindergarten but to make ME look bad so I always hid my face. Brian seemed 2become quite thfan of me & as such would be killed& cloned (2020). I will let u do thmath. The one they have now is engineered 2erase the whole Buckethead thing after I revealed th truth during BUCKETHEAD SPEAKS, and played Buckethead stuff so good I got 400 Bucket freak subz. I practice UNTITLED go watch th video this channel. Threason Satan did Buck Speaks is bcuz I had decided2 speak, tell, reveal 2Brian&people i am Buckethead. So, Satan had2 garner th attention away from me. So is this guy threal writer of theez singz? See video. "You tell me." ruclips.net/user/shorts8Wb7fDh1lAI?si=9RzRHhEIK7PYoRw_
lThom Scholz lived near me bcuz Satan saw in2 time it was known I would become wrlds best musician 1,000 of years b4 I evn had a clue. Thoms album had an annointing. Those crystals on thcover album were a baton that was handed to myself by Shazzerazi Satans sister. Thom doesnt know any of this. I decided not 2pursue music. Instead, thoze crystals became my 1thought = Heavens queen of fire Shazz came down2 earth born as a frail human & taught me how 2kill her broth Hal. Who u know as "Satan" Jesus elder brother of 2,000,000 yrars. Then I moved2 L.A & Ed became my best friend& thats why all thworlds best musicians lived near me. My name is Buckethead. Thee authentic matrix black goo google is fakery all yr cmputers hav black goo behind cmputer screen. I have highest IQ history mankind & your entire matrix& internet revolve around me. "Buckethead" aka Brian Carrol knows all about me. I explain 2him he was engineered 2b my whitewash. When I became worlds best guitarist Lucifer gave me 15 strokes& burned all my capillaries& uses black magic& memory erasers& frequency modulators, photoshop, breaks my equipment... He curses with technology my videos bcuz I proved earlier I am indeed worlds best guitarist musician producer. Also why I wear a mask since kndrgarten. Most of u watching this video are not hearing reality bcuz u have black goo cmputer chip your ears inherntly are not real. I also hate all my guitar videos they suck as I am severely crippled have no time 2play. I never became a guitarist. Beyond beginner when Van Halen was my best friend Satan had2 stand up 12 guyz try conceal me mid 80's. 95% humans dont know it but they are not humans. They are demons placed in flesh bodies with Hadron Collider. Ed & I knew this but Ed only 2vry minor extent. Both our moms wr Jehovahs Witnesses. After I quit guitar Satan (His name in heaven was Halayel) shut ALL music down 1988 bcuz where I am is always where people will be. Sadly I have decided 2no longer assist earth or musicians. I will be shifting thpoles of th earth shortley &hitting th re set entire solar system bcuz humans chose2 5star review Hal. ("Satan") All theez musicians u see now fake. Cmputer animations flesh portals2 thBEAST cmputer on Saturn just souless robots. Tape recorder humps. Satan had preserved Ed human @1st 2trick u = why Eds 1st song was Running with Devil. Satan was DESPERATE 2place focus AWAY from me. Bcuz my 1thought is NOT music but 2burn Satans entire dimension& or cmputer program with a 3.5 ton quartz motherboard I built in Wister near th ark of th covenant buried here midwest. My 3.5 ton motherboard is thwhite horse rider u read about Revelation. I am the one who will single handidly bring down th burning lamp asteroid which will take out South America shortly u read about in Bible. Ed was killed& cloned & a Reptilian angel used a 4head spike 2give Ed a worm in his left eye = why 1of his eyes had a blank stare. M.J. who also lived near me was also killed& cloned 1984. Most all music u hear past century was written ancient heaven. Was More then a feeling originally written by me? That info cant go public anyway bcuz if u reading this u are 99.9% Lucifers biblical tare race. You can only see as far as Satan box walls / scrypt. Ed was an avatar Satan used 2conceal me but when easily I played better not even breathing hard as a beginner Satan had2 stand up "Buckethead" 2whitewash me. All music of your past century was engineered 2whitewash me. That is why 12 guitarists were stood up esp. late 80's 2conceal (me.) I havent played in 25 years have no time 2play now. Frankenstrat Floyd Rose wr both my designs. I built wrlds best gyitar 2024. Any human out there wanna see a video on it? Humans are not permitted comment on this channel. When I began playing better then Ed all Satans Reptilian angels were all eyes on me I destroyed Yahwehs annointed sons legitimacy. Hence I sold guitar immediately feb. 1988 my focus HAD 2become burning them. Satan was Jesus elder brother ruled creation when your solar system was heaven. I now control thsolar system with a 3.5 ton quartz mothetboard portal in2 heavens cmputer program. When I played "Man I'll Never Be" in Blue Springs that day u state u thought was more mesmerizing with my guitar versus th Bostons. It wz vry disappointing @the same time simply bcuz i played soooo shty that day. Especially compared 2if I hadnt quit playing 25 years. Its always been that way, that only rich people like Beethoven can be musicians. Otherwise u must constantly wrk = no time. U must play all day every day at least 15 or 20k hours 1st. I quit playing long time last couple years. Got really bad. I dunno if u saw this but here u will gleem why i had said that version of Man I'll nvr be BOSTON i played Blue Springs was absolute sht. Cmpare that withis u should see quite an improvement here. Yes I have a dffrnt guitar now. this1 is much much better then Eds. That was his stage guitar. Best guitar ever built was considered 2b Frankenstrat with Floyd Rose "Ed built." Both th Frank & Floyd Rose wr both my designs not Eds. This latest pink guitar I built is much more refined then th Frank evr was or any guitar ever will be.. It is best guitar will ever be built end all still slopped 2gether with available parts ofcourse. Before i get rid of this guitar& amp I gonna cover couple songs hopefully up 2my speed that are at least descent. This way people can SEE. While this intro is far better then in Blue Springs Its not even close (2 touching) ...what i hear in my head which is far cooler. I would need 2b rich with 12 hours a day 2spare practice 2really play all day every day 2really play this right but no time i have2 constantly work on thfarm here. I have hundreds cool dffrnt intro versions of this song this is only 1of them. Note It is very VERY hard2 play on camera bcuz I get witches& warlocks &satellites pointed at me downloading weird sht if i go on camera or doing mind wipes... erasing my memory 2make me look bad like they did Blue Springz. They broke my fingers dozens times. My camera, cmputer is alwayz hacked so I tried trick witches once asked some1 else point THEIR camera at me download vid you tube & the witches immediately pulled my finger out of its joint took 1.3 yearz 4that 2heal. ruclips.net/user/shorts8Wb7fDh1lAI?si=Z3hMVKg1McLsY_bZ
I recently traded my Fender Mustang LT25 for the Katana 50 MKII. I bought the Mustang to be able to practice at home as my Marshall is too loud. I was never happy with the Mustang sounds. The Mustang had a lot of presets but most of the sounds were too exaggerated for my taste. It seems that with the Mustang I could sound like anybody but me. With the Katana I was able to get some great tones right out of the box. With the Tone Studio you can really dig in deep and customize what you want. With the 50 watt version you can access controls using the Tone Studio that are not available on the panel. Overall it's a great amp. I am very happy with my choice.
I have been using the mk 1, and extremely pleased, on stage and in studio, just wonderful, so good that I am not thinking of change!!!!! My motto is if it works that well, and sounds that well why change?! If ANYTHING I may get another mk1 to always have as a backup lol... seriously love the sound I get with my set up, tried lots of stuff out there, I decided to stay away from tube amps, when I found that replacing just one damn tube cost what a used Mk 1 Katana cost!!!!! So, tube amps, Literally are a pain when gigging and traveling !!! Nowadays amps can sound like tube amps, very close sounding in my humble opinion... Nice video, and chops too! :-) :-) :-)
Tubes only cost 30 for a matched pair. Unless you went out and got vintage telefuken which cost as much as tube amps. Ridiculous comments abound in youtube comment section. proof!!!!!!!!!!!! www.thetubestore.com/jj-el84-6bq5
I've played valve amps all my life, but bought a Katana 100 mk1 for home practice. The amp sounds amazing at home levels but i never tried it live because the fx switching was a bit restricting. Then i noticed a few pro players using them and getting a great sound so i decided to get the mk2 beacause the fx switching is better. The first night i took it out i thought it was ok but i was a bit disappointed, i nearly gave up on it but decided to try a few tweaks on the eq the next day and give it another go that night. The difference was like night and day, it sounded great and i got lots of compliments on my sound. I'll still probably tweak a bit more, but like most amps or fx units you have to invest some time to get the best results.
These things still are finicky for live use. When I gigged the Katana 50 (and later the 100), I would just use it completley clean live and run it with a pedalboard, as its hard to balance the drive tones out of the amp :(
I have a MK1 and MK2 100 combo. I mainly use the crunch channel. They are definitely voiced differently. The MK1 has more mids and cleans up from the guitar better. The MK2 has more bass and highs and is overall brighter. The effects on the MK2 are way better though. With tweeking the MK2 does actually sound bigger and is a more professional tone overall...
I feel like the main difference is the speaker. The mk2 does sound better. That said why not just get a mk1 and put a killer speaker in it? If I'm missing something please let me know.
