Boss Katana Artist

$766.56 Price Tier: Standard

4.5 (7)

2 Critic Reviews

Newer option

Boss Katana Artist MKII

$399.99 - $629.54

5.0 (7)

Find out who is using Boss Katana Artist

1 community setup

2 wishlisted

23 saved

Page last updated Jul 03, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated July 3, 2026.

Store

Reviews

Price

5.0 (22)

$766.56 1 available New

$347.25 5 available Used

View Deal

Average Price: $557

Standard/Professional

$300

$701+

Price Tier

In the Combo Guitar Amplifiers category, Boss Katana Artist is priced in the Standard/Professional range. This is quality gear at a fair price point, suitable for beginners, hobbyists, and pros alike.

Budget

Standard

High-end

^* 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

Edit description

Unleash your inner rockstar with the Boss Katana Artist, the premier choice for guitarists seeking versatility and power in a compact package. This 100-watt combo amplifier is not just an amp; it's a hub for creative exploration. With five distinct amp voicings, from the smooth warmth of Crunch to the intense drive of Brown, you're equipped to tackle any genre with ease. The Katana Artist doesn't stop at delivering crisp tonal variety; it also boasts an impressive suite of 58 Boss effects, putting a world of sonic possibilities at your fingertips.

Whether you're jamming at home, recording in the studio, or performing on stage, the Katana Artist adapts effortlessly. Its custom Waza speaker, designed specifically for this model, ensures your sound is delivered with exceptional clarity and depth, preserving the nuances of your playing. The integrated effects loop and comprehensive EQ controls offer further customization, allowing you to shape your sound to perfection.

Crafted for the modern musician, the Boss Katana Artist is a testament to innovation and quality. Its robust build and intuitive controls make it a reliable companion for any guitarist looking to elevate their sound.

Key Features:

100-watt power output
Five selectable amp voicings
58 built-in Boss effects
Custom Waza speaker for enhanced sound quality
Effects loop for additional pedal integration
Comprehensive EQ controls for sound customization

Product specs

Brand	Boss
Model	KTN-ARTIST Katana Artist 1x12" 100-Watt 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	4 Channels
Number of Inputs	1 Input
Output Power (Watts)	100
Power Tube Type	None
Reverb	Digital Reverb
Speaker Configuration	1x12"

FAQs

What are the key features of the Boss Katana Artist amplifier?: The Boss Katana Artist features a 100-watt output, a premium 12-inch Waza speaker, and a semi-closed cabinet design. It also includes built-in effects, four channels, and a digital reverb, making it versatile for various music styles.
Is the Boss Katana Artist suitable for metal music?: Yes, the Boss Katana Artist can be used for metal music, especially with its powerful 100-watt output and customizable EQ settings. Adjusting the EQ can help achieve a suitable metal tone.
How does the Boss Katana Artist differ from the Boss Katana 100?: The Boss Katana Artist features contour control and voicing variations for each amp model, which are not present in the Katana 100. These enhancements provide more tonal flexibility and customization options.
What type of speaker does the Boss Katana Artist use?: The Boss Katana Artist is equipped with a premium 12-inch Waza speaker, designed to deliver high-quality sound and enhanced tonal response.
Does the Boss Katana Artist amplifier include built-in effects?: Yes, the Boss Katana Artist includes built-in effects, allowing you to explore a wide range of sounds and tonal possibilities without needing additional pedals.

Videos

Add video

Andertons Music Co

Boss Katana Artist Guitar Amp Demo - Katana Artist vs Katana 100

Andertons Music Co

BOSS | Katana Artist Amplifier

Rabea Massaad

Boss Katana Artist Amplifier | Review

Guitar Interactive Magazine

Boss Katana ARTIST Overview and demo

TheGuitarGeek

BOSS KATANA ARTIST - WATCH THIS BEFORE YOU BUY ONE! (2018)

alvin deleon

BOSS Katana Artist Amplifier | Key Features Discussion

Gear4music Guitars

Reviews

Add review

PROS

Exceptional tonal versatility from clean jazz to high-gain shredding
Sounds remarkably close to a tube amp, surprising for its size and weight
Waza speaker offers clear, efficient sound with a full bottom end
Built-in effects are plentiful and high-quality, even without computer integration
Excellent as a pedal platform, accommodating effects chains seamlessly
Variable wattage makes it suitable for practice, gigging, and recording
Consumer-friendly price for peak modeling amp performance
Suitable for both bedroom practice and live gigs with its power options
Handles both stock settings and additional downloads from BOSS effectively
Highly praised for its tonal quality against tube amps in a similar price range

CONS

Lacks a built-in noise gate for high-gain channels
No included foot switch, which hinders live performance flexibility
Limited to 8 presets, making manual changes cumbersome without additional equipment
Cabinet construction perceived as less durable for frequent gigging

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Boss Katana Artist.

