Ugly Guitar Truth: Boss Katana Artist Amp

When the BOSS Katana was first announced, I wrote up my impressions of it. I liked the idea of it. It seemed like a well though out and executed design but it wasn't without it faults. I never did like the look of the amp. It was simple, but the overall look was a little bland. There was too much black on black. While I like the concept of the Kanji symbol for Katana being the amp's main design feature, it too was underwhelming and too close to familiar English letters. The price and features were too good though. BOSS had nearly every competitor beat hands down. So it's no surprise that BOSS has once again expanded their line of Katana amp with the 100 watt Artist model.

Still 100 Watts




If you are familiar with the BOSS Katana 100 Watt, then you are familiar with most of the features of the Artist. The five amp models are still there. The tone section still lets you control Lows, Mids, and Highs. You still have your Three FX: Boost/Mod, Delay FX, and Reverb. You still get Presence, and Master controls with 100/50/0.5 Watt settings. So if you were a fan of the Katana before, then you are still going to like the Artist, but is there enough to really call this an upgrade?




What's New




For starters you get a WazaCraft speaker in the Artist model. Waza is BOSS Premium line, but personally, I've never really thought that the Waza amps met the hype (or the price for that matter). The Waza was a feat for sure, but the Katana was were BOSS really hit the homerun. Having said that, is the Waza speaker an upgrade? After hearing a side by side comparison, the Artist does have the edge. However, that might be due to the cabinet construction. Another key feature is the more robust cabinet construction and the semi-open back cab. My money is on the shape and size of the cab having more to do in the change in sound than the speaker, but that's just my two cents. Other than that, the Artist gives you Cabinet Resonance and Line Out Air Feel functions.




Is It Worth It?




So, right now the Katana is priced at $600. The 2x12 100 watt Katana is priced at $500. You're getting one less speaker for 100 more dollars. While this seems like a bum deal at first, there is a fair amount of value for your money. The cabinet alone is a huge improvement. The Waza speaker may help as well. The Cabinet Resonance and Line Out Air Feel could help breathe a little life into you signal. The overall look of the amp is much improved in my opinion. Will I buy a Katana Artist? Personally? I'd love to see the head version, but I love what they done. BOSS has done an impressive job topping their already impressive line of Katana Amps.