Can we just appreciate for a moment how amazing it is that we can get content of this quality on our favourite subjects at our fingertips? It's just nuts. I remember sitting in the school library, sharing a copy of Guitarist in my lunch breaks in the hope of seeing a short paragraph on whatever I was interested in that month.
@toddheimbuch5429
Жыл бұрын
Ain't it the truth
@richardmetzler7909
Жыл бұрын
Right. And of course, compared to a well-produced youtube video played over a decent set of monitors, Guitarist magazine sounded like s***.
@renevanderbruggen731
Жыл бұрын
Hear hear
@danielabilez3619
Жыл бұрын
Being happy was a lot less expensive
@guitarplayerlp7018
Жыл бұрын
great comment, i still have my old guitar world mags from back in the early 90's. Had to be patient back then waiting for the new mag to come into the newsagent every month
@John_Warnock
Жыл бұрын
Yes, Boss made a winner with the Katana line up. I bought my 14yr old son a Katana 100 after many many hours of research. He has been playing everyday and just loves it. The sounds and tones he gets with it are amazing. So when I got a bass for xmas from my wife I went and got a Katana 60 bass amp now my son and I jam and can compliment our tones with such ease.
@TheStudioRats
Жыл бұрын
Thanks for sharing!
@Magik1369
8 ай бұрын
They really are great amps and cover all genres. Plus they are lightweight and easy to move around.
@vincentl.9469
6 ай бұрын
@@TheStudioRats the only thing that could happen is tube amps become a minority pursuit. They wont disappear altogether
@TechnoRiff
5 ай бұрын
Katanas are great amps! And no need to replace tubes; an expensive exercise each time!
@brubakersflatcakes9755
Жыл бұрын
Very nice indeed. I bought the Artist MKII Combo a week ago and I feel like I finally have an amp that can do virtually anything and do it well. This comparison helps prove it.
@aronfebles
Жыл бұрын
Have to say that this channel has become my gold standard for guitar tone here on KZitem. Great job!
@paulbradshawguitar
Жыл бұрын
this has just shown me how much of a sleeper amp the jcm900 is =) good stuff
@jemwand2530
Жыл бұрын
If you are in the Uk and fancy rebuilding one, I will gladly sell the chassis from a 50w to you. It needs a full repot and re valve and a shit load of smoke bellowed out of it last time I used it, but £50 and its yours.
@paulbradshawguitar
Жыл бұрын
@@jemwand2530 thanks, but have an old jcm800 that more than fills that need
@daniellarson3068
Жыл бұрын
As a beginner guitar player, I have certainly learned there is a lot of marketing hype with guitar equipment.
@richardjblackman
Ай бұрын
wait until you hear about the quality of vintage cable and "orange drop caps". guitarist are magical thinkers who believe all sorts of bullshit about gear. a lot of CNC machined chinese guitars are better than jimmy pages 1959 les paul (probably)
@daniellarson3068
Ай бұрын
@@richardjblackman I am a beginning guitarist, but retired electrical engineer. I'm only a beginner because my time has been spent on other things than the guitar for the past 50 or so years. I still have my tube type Kalamazoo amp I bought as a kid. There is a lot of BS that seemingly cannot be physically measured. But that's OK. It's all part of the fun.
@xxsouthxxsidexxroyxx
Жыл бұрын
I've seen a handful of videos like this; they do a convincing job of showing how modeler amps can sound great on a recording. I gig every weekend in an original alternative act and maybe it's just young guitarists that can't dial their amps in but everytime I see someone playing through a modeling amp or DI set up; it just always sounds thin and quiet.
@mccauley6027
Жыл бұрын
For sure! it’s not just you
@dkelley9661
Жыл бұрын
It’s more than the argument being put forward, there’s numerous reasons why I still insist on a tube amp, not least of which is how it responds to my playing. Also significant is sound dispersion, tube amps fill a room better. Close is still no cigar for me.
@xxsouthxxsidexxroyxx
Жыл бұрын
@@dkelley9661 I agree 100%. I don't wanna settle
@michaelwilson2497
Жыл бұрын
Exactly. Had a katana. Tried a katana. Took it back and went back to tube amp. Much happier now.
@Syncroschannel
Жыл бұрын
Katana set up and played right will deliver the goods...
@Mert-kz2wr
Жыл бұрын
Hands down, great content again! I have Katana 100 Head MKII (using it through 2x12 V30) and Marshall JVM 215c. I really like both units and playing them in my flat in bedroom levels. I must say that both amps are performing truly amazing in low volumes, but the feeling of amps are still quite different. The effects, different amp models, bunch of Boss quality pedals on board are hard to beat on Katana. If I have had a gig, I would take it everywhere with me, and wouldn‘t really need my pedalboard if I had the controller under my feet. On the other hand there’s JVM, around the notes you play makes the air move in a completely different way, makes you hear all nuances and rich harmonics under your finger tips and answers your style in a unique way. I play electric guitar for over 17 years and I know what my ears want to hear. Having both is really fun! The only problem I had with my Katana is that it doesn’t really take my Strat well - on high gain settings - and creates some fizzy noises. With my other guitars -HBs - it sounds extremely competitive.
@pedrolantyer
Жыл бұрын
I'm looking into buying the Katana 100, and honestly I loved the tones! I feel like it has a bit more bite to it, which I really like! And since I'm probably going to turn off the effects and draw the distortion from pedals it's great! Plus it has an attenuator (which is great for both bedroom and gigs), and an FX loop
@patrick-e3045
8 күн бұрын
Because of your Video i just bought a Katana head 100 mk3 with a 212 Marshall speaker and i absolutely love it. Thanks for that 👍🏻
@jeffgengler6964
Жыл бұрын
A video about why you shouldn't buy a tube amp, filmed in a room full of tube amps, paid for by a company that doesn't sell tube amps. lmao...
@raoulduke344
8 ай бұрын
And its for those very reasons that me, and most others, will listen to their advice.
