Great finds Allenbee!
I've been leaning towards getting a spark 40 but the katana is a contender.
I have other amps but having a gadget amp sounds interesting.
Great finds Allenbee!
I've been leaning towards getting a spark 40 but the katana is a contender.
I have other amps but having a gadget amp sounds interesting.
If you just want a modeling amp, get spark, I love my katana 50 but having to connect it to a computer to mess with effects apart from what you set up on the knobs is a pain in the neck. Airstep somewhat fixes it but that is another $70-$100.
If you just want a modeling amp, get spark, I love my katana 50 but having to connect it to a computer to mess with effects apart from what you set up on the knobs is a pain in the neck. Airstep somewhat fixes it but that is another $70-$100.
If you have a USB B-to-A cable and an OTG adapter you can just connect it to your phone and use Katana Librarian to change stuff
The only thing that's a bummer about Katana Librarian is that it costs $12 to be able to apply 3rd party patches, but not a big deal. Still much more convenient than the computer.
EDIT: Forgot to mention another cool thing about this app, you can use it as a virtual foot controller
These are the best new prices I've ever seen for the Katana line. Very slick deals on the the 100 and the 100 head. Using the GA-FC footswitch really unlocks these and the 50 EX is compatible with the GA-FC giving it an advantage over the regular 50. It really expands the capabilities and give you a pedal board to control all the built in effects, which are excellent. This is basically $100 off each of these.
Edit: link and price is for the regular Katana 50 MkII. Not the newer EX version. Which is more expensive and just has the GA-FC footswitch input. So I would recommend getting the 100 MKII instead, especially at this price over the 50 MKII unless you know you'll only play at home. Even then, having the GA-FC input is great if you spend the extra $ on the footswitch. And the fx loop. But I didn't miss the FX loop because the built in modulation, delay, and reverb effects are excellent.
Is it worth to spend the extra 50 for the 100 amp?
I bought the 50 before I knew what an FX Loop is. If you ever plan to use a looper and want to have different effects on different loops, you should probably spring for the 100.
Once again I'd like to have a Katana 100 MkII and $280 is the lowest it's been. Is this brand new this time or from returns, or open box though? At last Sam's sale it was just like new; but not new technically. That should NOT be the same deal (new vs. opened). This "open box" was thought to be able to get dealers around Roland Boss's price fixing and dealer rules. Roland has been known to cut off supply! Many said they were actually new units. You can go find the court cases where BOSS products were being inflated and not fair competition, if you wish. I don't like any of that and this is factor #1 for why the 100 MKII should be less than $280 now.
If I "ranged" you and said thousands here and thousands there; but then said here's a hamburger for just $100 then you are going to first think hey that's a mere fraction or those other "retail MSRP" prices. See? And look these finer hamburgers have never been sold lower than $100 so you better hurry RIGHT NOW; before you miss it. Look at you! you don't pay $1000, or $2000 for over priced hamburgers. Oh no you're a shopper. You got yours for only $100. What a deal! See? Even the best burger in town is not really worth $100. Oh some will pay. You could even say it sets the bar. It doesn't. Not for the buyer, anyway.
Quality on the K100 is good. Including features I'll mention next; but it is one of our new technical marvels; that may not have it's special replacement parts (like blown power amp BOARD unit), just as soon as Roland/BOSS decide it's time you buy the next version. Usually about 3 years. And at this point I am for both well built tube amps/combo's and well built non-tube combo's in gear mash up TOGETHER. Used together or apart. Even creating performance redundancy, as needed should somthing fail. I think it's wrong to be in one camp, with an axe to grind. As if tubes are bad, or non-tubes (many types). It's not "Solid State". now-a days, as that was a 60's BS marketing term and fib; that without tubes we'd never have a failure. LOL. It's about build quality and longevity. Since my learning of failures of certain non-tube amp gear and effectively becoming a paper weights then this is reason number two a Katana 100 MKII or similar should cost less than $280.