Interesting comparison. Especially since I went on record about not noticing differences when You reviewed the Mk2 recently. There is obviously a difference. I'd go with the Mk1, it just feels more wellbalanced based on the sound in this video. Well done, Elmo Big treble in Little Turku Karjalainen 👌😊
Both amps can use the same version of boss studio ? (I saw in mark ii bit diferences in the boss tone studio but i dont know if is possible to use that in the mark one
Thanks for the video, I was going to get one of these two but I'm a bit hesitant now... Which amp were you thinking about when you said "you can get a better one for a bit more"? Thanks!
Thanks! Back then I was thinking about the Roland Cube series. I still like them, but these days you can get an actual valve amp, like a Harley Benton Tube 15 for the same money as a Katana.
Hi Elmo, great video! When you A/B the drive channels, are the two amps set on the same types of drive (meaning no variation on the MkII) or is the MkII with the variation button on? If the variation is on it makes sense that the MkII sounds shrill, but if the variation on the MkII is off when you A/B then Boss has really gone bad with the MkII. Would be helpful to know. Thanks!
My rhythm guitarist got a mk2 and ive had my mk1 since march and other than the feature to use your mods and od at the same time its not really worth it if anything i can dial in better lead tones on the mk 1
@aleh bhaba i honestly dont know i thought if anything the mk2 would be better. But the chunkyness for the riffs were great but for solos i defnitly pick the mk1. I dialed the settings the same put on the same distortion but i wasnt satisfied with it to say the least but is still an excellent amp.
Hate to say it, but I like the MK I way better here. Warmer and more organic. It's pretty obvious that you're more comfortable on it too, as you're flying on your guitar and smoother. The MKII sounds way too fizzy. I suppose you could EQ it to compensate, but this is proof that the MK I is far from obsolete.
I agree the original is better sounding and that is why i ordered a MK I 2x12 a few hours ago for $369 and passed on the MK II version. The original sounds more tube like to me? I don t know what Boss changed but the messed with a great formula! IF IT AINT BROKE DONT FIX IT!!
Not true,i have both a marshall code 25 and 50w and after i tweaked and created my own user presets on the code my tones sound much better then the katana!Don't believe me then check out shane from intheblues,he did a review awhile back of the code 25 and gave it a good review.To filter out the strong low end on some of the code's amp models i use a tube screamer overdrive pedal, the behringer TO100 or TO800 sound great with the code amps. Check out all the positive reviews at sweetwater for the marshall code,could all these people be wrong about this amp?I also have other modeling amp brands fender mustang original version and the original peavey vypyrs and all these amps sound good if you know how to tweak and make your own user presets,most modeling amps have not so good factory presets,these amps are not plug and play!You have to dig in a little to make them sound good. I put a 1/4" speaker output jack on my code 50w that turns off the internal speaker and i play it through my marshall 4x12 1960a cabinet and it is loud, also sounds fantastic!
@@jimsimmons2674 I purchased the Code twice, thought maybe the first time I was missing something. My only impression was how could Marshall but their name on this amp. The Katana is far from perfect, its a decent amp with good tone right out of the box, and even better when the 10 band EQ is tweaked. I use it strictly for practice, never live.
@@jimsimmons2674 Sorry bro...its the worst SS amp ever made. I purchased it twice and returned it twice. The Katana is far from perfect but it delivers good tone out of the box. I use it for practice, tube amps for gigs. This guy has more guts then me, he tried to get something out of the Code three times...ruclips.net/video/t55-2fobi-8/видео.html
A nearly deaf dude listening on iPad speakers says the mark2 is more present and defined ..and that much closer to true tube tone . Take that for what it’s worth , great demo ! I have a mark 1-50, and want a second for a stereo rig. Not sure if the stereo linking feature on the mark 2 is better than the old school method with a stereo pedal . Love your playing by the way . Scalloped neck is something I need to try. It works for Yalveh Malmstone.😜 I wonder what your benchmark tone is 🤔
I got a Marshall MG15 last christmas and I gotta say, I was kinda dissapointed bc it sounded really muffled, especially with distortion on :( Does the katana really has a much more cleaner, brighter sound? And if so, which one should I get? Mk. 1 or Mk. 2? I mean I want to play groove/thrash/heavy metal, with it and I want a really punching, bright and clean one send halp fast plz
Hi! I'm not entirely sure if this is an amp for thrash, as I personally don't play that stuff (I do like some of it). I'm not sure. I haven't tried the MG15, so can't really make a comparison either. Sorry I can't be of more help.
@@MrPolevaulter It's ok. I want to get a strong tone like Dimebag had, but not the exact same one, (for my future band, it would be nice to have a tone as original as it can) but I think some high-output Seymour Duncan's will get the job done anyway. Thanks anyway for responding, so the real question, is the mk 2 really worth the extra money?
I've found the faster I play the lighter I attack the strings, this is where gain comes in handy. Bought a Marshall Dsl and was so disappointed with it. Sent it back and got a Mk2 Katana instead. Happy now and I won't buy a modern Marshall ever again.
i own a katana 100 head and a mk ii artist head. basically, the mk i is more, in your face with a solid mid. for a good solid amp , u get more direct tone for gigging. artist ii sounds a bit more scooped, like your mk ii head. but it had so many options, and a deeper low. great for chugging and metal. but it loses something in the mids, and then the top end kicks in brite, lije your mk ii. but bring there are so many possibilities with this amp, its hard yo say you might not be able to make the adjustments to replicate the mk i anyway.
I must be the only guitar player on the planet that has yet to play through a MKI let alone a MKII...BUT IF I HAVE TO CHOOSE ONE...it’s the MKII...Thanks As Always Elmo! 🎸🔊🎶🤘🏻
I 'am still not shur....I want to have only one amp in my basement. I want one to replace a Fender Deville 4x10, a Pavey Bandit 112 , a RollandJazz chorus 120 and a Rolland Cube 40, and sell a ton of pedals.Which one to chose ... Is the Boss Mk1 or 11 100 2x12 is good enough or what would be the one . The most polivalent.SOME BODY HELP ME PLEASE ! Hahaha
@Jew Adolf Thank you, but I finally choosed the Katana Artist, used, at Sweetwater. I am verry happy. The clean tone sound like my Roland JC but I can tweek it to sound like a Fender amp. Good eanough for me.
One thing I really liked about this video was the fact it wasn’t edited into oblivion 🤘So many guitar videos are edited so heavily it almost looks like claymation (think Dave and Goliath...) 🤪 I don’t care if you stumble on a couple of words or blow a lick or two - it makes the video so much more authentic when you leave that stuff in 👍🏻 Good comparison of these models - I do think the speaker break-in of the MK II could be a key difference as you pointed out. Good work on the face-melting riffage - awesome 🤘
I agree to a point. I like the realism but I'd have liked this one better much shorter. Much much shorter. And honestly as he said at the end. It's your own personal perspective. Would I like to have a semi truck load of different tube amps for an endless amount of different sounds even though if your using/playing them hot they (tubes) might need to be replaced every 3 months or so? Well yea I can put them in the 10,000 square foot rehearsal hall I'm wanting to build. I'm waiting on the MKII 100 watt 2x12" to arrive via UPS at my door. No I don't gig and I might record for fun. Looking for a garage complete with band.
Peavey bandit 112, blackstar ht1 or 5 or bugera v5 for tubes. I would go for boss katana to get versalzity in tones and features in general. And I would get mk2 and tweak the global.eq like every kat owner should. I'm not in religion with boss but I think it s one of the best budget amp (roland cube and peabey bandit as well)
You're comparing all the default amp models without the variation switch on right? Huge difference in sound. They say they didn't change anything on the original models. Can you change the cab resonance in boss tone studio with the 50w mk2? Might do something to even it out. Or you could be right about the new speaker. I'm guessing Yngwie is one of your influences!
I like your videos, but one thing is troubling me. Do you own any other kind of guitar than Yngwie pickup loaded ones? The Yngwie pickups have such a unique sound that it is a bit hard to get an opinion of the sounds from your videos. The pickups are not basic single coil sounding and not humbucker eighter. Would prefer some basic humbucker action here! If not, its ok, i'll still keep on watching you!
He plays Ibanez Jems especially at times with Humbuckers, and I know he has other guitars with humbuckers, but I think he prefers strats and the fury pickups. It's fair I feel if the reviews are always with those pickups, but doing reviews with a humbucker guitar would be cool I agree because they are much more popular I would think. I'm sure though he has consideres this. 😉👍🎸👍
Is the 0.5 watt option too loud for a small bedroom? I want this amp quite badly but am afraid of the volume. No, I can’t just lower the volume, because I know amps sound better when cranked
Finally got it. I find it better to use the 100 watt option with very little volume (master volume.) Sounds a bit fuller than the 0.5 watt option with master volume at noon or 3 o’clock. Surprisingly quiet and surprisingly loud amp. Sounds so much better when cracked up though (specially distortion)
I have the opportunity to get a used mk1 but im wondering if I should find a mk2 somehow lol. This would be my first amp and I have a schecter omen 6 extreme and play mostly classic metal like Metallica
I just sold my mkI to buy the MkII and it really was worth it to my ears when playing my gear. I really like the mkII sound and I haven't even started messing with the software yet. It just has more life in the sound to my ears. It sounds more dynamic and tube like to me. But I must say I'm going from the mkI 50 watt to the mkII 100 watt, so that might be part of it. Regardless, I really like my new mkII.