@Apeshoot13
Жыл бұрын
The Marshall sounded better to me on the clean tones, but as you said, the price... I thought the difference was negligible throughout the more driven parts.
@castleanthrax1833
Жыл бұрын
I could barely hear a difference, although I was listening through my phone speakers. It is probably more noticeable through headphones, but I rarely use them, so...
@ces69
Жыл бұрын
@@castleanthrax1833 Even through headphones…Very little difference!
@Apeshoot13
Жыл бұрын
@@ces69 I was using studio monitors. They all sounded ace.
@Apeshoot13
Жыл бұрын
@@castleanthrax1833 I used studio monitors. They all sounded ace.
@pudgydaddy
Жыл бұрын
Marshall all day, every day... I can bask in that tone forever
@Back2TheBike
Жыл бұрын
Nice one chaps. Not only can you play B7 without checking where your fingers are, but you combine your expertise in all things amping with consummate skill in communicating the art of music simply, such that even this guitar midget can understand. I not only learn every time I tune in, but enjoy the experience. I like the new look too. Keep it coming. BTW I train people to build nuclear subs. 25K people trained so know what good looks like.
@michaelfinnegan3805
11 ай бұрын
Lol 😂😂😂😂😂😂
@otccreations
Жыл бұрын
I have a katana and love it. It's the most versatile amp I've ever owned. When you get into the software the amp is even more amazing.
@Yamunch
Жыл бұрын
I just dialed in a great tube clean sound using the tone studio. super happy
@JayRuetschi
Жыл бұрын
it's amazing how much opens up when you use tone studio...great sounding amps, like they said, not even for the price, they are just great sounding amps
@Mark_Ocain
Жыл бұрын
I have to admit, there's a lot of love out there for the Katana head. It's all singing, all dancing and through a decent cab, sounds brilliant. It certainly holds up well against its valve cousins, especially with some gain dialled in.
@mitsuki1388
Жыл бұрын
The stock cab of the Katana is really it's main issue imo, the Katana here sounds a lot like the JCM900, it's SLIGHTLY worse because it's a Marshall JCM900 but in the mix you can get so close. I'm happy the Katana artist speaker and cab are much better.
@vincentl.9469
6 ай бұрын
@@mitsuki1388 what could happen is Solid state amps become the normal - but tubes wont disappear ..
@jeddak
Жыл бұрын
Great comparison - very well conceived, explained, executed, and documented. There's one thing you've left out of the equation is /amp feel/. The subjective experience of the guitarist playing through each individual amplifier. This is of course not the only important factor, and for some guitarists, it may not be important at all. For others, including myself, it's one of the most important factors (second only to tone).
@sgtcaco
Жыл бұрын
Late to your party but had to chime in here. I used valve amps for around 15 years and the only one I have now is the fender super sonic 60. Horrible amp and I can’t wait to sell it. I mostly use 50w katana with pedals some times on board gain, or a mix of both, I have a lot of fun with it and it just easy. The one thing that I dearly dearly miss is the sound dynamic and sensitivity of the tube response. The pick attack has to be taken into account as you time it to let the notes breath, it’s one of the hardest things to explain and it can be subtle and unknown until you discover how the amp plays you, not you playing the amp. I have not played/bought a tube amp in 5 year because of choice over load. Friedman, Mesa, Fender, hand wire, quad cam, twin turbo etc.. I just end up playing the katana🤣
@kurtbader9711
6 ай бұрын
Yes, the sensitivity and response of tubes is unmatched, at least in terms of tone and if you have the right ones. With your fingers and pick you can get so many subtle overtones with a good tube amp that sound comparatively unexpressive with a modeling amp. I have to admit the solid state/dsp guys have come a long way since the Crate/Gorilla days. Still, they were fun in their own right, and my '70's 2204's are worth about three grand now. Nice to know the kids can get good tones for a fraction of the cost. Rock on! Then again, you used to be able to get used Marshall heads for 3 or 4 hundred bucks. Yeah, the good ol' days.
@cathybaker262
Жыл бұрын
Another awesome video. I am just a hobbyist and use a boss katana artist mkii. I have been considering a small tube amp but was concerned about the volume. After this video I think I have decided that’s something I do not need to bother with. Thank you!
@WarrenPostma
Жыл бұрын
I do find it's fun to own a real tube amp just for comparison. But the Katana is just stupidly great. You chose well.
@robflewell7706
Жыл бұрын
Ive had my share of tube amps, and owned the BOSS katana, and honestly, the katana was surprisingly good, but doesn’t replace a good tube amp on many levels.
@JesusHernandez-dg3bg
Жыл бұрын
I love katanas , live in Houston, Texas, and we have lots of performances. Having a tube amp or valve whatever... sometimes is not convenient , they are heavy and bulky.... the katanas are very light and versatile. The sound for the price is unbelievable. However... a tube amp has that I don't even know how to explain... I always think of my grandma cooking as a tube amp... it was lots of work... raw ingredients, had to kill or own chickens and pigs... lots of mess... but in the end the food was out of this world. No food can compare with it. Same thing with a tube amp... might get messy hard to adjust the settings... get pretty hot, but in the end the sound of them... nothing can compare to it... love my katanas but a fender or marshall tube amp.... make my guitar come to life
@dingalarm
Жыл бұрын
How doesn't the Katana replace a tube amp?
@robflewell7706
Жыл бұрын
@@dingalarm Good question! You can make something SOUND like a tube amp, but they have yet to get the feel right. That's just me. I'm sure it's only a matter of time.
@robflewell7706
Жыл бұрын
@@JesusHernandez-dg3bg That's an interesting, and animated explanation....lol
@dingalarm
Жыл бұрын
@@robflewell7706 OK. So to experience the "feel" of a tube amp, does it need to be turned up loud? 🤔 Also, isn't the feel only associated with the "sag" of a tube rectifier and push-pull circuit, so it won't make a difference with a single-ended amp?
