GEAR REVIEW
KATANA
Amp Series
Bank 2 gives you simulations of Digital, Analog,
and Tape Delay with a secondary range of
Tremolo, T. Wah (that cool Jerry Garcia effect),
and Octave. Bank 3 contains all reverb sims:
Plate, Spring, and Hall, all of which sound
good. This may sound more complicated than
it really is, but once you start playing with the
Katana-50 you’ll see how easy it is to move
between sounds. Using the free BOSS Tone
Studio editor you can write presets and also
choose from 55 effects to customize your
user experience on the amp by replacing the
onboard effects with your personal favorites.
Not only can you use the USB jack for software
editing, but also you can use it for recording.
You can also add an A/B foot control for preset
switch and an expression pedals to tweak
effects in real time.
Once you find the tone and effects settings
you like, you can save them to Channel 1 or
Channel 2 by holding down the appropriate
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GUITAR TRICKS INSIDER
DIGITAL EDITION
button. The three 100-watt Katana models
offer four channels instead of two, which can
be controlled by the more advanced GA-FC foot
controller, as well as Effects Loop Send/Return,
and a dedicated line out. The Katana head also
features a MIDI In, as well as its own speaker
for at-home practice without the need for an
external cab.
Cranked up, the Katana-50 gives you a
generous suite of guitar tones to choose from.
You can find good cleans and scorching metal
tones from such a small and light combo
amp. More surprising is how good the mid-
gain British overdrive is. This is usually where
digital-modeling amps fall flat, but this combo
is ready for your best power chords and snarly
leads, à la Aerosmith and AC/DC. For more
vintage-sounding results, we kept the Treble
knob at noon or lo wer, which tames the bright
edge of solid-state circuitry. You’ll also be
surprised how organic and interactive the power
MAY / JUNE