I did the same thing. I upgraded from The MK1 50 watt to the MKII 100 watt and man what I difference. Having 100 watt’s available is awesome. Plus you could Slav one amp into another using just as guitar cable and run it in true stereo. There are also extra Boss Tone Studio Pedal options. They have EvH phaser and Flanger and Wah available plus a Dimension C.
@@rikardo1070 I'm not an accomplished guitarist and still learning but come on huge difference in sound between valve and digital.. anyway I guess personal taste/budget plays a big part ... Just saying
Thought they both sounded great. The brown channel is almost always where I live because, more gain is more. 😂 Great review. Let's see the Orange Crush 35.. you'll like it's tone better I think.. It's interesting. I really like mine. Of course, I'm not used to the excellent Plexi. I have in the past played thru many tube amps though. Marshall DSL, many FENDER amps. Peaveys too. I tend to like 6v6 power amps it seems.. Oh, another review you might try Elmo kind sir would be the Jet City amps, head or combo tube amps designed by Soldano. I've not had the chance to try it, but have heard really great things about them. Also, I wonder about the Randall Diavlo tube amps. They have a cool 45 watt 1 x 12. I think even a 2 x 12 as well.. By the way, you'd make a headphone amp sound good. You're a maestro sir. 👍💝👍💝👍🎸🎸🎸
Elmo, thanks for the video and the comparison. Obviously, there are a lot of videos out about the MkII but this is the first head to head comparison. Much appreciated 👍🏻
Great video again and excellent topic. Both amps kind of didn’t sound all that great. However, I have heard them on other channels and the Mk2 sounded really good. Don’t know why but would be hesitant nonetheless. I like the idea for a home amp- lots of options and available effects. Thanks dude. Rock on!
If you think all Elmo's review videos seem to have a delay set on them it's because his fingers travel across the fretboard faster than the sound itself. The sound has to replay Elmo's videos at 0.25x speed just to be able to catch up.
Mk 1 definitely sounds warmer.. possibly speaker break in, I don't know?? I know the mk 1 I have got noticably warmer once I pushed it at gigs. But I don't remember it being as bright as the mk 2 even before speaker break in..?
I had gotten the mk1 in a local shop recently, not realizing there was a MKII out for the same price. And i just ordered the MKII just now cause it has a better sound for my taste then the first one. Now just gotta figure out wdf to do with the previous one. prolly return and get store credit for some new cables and strings. Thanks for the video. this helped me make my decision. : )
@@MrPolevaulter got it yesterday. Side by side comparison. The mk2 just sounds better imo. Not as muddy and much brighter. Better interface too. Dual nobs. Awesomeness
Wellp, i took it d'plunge., i did me a spare no xpense move 2day lol. Thats right i bought thbest I didnt me buy a junk Sregio guitar amp. I bought a BOSS MK II in 2x12. (2 12" speakers.) I used 2play BOSS equipment 1987. I heard 2many scary things about other amps breaking. This1 is solid. I have been writing manufactures and countless you tube vids teaching them how equipment should be designed since 1987. And especially, that guitar amps should be in stereo. With surround sound. Thbest most popular guitar amp now is... a stereo. Called Positive Grid Spark. But mine is maybe 3times th amp that it is. Its normally $500 plus I found it $354 shipped after tax with cosmetic damage on thback &sides. Well,, i was not shopping 4it. I just happened 2stumble on2 it, $333 shipped, & immediately it totally resonated as the one i really wanted. U know, after intense researching cheaper much lower grade packed with bells &whistles amps.. Oh no this 1 is more old school vintage you know, with no computer apps. But its a late model cutting edge amp. Not that those comouter apps arent attractive &genuinely useful tho. Thinking i can circumnavigate those inadequecies with a bluetooth adaptor &phone apps. Well, u always lose SOMETHING right? I dunno i just decided hit buy now gethis overwith. My amp is breaking... Super high quality, biggest 12" speakers, BOSS caliber best sound out there &its in stereo. Has a "variation" knob that, i think, sorta 3dimensionizes thsound. These BOSS used as notoriously reliable amps by teachers &such. Its a monster 100watts. But has an antenuator. Thats just a dial that goes all thway down to .5 watts from 100 watts. (For using max volume in a little room setting.) Plus its AB class engineering circuits. That just means super efficient of electricity compared 2A class. I cant stand innfficient appliances. It just had 2many pluses in what i wanted. Boiling all that down it should be a premium sound but also being in stereo thsound will be no comparison goes right thru u. You know, vs mono. Who in they right mind would switch the stereo knob in2 mono on a radio? This what i keep preaching 2guitar players& companies alike. My last amp, a Blackstar, had 5 buttons stopped wrking in 1year. Turning it in2 a pricey paperweight. So i didnt want 2have that happen again. "These Elmo videos were useful" Just dont tellm i said that.
Speaking generally about amp tests, testing 2 amps without tweaking is pointless. Nobody will play with the knobs at twelve. Finally nobody understand how the amps can play in real life. Maybe it's better just focus on the specifications differences.
I feel like the V1 is better. The new one sounds very uninspiring to me. The old one had a certain color/texture to the sound and really reacted well to any guitar that I played. Just my personal experience.
Why do people always play much more intricate and better sounding licks on the more expensive product?? Just play the same licks on both! Then we can get a real idea of what's what. I personally don't discern any difference in tone or quality of sound,the mk2 sounded a little brighter but thats easily fixed with a bit of eq adjustments,also a guitar with humbuckers would have been nice as all of us aren't die hard strat players.im not impressed by the katana tone at all in this video,it's a tone I can get very easily from my older vypr so maybe il hold back on getting one.
“Son, the Bawss Katana is the beyest, man! Y’know whii they cawl it the Katana? Caws it’s liike a ninja sord!” Guys around where I live around here in regards to the Boss Katana. It’s this area’s Line 6 Spider 5.
Ippon-Seoi-Nage? Maybe not... as they are not Made In Japan. All those home use amps sound lifeless and sterile to me. You can get plenty of sounds out of them, but not even one goes far beyond another.
@@alanknott363 Maybe the speaker is still not fully broken. But i doubt that. About the EQ they seem similar . And of course when i made that comparison, both katana where original factory preset, i would have understood if i tweak the sound on one katana and not the other.
Listened to a similar comparison on Dave Simpson's channel and clearly liked the MK1 better. This is strange because your comparison leaned me more to the MK2 - which probably confirms what we all suspect that it's the player that makes the sound out of the amp not the other way round :). Both are a bit too compressed and processed for my liking in comparison to an old school valve amp but weigh a good deal less no doubt which is important at my advanced years ! With this in mind I will stick to my micro cube as my daily player :). P.S.my fingers are aching in sympathy with yours !
Id probably stay with the mk1 for the price it's not like your giving more for a tube amp same amp and if you want a brighter amp stick a eq in the loop
Man thanks for the video.. was going to get the mk 2, but now think I'll stick with my mk 1 and score a different amp.. mk 2 is brittle compared to the mk 1..
@@guitargirl7452 I hear some of the new blackstar modeling amps coming out are supposed to be pretty cool.. I think it's a new tvp series upgrade or something like that?
To add to a previous comment, I only like the 2x12 and the mk2 actually sounds even better than the first one. I was blown away! I thought the mk1 2x12 was the best, but when I played the mk2 2x12, I was INSTANTLY addicted and I loved every bit if the tone and everything! The mk2 2x12 is easily the BEST amp that Boss has released from their Katana range!
Hey Elmo, I got so into your playing after a while I forgot which amp was which. However, till then I feel you were getting a warmer sound out of the Mark 1. Gotta tell you, I'd love to hear how you sound through my ADA Viper.
@@MrPolevaulter I have the MK1 and set it to acoustic mode and use the GE-10 eq to boost the hights, scoop the mids and drop the lows a bit. on the main panel, gain 60, bass 30, middle and treble to taste. then use a blues driver with the tone about 9-o'clock, drive to taste (normally around maxed out). You get a albert king style vintage tone
Not sure. If you can get a MK I on the cheap, then that might be the way to go. Then again if you want more flexibility, then the MK II is the way to go.
@@Corpsegrinder138 Yeah, I am not sure how much of that was actually true he still prefers the MKI i think his mate Rob Chapman convinced him to play along
Man thank you so much for actually being honest!!! One of the only honest opinions about the Katana’s I’ve heard on RUclips at all. I mean they’re good for a budget amp, and probably the best option at that price point. Like you said though I’m not crazy about them, and they are way overhyped. I prefer the feel of a real analog solid state amp, and for around 300$ there are some much better options second hand. I own an 80’s Peavey 240 watt stereo chorus that I got for 180$ That thing wipes the floor with these in my opinion. I’ve also got a Kustom Quad Jr stack that is so good it’s insane for what I got it for. Both those amps are so much more dynamic than the katana. Seriously though, thank you for a real honest review. There’s too many reviewers getting paid by Boss to act like the Katana is comparable to a valve amp which is just kinda ludicrous. & I don’t even like valve amps Bc, they aren’t reliable. Peace man, TY!
