Boss Katana-Artist MkII Head review

The well-received and affordable Katana range gets a new top-of-the-line head and matching 2x12 cab. There’s plenty of tech onboard, but does it satisfy the classic tonehounds?

Boss Katana-Artist MKII head
(Image: © Future / Phil Barker)

Guitar World Verdict

The accompanying cabinet might be super-heavy, but the amount of top-quality features and sounds, allied to an expanded control set, makes this another superb expansion of the Katana amp family, and good value for money, too.

Pros

  • +

    Powerful pro-oriented performance tool.

  • +

    Excellent Waza speakers in matching cab.

  • +

    Great sounds.

  • +

    Relatively affordable.

Cons

  • -

    No MIDI out/thru.

  • -

    No balanced line out.

  • -

    Cab is a two-person lift.

  • -

    We’d like Tone Studio mobile device version extended to cover other Katana amps.

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Now in its second evolution, Boss’s Katana range is securely established as the go-to digital modelling amp solution for many players at all levels, from beginners to professionals. Topping out the current range is the Katana-Artist II, with expanded features and speaker enclosures loaded with the Waza G12W loudspeaker. 

The combo amp has been available for some time and, now, for those ready to stamp some real authority on their tone, Boss has introduced the Katana-Artist II head, together with a matching 2x12 G12W-loaded guitar cabinet.

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