@SeemsLikeSomething
Жыл бұрын
With a slight scoop of those mid/highs, I honestly don’t think we’d hear any difference at all from the Katana. Such a great value, versatile, just sounds good. Awesome purchase for anyone looking for quality:price ratio
@limpeacock573
Жыл бұрын
One of the best comparison demos I've ever seen. Great job!!
@zachglisson
Жыл бұрын
For me tone amps are superior because in person you can’t just feel/hear the difference they make. KZitem videos make them sound the same but there’s just something different about a legit tube amp that’s so sweet, that said the Katana still sounds incredible! And price wise it’s definitely the better deal, but for me Tube is the way to go
@flintdavis2
Жыл бұрын
Maybe just what your accustomed to. There’s no place like home.
@iancurrie8844
Жыл бұрын
You’re hearing with your eyes.
@Brutuscomedy
Жыл бұрын
After considering my options, I am definitely getting a tube amp (a 20W valve Marshall amp to be specific). superior feel and tone imo
@whatarefriends4
Жыл бұрын
I would rather have one real tube tone
@Brutuscomedy
Жыл бұрын
@@whatarefriends4 I tend to concur. Yet only one tone isn't quite enough for me. I'd rather have a versatile tube amp that covers multiple bases. A good clean goes a long way, moreover.
@alexmurphy5289
5 ай бұрын
Katana is way better for practice at home than any tube amp. I have a tube amp and a katana and I haven’t plugged in my tube amp in months
@badtonestudio
Жыл бұрын
Great work! I appreciate your time and effort. I listened to this video in the car cranked up! I couldn’t hear a discernible difference to justify spending the extra $ for the tube amps. Boss are killing it!
@castleanthrax1833
Жыл бұрын
That's what I thought too. I don't usually listen to music via headphones, and I think that's what it would take, to really hear a noticeable difference.
@shalomshalom735
Жыл бұрын
Great video as all your other videos! Katana is totally worth it considering the price. Matchless was best for clean, JCM probably has a tiny edge in the chug stuff, but Katana sound barely any different and this is before adding effects at all. Thanks for your video.
@trentreimer130
Жыл бұрын
I like the Katana's lead channel enough that I'll just turn the gain knob down to use it as a crunch channel too.
@stricknine8623
Жыл бұрын
The Katana replaced all of my tube amps about 3 years ago. It has been as good and in many cases better while being lighter and much less expensive.
@andrewmcdonald5704
Жыл бұрын
Only discovered your channel a couple of weeks ago and I have to say Paul's guitaring is fantastic and the content of the videos is really helpful and well explained.
@TheStudioRats
Жыл бұрын
Cheers Andrew!
@goodheartmedia
Жыл бұрын
After owning the Artist combo for about a year, I jumped at the chance to get the head when it came out. The Artist is great, but is still limited by being a 1x12. Great for grab and go needs, but my preference has always been to have a head and a 212 or 412 cab. I tried the regular mkii head and it sounds great but I prefer front facing controls and a "pro" look to my amp and the 100w head feels a little small sitting on top of a 4x12. Plus the new dedicated solo boost delay for the Artist models is what i have been waiting for! Bottom line is that Katanas sound great, but there is something about the sound and look of the Katana Artist head cranking away sweet tones through my 412 cab that is simply awesome. BTW I credit all my awesome tones to this channel - thank you so much for all the great content.
@lyrasimo
Жыл бұрын
you can use the combo with an external cab , no need to buy the head
@goodheartmedia
Жыл бұрын
@lyrasimo Yes true. I wish Boss made a companion speaker for the Artist. Personally I have a thing about a combo sitting on top of a 212 or 412 cab that doesn't match. Especially if the internal speaker isn't being used at all. Seems like a waste of a good speaker :) That's why I got the head, which looks good sitting on top of almost anything.
@stevelogan1699
Жыл бұрын
I've used the Katana Artist II combo for recording and found it excellent. If you want to avoid putting pedals in the chain you can easily voice and modify your sound from the amp which can then be mic'd or plugged direct into an interface. The connectivity of the Katana makes it easy to add or just demo parts. I use the same amp live, mic'd through a PA, and am more than happy with it. When the Roland Jazz Chorus came out it was adopted by many pro users without being especially praised, though it's considered a classic. Maybe the Katana will go the same way. It's unusual in combining versatlity and quality of sound with an intuitive design.
@mitsuki1388
Жыл бұрын
The artist combo has such an amazing speaker and cab, it really solves Katana's biggest issue that are those parts. For studio recordings I'd say it's a must for the non-artist owners to use IRs with the stereo expander output for a good result.
@elephantfootrisers
Жыл бұрын
Great job fellas! Katana 50 is my backup amp for live gigs. #1 is Fender Tonemaster Deluxe.
@jonsnow7092
8 ай бұрын
If cost is the main factor for going digital, then why compare the katana with some expensive tube amps? there are more budget tube amps now than ever, and a lot of them are actually pretty decent. on top of that, if you're into bang for buck, you can get pretty amazing sounding tube amps second hand for the price of a katana 100. Got myself a Marshall DSL15 for well under 300$ recently and after some mods, it just sounds amazing. Not only that tube amps can be modded as much as you want, but they can be repaired indefinitely. People still think that tube amps are expensive to own, but tubes don't wear if you don't play them and if you do, you're getting the value out of your money. Resistors and capacitors are generally dirt cheap and they rarely fail, while the most expensive components, the transformers, can last decades or even your entire lifespan. On the other hand, due to complexity as well as planned obsolescence, digital amps, just like anything digital these days, ends up in the bin in a couple of years.
@michaelparson-mcnamara782
Жыл бұрын
Not only was that informative, it was a real treat to just listen to Paul and the tones!
@zsoltpalatinus1117
Ай бұрын
I raise my hat to all analogue vs digital test makers and opinionnaries for providing and experiencing juicy differences coming through a sweet thick wall of sugar cookie pie KZitem digital treatment! Keep it up folks!
