Pricing and availability
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Price
Average Price: $258
Budget/Beginner
$300
$701+
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Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 2 merchants for "Boss Katana-50". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Introducing the Boss Katana-50 MkII, the latest evolution of the acclaimed Katana series of combo amplifiers. This 50W powerhouse is equipped with a 1x12" speaker and is the ultimate all-in-one solution for gigging, recording or practice. It comes packed with five unique amp voicings and 60 customizable effects for crafting your own signature sound.
The Katana-50 MkII features five amp characters with 10 selectable variations, including the pristine Clean voicing, the overdriven Crunch channel, the sustaining Lead tone, the high-gain Brown sound, and the dedicated Acoustic channel for your acoustic-electric guitars. Each voicing has been updated with new variations, expanding your tonal options.
The Katana-50 MkII is not just an amplifier, it also boasts five simultaneous effects sections, providing the versatility of a massive pedalboard built right into your amp. The independent Booster, Modulation, FX, Delay, and Reverb sections come pre-loaded with over 60 different effects to choose from.
One of the standout features of the Katana-50 MkII is BOSS's innovative Variable Power Control. This allows you to enjoy the rich, responsive distortion of a cranked-up tube amp at lower volume levels, making it ideal for any playing environment. In addition, it also serves as a powered cabinet for your existing preamps, modelers or multi-effects units.
Key Features:
- 50W Combo Amplifier with custom 12-inch speaker
- Five unique amp voicings with updated variations
- 60 customizable effects across five sections
- Innovative Variable Power Control for cranked-amp tones at lower volumes
- Functions as a powered cabinet for external gear
- Connects to BOSS's Tone Studio editor software for deeper customization
- Four Tone Setting memories for storing and recalling all amp and effect settings
- USB and phones/recording outputs with mic'd cabinet emulation.
Product specs
| Brand | Boss |
| Model | KTN-50 Katana 50-Watt 1x12" Modeling Guitar Combo |
| Finish | Black |
| Year | 2010s |
| Categories | Guitar Combo Amps, Guitar Modeling Amps |
| Built-In Effects | Built-In Effects |
| Color Family | Black |
| Electronics | Solid State |
| Number of Channels | 2 Channels |
| Number of Inputs | 1 Input |
| Output Power (Watts) | 50 |
| Power Tube Type | None |
| Reverb | Digital Reverb |
| Speaker Configuration | 1x12" |
FAQs
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Is the Boss Katana-50 loud enough for gigging?
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Yes, the Boss Katana-50 is loud enough for small to medium-sized gigs. It features a 50-watt output that provides ample volume to cut through a mix, even with a full band setup.
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What built-in effects does the Boss Katana-50 offer?
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The Boss Katana-50 includes a range of built-in BOSS effects. You can access up to 65 customizable effects through the BOSS Tone Studio software, allowing you to load your favorites directly into the amp.
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Does the Boss Katana-50 work well for home practice?
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Yes, the Boss Katana-50 is suitable for home practice. It offers a Power Control feature that lets you reduce the wattage for lower volume levels without sacrificing tone quality.
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Can the Boss Katana-50 connect to a computer for recording?
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Yes, the Boss Katana-50 can connect to a computer via USB, allowing you to record directly into your DAW with high-quality sound.
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What type of speaker does the Boss Katana-50 use?
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The Boss Katana-50 features a 1x12" speaker configuration, providing a balanced and powerful sound suitable for various musical styles.
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Is the Boss Katana-50 suitable for both beginners and advanced players?
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Yes, the Boss Katana-50 is versatile enough to cater to both beginners and advanced players, offering a wide range of tones and effects that accommodate different skill levels and musical preferences.
Videos
Ola Englund
SMALL AND LOUD - Boss Katana 50
Reviews
PROS
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Exceptional value for money, comparable to boutique pedals
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Gig-worthy combo amp with robust features and great sounds
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Delay/reverb effects and customizable presets enhance playability
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Software integration allows for deep tweaking and preset management
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Compatible with external pedals and offers versatile onboard effects
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Easy to use with a straightforward interface for immediate playability
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Offers tones ranging from classic cleans to heavy distortions
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Compact, lightweight, and sufficiently loud for live performance
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Different wattage settings cater to both practice and performance needs
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Wide range of effects including classic pedal simulations via software
CONS
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Requires software download and PC/Mac connection for full features
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Clean channel excels but other channels may lack depth in bass
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Effects quality varies; some may not pair well with external pedals
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Speaker struggles balancing electric and acoustic guitar frequencies
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Learning curve for software and amp customization
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Boss Katana-50.
User experience
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Beginners find the Katana-50's pre-loaded tone settings and effects intuitive for initial use, with a gradual learning curve for more advanced features.
