Boss Katana-50

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$229.99 to $349.99 Price Tier: Budget

4.5 (147)

4 Critic Reviews

23 Reviews

Newer option

Boss Katana 50 MKII

$215.00 - $349.99

5.0 (26)

Find out who is using Boss Katana-50

15 community setups

32 wishlisted

406 saved

Page last updated Jul 06, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 4 stores. Prices updated July 5, 2026.

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Reviews

Price

4.5 (174)

$229.99

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4.7 (2110)

$349.99 Used

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5.0 (60)

$342.75 1 available New

$150.00 8 available Used

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5.0 (25)

$229.99

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Average Price: $261

Budget/Beginner

$300

$701+

Price Tier

In the Combo Guitar Amplifiers category, Boss Katana-50 is priced in the Budget/Beginner range. This is great gear to get started with or for creators on a budget.

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 1 merchant for "Boss Katana-50". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

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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.

Videos

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Ola Englund

SMALL AND LOUD - Boss Katana 50

Ola Englund

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

JustinGuitar

Boss Katana-50 - Complete Amp Overview

Product Support

How to Sound like John Mayer BOSS Katana 50

Alex Hutchings

Reviews

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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

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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

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

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

Full Review

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

Full Review

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

Full Review

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

Full Review