No reason to upgrade , dont care about the dual tone and effect knobs, or the fact that there will be more support for software upgrades, I want a good sounding amp with a personality to it not an I phone 🤣 The Mk 1 has that is lightining in a bottle and will be really DIRT cheap now .A classic is a classic and it sounds great . If I really need more stuff Id just buy a Helix of something. Thank Boss for making this awsome MK1 amp even less expensive 🤣
@@jeffreyquinonez8964 The Brown sound on the Mk1 & Mk2 are exactly the same, you probably think the MK2 is sounds more metal because its brighter, or the just a new speaker, regardless Its still not that much of a difference to run out and buy an entirely new amp, especially when you can download all those metal patches on Tone Studio anyway . but hey different stroke for different folks , enjoy 👌
Sixfoursoul the thing is the brown sound has another variation on the mkII. It’s a little bit tighter. But it makes all the difference in the world when you’re playing metal riffs.
It was a good comparison, both sounded compressed and boxy, Mark ll was lacking midrange. The USA made Red or Silver stripe Peavey Bandit or Studio Pro from the 90's are good bargain amps on the used market. I have a Silver Stripe Bandit from the mid 1990's (paid $150 CAD) - it has very good dynamic sound and response.
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Check out how the original review I did of the Katana MK II: ruclips.net/video/YwzKFCvU11s/видео.html
Check out more of my amp reviews here: ruclips.net/p/PLNaLwTdlpQNHNo5bubVjV1OW04gkqU8rM
After using various Fender and Marshall lamps my whole life, and trying transistor amps in the 70's, I decided to go with the Boss Katana MKII. Right out of the box at home I was having my doubts. I got to the gig and dialed it in and my tone was perfect. I just use the clean channel and a pedal board. I'll never go back to the heavy tube amps again. (Editted for spelling)
Did you buy the 100 watts 2x12. What is the weight ?
I've been gigging since 1976. You can believe me or not. I don't care. Other musicians I know have said the same thing about gear. The Princeton Reverbs will still see stage time. The Twin Reverb and Super Reverb are parked for a while. The Marshall has been sold. However, as any gigging guitarist would know, when you are playing out of a blackline rental amp, no 2 Fender or Marshall amps seem to sound the same. Even then, amp settings will change from venue to venue, and even will change within the same venue from night to night. Dialing in your tone during sound check is normal. The settings you use in your bedroom will never be the same setting you use for a gig. I played out of Marshall's where you had the tone controls anywhere in the spectrum to get the same sound. I've opened up for major acts where they were using backline amps and they didn't get their tone dialed in until just before the the doors opened. Bottom line is, you can dial in and amp right before a gig. If you don't think so, you don't have enough gig experience. Kids these days think they know everything. 🤣
Where can I buy a Marshall or Fender lamp, sounds cool.
Thanks for that. I have a Mk1 & it does the job for me in low volume situations.
Just purchased a katana . Very warm sound on acoustic setting.
Unbelievable clean jazz tone for hollow body . Using a 80 watt speaker. Of course reverb is nice.
All utube demo’s are with solid body metal head rockers. Some one should feature the katana with Jazz clean tone.
Go for it!
@davidhayes221 Yes, I would also love to hear a demo based on your clean jazz tone suggestion.
Is there any chance that you could post up a demo of yours? Very interested.
MK1 or MK2?
I have the katana 100 head running into a mesa 2x12 and a Marshall origin 50 running into another Masa cab. Katana kills the Marshall in everyway.
I got a Marshall MG15 last christmas and I gotta say, I was kinda dissapointed bc it sounded really muffled, especially with distortion on :(
Does the katana really has a much more cleaner, brighter sound? And if so, which one should I get? Mk. 1 or Mk. 2? I mean I want to play groove/thrash/heavy metal, with it and I want a really punching, bright and clean one send halp fast plz
Vlad Ionescu just get a mark 2 will last you a while till your ready for a expensive amp
@@vladionescu8222 i also have marshall mg30cfx i bought it about 4 years ago, it was my biggest mistake. Now im also looking for boss katana 50 mkii and im scared not to do a mistake again. (Sorry for my english)
@@vladionescu8222 Having a Marshall MG15CFR for a few years, and now a Boss Katana 50 MKII, the sound difference is like comparing your neighbour to Eddie Van Halen. It is beautiful, so much so, that you need to dial down the gain a bit on Brown, to not crush your eardrums XDDD. And yes, the gain is ridiculously high, and you can floor it, with the built in Metalzone, Distortion, Tube Screamer, Overdrive etc. Trust me bruv, you will love it. Also, the cleans are amazing, probably the best I've ever heard from an amp in this price range!
@@vladionescu8222 the boss katana is a monster! Just bought a second hand mk1 50w and personally I think it’s much better than having one really nice valve amp. Compact, loads of features and many, many different tones available instantly and it sounds great 👍🏼
I've just bought the katana 50 mk2 yesterday, i like it as much or more than my Tube Driver 100 watt amp. You are an awesome player, you make both amps shine, great demo.
Thank you 😊
It's your own personal perspective. Would I like to have a semi truck load of different tube amps for an endless amount of different sounds even though if your using/playing them hot they (tubes) might need to be replaced every 3 months or so? Well yea I can put them in the 10,000 square foot rehearsal hall I'm wanting to build. I'm waiting on the MKII 100 watt 2x12" to arrive via UPS at my door. No I don't gig and I might record for fun. Looking for a garage complete with band. I will probably buy a MKI 100 watt 2x12" to take advantage of that stereo effect it does.
the sound difference is a result of different speaker, they changed speaker for mk II
Does it compare 2Celestion?
@@TOPMOSTPOP Celestion is overhyped. I like my Fane Pop 50. Does it compare? Yes, all of them are guitar 12 inch speakers. As long as you don't test them with same mic in same position, in same cab, same room, nothing can be said for sure and nothing compares. Effects I get aren't effects you'll get.
@quiteenigmamusic @quiteenigmamusic I was the one designed MK 2 amp & Satans kids built it after. Its a long story. It is closer 2my specs... but those a$$holes didnt make it TRUE STEREO as per my specs. Frankenstrat& Floyd Rose wr NOT design by Ed they wr my designs.
They backward engineered stuff on MK 2 keep u guyz on trickle feed4 cash flo I hate them. But, its a alpha do able amp. Celestion is a downgrade correct smaller magnets.
Interesting read:
@userMikeforsure1997
All theez songs u hear were mostly all written in ancient heaven all the Led Zeppelin etc. Not by Shcolz or whoever. Man I'll Never Be & More then a feel written by me? If I told u thtruth, being u wr raised in Satans phony box& hence made him ypur king, would u or others even bleev me?
Satan runs all your public schools. NASA garbage taught 2kids is cmplete bllsht. Your solar system used 2b heaven.
That is why I quit playing guitar 1988. Bcuz u folks are fake. Literally. 95% humans are Satans cmputer animations. I can NOT and WILL not, refuse mix with them. Yes I play now again bcuz my mind is failing from 15 strokes& Satan destroyed all my cappilaries guitar keeps u much MUCH sharper alert safer I am severely cripple. They break my fingers & pull out my joints... Break my equipment.
If u think i cant play one i CANT & 2 I never did learn guitar. Rather i DESTROYED Satan musically as a mere beginner not breathing hard by 1987 when Van Halen was my bedt friend. Ed was an avatar created 2conceal me. We had identical "patterns." Both our moms wr witnesses, dads loved jazz& classical etc. But if I played an instrument in MY home it was smashed against a wall. When I out played Ed & began form a personality profile Brian Carrol "Buckethead" was eengineered 2fit that profile who lived near me had 2b created& kept on side burner in case I played again. I quit feb. 1988.
I wore a mask since kindergarten. Buckethead doesnt really raise chickens either I raise worlds best breed chicken Fayo Giant.
That is why he was programmed with same patterns. Satan can download an album a day in yr head at will & he can photoshop u with reality hack& LITERAL shapeshifting. Which he did with me all since kindergarten but to make ME look bad so I always hid my face.
Brian seemed 2become quite thfan of me & as such would be killed& cloned (2020). I will let u do thmath.
The one they have now is engineered 2erase the whole Buckethead thing after I revealed th truth during BUCKETHEAD SPEAKS, and played Buckethead stuff so good I got 400 Bucket freak subz. I practice UNTITLED go watch th video this channel. Threason Satan did Buck Speaks is bcuz I had decided2 speak, tell, reveal 2Brian&people i am Buckethead. So, Satan had2 garner th attention away from me.
So is this guy threal writer of theez singz? See video. "You tell me." ruclips.net/user/shorts8Wb7fDh1lAI?si=9RzRHhEIK7PYoRw_
lThom Scholz lived near me bcuz Satan saw in2 time it was known I would become wrlds best musician 1,000 of years b4 I evn had a clue.
Thoms album had an annointing. Those crystals on thcover album were a baton that was handed to myself by Shazzerazi Satans sister. Thom doesnt know any of this.
I decided not 2pursue music. Instead, thoze crystals became my 1thought = Heavens queen of fire Shazz came down2 earth born as a frail human & taught me how 2kill her broth Hal. Who u know as "Satan" Jesus elder brother of 2,000,000 yrars.
Then I moved2 L.A & Ed became my best friend& thats why all thworlds best musicians lived near me.