@alexdenton6586
Жыл бұрын
It's impressive how much the Japanese have been producing high-quality goods for many years and have literally changed my life. Whether it's hi-fi equipment or everything related to guitars Japanese products have followed me since my childhood. One of my very first real amplifiers was actually the Roland micro cube which I still remember. It was an amplifier that I took absolutely everywhere and sounded so good for its size and price. I briefly switched to Line 6 with the excellent Line 6 Spider Valve 112 MK1 and today I use the Boss Katana MK2. Even with cars, I prefer Toyota and Lexus. I'm not ready to switch to other brands other than Japanese ones, the only exception being Fender. I love playing on a Stratocaster and Telecaster with Noiseless pickups that I installed on them, but that's really the only exception for me.
@davidjoel111
Жыл бұрын
This speaks volumes to the importance of the speakers, so much that the amp matters less than the speakers/mic positions. Glen Fricker is right!
@JamesBloodgood
Жыл бұрын
That Matchless head has amazing tone. However, the Katana’s tone was not all that different. I’m happy to have the 100 Mk II combo amp due to space constraints. It’s an excellent combo, in my opinion.
@tomfairbairn1202
7 ай бұрын
My only issue with the katana is a friend had one which broke, no one could fix it so it had to go on ebay for £50 spares etc, where as a valve amp generally can be repaired.
@JTB--
Жыл бұрын
Recently got a Katana Artist MK II Head & Waza Cabinet & BOSS GA-FC EX Pedal bundle for $1K. Great bang for the buck
@williamfoster1034
Жыл бұрын
Great video. Truly. I can tell you my experience. I bought the Katana Artist combo in November, used it for a week, and put it into the spare bedroom and pulled back out my Laney Class A tube amp and separate effects. For an "audiophile" sound (I know it's not the right term) the Katana simply doesn't cut it. The Katana does a 1,000 things good but nothing exceptionally well.
@RG-yz8ov
Жыл бұрын
Yeh I have 100w kat mk1 head, put librarian on my phone and found many good patches but I really only use headphones with it. My marshall dsl gets most of my time followed by ac4 and a super champ. They are just more musical, can't explain it plus they feel better under the fingers. But I use alnico speakers cabs maybe kat needs a flat speaker 🤷♂️
@danriley5848
Жыл бұрын
The Katana sounds great and it is a handy tool to use but I will always love my Marshalls as well. ✌🏻
@bradleybradbradley11
7 ай бұрын
I’ve gotta say, I watch a lot of guitar channels on KZitem but these lads ability to capture amazing tones blows all the others out of the water!! Definitely the guys to listen too, Especially when it comes to recording guitar advice. Great work lads.
@TheStudioRats
7 ай бұрын
Cheers Bradley!
@KoaCharvel
Жыл бұрын
Honestly, I was an analog and tube purist for YEARS. But these days, I use a mix of analog and digital pedals through my BossIR200 and FRFR Laney Speaker. Couldn't be happier. If it sounds great, it is great.
@hustlinc3540
8 ай бұрын
the question is. when the Katana dies, will you be able to fix it?
@daniellarson3068
7 ай бұрын
Even if in warranty, I bet they just replace it.
@huntergalloway3944
Жыл бұрын
It’s mostly about feel and sound presence in the room. I can get a similar recorded sound from almost any two different amps. I actually sold my Katana Artist when I realized I enjoyed playing on my Bandit more lol. It felt more like an amp, so solid state itself isn’t the issue. Not that I didn’t enjoy the Katana, it’s even on some of my recordings. I was reluctant to get rid of such a tonally versatile amp, but to be honest I don’t miss it after I got a 2525c!
@mccauley6027
Жыл бұрын
Perfect way of saying it. Solid state is for sure the biggest factor
@floteanu
6 ай бұрын
Young lads and lass, been the axe fx, line 6, kemper, etc. route years ago… what a waste of money and time! If you appreciate the opposite of surogate, go tube amp all day every day! You can buy second hand real amp for less than these wannabes.
@thomaseich8505
Жыл бұрын
Without the visual support by the changing amp pics I actually would not even notice the swap. Excellent. This way I can keep my valve amp and no need to go digital. Cheers lads, fab video in content and making. Best from Munich
@frankhachenberg6305
Жыл бұрын
I have both. One to make it easy and one to be happy 😊 greetings from Cologne
@smelltheglove2038
Жыл бұрын
You think you’re getting an accurate representation with digitally compressed audio?
@smelltheglove2038
Жыл бұрын
@@frankhachenberg6305 that’s really it though isn’t it? One’s convenient, the other actually sounds good.
@rmp5s
Жыл бұрын
@@smelltheglove2038 🤣
@JuanMotta
Жыл бұрын
Very clever of You trying the amps in full song context, i liked the BOSS katana sound
@riplead
Жыл бұрын
Awesome comparison. Really loved the playing too. Thanks for doing this. It's amazing how good the Katana sounds and the price.
@ckallaher
7 ай бұрын
I was iffy about my Katana 100 MKII but then I read about the “turn the master volume all the way up” truck and since then I can’t believe how great this thing sounds. You can use the foot switch for clean, edge of breakup and lead tones and go with no other pedals if you like. I wish they made a 30 watt version with a 10 inch speaker that weighed about 18 pounds but that’s just because I’m an old man with a bad back!
@Acousticeg
Жыл бұрын
Very cool comparison. I use a Boss Mk2 100. I play mostly Fusion Rock stuff and the Katana sounds great for that. It's the Swiss army knife of amps. I have been using some of your patches. They are great as a starting point for tweaking other tones and sound great on there own as well . Thanks for the video.
@batmandeltaforce
Жыл бұрын
Tube amps are an expensive hobby that offer no advantage these days, in fact they are MUCH less reliable and drama queens that can easily sound different every gig, and especially if you change the tubes. I will never haul transformers and speaker magnets around again:)
@ThomasJackMoore
Жыл бұрын
That's exactly how I feel about my Tone Master Delexe Reverb. I love the DR but I'll never have a tube version again. Do I love them, yes, but the volume and the weight and the maintenance are not worth it.
