Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 4 stores. Prices updated .

Guitar Center
4.5 (174)
$229.99
Amazon
4.7 (2109)
$343.37 Used
Reverb
5.0 (60)
$338.34 New
$150.00 Used
zZounds
5.0 (25)
$229.99

Average Price: $258

Budget/Beginner

$300

$701+

Price Tier

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.

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

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

Is the Boss Katana-50 loud enough for gigging?

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.

What built-in effects does the Boss Katana-50 offer?

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.

Does the Boss Katana-50 work well for home practice?

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.

Can the Boss Katana-50 connect to a computer for recording?

Yes, the Boss Katana-50 can connect to a computer via USB, allowing you to record directly into your DAW with high-quality sound.

What type of speaker does the Boss Katana-50 use?

The Boss Katana-50 features a 1x12" speaker configuration, providing a balanced and powerful sound suitable for various musical styles.

Is the Boss Katana-50 suitable for both beginners and advanced players?

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.

Ola Englund

Ola Englund

SMALL AND LOUD - Boss Katana 50

Video thumbnail for SMALL AND LOUD - Boss Katana 50 by Ola Englund

SMALL AND LOUD - Boss Katana 50

Ola Englund

Ola Englund

Video thumbnail for Boss Katana 50 Unboxing & Exploring - Guitar Lesson, Amp Review, Tutorial JustinGuitar by JustinGuitar

Boss Katana 50 Unboxing & Exploring - Guitar Lesson, Amp Review, Tutorial JustinGuitar

JustinGuitar

JustinGuitar

Video thumbnail for Boss Katana-50  - Complete Amp Overview by Product Support

Boss Katana-50 - Complete Amp Overview

Product Support

Product Support

Video thumbnail for How to Sound like John Mayer BOSS Katana 50 by Alex Hutchings

How to Sound like John Mayer BOSS Katana 50

Alex Hutchings

Alex Hutchings

Reviews

PROS

  • Exceptional value for money, comparable to boutique pedals

  • Gig-worthy combo amp with robust features and great sounds

  • Delay/reverb effects and customizable presets enhance playability

  • Software integration allows for deep tweaking and preset management

  • Compatible with external pedals and offers versatile onboard effects

  • Easy to use with a straightforward interface for immediate playability

  • Offers tones ranging from classic cleans to heavy distortions

  • Compact, lightweight, and sufficiently loud for live performance

  • Different wattage settings cater to both practice and performance needs

  • Wide range of effects including classic pedal simulations via software

CONS

  • Requires software download and PC/Mac connection for full features

  • Clean channel excels but other channels may lack depth in bass

  • Effects quality varies; some may not pair well with external pedals

  • Speaker struggles balancing electric and acoustic guitar frequencies

  • 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

  • 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.

    Source
  • 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.

    Source
  • Some owners report challenges in achieving a crisp, metallic low-end tone, with low-end flub being a noted issue.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • 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.

    Source
  • Owners suggest the Airstep Kat as a valuable addition for enhancing usability, citing an improvement in quality of life for users.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The 100 MK2's effects loop is highly valued by users who employ looper pedals, enhancing its appeal for gigging musicians.

    Source
  • The 100 MK2 offers 8 preset channels compared to the 50 MK2's 4, allowing for greater versatility in sound customization.

    Source
  • The Katana-50's built-in pedalboard simulation is praised for saving money and minimizing potential pedalboard issues during gigs.

    Source
  • 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.

    Source
  • Owners highlight the Katana-50's ability to double as an audio interface, eliminating the need for a separate purchase for recording applications.

    Source
  • The Katana-50's USB connectivity allows users to modify and save sound presets via a computer, offering an extensive library of tonal options.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • 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.

    Source
  • The amp's versatility is noted, accommodating both acoustic and electric guitars, making it suitable for diverse playing scenarios.

    Source
  • Users find the built-in whammy effect satisfactory, reducing the need to buy additional pedals for pitch-shifting capabilities.

    Source
  • The amp features wattage modes at 0.5W, 25W, and 50W, allowing for flexibility from bedroom practice to small gigs.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Some users compare the Katana-50 positively against the Vox VT+20, citing longer-term value and more feature options.

    Source
  • The Katana-50 is compared to the 100W version, with the latter having better speaker quality and more functions, making it a preferred choice for some users.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • Users recommend the Boss Tone Studio and Boss Tone Exchange for accessing presets, with JSF presets mentioned as particularly useful.

    Source

Critic Reviews

BOSS Katana 50 Guitar Amplifier Review - The Blogging Musician

adamharkus.com

The BOSS Katana 50 is a standout in the world of budget guitar amplifiers, offering an impressive array of features and tones at an unbeatable price point. Its versatility shines with a range of amp models and effects, though limited to three simultaneous effects. While its clean channel excels as a pedal platform, the gain channels reveal its digital nature. A lack of an FX loop and limited live switching options are notable drawbacks. However, the amp's robust build, light weight, and reliability make it a practical and economical choice for gigging musicians. Despite some limitations, the Katana 50 is a game-changer, providing an organic sound that challenges the valve amp supremacy. A perfect match for those seeking value, convenience, and variety in their sound arsenal.

positive

Gear Review: BOSS Katana 50 | Guitar Gear

guitargear.org

The Boss Katana-50 delivers impressive tone and dynamics akin to tube amps, earning high praise for its versatility and value. With over 50 built-in effects, a responsive EQ, and effective power attenuation, it performs well across various settings. The built-in acoustic preamp is notably excellent. However, the absence of a line out is a minor drawback, though it's overshadowed by the amp's overall performance and affordability. Despite initial skepticism about solid-state amps, the reviewer is thoroughly impressed, noting its unique voice and loudness. Overall, a standout choice for both beginners and seasoned players.