My name is Buckethead. Thee authentic matrix black goo google is fakery all yr cmputers hav black goo behind cmputer screen.
I have highest IQ history mankind & your entire matrix& internet revolve around me. "Buckethead" aka Brian Carrol knows all about me. I explain 2him he was engineered 2b my whitewash.
When I became worlds best guitarist Lucifer gave me 15 strokes& burned all my capillaries& uses black magic& memory erasers& frequency modulators, photoshop, breaks my equipment... He curses with technology my videos bcuz I proved earlier I am indeed worlds best guitarist musician producer.
Also why I wear a mask since kndrgarten.
Most of u watching this video are not hearing reality bcuz u have black goo cmputer chip your ears inherntly are not real.
I also hate all my guitar videos they suck as I am severely crippled have no time 2play.
I never became a guitarist.
Beyond beginner when Van Halen was my best friend Satan had2 stand up 12 guyz try conceal me mid 80's.
95% humans dont know it but they are not humans. They are demons placed in flesh bodies with Hadron Collider. Ed & I knew this but Ed only 2vry minor extent.
Both our moms wr Jehovahs Witnesses.
After I quit guitar Satan (His name in heaven was Halayel) shut ALL music down 1988 bcuz where I am is always where people will be.
Sadly I have decided 2no longer assist earth or musicians. I will be shifting thpoles of th earth shortley &hitting th re set entire solar system bcuz humans chose2 5star review Hal. ("Satan")
All theez musicians u see now fake. Cmputer animations flesh portals2 thBEAST cmputer on Saturn just souless robots. Tape recorder humps.
Satan had preserved Ed human @1st 2trick u = why Eds 1st song was Running with Devil. Satan was DESPERATE 2place focus AWAY from me. Bcuz my 1thought is NOT music but 2burn Satans entire dimension& or cmputer program with a 3.5 ton quartz motherboard I built in Wister near th ark of th covenant buried here midwest.
My 3.5 ton motherboard is thwhite horse rider u read about Revelation.
I am the one who will single handidly bring down th burning lamp asteroid which will take out South America shortly u read about in Bible.
Ed was killed& cloned & a Reptilian angel used a 4head spike 2give Ed a worm in his left eye = why 1of his eyes had a blank stare.
M.J. who also lived near me was also killed& cloned 1984.
Most all music u hear past century was written ancient heaven. Was More then a feeling originally written by me?
That info cant go public anyway bcuz if u reading this u are 99.9% Lucifers biblical tare race. You can only see as far as Satan box walls / scrypt.
Ed was an avatar Satan used 2conceal me but when easily I played better not even breathing hard as a beginner Satan had2 stand up "Buckethead" 2whitewash me. All music of your past century was engineered 2whitewash me.
That is why 12 guitarists were stood up esp. late 80's 2conceal (me.)
I havent played in 25 years have no time 2play now. Frankenstrat Floyd Rose wr both my designs.
I built wrlds best gyitar 2024. Any human out there wanna see a video on it?
Humans are not permitted comment on this channel.
When I began playing better then Ed all Satans Reptilian angels were all eyes on me I destroyed Yahwehs annointed sons legitimacy.
Hence I sold guitar immediately feb. 1988 my focus HAD 2become burning them.
Satan was Jesus elder brother ruled creation when your solar system was heaven. I now control thsolar system with a 3.5 ton quartz mothetboard portal in2 heavens cmputer program.
When I played "Man I'll Never Be" in Blue Springs that day u state u thought was more mesmerizing with my guitar versus th Bostons.
It wz vry disappointing @the same time simply bcuz i played soooo shty that day. Especially compared 2if I hadnt quit playing 25 years.
Its always been that way, that only rich people like Beethoven can be musicians. Otherwise u must constantly wrk = no time.
U must play all day every day at least 15 or 20k hours 1st.
I quit playing long time last couple years. Got really bad. I dunno if u saw this but here u will gleem why i had said that version of Man I'll nvr be BOSTON i played Blue Springs was absolute sht.
Cmpare that withis u should see quite an improvement here.
Yes I have a dffrnt guitar now. this1 is much much better then Eds. That was his stage guitar.
Best guitar ever built was considered 2b Frankenstrat with Floyd Rose "Ed built."
Both th Frank & Floyd Rose wr both my designs not Eds.
This latest pink guitar I built is much more refined then th Frank evr was or any guitar ever will be.. It is best guitar will ever be built end all still slopped 2gether with available parts ofcourse.
Before i get rid of this guitar& amp I gonna cover couple songs hopefully up 2my speed that are at least descent.
This way people can SEE.
While this intro is far better then in Blue Springs Its not even close
(2 touching) ...what i hear in my head which is far cooler. I would need 2b rich with 12 hours a day 2spare practice 2really play all day every day 2really play this right but no time i have2 constantly work on thfarm here.
I have hundreds cool dffrnt intro versions of this song this is only 1of them.
Note It is very VERY hard2 play on camera bcuz I get witches& warlocks &satellites pointed at me downloading weird sht if i go on camera or doing mind wipes... erasing my memory 2make me look bad like they did Blue Springz.
They broke my fingers dozens times.
My camera, cmputer is alwayz hacked so I tried trick witches once asked some1 else point THEIR camera at me download vid you tube & the witches immediately pulled my finger out of its joint took 1.3 yearz 4that 2heal.
ruclips.net/user/shorts8Wb7fDh1lAI?si=Z3hMVKg1McLsY_bZ
I recently traded my Fender Mustang LT25 for the Katana 50 MKII. I bought the Mustang to be able to practice at home as my Marshall is too loud. I was never happy with the Mustang sounds. The Mustang had a lot of presets but most of the sounds were too exaggerated for my taste. It seems that with the Mustang I could sound like anybody but me. With the Katana I was able to get some great tones right out of the box. With the Tone Studio you can really dig in deep and customize what you want. With the 50 watt version you can access controls using the Tone Studio that are not available on the panel. Overall it's a great amp. I am very happy with my choice.
I love both Boss Katana. Either one is a winner.
Elmo throwing up the GT-OD in the intro always makes me smile. I did the same with mine 😁
:D
A few more options plus those concentric dials is what people wanted, boss listened boss delivered
What th heck is a conentric dial?
Best demo of these amps made.. really digging your style, phrasing.. some Cool neo classical with bluesy inflection.. some wicked runs as well 👍👍
Thank you :)
I have been using the mk 1, and extremely pleased, on stage and in studio, just wonderful, so good that I am not thinking of change!!!!! My motto is if it works that well, and sounds that well why change?!
If ANYTHING I may get another mk1 to always have as a backup lol... seriously love the sound I get with my set up, tried lots of stuff out there, I decided to stay away from tube amps, when I found that replacing just one damn tube cost what a used Mk 1 Katana cost!!!!! So, tube amps, Literally are a pain when gigging and traveling !!! Nowadays amps can sound like tube amps, very close sounding in my humble opinion...
Nice video, and chops too! :-) :-) :-)
Cheers :)
Power tubes are expensive
Tubes only cost 30 for a matched pair. Unless you went out and got vintage telefuken which cost as much as tube amps. Ridiculous comments abound in youtube comment section. proof!!!!!!!!!!!! www.thetubestore.com/jj-el84-6bq5
Fyi I just bought a mk1 for $250 shipped from Reverb. They're selling super cheap now.
you have the 100 or 50?
I've played valve amps all my life, but bought a Katana 100 mk1 for home practice. The amp sounds amazing at home levels but i never tried it live because the fx switching was a bit restricting. Then i noticed a few pro players using them and getting a great sound so i decided to get the mk2 beacause the fx switching is better. The first night i took it out i thought it was ok but i was a bit disappointed, i nearly gave up on it but decided to try a few tweaks on the eq the next day and give it another go that night. The difference was like night and day, it sounded great and i got lots of compliments on my sound. I'll still probably tweak a bit more, but like most amps or fx units you have to invest some time to get the best results.
These things still are finicky for live use. When I gigged the Katana 50 (and later the 100), I would just use it completley clean live and run it with a pedalboard, as its hard to balance the drive tones out of the amp :(
Steven Manning what tweaks did you use to make it sound better? Do you have any settings you like?
Tone studio is amazing
@@GabrielNacu balanced mine easily while giging
@@PJmusica Hi, basically the eq and gain, as the louder you play it responds differently
You know that you're into Yngwie when you have his sig pickups and a scalloped fingerboard.
Elmo if you had to choose beetwen katana artist/MK2 and dsl20hr with pedals. Which one would it be? Cheers!
Haven't tried the Artist, but DSL would be my choice.
I have a MK1 and MK2 100 combo. I mainly use the crunch channel. They are definitely voiced differently. The MK1 has more mids and cleans up from the guitar better. The MK2 has more bass and highs and is overall brighter. The effects on the MK2 are way better though. With tweeking the MK2 does actually sound bigger and is a more professional tone overall...
I feel like the main difference is the speaker. The mk2 does sound better. That said why not just get a mk1 and put a killer speaker in it? If I'm missing something please let me know.
More customization
Can I use the power amp in with the line out output as a makeshift effects loop on the MKII?
Don't think so.
Interesting comparison. Especially since I went on record about not noticing differences when You reviewed the Mk2 recently. There is obviously a difference. I'd go with the Mk1, it just feels more wellbalanced based on the sound in this video.