Something wicked this way comes! BOSS is dragging their feet; milking the Katana pie. Effectively just adding variations; but it CAN"T last. Else competition will eat their lunch. Either a new version that matters or the competition is next. Reason #3 this 100 MKII should be less than $280.
Many of you know I picked the Monoprice Stage Right 15W all tube COMBO for $200 and added a Cube Baby pedal for $35 to handle all the FX, amps/cab IR's and digital connections. This cost less, weighs less and does more, with two easy to turn sets of knobs (and pre sets) for everything. The Cube Baby never has to connect to a computer, as the range of amps and IR's run the spectrum and each have their own GAIN and TONE knob character also. But it is the world's less expensive IR loader (Win or Mac only), if you want to change it. The point is I'm more than covered with the MP + CB (Except maybe a cheap riff looper) and so really only want it to AB test the Katana with the MP in my own studio. But it's not like I haven't played a Katana 100 MKII and much more, before. I'm just not an amp and gear farmer.
Comparisons: The 50's a fine amp(but without FX connections and the same fullness); but the K 100 has a full standard 1x12 guitar voiced speaker, to match a Celestion and clones. With the bigger cab and circuit design the 100 sounds the part. At least noticeably better than the 50's, "different", 12" and odd Ohms. The problem is the extra portability weight of the Katana 100's. Portability is one of the main reasons buy a combo. With the MP 15W combo (may or may not be for you) you get the light weight and size of the 50 and has the punch; that the K100 matches too. And with less cost. So once again why the K100, nice as it is, should be less than $280.
Edit: link and price is for the regular Katana 50 MkII. Not the newer EX version. Which is more expensive and just has the GA-FC footswitch input. So I would recommend getting the 100 MKII instead, especially at this price over the 50 MKII unless you know you'll only play at home. Even then, having the GA-FC input is great if you spend the extra $ on the footswitch. And the fx loop. But I didn't miss the FX loop because the built in modulation, delay, and reverb effects are excellent.
Thanks for catching my mistake! Added the actual 50 EX and fixed the links.
Agreed on the 100 MkII, I think it's worth the extra cost. The 50 EX is still decent considering you're saving $42 with a weaker power section, but the extra 50w is great to have.
If you're comparing the MP 15W tuber + some multi FX+ box then it's not always on sale for $200. And you may have to wait 6mos or even a year, if it ever goes this low again. Yes, there was a brief $175 glitch we all wish we caught. I wouldn't bet on that though. See the MP 15W combo thread for review.
If you know how to ask ("Should I send it back and re-buy at the better sale price?") and the price drops right after you buy, then MP has been known to price match with a credit.
Note: The Katana 100 does not work with the better PHAT coupon, only the BEND coupon. And after tax and incl shipping the total would be about $300 and change. There is mention of an extra 10% off; but I doubt it stacks. As usual, consider any other credit card perks and even gift card discount for pre buys to shave off more.
This is an insanely slick deal. Katanas are incredible amps suitable for all level of player. The katana 100 1x12 can easily gig and is extremely loud. Personally love mine, been playing for 26 years.
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I've been leaning towards getting a spark 40 but the katana is a contender.
I have other amps but having a gadget amp sounds interesting.
I've been leaning towards getting a spark 40 but the katana is a contender.
I have other amps but having a gadget amp sounds interesting.
If you just want a modeling amp, get spark, I love my katana 50 but having to connect it to a computer to mess with effects apart from what you set up on the knobs is a pain in the neck. Airstep somewhat fixes it but that is another $70-$100.
https://play.google.com/store/app...mps.katan
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/kat...161692024
The only thing that's a bummer about Katana Librarian is that it costs $12 to be able to apply 3rd party patches, but not a big deal. Still much more convenient than the computer.