positive

BOSS Katana 50 Review. 6 months on. - The Blogging Musician

adamharkus.com

The Boss Katana-50 is celebrated as a gigging powerhouse with its robust reliability and affordability. Despite its lightweight design leading to some cosmetic wear, its electronics remain rock-solid, providing dependable performance without the worry of delicate valves. As a clean channel pedal platform, it shines, delivering impressive tone and volume for live settings. While it might not match valve amps in studio A/B tests, its practicality outweighs minor tonal compromises. The lack of a line out and limited internal FX flexibility are noted drawbacks, but overall, it's hailed as a groundbreaking, budget-friendly gig amp.

positive

Boss Katana 50 Review

justguitaramps.com

The Boss Katana-50 stands out as a formidable contender in the sub-$500 amp market, impressing with its versatility and affordability. With five distinct modes and a robust range of effects, it delivers quality tones for both practice and small gigs. The Tone Editor software unlocks even more potential, allowing for customized presets and expanded effects options. While it’s not on par with high-end modeling gear, at $220, its value is undeniable. Minor quirks include the internal speaker cut-off when using the recording output, but these are easily overshadowed by its overall performance and portability.

positive
Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 23 Reviews and 147 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
thecloud9th

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.

resonatingecho

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

From Gear Setup
harry_jordan

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.

From Gear Setup
ddayusa

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.

eddieescalante

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.

asclafani

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.

stephen_owen

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.

M

Best Bedroom Amp.

This amp, in my opinion, is the best practice amp for the money. Sounds great and is small but loud enough.

john_neilson

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.

charles_douglas_willis

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.

Roles:
Genres:

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Ola Englund uses Boss Katana-50

Ola Englund

Guitarist, Podcasters & Streamers

Six Feet Under

...
Verified via YouTube
See how Rabea Massaad uses Boss Katana-50

Rabea Massaad

Guitarist

Vower

...
Verified via YouTube

In the video, around 1:10 Rabea talks about how he keeps this in his lounge to "doodle and play."

See how Rob Chapman uses Boss Katana-50

Rob Chapman

Composer, Guitarist

Dorje

...
Verified via YouTube

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.

See how Peter Honoré uses Boss Katana-50

Peter Honoré

Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

"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...."

See how Dave Simpson uses Boss Katana-50

Dave Simpson

Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

Dave Simpson reviewing the Boss Katana 50.

See how Julia Pierce uses Boss Katana-50

Julia Pierce

Singer, Guitarist

Cherri Bomb

...
Verified via Photo

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.

See how Thắng uses Boss Katana-50

Thắng

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

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.

See how Milan Bauters uses Boss Katana-50

Milan Bauters

Singer, Guitarist

Kasier

...
Verified via YouTube

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.

See how Luca Mclindon-Morris uses Boss Katana-50

Luca Mclindon-Morris

Singer, Guitarist

Derailer

...
Verified via Photo

you can see slightly to his right a boss katana 50w

See how Francisco “Rico” Concepcion uses Boss Katana-50

Francisco “Rico” Concepcion

Guitarist

TOLOVA

...
Verified via Photo

Francisco "Rico" Concepcion uses the Boss Katana-50 amplifier for personal practice and small gigs, as shown in a photo shared by tolovamusic on Instagram.

See how Ali Bailey uses Boss Katana-50

Ali Bailey

Guitarist

Why Human

...
Verified via Instagram

Ali Bailey frequently uses the Boss Katana-50 combo guitar amplifier during live performances with Why Human, as seen in various Instagram photos and videos.

Album Usage

The Boss Katana-50 has been featured on the following albums:

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Boss Katana-50, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

TC Electronic Ditto Looper
TC Electronic Ditto Looper Looper Effects Pedals
4
Pro Co RAT 2
Pro Co RAT 2 Distortion Effects Pedals
3
Boss OD-3 OverDrive
Boss OD-3 OverDrive Overdrive Effects Pedals
3
MXR M-238 Iso-Brick
MXR M-238 Iso-Brick Effects Pedal Accessories
2
Cort Sunset 1
Cort Sunset 1 Semi-Hollowbody Electric Guitars
2
Partscaster
Partscaster Solid Body Electric Guitars
2
Boss Katana-100
Boss Katana-100 Combo Guitar Amplifiers
2
Klon Centaur Clone Kit
Klon Centaur Clone Kit Overdrive Effects Pedals
2

Community setups

Show yours
kimber_anderson_mitchell

kimber_anderson_mitchell

Gear IQ 266

harry_jordan

harry_jordan

Gear IQ 832

mintu

mintu

Gear IQ 259

S

sjmc

Gear IQ 203

mintu

mintu

Gear IQ 259

V

vtwinxpert

Gear IQ 241

V

vtwinxpert

Gear IQ 241

luis_dj

luis_dj

Gear IQ 1527

resonatingecho

resonatingecho

Gear IQ 224

L

linussss7

Gear IQ 78

mintu

mintu

Gear IQ 259

mplnkk

mplnkk

Gear IQ 472

renren01t

renren01t

Gear IQ 110

luis_dj

luis_dj

Gear IQ 1527

G

gudjon_agust

Gear IQ 127

3 alternative and related items for Boss Katana-50, curated by the Equipboard community.

Boss Katana Air

$369.00 - $469.99

newer

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

Boss Katana 50 Gen 3

$257.50 - $349.99

newer

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.

More Boss Combo Guitar Amplifiers

Gear Guides