hey guys I just got myself a gretsch electromatic jet and was looking to upragde and get a better amp ive never been a massive gear head but after some little research I keep seeing everybody is raving about Boss Katana amps and how good they are. The boss katana 50 is about the price of my budget, I was just curious to hear from any of you who already have a boss Katana , do they really live up to the hype?? also how they compare to a tube amp at the same price point.
the options ive been considering are :
Boss katana 50
Bugera V5
Line 6 catalyst
the guy I bought my electromatic jet from let me test it through his line 6 catalyst (100watt) and it sounded very warm and nice
would love to hear any thoughts on these options or any other options worth considering in the price range
Wow, that's one lovely looking guitar, but I don't know about the quality on the neck, etc.
I had this amp query and consulted Tomo when I joined. He gave valuable insights that Boss Katana is a good option. It's versatile and it's good for controlling volume; but it's not a tube amp. There are other options that's great for practice: '68 Vibro Champ and Blues Jr. (and its 30th anniversary). Ultimately I got a B-stock Vibro Champ as it's a chance thing (hit the "jackpot", look and function like new) and it's closer to the price of a Boss Katana (still more expensive though). If it matters, Tomo used the Blues Jr. to record for one of his publications. He did praise all three for practice (Check respective Youtube videos and recent forum posts).
They are all good amplifiers but it depends on your needs. The first thing is: what style do you want to play? If you want the most bells and whistles, the Boss Katana has the most effects and tonal options; then Blues Jr. and Vibro Champ (Bronco) the last.
The second thing is important: the size of the venue. I practise mostly in a circa. 200 x 200 cm room, which is "mini-mini" by US standards I guess, and any amps more than 5W can be too loud. So, the Vibro Champ shines so well here. I can work on my clean tones using Volume 2 - 3 or even 5 without attenuation. 6 - 7 is the break-up sweet point, but it's best not to play it at night due to disturbances - you get the idea. Conversely, the Boss Katana and Blues Jr. are more suitable for gigging. 100W, especially without attenuation, is almost certainly way too loud for conventional household unless you live in a mansion (Actually 25 or 50W is crazy loud for most too. Music stores are generally very big or have nice treated areas, so I don't think it's good reference for home use).
Can't really say for Line 6 but I think Boss Katana Gen3 50W beats most options out there if you're really strapped for cash.
Hugo
I own a Boss Katana amp (50) Pretty good. It's simple and very useful. Great clean tone too. Simple is always better.
Tomo
Thank you sensei yeah simple is the way to go!
Also like that boss katana has switch to lower watts from 50W to 25w or even lower. As i live small space that will be helpful๐๐ธ
Like the Amp rundown Hugo. Your summary is well versed. Personally I like the Fender Blues junior for the potential dynamics.
-johno
Fender blues junior looks an awesome amp sadly its outside of my budget but perhaps one day i will get a premium tube amp.
I just ordered the boss katana 3rd gen 50W