EDIT: Forgot to mention another cool thing about this app, you can use it as a virtual foot controller
Edit: link and price is for the regular Katana 50 MkII. Not the newer EX version. Which is more expensive and just has the GA-FC footswitch input. So I would recommend getting the 100 MKII instead, especially at this price over the 50 MKII unless you know you'll only play at home. Even then, having the GA-FC input is great if you spend the extra $ on the footswitch. And the fx loop. But I didn't miss the FX loop because the built in modulation, delay, and reverb effects are excellent.
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If I "ranged" you and said thousands here and thousands there; but then said here's a hamburger for just $100 then you are going to first think hey that's a mere fraction or those other "retail MSRP" prices. See? And look these finer hamburgers have never been sold lower than $100 so you better hurry RIGHT NOW; before you miss it. Look at you! you don't pay $1000, or $2000 for over priced hamburgers. Oh no you're a shopper. You got yours for only $100. What a deal! See? Even the best burger in town is not really worth $100. Oh some will pay. You could even say it sets the bar. It doesn't. Not for the buyer, anyway.
Quality on the K100 is good. Including features I'll mention next; but it is one of our new technical marvels; that may not have it's special replacement parts (like blown power amp BOARD unit), just as soon as Roland/BOSS decide it's time you buy the next version. Usually about 3 years. And at this point I am for both well built tube amps/combo's and well built non-tube combo's in gear mash up TOGETHER. Used together or apart. Even creating performance redundancy, as needed should somthing fail. I think it's wrong to be in one camp, with an axe to grind. As if tubes are bad, or non-tubes (many types). It's not "Solid State". now-a days, as that was a 60's BS marketing term and fib; that without tubes we'd never have a failure. LOL. It's about build quality and longevity. Since my learning of failures of certain non-tube amp gear and effectively becoming a paper weights then this is reason number two a Katana 100 MKII or similar should cost less than $280.
Something wicked this way comes! BOSS is dragging their feet; milking the Katana pie. Effectively just adding variations; but it CAN"T last. Else competition will eat their lunch. Either a new version that matters or the competition is next. Reason #3 this 100 MKII should be less than $280.
Many of you know I picked the Monoprice Stage Right 15W all tube COMBO for $200 and added a Cube Baby pedal for $35 to handle all the FX, amps/cab IR's and digital connections. This cost less, weighs less and does more, with two easy to turn sets of knobs (and pre sets) for everything. The Cube Baby never has to connect to a computer, as the range of amps and IR's run the spectrum and each have their own GAIN and TONE knob character also. But it is the world's less expensive IR loader (Win or Mac only), if you want to change it. The point is I'm more than covered with the MP + CB (Except maybe a cheap riff looper) and so really only want it to AB test the Katana with the MP in my own studio. But it's not like I haven't played a Katana 100 MKII and much more, before. I'm just not an amp and gear farmer.
Comparisons: The 50's a fine amp(but without FX connections and the same fullness); but the K 100 has a full standard 1x12 guitar voiced speaker, to match a Celestion and clones. With the bigger cab and circuit design the 100 sounds the part. At least noticeably better than the 50's, "different", 12" and odd Ohms. The problem is the extra portability weight of the Katana 100's. Portability is one of the main reasons buy a combo. With the MP 15W combo (may or may not be for you) you get the light weight and size of the 50 and has the punch; that the K100 matches too. And with less cost. So once again why the K100, nice as it is, should be less than $280.
Agreed on the 100 MkII, I think it's worth the extra cost. The 50 EX is still decent considering you're saving $42 with a weaker power section, but the extra 50w is great to have.
If you know how to ask ("Should I send it back and re-buy at the better sale price?") and the price drops right after you buy, then MP has been known to price match with a credit.
Note: The Katana 100 does not work with the better PHAT coupon, only the BEND coupon. And after tax and incl shipping the total would be about $300 and change. There is mention of an extra 10% off; but I doubt it stacks. As usual, consider any other credit card perks and even gift card discount for pre buys to shave off more.