Comparisons

0 0

Compared to the Katana Mk2 50, the Mk2 Artist offers a significant improvement in sound detail, especially noticeable with the Waza speaker.
Source
0 0

The MK1 Artist is favored for its speaker and cabinet construction, while the MKII offers more effects and better dual-pot knobs.
Source
0 0

The Katana is noted for sounding like a traditional amp, while the Spark is likened to a more polished, studio-recorded sound.
Source
0 0

Users find the Katana Artist Gen 3 to be a better experience than the Helix, but some prefer the Spark for its post-production sound quality.
Source

User experience

0 0

Lack of a built-in tuner is noted as a limitation, making the purchase of an external tuner pedal necessary.
Source
0 0

Owners appreciate the MK1's ability to work well with pedals, minimizing reliance on built-in effects.
Source
0 0

Despite its dated appearance, the Katana app is deemed easy to use and effective for creating satisfying tones without extensive effort.
Source

Value and pricing

0 0

Despite being older, the MK1 Artist remains valuable, with some used units selling for around $400.
Source

Features and functionality

0 0

The inability to adjust the noise gate settings live without a computer is a frustration for some users.
Source
0 0

MK1 Artist's Waza speaker is highly regarded, though it lacks some of the MKII's expansion capabilities.
Source
0 0

The Katana Artist Gen 3's clean tones are highly praised, while user-created profiles often require customization to achieve desired sounds.
Source
0 0

The Katana Artist offers MIDI control options, enhancing its flexibility with devices like the Airstep Smart Multi and Hotone Ampero Control.
Source
0 0

The 0.5W setting on the Katana Artist allows for enjoyable bedroom volume levels without sacrificing the quality of the 12" Waza speaker.
Source
0 0

The front-facing panel and non-hardwired Waza speaker make the Katana Artist versatile, allowing it to double as an 8-ohm cab.
Source

Use cases and applications

0 0

Despite its solid-state design, the Katana Artist delivers a tube-like response across different wattages, maintaining sound quality even at low volumes.
Source
0 0

The Katana Artist's 0.5W setting is ideal for at-home use, yet it also provides enough power for live gigs.
Source

Setup and maintenance

0 0

It's important to adjust guitar knobs to prevent muddy distortion, especially when using high gain settings with the Katana Artist Gen 3.
Source

Software and compatibility

0 0

The app enhances the amp's capabilities significantly, offering unique boosters like "Metalcore," which aren't available directly on the amp itself.
Source

Critic Reviews

Gear Review: BOSS Katana Artist | Guitar Gear

guitargear.org

The Boss Katana Artist impresses with its rich sound and versatility, standing out in the Katana series with its WazaCraft speaker and larger cabinet. The Line Out feature is a highlight, delivering a natural sound suitable for both live and studio settings. However, users might find the lack of a 25-watt setting a limitation, as the jump from 0.5 to 50 watts is substantial. Despite this, the amp's robust build and convenient controls make it a compelling option. While it's not a must-have upgrade for casual users or those content with smaller models, it's an excellent choice for musicians seeking a versatile, dynamic amp with great sound quality.

positive

Full Review

Boss Katana-Artist review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The Boss Katana Artist is a portable powerhouse, offering excellent sound quality with its Waza Craft G12W loudspeaker and versatile tone options. Its impressive dynamic response and rich, authentic tones make it a strong contender against pricier modellers and tube amps. While it excels in performance, the high price tag compared to other Katana models might deter budget-conscious buyers. The build quality is solid, though a more premium cabinet could have enhanced its appeal. Nevertheless, it remains an attractive option for professional musicians seeking a reliable, feature-rich combo amp with top-notch effects.

positive

Full Review

Add review

4.5 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 7 Ratings

5 star

4 star

3 star

2 star

1 star

Artist usage

Add artist

Ola Englund

Guitarist, Podcasters & Streamers

Six Feet Under

Verified via YouTube

https://youtu.be/2ku-t08zSP8

Andy James

Guitarist

Five Finger Death Punch

Verified via Photo

IN this post Andy shows off his Boss Katana Artist. He states that he had to get his hands on this amp after playing one at John Pretrucci's guitar univers.