@rle440
Жыл бұрын
The Marshall sounded the best to my ears while listening in headphones. In general I preferred the Matchless and the Marshall overall when looking away then watching back. As you say though, for the money it’s really close.
@AudaciousAce1989
Жыл бұрын
You cant get a boss to sound that good in real life. If you have been blessed/cursed with picky ears, the boss wont do it. Its very difficult to get it to sound huge without also making the tone super buzzy (not talking about the background hum, the tone of the notes sound buzzy themselves) I can never get a good balance of no annoying tone and no “blanket over the speakers” muffled sound (most solid state amps suffer from this dilemma) I tried so many different SS amps, and was never satisfied. None of them could get me that 80's EVH/brown sound/80's hair metal sound. Sure it may be good for the dollar amount, but when im spending $300-$500 on an amp and not in love with it, its a waste of all that money. So I pulled the trigger and got a Friedman Runt 20 and a 2x12 cab with V30s. It was not a waste of $1000. Now I can focus on my playing instead of fighting the knobs on a SS amp. My Friedman sounds AWSOME. SS amps have made lots of progress but still cant beat the real deal. The Runt 20 sounds HUGE, its perfection in a box.
@ruiseartalcorn
Жыл бұрын
I have some great valve amps, however I often use my Katana Artist for convenience. It's a great amp.
@johnr3369
Жыл бұрын
If you can crank up the volume without worrying about being rude to your neighbors, then a tube amp is the way to go. But you’ll need a boatload of effects pedals to keep up with what’s already in the Boss Katana. The Katana series makes playing fun because you can get great tones at even the lowest volumes, so you can play at 3am and not bother anybody. I have the original 50w mk1 from like 9 years ago, and I still haven’t found anything that gives me more. Crazy I tell ya’. Plus tube amps never sound the same, I don’t know why, probably voltage fluctuations in your home power. The Boss eats any electricity and spits clarity or fire, depending on what you want. Very consistent. The laptop hookup cinches it. So much to screw with, you’ll go loco eventually. I’d get the Artist Version if I did it again, but I just don’t need to, as I’m a humble home wanker. But...if I was a rockstar, I’d go all Angus and have like 20 Marshall stacks, because they look cool. Cheers to all!
@IanTheGreatYT
Жыл бұрын
I have to appreciate how they took an A power chord and turned it into the most banging song I've ever heard 😂
@dozerblade
Жыл бұрын
There must be something wrong with me, I can't tell any differences, but I loved listening to the playing !
@stingylizard
Жыл бұрын
Nice! Yep,we have several tube amps,including a 1966 Bassman head,and they all sound great but we keep a Katana lined in/mic'd up and ready to go. We can duplicate just about any amp via Katana. Salute the Katana Mk II👍
@BedeLaplume
Жыл бұрын
Really interesting to see and hear how the Katana Head held up pretty well against much mmore expensive tube amps.. Really cool demo..
@tossemanden
Жыл бұрын
A cranked matchless is a VERY unique beast to play. Im using badcats myself these days and the tone and feel these amps deliver is worth the money OVER TIME. yeah expensive but SO nice to play and use year after year.
@webcityguymyclubb4032
Жыл бұрын
…and live too.
@tossemanden
Жыл бұрын
@@webcityguymyclubb4032 And im sure the Katana is a great amp! And so cool to hear that quality at that price!
@Mike_Jones68
Жыл бұрын
I'm wondering if people's perception of good tone has changed due to media items like this being available at our fingertips. Sure something may sound like or near a higher level offering, but no matter how tech progresses it is def not the same. I get it, I get the convenience of not having 30pedals, 3+ dif tube amps, etc. But what I think is really going on is a higher acceptance of somewhat that's "ok" vs great. And that's fine to each their own, but I think there still needs to be an acknowledgement of these new toys still can't compare to say a cranked matchless, Marshall, HiWatt, etc.
@PsychotropicSalad
Жыл бұрын
@@Mike_Jones68 It's more that tech has progressed to the point where you can get 98% of the way to your dream tone on a sub-$1000 budget, and the diminishing returns of spending more are only going to be worth it to a tiny fraction of musicians. Couple that with people using data-driven experiments to prove that things like tonewood and pickups contribute practically nothing to tone (at the very least, nothing that can't be solved in the mix or in an FX chain) and the fact that most players simply don't have a space where they CAN crank a tube amp, and it's easy to see why the digital market is overtaking analog a bit more every day. Why spend that money on a 1-2% tone gain when you can spend it on any number of more impactful (and potentially more interesting) pieces of kit?
@tru11666
Жыл бұрын
@@Mike_Jones68 Absolutely. Nothing compares to a good tube amp.
@azharkhan8796
Жыл бұрын
Really cool solo playing. That opening lick is so catchy.
@jr0706
Жыл бұрын
The heavier gain stuff minimized the nuances of the amps. However, that edge of breakup tone revealed a lot. All 3 sounded amazing in that context. But honestly, the Marshall won that. I own a Katana MK2 50. Love it.
@Superjet113
Жыл бұрын
Ok, I had MK1 100 watt Katana head, had it for 2+ years, then sold it for $250(sweet) then got the MKII for a year or so now, I think its time to sell the MKII and get the Artist MkII 100! You guys are great BTW! Thank you for all your hard work!
@marktullo35
Жыл бұрын
I suppose there will always be a debate regarding Tube amps vs. Solid state, but after playing for almost 50 years and have had great tube amps in both the past and present. the ease and simplicity of setting up my Katana MKII 100 watt combo and getting such a range of great tones makes it my preferred choice. I love my old Classic 30 and my Budda SD18, but if I didn't have either of these great amps, I would be perfectly fine with my Katana...it would do everything I'd need in a club gig or jam somewhere. The cost, weight and overall value of these Katanas would be my first choice if I had to replace everything I own and start over again. Great clip as usual, guys...thanks!