Well done, Elmo Big treble in Little Turku Karjalainen 👌😊
Jolly good old chap :)
@@MrPolevaulter all good jollier better and older chap 😁.
I've just noticed Elmos (Elmoes?) on Marshall. They weren't there when I first thought about your name
I hadn't noticed either i saw them after i love Elmo 😍😍😍
Elmo and Ziltoid.
@@MrPolevaulter yeah !!! Elmo you are one of my favourite RUclipsrs you really make my day when i see your videos
@@campadata773 Thank you. Glad to be able to entertain :)
Both amps can use the same version of boss studio ? (I saw in mark ii bit diferences in the boss tone studio but i dont know if is possible to use that in the mark one
Dunno.
No, different programming under the hood completely.
What is the best amp for under $200? Home play, headphones at times etc etc?
Roland Micro Cube for me, if you can find one.
Great tones from my eastern naboer.
So whish do your prefer?
I'm looking at a used mk1 with footswitch for CAD 300.
I’m thinking of buying a boss katana 100 mkII but don’t know should I get the 1x12 or 2x12 version. I’m not sure what the difference will really be
Haven't tried either, so can't really help.
I own (2) Mark 1 50s. They do everything I want. Are the Mark 2s better? Maybe, but I have no desire to fix something that isn't broken.
according to this video the MK1 sounds way better. The MK2 sounds too harsh
Thank you Elmo for another insightful video, as well as those Elmo and Zitmo figures in the backdrop which I have never noticed before.... ;)
Thanks :)
Thanks for the video, I was going to get one of these two but I'm a bit hesitant now... Which amp were you thinking about when you said "you can get a better one for a bit more"? Thanks!
Thanks! Back then I was thinking about the Roland Cube series. I still like them, but these days you can get an actual valve amp, like a Harley Benton Tube 15 for the same money as a Katana.
@@MrPolevaulter Your mentality is playing games on you man.
Ty for this vid. Helpful as I've been trying to decide which to get.
Also love the accent 😍
Cheers :)
Great review
Also an insane guitarist😍
Thanks :)
Hi Elmo, great video! When you A/B the drive channels, are the two amps set on the same types of drive (meaning no variation on the MkII) or is the MkII with the variation button on? If the variation is on it makes sense that the MkII sounds shrill, but if the variation on the MkII is off when you A/B then Boss has really gone bad with the MkII. Would be helpful to know. Thanks!
Thanks! I can't remember anymore. It was a while since I did this one.
Hi Elmo what amp do you recommend instead of one of those two for a similar price? Is the Fender Mustang better ?
For me the Roland Cube series is good.
Another good video Sir. They both sound good for what they do, it always comes down to preference.
Thanks!
My rhythm guitarist got a mk2 and ive had my mk1 since march and other than the feature to use your mods and od at the same time its not really worth it if anything i can dial in better lead tones on the mk 1
True.
@aleh bhaba i honestly dont know i thought if anything the mk2 would be better. But the chunkyness for the riffs were great but for solos i defnitly pick the mk1. I dialed the settings the same put on the same distortion but i wasnt satisfied with it to say the least but is still an excellent amp.
I'm seeing these MK I amps for sale in excellent condition on Guitar Center's website ; you've helped me to make my decision! 👍
Hate to say it, but I like the MK I way better here. Warmer and more organic. It's pretty obvious that you're more comfortable on it too, as you're flying on your guitar and smoother. The MKII sounds way too fizzy. I suppose you could EQ it to compensate, but this is proof that the MK I is far from obsolete.
I agree the original is better sounding and that is why i ordered a MK I 2x12 a few hours ago for $369 and passed on the MK II version.
The original sounds more tube like to me? I don t know what Boss changed but the messed with a great formula!
IF IT AINT BROKE DONT FIX IT!!
If I wanted to play like this guy, where should I start? What should I learn in order?
I agree with you, these amps crush the Code series.
Not true,i have both a marshall code 25 and 50w and after i tweaked and created my own user presets on the code my tones sound much better then the katana!Don't believe me then check out shane from intheblues,he did a review awhile back of the code 25 and gave it a good review.To filter out the strong low end on some of the code's amp models i use a tube screamer overdrive pedal, the behringer TO100 or TO800 sound great with the code amps.
Check out all the positive reviews at sweetwater for the marshall code,could all these people be wrong about this amp?I also have other modeling amp brands fender mustang original version and the original peavey vypyrs and all these amps sound good if you know how to tweak and make your own user presets,most modeling amps have not so good factory presets,these amps are not plug and play!You have to dig in a little to make them sound good.
I put a 1/4" speaker output jack on my code 50w that turns off the internal speaker and i play it through my marshall 4x12 1960a cabinet and it is loud, also sounds fantastic!
@@jimsimmons2674 I purchased the Code twice, thought maybe the first time I was missing something. My only impression was how could Marshall but their name on this amp. The Katana is far from perfect, its a decent amp with good tone right out of the box, and even better when the 10 band EQ is tweaked. I use it strictly for practice, never live.
@@jimsimmons2674 Sorry bro...its the worst SS amp ever made. I purchased it twice and returned it twice. The Katana is far from perfect but it delivers good tone out of the box. I use it for practice, tube amps for gigs. This guy has more guts then me, he tried to get something out of the Code three times...ruclips.net/video/t55-2fobi-8/видео.html
A nearly deaf dude listening on iPad speakers says the mark2 is more present and defined ..and that much closer to true tube tone . Take that for what it’s worth , great demo ! I have a mark 1-50, and want a second for a stereo rig. Not sure if the stereo linking feature on the mark 2 is better than the old school method with a stereo pedal . Love your playing by the way . Scalloped neck is something I need to try. It works for Yalveh Malmstone.😜 I wonder what your benchmark tone is 🤔
Thanks man! Scallops are great :)
I got a Marshall MG15 last christmas and I gotta say, I was kinda dissapointed bc it sounded really muffled, especially with distortion on :(
Does the katana really has a much more cleaner, brighter sound? And if so, which one should I get? Mk. 1 or Mk. 2? I mean I want to play groove/thrash/heavy metal, with it and I want a really punching, bright and clean one send halp fast plz
Hi! I'm not entirely sure if this is an amp for thrash, as I personally don't play that stuff (I do like some of it). I'm not sure. I haven't tried the MG15, so can't really make a comparison either. Sorry I can't be of more help.
@@MrPolevaulter It's ok. I want to get a strong tone like Dimebag had, but not the exact same one, (for my future band, it would be nice to have a tone as original as it can) but I think some high-output Seymour Duncan's will get the job done anyway. Thanks anyway for responding, so the real question, is the mk 2 really worth the extra money?
@@vladionescu8222 Personally I'd just get the first version.
I've found the faster I play the lighter I attack the strings, this is where gain comes in handy. Bought a Marshall Dsl and was so disappointed with it. Sent it back and got a Mk2 Katana instead. Happy now and I won't buy a modern Marshall ever again.
I did the exact same thing as you, bought a DSL and regretted. Now I have a Katana MK1
i own a katana 100 head and a mk ii artist head.
basically, the mk i is more, in your face with a solid mid. for a good solid amp , u get more direct tone for gigging.
artist ii sounds a bit more scooped, like your mk ii head. but it had so many options, and a deeper low. great for chugging and metal. but it loses something in the mids, and then the top end kicks in brite, lije your mk ii.
but bring there are so many possibilities with this amp, its hard yo say you might not be able to make the adjustments to replicate the mk i anyway.
I must be the only guitar player on the planet that has yet to play through a MKI let alone a MKII...BUT IF I HAVE TO CHOOSE ONE...it’s the MKII...Thanks As Always Elmo! 🎸🔊🎶🤘🏻
Cheers!
Naah, mate the MKI all the way.
Explain me your sentence construction please? 😄
I 'am still not shur....I want to have only one amp in my basement. I want one to replace a Fender Deville 4x10, a Pavey Bandit 112 , a RollandJazz chorus 120 and a Rolland Cube 40, and sell a ton of pedals.Which one to chose ... Is the Boss Mk1 or 11 100 2x12 is good enough or what would be the one . The most polivalent.SOME BODY HELP ME PLEASE ! Hahaha
@Jew Adolf Thank you, but I finally choosed the Katana Artist, used, at Sweetwater. I am verry happy. The clean tone sound like my Roland JC but I can tweek it to sound like a Fender amp. Good eanough for me.
@Luke But I kept my Bandit.
One thing I really liked about this video was the fact it wasn’t edited into oblivion 🤘So many guitar videos are edited so heavily it almost looks like claymation (think Dave and Goliath...) 🤪 I don’t care if you stumble on a couple of words or blow a lick or two - it makes the video so much more authentic when you leave that stuff in 👍🏻 Good comparison of these models - I do think the speaker break-in of the MK II could be a key difference as you pointed out. Good work on the face-melting riffage - awesome 🤘
I agree to a point. I like the realism but I'd have liked this one better much shorter. Much much shorter. And honestly as he said at the end. It's your own personal perspective. Would I like to have a semi truck load of different tube amps for an endless amount of different sounds even though if your using/playing them hot they (tubes) might need to be replaced every 3 months or so? Well yea I can put them in the 10,000 square foot rehearsal hall I'm wanting to build. I'm waiting on the MKII 100 watt 2x12" to arrive via UPS at my door. No I don't gig and I might record for fun. Looking for a garage complete with band.