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Some owners report that the 50 MK2 can sound thin and fizzy on gain channels, whereas the 100 MK2 provides a fuller, more robust sound.
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Some owners report challenges in achieving a crisp, metallic low-end tone, with low-end flub being a noted issue.
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Mods and upgrades
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One user created a custom line-out pedal using a voltage divider and capacitor attached to the speaker terminals to enhance recording capabilities on the 50 MK2.
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Owners suggest the Airstep Kat as a valuable addition for enhancing usability, citing an improvement in quality of life for users.
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Features and functionality
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The 100 MK2's effects loop is highly valued by users who employ looper pedals, enhancing its appeal for gigging musicians.
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The 100 MK2 offers 8 preset channels compared to the 50 MK2's 4, allowing for greater versatility in sound customization.
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The Katana-50's built-in pedalboard simulation is praised for saving money and minimizing potential pedalboard issues during gigs.
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The Katana-50 does not have an effects loop, which limits its use for certain pedal setups, especially for those using time-based effects like reverb and delay.
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Owners highlight the Katana-50's ability to double as an audio interface, eliminating the need for a separate purchase for recording applications.
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The Katana-50's USB connectivity allows users to modify and save sound presets via a computer, offering an extensive library of tonal options.
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Use cases and applications
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Many users play at 0.5W at home due to volume constraints, but appreciate the ability to increase wattage for more dynamic sound in larger spaces.
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The amp's versatility is noted, accommodating both acoustic and electric guitars, making it suitable for diverse playing scenarios.
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Users find the built-in whammy effect satisfactory, reducing the need to buy additional pedals for pitch-shifting capabilities.
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The amp features wattage modes at 0.5W, 25W, and 50W, allowing for flexibility from bedroom practice to small gigs.
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Comparisons
Critic Reviews
4.5 out of 5
Based on 23 Reviews and 147 Ratings
184
useful to try pedals and stuff but..
it just sounds too digital too me, it doesnt have any personality and sounds like if you plugged your guitar into a programmed speaker (i mean that IS what it IS). it just sounds sterile, the program can be a bit clanky and outdated and if you really want pedals and amp sims use an interface with a program instead of an amp that is a mediocre multitool which doesnt excel at anything.. no warmth, no personality.
224
Good for beginners, don't recommend beyond that
I've not particularly had a great time with this amp. While it wasn't my first I've had it a long time. It's always been second fiddle in my collection and I really only use it because I A) don't have a great clean amp and B) don't have as many pedals as I would like. Being a modeling amp, it really does not take well to pedals, which became a big problem when I realized I can't open up my sound in the ways I want without them. I have to use a buffer pedal with it because otherwise the output will be weak if your signal chain isn't direct into it. This amp is also a nightmare to work with if you, like me, never had access to a Windows capable machine of any description. You need Tone Studio to finagle decent sound out of it because the panel alone doesn't give you wide enough access to parameters. The only thing I really like about this is how easy it is to get a Mesa Boogie-esque tone out of it. But I'd much rather have a Mesa Boogie to work with instead.
Preferred Settings + Usage:
Clean: Crunch Channel, gain between 20-30, ~70 treble, ~60 mids, ~30 bass, slight tape echo, spring reverb, EQ: cut 8k band completely otherwise leave alone Crunch: idk ask Trenova, he built the only crunch I've liked so far with this
832
Best seller for a reason
This amp is incredible. It has endless sounds in it, it's easy and intuitive to use, it's cheap, it's small, it's light, it's loud, there's very little not to like. If I were to get it again, I'd opt for the 100w version that has a different speaker, but that's not to say the speaker in the 50 isn't good, just different. Since I've got a Orange Rocker 15 Terror, I've mainly used the Katana with a Dirty Shirley overdrive pedal or Big Muff to blend in with the Orange, and it excels at filling out the sound.
101
A screaming deal
I bought this on the spot at Guitar Center, schlepped it home, plugged it in and cranked it up. Within five minutes, my wife begged for mercy and ordered me to plug in the headphones.
I got sounds out of my guitar I never knew were possible. The sound packed into this compact amp are amazing, and I really haven't fully explored all the options.
I mainly use this amp to practice at home, but I know I could use it at a gig if I ever got one at a club.
The clean setting is superb, and the crunch and brown settings really rock. There's even an acoustic setting, and my Taylor sounds great coming through.
You can also sync it to a computer and get a variety of presets that are fun to mess with. There's a Mark II version out now. Do I wish I had waited? No. I'm very happy with what I have. With the Mk II out, these originals will be an even less expensive proposition, well worth snapping up.