@Patrick-857
4 ай бұрын
Katana isn't considered solid state. That generally implies an analogue amplifier circuit. Katana is a digital modelling amp.
@mkds7756
Жыл бұрын
The edge of breakup really showed how much better a real tube amp is compared to digital.
@digitalchris6681
Жыл бұрын
In my house the Katana range (I've tried a few) hum and buzz so loud as to be unusable. My Marshall, Vox and Princeton are silent. I've tried mains filters, and even got an electrician in, but it seems the Katanas are just very sensitive to mains-borne interference.
@joejohnson8966
Жыл бұрын
yep
@kevinmoser8913
Жыл бұрын
Do you have a lot of LED lighting in your home? Mine tend to buzz as well. But adding the noise suppressor in boss tone studio made it silent. For what it’s worth, my Vox buzzed too.
@digitalchris6681
Жыл бұрын
@@kevinmoser8913 Yup, my entire house uses LED lighting - no choice nowadays! And of course I've got a fridge and two freezers turning on and off randomly, and numerous other electrical appliances. That's modern living! But the valve amps just seem immune....
@michelvondenhoff9673
Жыл бұрын
@@digitalchris6681 A power conditioner and ferrites (RF) might do the trick. The latter are on more or less every signal cable (USB, Playstation etc.).
@digitalchris6681
Жыл бұрын
@@michelvondenhoff9673 I've got ferrite rings on every cable I can find, but a power conditioner is a step too far, especially as I've read that the cheaper ones (really intended for UPS duties) only emulate a sinewave and thus are not recommended for audio kit. The one conditioner I found recommended for audio was £2,000. Easier and cheaper to stick with valve amps !!
@jameslloyd949
8 ай бұрын
I might sell my kemper as i prefer my blues juniour and just playing. I never would have guessed a Katana could be the answer to finding a great all-rounder for in the room playing and recording. Really enjoying your content, feels like we're all part of the conversation. I guess we are... :) 🤟
@adam872
Жыл бұрын
These demonstrations for me show how incredibly good value the Katana series is. When the differences are that small in a real mix situation I would be questioning why I'd spend thousands on an amp that doesn't sound that much "better". Boss have built a modern classic here.
@Topsy_Krett
Жыл бұрын
Yes, these amps may be a good value for the money, but they are also cheaply-built products. And there *are* subtle but important differences in the feel and details of the tone when played in-person, compared with a high-quality (preferably tube/valve) amplifier.
@adam872
Жыл бұрын
@@Topsy_Krett I guess it depends on your goal. If you're recording, any amp played through a speaker and then recorded with a microphone will be influenced by the frequency response curve of those two devices. Then when you put it all in a mix, whatever differences might have been evident in the room with the amp will largely disappear. Glenn Fricker and Jim Lil's videos on this are really eye opening.
@DeepFriedHallelujah
Жыл бұрын
@@Topsy_Krettif I’m standing in a room with cranked amps I’ll be able to identify the tube vs ss amp all day long. However, I don’t have that luxury of cranking a Fender Princeton anymore. Most miked recordings of tube amps sound kinda anemic compared to the room feel. This is where modeling shines…..subtle differences? Sure. Worth paying thousands more of money I live paycheck to paycheck by? Not for me. I want to need a tube amp bc part of me is a purist, but modeling is getting very good and Katana isn’t even the best at that game though clearly sufficient here
@gilldanier4129
Жыл бұрын
I'm looking at the Marshall SV20 which is a great sound at the price. In my view you cant beat a Marshall.
@axe2Mummy
10 ай бұрын
Oh my god I just bit my tounge off. Yer all deaf n dumb. These amps sound and feel nothing alike, not even close to
@pbboeye1012
5 ай бұрын
I am really thankful for this video. Just bought a Mk II Artist that will arrive in a few days, and to hear how great it can sound was inspiring. One thing though - I'd appreciate knowing a bit more about Paul's Tele - what pickups are you running there? Matchless is great, but funny name given how expensive it is. I think it is not so Matchless overall (considering price) - but damn it is sweet.
@murff625
Жыл бұрын
I’ve had two Katana amps. I liked them at first but I never could get them to sound like a Fender Deluxe Reverb. If you want a really good solid state amp get a Quilter.
@JPMonstie
Жыл бұрын
The fact that the Quilter is SS and not digital is a key aspect. The Katanas are amazing value and ideal for many people though.
@thomasd9237
Жыл бұрын
Quilters are amazing amps & the support is fantastic. If you want to see a fun review of it, watch the J. Leonard Jay review ☺️
@JB-br2pr
9 ай бұрын
I love using a tube preamp pedal through my Quilter UK Superblock's power section. I get the best of all worlds. The Superblock on its own sounds pretty damn great too. And it can be used with headphones and direct out too. Its bulletproof.
@DMSProduktions
Жыл бұрын
BARELY hear a difference! A bit more noticeable on clean, with the Marshall sounding the most scooped, the Katana with more mids and the Matchless a bit less scooped! Dirty, I couldn't hear a difference really!
@jamesswanson4391
Жыл бұрын
Interesting. My issue with testing amps with loops or samples is that the responsiveness of the amp may change the way that you play, as opposed to just being a post-production effect...
@ianparr1533
Жыл бұрын
@@kevone08 Usually, you split the guitar signal and play through (and record) one amp whilst also recording the "dry" (un-amped) signal on another track. So the player gets to hear a real amp whilst tracking.
@kevinoconnor2921
Жыл бұрын
Bingo!!!
@therethere2p2e5
Жыл бұрын
dude i just bought a new boss katana mk2 100w and plug my fender american pro 2 into it but it sounds MUFFY DİRTY AF in all channels. all the boosters is useless they sounds terrible muddy and dirty do you know how yo fix it ?
