Fender Mustang GTX50 vs Boss Katana 50 (comparison)

In this gear comparison we're taking a close look at two modeling amps: The Boss Katana 50 and the Fender Mustang GTX 50. Note that the numbers in these titles are primarily meant to indicate the wattage of each amp. 

Both are solid state amplifiers with a major emphasis on digital amp and effects modeling, providing on-board effects, amp models, and sound-banking options.

But which one is right for you? What do they focus on and what are their strong suits?

Use the comparison tool below to look at details, features, and pricing for each guitar amp:

Fender Mustang GTX50 VS Boss Katana 50 Comparison Tool

Primarily, we see the two amps differing in whether they prioritize their effects or amp models. The Boss Katana provides just a couple of footswitchable channels with multiple modes, but with far more effects that are modeled after Boss stompboxes.

The Mustang gives you less effects but more amp models, and a bunch of presets to work with.

Let's get into more of the details.

Boss Katana Details

Instead of the LCD panel you see on the Mustang, the Katana takes a slightly less digitized approach in favor or providing more physical knobs for all their settings. This goes in conjunction with the two footswitchable channels I mentioned earlier, that feel more like what you get with a typical tube amp. 

Boss also goes with a greater emphasis on onboard effects with 60 effects options, compared to just four that are listed in the Mustang.

By contrast, the Katana only provides five amp models compared to 40 amp models in the Mustang. 

While we'd like to see more presets, it's nice that Boss has made some effort to make the Katana feel less digitized and more like a traditional tube amp.

Fender Mustang GTX Details

Fender uses an LCD screen for most of the control on the Mustang. This makes it feel more computer-centric and digitized, which isn't necessarily a good thing. But they do give you 200 presets, which are essentially missing from the Katana. 

You'll also get a significant emphasis on iconic Fender amp models, all of which are digitally programmed into the software.

Read more: Best Fender amps

Summary

You can see that both companies are playing to their strengths in terms of what they emphasize.

In the Katana, there's a focus on effects and stompboxes, which is what Boss has historically been known for.

On the Mustang GTX side, Fender focuses on their iconic amplifier lineup with their 40 Fender amp models.

While we'd like to see more presets in the Katana, we like it a little better from a tone and professionalism perspective. It's a solid state amp that we wouldn't mind using in a professional capacity, while the Fender Mustang GTX feels a bit more like a computerized toy.

Both can be a good fit though, and it depends a lot on whether you're trying to focus on amp models or effects.

If it's effects, go with the Katana. For amp models and presets, go with the Mustang GTX.

Drop questions about both in the comments section and we'll chat.

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