Thanks! I agree. A lot of stuff on RUclips (not just guitar videos)is totally over edited.
Are there any budget amps you would recommend if one would pass on both Katanas?
i asked him the same thing and he said Fender LT 25 or a Roland Cube (second hand)
Yep. Those are the ones I like the most.
Fender Champion 50XL
Peavey bandit 112, blackstar ht1 or 5 or bugera v5 for tubes. I would go for boss katana to get versalzity in tones and features in general. And I would get mk2 and tweak the global.eq like every kat owner should. I'm not in religion with boss but I think it s one of the best budget amp (roland cube and peabey bandit as well)
Look for a used fender original Mustang I or Mustang III V1 or V2.
You're comparing all the default amp models without the variation switch on right? Huge difference in sound. They say they didn't change anything on the original models. Can you change the cab resonance in boss tone studio with the 50w mk2? Might do something to even it out. Or you could be right about the new speaker. I'm guessing Yngwie is one of your influences!
I've forgotten what I did :D Yep. Yngwie is an influence for sure :)
You did a great comparison there :)
I'm gonna have to sub!
Thanks :)
I like your videos, but one thing is troubling me. Do you own any other kind of guitar than Yngwie pickup loaded ones? The Yngwie pickups have such a unique sound that it is a bit hard to get an opinion of the sounds from your videos. The pickups are not basic single coil sounding and not humbucker eighter. Would prefer some basic humbucker action here! If not, its ok, i'll still keep on watching you!
He plays Ibanez Jems especially at times with Humbuckers, and I know he has other guitars with humbuckers, but I think he prefers strats and the fury pickups. It's fair I feel if the reviews are always with those pickups, but doing reviews with a humbucker guitar would be cool I agree because they are much more popular I would think. I'm sure though he has consideres this. 😉👍🎸👍
I do have others, but I just like the Strats the most. I have a couple of Universes, plus a yellow Jem. The Strats are just nicer imo.
@@MrPolevaulter You sure do rock them my Eastern Euro friend. 😂👍💝👍
Is the 0.5 watt option too loud for a small bedroom? I want this amp quite badly but am afraid of the volume. No, I can’t just lower the volume, because I know amps sound better when cranked
I used katana in my bedroom on 0,5w for 2 years now and it sound great!
Finally got it. I find it better to use the 100 watt option with very little volume (master volume.) Sounds a bit fuller than the 0.5 watt option with master volume at noon or 3 o’clock.
Surprisingly quiet and surprisingly loud amp. Sounds so much better when cracked up though (specially distortion)
H Kay Wow, really? I’ll give it some tries
I live in a 6th floor apartment around elderly people. On 0.5 watts I get great sound and never an issue with noise.
Alternate title. "It Doesn't Matter Which If You Can Shed"
I have the opportunity to get a used mk1 but im wondering if I should find a mk2 somehow lol. This would be my first amp and I have a schecter omen 6 extreme and play mostly classic metal like Metallica
I think the MK I would do just fine and you'd save a bit of money.
Nice work! The new katana it's definitely better, but I wish boss had put more into it.
Thanks!
I just sold my mkI to buy the MkII and it really was worth it to my ears when playing my gear. I really like the mkII sound and I haven't even started messing with the software yet. It just has more life in the sound to my ears. It sounds more dynamic and tube like to me. But I must say I'm going from the mkI 50 watt to the mkII 100 watt, so that might be part of it. Regardless, I really like my new mkII.
DUH
I did the same thing. I upgraded from
The MK1 50 watt to the MKII 100 watt and man what I difference. Having 100 watt’s available is awesome. Plus you could Slav one amp into another using just as guitar cable and run it in true stereo. There are also extra Boss Tone Studio Pedal options. They have EvH phaser and Flanger and Wah available plus a Dimension C.
How can you stand the sound of these digital crap amps... It's waste of money... Put a bit of money and get yourself a tube combo amp the real deal
@@jimjim7008 we are not all as accomplished and all knowing as you , James.
@@rikardo1070 I'm not an accomplished guitarist and still learning but come on huge difference in sound between valve and digital.. anyway I guess personal taste/budget plays a big part ... Just saying
Thought they both sounded great. The brown channel is almost always where I live because, more gain is more. 😂
Great review.
Let's see the Orange Crush 35.. you'll like it's tone better I think..
It's interesting. I really like mine. Of course, I'm not used to the excellent Plexi. I have in the past played thru many tube amps though. Marshall DSL, many FENDER amps. Peaveys too. I tend to like 6v6 power amps it seems..
Oh, another review you might try Elmo kind sir would be the Jet City amps, head or combo tube amps designed by Soldano. I've not had the chance to try it, but have heard really great things about them. Also, I wonder about the Randall Diavlo tube amps. They have a cool 45 watt 1 x 12. I think even a 2 x 12 as well..
By the way, you'd make a headphone amp sound good. You're a maestro sir. 👍💝👍💝👍🎸🎸🎸
Haha :D Cheers :)
I bought a Jetsound thinking it would be cool based on all the feedback I had read..... it sucked!
Elmo, thanks for the video and the comparison. Obviously, there are a lot of videos out about the MkII but this is the first head to head comparison. Much appreciated 👍🏻
Cheers Chris!
Great video again and excellent topic. Both amps kind of didn’t sound all that great. However, I have heard them on other channels and the Mk2 sounded really good. Don’t know why but would be hesitant nonetheless. I like the idea for a home amp- lots of options and available effects. Thanks dude. Rock on!
Cheers!
Great playing Elmo!!!
If you think all Elmo's review videos seem to have a delay set on them it's because his fingers travel across the fretboard faster than the sound itself. The sound has to replay Elmo's videos at 0.25x speed just to be able to catch up.
Haha :D
Lol
Mk 1 definitely sounds warmer.. possibly speaker break in, I don't know?? I know the mk 1 I have got noticably warmer once I pushed it at gigs. But I don't remember it being as bright as the mk 2 even before speaker break in..?
Possibly.
I preferred the sound of the MK1 on most of the tests.
Thing is, you can tweak the mk 1 to sound just like the mk 2
I had gotten the mk1 in a local shop recently, not realizing there was a MKII out for the same price. And i just ordered the MKII just now cause it has a better sound for my taste then the first one. Now just gotta figure out wdf to do with the previous one. prolly return and get store credit for some new cables and strings.
Thanks for the video. this helped me make my decision. : )
My pleasure :)
@@MrPolevaulter got it yesterday. Side by side comparison. The mk2 just sounds better imo. Not as muddy and much brighter. Better interface too. Dual nobs. Awesomeness
I bought the mk1 too without realizing there was a 2 😑
@@ericpeterson2960 Keep them both. Run them in stereo! 🤙🏽
@@ninjasancho6711 ended up keeping both of them.. but not bt choice. They have very different sounds so running in stereo might be an interesting idea
Those little amps just got better with the second version.Good amps if you do not,like me,want to break your MB mk4 gigging.They cost nothing..
I tried both and I actually preferred the mark 1.
We've talked about the Katana 50! I Put a Celestion in it! Sounds Good and Fat, It takes Effects Real Well on Clean Channel!
Yeah, I'd definitely swap the speaker.
@@MrPolevaulter Anderson's did it with a few different celestions but I recall they thought the stock speaker won out.
Im waiting for the MK 9.
Wellp, i took it d'plunge., i did me a spare no xpense move 2day lol.
Thats right i bought thbest I didnt me buy a junk Sregio guitar amp.
I bought a BOSS MK II in 2x12. (2 12" speakers.)
I used 2play BOSS equipment 1987.
I heard 2many scary things about other amps breaking.
This1 is solid.
I have been writing manufactures and countless you tube vids teaching them how equipment should be designed since 1987. And especially, that guitar amps should be in stereo. With surround sound.
Thbest most popular guitar amp now is... a stereo. Called Positive Grid Spark. But mine is maybe 3times th amp that it is.
Its normally $500 plus I found it $354 shipped after tax with cosmetic damage on thback &sides.
Well,, i was not shopping 4it. I just happened 2stumble on2 it, $333 shipped, & immediately it totally resonated as the one i really wanted. U know, after intense researching cheaper much lower grade packed with bells &whistles amps..
Oh no this 1 is more old school vintage you know, with no computer apps. But its a late model cutting edge amp.
Not that those comouter apps arent attractive &genuinely useful tho.
Thinking i can circumnavigate those inadequecies with a bluetooth adaptor &phone apps.
Well, u always lose SOMETHING right?
I dunno i just decided hit buy now gethis overwith. My amp is breaking...
Super high quality, biggest 12" speakers, BOSS caliber best sound out there &its in stereo.
Has a "variation" knob that, i think, sorta 3dimensionizes thsound.
These BOSS used as notoriously reliable amps by teachers &such.
Its a monster 100watts. But has an antenuator. Thats just a dial that goes all thway down to .5 watts from 100 watts. (For using max volume in a little room setting.)
Plus its AB class engineering circuits. That just means super efficient of electricity compared 2A class. I cant stand innfficient appliances.