@ericwarrington6650
Жыл бұрын
I spent more re tubing my bassbreaker than I did on the katana brand new..pretty amazing
@kennethc2466
Жыл бұрын
Then you got ripped off on your tubes.
@greg19561
Ай бұрын
I bought a Katana Mk 2, and found it to be very small and boxy sounding. After a lot of fiddling with it, I could get a sound somewhat similar to a Vox amp, but that was about it. You are much better off, saving up another $700 and buying a Fender Hot Rod Deluxe.
@don-music
Жыл бұрын
This, or the axe or the helix or some other excellent modelling systems.... they are just amazing. I have lived with modelled guitar tone for some time now and don't think twice... it delivers exactly what and when I want and is inspiring.
@kevinoconnor2921
Жыл бұрын
Do you wanna buy my AXE FX???? Convenient for touring, but it's still digital.
@don-music
Жыл бұрын
@@kevinoconnor2921 thanks i run modelling now as well as my tube amp depending on where i am playing. The biggest challenge is the inflexibility and weight of my tube amp, but the tones are amazing in both, and in an engineer also which is possibly why i am so successful at getting modelling to feel and sound like amps successfully. Keep in mind that most touring guitarists and session guitarists use modelling and have for years and many huge name tone freak bands have had modelled guitar amps in studios for many years.
@JonDeth
10 ай бұрын
I'm an engineer, none of this shit is worth but a meager fraction of what you pay including the tube amps. In fact, sometimes they're the worst of mfr. cost vs purchase costs, but as of the last couple years, digital is now the biggest source of thievery in that regard.
@andreaferrero6533
Жыл бұрын
The only track where I really felt a difference (and Marshall was the fullest and more pleasing for me) was the clean one. Really eye opening!
@TheStudioRats
Жыл бұрын
The Marshall has had a lot of love.
@WarrenPostma
Жыл бұрын
@@TheStudioRats That marshall shocked me by how great it was in this video. I thought JCM 900s were overhyped, but this one is lovely.
@matthewburns7926
Жыл бұрын
The Marshall excelled in each category IMO, but honestly the Katana was quite close each time. Surprising
@DeepNightSounds
7 ай бұрын
Your many videos on the Boss Katana line inspired me to take a chance on it after needing to buy a practice amp for the first time in many years. I have been absolutely blown away by what solid state amps (especially practice amp priced ones) can do these days. I cannot believe the sound and versatility of these things, especially for the cost. Thirteen year old bedroom guitarist me back in the day would have absolutely lost his mind with something like this. Anyways, thanks for all of the awesome videos and the fantastic tones pack(s) you have available on Boss Tone Exchange. Hope you all keep doing what you do for a long time to come yet.
@TheStudioRats
7 ай бұрын
Cheers
@Geetarhed
Жыл бұрын
Fab channel for guitar heads. Using Katana 100mk2 as it saves carting around a heavy Mesa amp and a bucket load of pedals. To my ears the valves and pedals are best, as for the audience they wouldn't have a clue when the volume goes up
@MarkCoffin
Жыл бұрын
BOSS always has and continues to innovate. Nothing against the other incredible amps, but for most average players it's excellent to know that BOSS is there for you and always has been.
@cliftontorrence839
Жыл бұрын
Of course the real reason the video was so great is we got to hear Paul play more delicious guitar parts. Yum.
@TheStudioRats
Жыл бұрын
Cheers Cliff.
@mississipiblues
Жыл бұрын
Just proves how much technology has evolved. Great video Rats🤟🤟
@noahallen1996
Жыл бұрын
Even in little more than the past few years. I tried, and hated, my dad's little Line 6 modelling amp when he bought it in 2018. Two years later, I ended up buying a Katana. Yes, different brands, different prices, etc. But I legitimately could not justify spending 3-4 times the money on a tube amp when the Katana was blowing me away.
@pino_7428
Жыл бұрын
Boss Katana is a toy. Turn the volume up to a gig level and away goes the good sound.
@Shankdaddy16
Жыл бұрын
I would love to hear this same test run through other types of tube heads!
@Emmanuel_Tuts-Schiemsky
Жыл бұрын
I like a test with chinese and american power cables.........
@jacolux
Жыл бұрын
I love the comparisons you do.
@FrancisFurtak
7 ай бұрын
Ancient guitarist here. I'm a trained Silicon Valley printed circuit designer. I saw John Entwistle playing in a smaller club in California a while back. He and the rest of the band were using line 6 amps. As the show wore on those circuit boards got hot and all you could hear was very loud distortion! So I know the traces on those board are very thin. I wonder how long the Katana would hold up under the strain on a gig? I have had a lot of amps and nothing can compete with my 50 watt Fender Bassman. Point to point wired with no effects on board. Mine was modified with a mid-range control and a line out in the back. It's a separate head so not too heavy! Then you can put what ever pedal you want in front of it and not have to worry about the amp. This was a good show. Really liked the comparison and some good playing! Thanks. FF
@frankstetka7206
3 ай бұрын
Yeah that Bassman is the pedal platform if you enjoy power tube distortion. I loved mine when it worked. I question my rectifier tubes as two amps went down with their involvement. Anyhow the Katana seems a great backup option. Swiss army sword 😁
@FrancisFurtak
3 ай бұрын
@@frankstetka7206 Did you get new rectifier tubes. Tubes aren't perfect. They all break down eventually!
@SG710
Жыл бұрын
Playing music is not just about the sound, but also the feel. It's the same as people not liking a thick neck profile on the guitar, or preferring the sound of single coils to humbuckers. So while Katana sounds nice, it just doesn't feel good to play to me. It doesn't have the dynamics I want or need under my fingers, it doesn't respond to my playing the way I want it to. I had the 50W Mk2 for almost 3 years and got rid of it.
@jamiebriggs8277
Жыл бұрын
What a great comparison. The differences are almost negligible, and most listeners would never know the difference for sure. On a side note - I'd love to see a short video on how to play the clean riff. You use it all the time in your demos, and it sounds great, and I'm never entirely sure how you're playing it. :D
@TeleCaster66
Жыл бұрын
Hear them in person, big difference.
