Boss Katana MKI vs MKII (5 Critical Differences)

The Katana series are hugely popular amp models and last week Boss announced the Katana MKII, the successor to its hugely popular MKI model.

We’ve taken a look at both and weighed up the differences between the two.

The new updates to the range cover off a few different options including a 100w head and 50 and 100w combos as well as Tube Logic to provide the expressive sound of a tube amp.

The Katana range is unusual in itself due to the fact that it’s favored by both stage musicians as well as bedroom guitarists who just want a great sounding practise amp.

The series also comes at a very friendly price point (check price on Sweetwater here) so it’s no surprise that the MKI was hugely popular (we’ve even read the phrase ‘best amp of all time’ being thrown about).

The question is – is the MKII all that different to MKI?

Boss certainly made an impact with the first series, and it’s clear they’ve built on this foundation with the second.

Staying true to the aspects players loved in the MKI, Boss have rather cleverly added new features whilst leaving the basics untouched, even down to the look and lightweight of the original. 

Boss Katana MkII Differences

New Editor

The new editor allows you greater control over your built in effects and features in the MKII.

Variation Button

An additional 5 new amp sounds (on top of those featured in the MKI). Each sound provides a different sonic character and can be easily switched between making it even more flexible for those players who jump between styles.

The 5 new amp sounds are designed to give a greater variation in tone whilst still remaining thick sounding:

• Brown 2
• Lead 2
• Crunch 2
• Clean 2 
• Acoustic 2

Dual Effects Pots

Throw your pedalboard away! The MKII includes new dual effects pots to give you individual control of each effect, as well as on/off options.

Control with GA-FC Foot Controller

Exclusive to the 100-watt models, the amps features can be fully controlled with the GA-FC. This will set you back around $90 but a worthwhile investment.

Upgraded Effects

You now have access to 65 effects, an increase on the 55 available on the MK1. Aside from your ‘standard modulations’ you’ll also have access to octave and pitch-shifting effects. 

Power Amp In

All Katana models will now be able to take high-end multi-effects and modellers via the dedicated ‘power amp in’.

Stereo Expand

Again only exclusive to the 100-watt models, the stereo expand function allows you to link two Katana MKII amps together with a single cable in stereo.

This will enable you to run stereo effects such as chorus and delay. This may be one for the stage guitarists but still, very cool indeed!

We’re very excited about the MKII, in fact, we were hoping to be able to fit a pun in and say that the new models are a ‘double-edged sword’ but the truth is they are really impressive and great value for money regardless of whether you’re practising at home or on tour.

The much loved MKI features are still in place with this model down to the weight, design and custom 12’’ speaker that made the original so popular.

We’re hoping to pick one up soon to practice our ‘chops’!