It just had 2many pluses in what i wanted. Boiling all that down it should be a premium sound but also being in stereo thsound will be no comparison goes right thru u. You know, vs mono. Who in they right mind would switch the stereo knob in2 mono on a radio? This what i keep preaching 2guitar players& companies alike.
My last amp, a Blackstar, had 5 buttons stopped wrking in 1year. Turning it in2 a pricey paperweight. So i didnt want 2have that happen again.
"These Elmo videos were useful"
Just dont tellm i said that.
Speaking generally about amp tests, testing 2 amps without tweaking is pointless.
Nobody will play with the knobs at twelve.
Finally nobody understand how the amps can play in real life.
Maybe it's better just focus on the specifications differences.
yeah but you can notice how much more room for improvement you have on the mk2
I feel like the V1 is better. The new one sounds very uninspiring to me. The old one had a certain color/texture to the sound and really reacted well to any guitar that I played. Just my personal experience.
Why do people always play much more intricate and better sounding licks on the more expensive product?? Just play the same licks on both! Then we can get a real idea of what's what. I personally don't discern any difference in tone or quality of sound,the mk2 sounded a little brighter but thats easily fixed with a bit of eq adjustments,also a guitar with humbuckers would have been nice as all of us aren't die hard strat players.im not impressed by the katana tone at all in this video,it's a tone I can get very easily from my older vypr so maybe il hold back on getting one.
Can you do the marshall code vs katana mk2
Sorry, sold the Code ages ago.
Does the katana mkI have power amp in?
No.
Wait, you’re not Herbert von Karajan. Oh well. Good comparison, regardless
:D
“Son, the Bawss Katana is the beyest, man! Y’know whii they cawl it the Katana? Caws it’s liike a ninja sord!” Guys around where I live around here in regards to the Boss Katana. It’s this area’s Line 6 Spider 5.
Ippon-Seoi-Nage? Maybe not... as they are not Made In Japan. All those home use amps sound lifeless and sterile to me. You can get plenty of sounds out of them, but not even one goes far beyond another.
Maybe somebody could explain to me, why is my Katana mk1 sound better than my Katana Mk2. Could it be the speaker ?
Could be.
@Masto Page Could it be that the speaker in the Mk2 isn't broken in yet? Do you find eq / tone-wise, etc the mk1 and mk2 are similar in any way?
@@alanknott363 Maybe the speaker is still not fully broken. But i doubt that. About the EQ they seem similar . And of course when i made that comparison, both katana where original factory preset, i would have understood if i tweak the sound on one katana and not the other.
Listened to a similar comparison on Dave Simpson's channel and clearly liked the MK1 better. This is strange because your comparison leaned me more to the MK2 - which probably confirms what we all suspect that it's the player that makes the sound out of the amp not the other way round :). Both are a bit too compressed and processed for my liking in comparison to an old school valve amp but weigh a good deal less no doubt which is important at my advanced years ! With this in mind I will stick to my micro cube as my daily player :). P.S.my fingers are aching in sympathy with yours !
Yeah, the Micro Cube is definitely better.
Id probably stay with the mk1 for the price it's not like your giving more for a tube amp same amp and if you want a brighter amp stick a eq in the loop
Well you could mod the katana to be an effect cabinet and get a valve head by orange and you have yourself a beast
@@campadata773 im not sure how the digital gain pedals will work with the tube amp, but the rest of the effects should work well
Interesting idea.
Man thanks for the video.. was going to get the mk 2, but now think I'll stick with my mk 1 and score a different amp.. mk 2 is brittle compared to the mk 1..
I agree. I have a Mark 1 100w 1x12 and it sounds great. Happy to stick with that. Good review though
@@guitargirl7452 I hear some of the new blackstar modeling amps coming out are supposed to be pretty cool.. I think it's a new tvp series upgrade or something like that?
It's the same amp with added sounds
Cheers :)
Yeah, the Silverline series. They cost a bit more though.
To add to a previous comment, I only like the 2x12 and the mk2 actually sounds even better than the first one. I was blown away! I thought the mk1 2x12 was the best, but when I played the mk2 2x12, I was INSTANTLY addicted and I loved every bit if the tone and everything! The mk2 2x12 is easily the BEST amp that Boss has released from their Katana range!
Wow.
Hey Elmo, I got so into your playing after a while I forgot which amp was which. However, till then I feel you were getting a warmer sound out of the Mark 1. Gotta tell you, I'd love to hear how you sound through my ADA Viper.
Haha :D Sorry about that :D And thanks :)
MK1 sounds warmer and fuller...and valvier...
Until you realise that that acoustic mode is the best mode for electric guitar
Never tried that.
@@MrPolevaulter I have the MK1 and set it to acoustic mode and use the GE-10 eq to boost the hights, scoop the mids and drop the lows a bit. on the main panel, gain 60, bass 30, middle and treble to taste. then use a blues driver with the tone about 9-o'clock, drive to taste (normally around maxed out). You get a albert king style vintage tone
This is a brilliant video and makes the subtle differences very obvious. That said, I spent the whole video staring at your scalloped fret board...
Cheers :)
I thought I was imagining things ,thanks for pointing that out!👍🎸👍
If I don’t have neither, which one should I get?
Not sure. If you can get a MK I on the cheap, then that might be the way to go. Then again if you want more flexibility, then the MK II is the way to go.
Dave Simpson di a review and he is sending his two back
Dave quite rightly prefers the MKI - it is a great amp, especially the 100 watt 1X12"
He reset the amp and loves it now. He made a new video on it
@@Corpsegrinder138 Yeah, I am not sure how much of that was actually true he still prefers the MKI i think his mate Rob Chapman convinced him to play along
Man thank you so much for actually being honest!!! One of the only honest opinions about the Katana’s I’ve heard on RUclips at all. I mean they’re good for a budget amp, and probably the best option at that price point. Like you said though I’m not crazy about them, and they are way overhyped. I prefer the feel of a real analog solid state amp, and for around 300$ there are some much better options second hand. I own an 80’s Peavey 240 watt stereo chorus that I got for 180$ That thing wipes the floor with these in my opinion. I’ve also got a Kustom Quad Jr stack that is so good it’s insane for what I got it for. Both those amps are so much more dynamic than the katana. Seriously though, thank you for a real honest review. There’s too many reviewers getting paid by Boss to act like the Katana is comparable to a valve amp which is just kinda ludicrous. & I don’t even like valve amps Bc, they aren’t reliable. Peace man, TY!
Thanks! Glad you like the honesty :)
I appreciate your honesty. I have the Mk1, love it.
Cheers :)
Good job again! Anyone call you El Karja? It sounds like a good villain name.
Haha :D Not yet. Someone might now :D
Dude. You’re video is a mistake
Your mark two comparison clearly has the VARIATION button ON when doing the side by side test.
It's been ages since I did the video, but I'm fairly certain that wasn't the case.
I thought the same when I heard them... whey too huge difference for 2 amps suposedly the same under the hood
MKI sounds much better! Very fizzy MKII!
Given the differences in knob controls (2 vs 1 shared between 2 effects) how does one set them both to 3 o'clock for comparison purposes?
Don't remember.
I’m just here for all the boomer comments about “it’s not a tube amp bruh”. No shit. It’s also not supposed to be, grandpa guitar center.
Im just here for all the zoomers that only have smart ass comments.
@@thorinbane LOL
T B the day of the pillow is almost here boomer.
cool story bro
Cool comment edgelord
That scalloped fretboard ... I didn't know those were actually playable.
Light touch my friend, very light touch.
They are, and they're very nice :)
@@MrPolevaulter You make it look easy. Mad props.
@@thepunkprofessorsguidetoso8367 Thanks :)
They are if you're a badass!
so what i got from this is that the new one is better in every way
No reason to upgrade , dont care about the dual tone and effect knobs, or the fact that there will be more support for software upgrades, I want a good sounding amp
with a personality to it not an I phone 🤣 The Mk 1 has that is lightining in a bottle and will be really DIRT cheap now .A classic is a classic and it sounds great . If I really need more stuff Id just buy a Helix of something. Thank Boss for making this awsome MK1 amp even less expensive 🤣
Sixfoursoul mkII HAS A BETTER METAL TONE LOL
@@jeffreyquinonez8964 If thats what you look for in a amp .. then have fun 👌
Sixfoursoul well I’m a metal player so yea I’ll definitely enjoy it lol
@@jeffreyquinonez8964 The Brown sound on the Mk1 & Mk2 are exactly the same, you probably think the MK2 is sounds more metal because its brighter, or the just a new speaker, regardless Its still not that much of a difference to run out and buy an entirely new amp, especially when you can download all those metal patches on Tone Studio anyway . but hey different stroke for different folks , enjoy 👌
Sixfoursoul the thing is the brown sound has another variation on the mkII. It’s a little bit tighter. But it makes all the difference in the world when you’re playing metal riffs.
Its not hard to say ELMO, Elmo :)
It was a good comparison, both sounded compressed and boxy, Mark ll was lacking midrange. The USA made Red or Silver stripe Peavey Bandit or Studio Pro from the 90's are good bargain amps on the used market. I have a Silver Stripe Bandit from the mid 1990's (paid $150 CAD) - it has very good dynamic sound and response.
Part of the compression was because of me, and the differences in volume between speech and amps.