@jamiebriggs8277
Жыл бұрын
@@TeleCaster66 hear them in person on a stage with a band, or on a record, and the vast majority of people will never k ow the difference, and most of the ones who say they do are lying lol
@williamfoster1034
Жыл бұрын
I had the Katana on an MXR AB box with some of my other amps. In person, you will hear a massive difference. Even my tone deaf wife who knows nothing about guitars or amps was shocked at how good the real thing sounds relative to a modeling amp.
@milkandmeat
Жыл бұрын
In real life you would notice big time
@TeleCaster66
Жыл бұрын
@@jamiebriggs8277 Maybe, but your equipment is for you not them. You think of Chef buys $1,000 knife because the customer eating the meals going to know the difference or that he knows the difference? And there is a pretty big difference between a tube amp and a boss katana.
@LukeMosse
8 ай бұрын
The Katana doesn't sound as good. Not as rich and sits back in the mix, with a weird hollow sound. Its like with microphones you pay the money so you stop being bugged by something very hard to define.
@JohnPechacekM
Жыл бұрын
Great video. Katana is a useful tool and I enjoy mine. The tube amps are in another league though.
@kuradko
Жыл бұрын
What type of speaker is in that cab, please?
@grady9752
Жыл бұрын
Traded in my MarshallJCM900 two years ago for a Katana 100W. From a sonic standpoint, it does literally everything I need it to do in the rooms where I play, with the music I play, and get this, it only takes ONE person to get it out of the truck and up to the stage! I can just pick it up and carry it, no hand truck, no grunts trying to get it back into the truck. So also from a purely utilitarian standpoint, this is one of the best decisions I've made in a long time. I absolutely love my Katana.
@blakjack3053
Жыл бұрын
Agreed they easily get the job done and are much lighter in weight than a valve amp. I have a Katana head but only use it as a stage back up amp, I prefer using my good old Fender 65 blackface twin or JMP 2203 on stage, both of which smoke my Katana.
@davidmacleod9313
Жыл бұрын
Those Marshalls are worth a lot. I traded mine in years ago and couldn’t believe how much they wanted for one!!! Same with my old Hiwatt heads!!! That said, I’m looking to get rid of my Marshall 2000 dsl 100w heads! Love my Katanas!!!!! Artist combo and Artist head all thru my four Marshall cabs! Don’t like the 212 WAZA cab though…to crisp and hurts my ears. Weird. Look out Marshall. 😊
@GradyElla
Жыл бұрын
@@davidmacleod9313 Lyell Lovett and his band played here a few weeks ago. As an aside, what a privilege is was to see Lee Sklar live. Anyway, his guitar player (didn't catch the name) was as good as you would expect him to be. When the roadies finished setting up, I turned to my wife and said, "look up there, see the amp they set up for the guitar?" Sure enough, it was a humble Katana 100. Along with a modest pedal board and exquisite technique, he sounded really great. No extra cabs and from where I was, I think I could see just a plain old SM57 in front of it. If it's good enough for Lyell Lovett, it's certainly good enough for a hacker like me! No regrets.
@aidansgaming550
Жыл бұрын
Absolutely absurd, it's all about the phat bottom and the warmth, only a tube amp can deliver!!! IMHO
@newmusicplus
Жыл бұрын
As much as I love the Katana, I can feel a bit less harmonics and complexity from it. Either way, it keeps being really cost-effective.
@bobegan5982
Жыл бұрын
You can pull this off recording, but there’s no way the feel is the same as a valve amp, nor the feeling in the room.
@rrrripbing
Жыл бұрын
I've been using a Katana Artist for several years now and unless it fails I'm unlikely to need another amp. Fantastic amp especially considering the price.
@manhandler
11 ай бұрын
Boss Katana is a good Amp, but it still doesn't match up to a quality Tube Amp when it come to mid to low frequencies.
@hollywoodactress
Жыл бұрын
Katana sounds phenomenal up against the matchless and Marshall when factor in the price. Great review guys 👍 Would be good to see line 6 catalyst or the Fender GTX against the katana in a future video
@kmichaelp4508
Жыл бұрын
But what do you say if not priced out?
@hollywoodactress
Жыл бұрын
@@kmichaelp4508 good question . I would say if not priced out, have space to store and use the amp either with a cab or reactive load. Go for the one you always wanted. So if you always wanted a Marshall or a Matchless go for it. Buying the katana still great but deep down you will always be longing for the other amp. Plus if you get the amp for a good deal Secondhand, you won’t lose money in the long run
@kmichaelp4508
Жыл бұрын
@@hollywoodactress , ala Paul! Hahahaha. You know which way he will go.
@richardlynch5632
Жыл бұрын
Yep...VERY satisfied with your conclusions 😉👍 And a very satisfied owner of a Katana, which is used for much, and a Fender TMDR for everything else😁 My pedalboard is heavier than the amps put together... No more bad tubes (costs), blown fuses. No more bad back problems or wheezing from lugging amps upstairs. Nice job😎👍❤🖖
@aliengrey6052
Жыл бұрын
I’ve had the katana. It sounds harsh and metallic. Not like my tube amps which are full and luscious.
@lachairamusic
Жыл бұрын
As far as modeling amps were, had a katana for about a year, sounded fine, then out of curiosity I bought a 16 year old peavy vypry 2... Katana was sold in 2 weeks.
@aliengrey6052
Жыл бұрын
@@lachairamusic lol
@bks252
Ай бұрын
2 guys in my band have the Katana. 1 is the r0 and the other is 100. They are both MKII. They sound fantastic. I lug around a Dr Z head and cabinet and our lead guitar player laughs as he is carrying the Katana. His guitar sound is fantastic and after micing all the amps, there’s really no difference. Before you jump on me, I’m entitled to my opinion.
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