2038
Amazing Value
If you are thinking about something for starting out on electric guitar it's hard to go wrong with this amp. The tones are great for the cost of the unit, and the number of effects will let you explore effects without spending a fortune on pedals. You could really get away with gigging with this and many have. If you are a professional musician this makes a great practice tool and way of trying out ideas. You can play this quiet or loud. The software takes a bit of getting used to but once you get it - it's a very complete app that unlocks the effects and lets you tweak and stack them. Pretty hard to beat for the money.
955
Amazing amp
Lightweight, portable, and also loud enough to be heard over a drummer. Best amp I've ever played. If you want a flexible amp that can get tons of tones, this is the amp for you. The controls make it easy to switch channels & EQ your tone, & the onboard effects provide loads of options without the option paralysis of similar amps. No more scrolling through 100 menus just to tweak your tone. The Katanas also come with Boss's Tone Studio software, which includes a ton of classic effects including all the Boss pedals, a Tube Screamer, ProCo Rat, Big Muff, Flanger, Phaser, and Korg SDD-3000. There's way more effects, but those are just a few. The Tone Studio software is super easy to use, and you can easily share patches & presets with it. In addition to the multitude of great features already mentioned, you can also change the effects chain in Tone Studio so you can put delays in the effects loop even though the Katana 50w doesn't have an actual effects loop. Absolutely no complaints whatsoever about my Katana 50w, it's an amazing amp & I absolutely love it. I can't recommend it highly enough, it's great for any genre & any type of player, from beginner to professional.
184
A great budget gigging or practice amp
After getting this amp recently I must say I am very impressed in many ways.
Positives: The first positive is the way the amp was designed. It has great power scaling options allowing for greater versatility. In addition, the acoustic channel also adds another function to the amp that works surprisingly well. The tilt stand does a good job directing the sound in a pleasing way and many of the onboard effects are actually very convincing and sound very nice such as the chorus, the delay and the reverb. In terms of pure amp sound, the clean channel sounds very clear and pristine and is a fairly good platform for pedals. It has a more trebly sound which would be great for cutting through in a live context.
Negatives: The clean channel is excellent however the rest of channels leave a bit to be desired. They are all highly bright and lack bass end, making them highly un-compelling. In addition, many of the effects are useless and some sound good alone but don't work well with pedals. In addition, the speaker itself definitely has issues working as both an acoustic and electric guitar speaker as it often exemplifies the highs too much with electric guitar.
All in all, it is a great amp for £165 and certainly ticks all the boxes as a gigging work horse and a worthy Cube replacement.
128
Best Bedroom Amp.
This amp, in my opinion, is the best practice amp for the money. Sounds great and is small but loud enough.
524
Very portable, sounds good
It's great when you need a light amp. I get good tones for jazz on the clean channel and I downloaded a Fender Deluxe patch that sounds pretty nice for blues jams.
Preferred Settings + Usage:
There's a Fender Deluxe patch available for download.
Decent practice amp
Lots of options to tweak tones using the software while connected to your computer via usb, but not the most tweakable using the amp's hardware alone. Sounds pretty good and gets pretty loud. Would be nice if they included the foot switch with it like the 100w version.
Artist usage
Add artist
In the video, around 1:10 Rabea talks about how he keeps this in his lounge to "doodle and play."
The whole video is about the Boss Katana 50W. In fact, Rob Chapman uses all the Boss Katana series. In this video, Rob explains all the details of the amp. He says "The katana series is about live, and I think it speaks volumes" and at 6:48 "I can easily use the crunch and brown sound to get a Dorje gig". He has been using the Katana series mainly for home use, due to its great tone and power attenuation.
"Little living room gig tonight with @gazobuk and @myster_rye !! @fender bass and guitar plus, yes again, the little but mighty @boss_europe Katana 50!! Gonna be fun...."
In an Instagram post by Julia Pierce, the Boss Katana-50 amplifier is visible in the background as she performs, highlighting its role in her musical setup.
In the video titled "Thắng (ft. Wala) live at C Bar - RECunification tour 2025 (4K)" on YouTube, a Boss Katana-50 guitar amplifier is visibly positioned behind the artist Thắng during the performance.
In a video uploaded by HB Concert Video's on YouTube, Milan Bauters can be seen using a Boss Katana-50 amplifier during a performance with his band Kasier on October 24, 2025, at the Schakelbox in Waregem.
Album Usage
The Boss Katana-50 has been featured on the following albums:
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Boss Katana-50, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
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Exact same as the Katana-50 from a tone perspective, much more open to work with as you don't need a computer to tinker with it like the main Katana
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The Gen 3 is the latest released version of the Katana 50, and has updated amp modelling, effects processing, and all of the updates from the Mk2 model Katana as well.
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