Boss Katana Artist MK2 VS 100 (comparison)
Our pick: The Boss Katana 100
The primary differences between the Boss Katana 100 and Artist MK2 are the contour control and voicing variations for each amp model that are both present in the Artist and not the 100.
If you upgrade to the Katana Artist over the Katana 100, you're paying primarily for the contour control, voicing variation for each amp model, a stereo USB port for recording, and MIDI control. The Artist MK2 also has two additional 16 ohm speaker outputs that are not present in the 100.
We'd say leveling up from the 100 to the Artist is probably not necessary for most players. It's a significant price increase too, at least at the time of publishing this comparison.
Check the price guide below for updated numbers.
If you want to zoom in on the Katana 100, you can check out Bobby's review of the Katana 50, most of which applies to the 100 watt version.
Read the full review: Boss Katana 50
The Boss Katana 50 is basically the same as the 100, aside from the reduced wattage.
Katana Artist MK2 VS 100 Comparison Chart
This comparison table includes basic specs and updated pricing. The high-level specs table doesn't tell the whole story, but we have a more thorough list below.
Katana | Name | Rate | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Katana Artist | n/a | |
| Katana 100 | n/a |
Price Guide
Prices updated Mon, September 25th, 2023.
Sweetwater
Price Alert
Demos
The audio demos are very similar, since both amps use the same base amp models and effects. There are zero tone/sound quality distinctions.
Katana 100
Katana Artist MK2
Which Boss Katana amp should I buy? (our interactive quiz)
Specs for Both Amps
There are some more nuanced differences in the full specs table, but we'd still consider the two amps appreciably similar. Note that the Artist MK2 is a good deal larger.
 | Artist | 100 |
|---|---|---|
Circuit | Solid State | Solid State |
Number of channels | 5 amp types (with variation switch for each one) | 5 amp types |
Tone Slots | 8 | 8 |
Total power | 100W (50W, 0.5W settings) | 100W (50W, 0.5W settings) |
Effects | 5 x Simultaneous Effects: Delay, Tremolo, Flanger, Pitch Shift, Phaser, Wah | Modulation, Delay, 60 Boss Effects (Tone Studio software) |
EQ | 3-band EQ, 8 x Tone Settings | 3-band EQ |
Inputs | 1 x 1/4" (instrument), 1 x 1/8" (aux in), 1 x 1/4" (in to power section) | 1 x 1/4" (instrument), 1 x 1/4" (power amp), 1 x 1/8" (aux) |
Outputs | 1 x 1/4" (8 ohm internal), 2 x 1/4" (16 ohm), 1 x 1/4" (line out), 1 x 1/4" (phones/rec out) | 1 x 1/4" (line), 1 x 1/4" (rec/headphones) |
USB | 1 x Type B (stereo out) | Yes |
Knobs | Amp type, Gain, Volume, Bass, Middle, Treble, Booster/Mod, Effects/Delay, Reverb, Presence, Master, Solo, Contour, Power Control (selection) | Amp type, Gain, Volume, Bass, Middle, Treble, Booster/Mod, Effects/Delay, Reverb, Presence Master, Power Control |
Headphones | Yes (shared) | Yes |
Effects Loop | Series/Parallel Effect Loop | Yes |
Weight | 41 lbs. 15 oz. | 32.6 lbs. |
Comparison Summary
Between the two, we'd recommend the Boss Katana 100, or even the Katana 50 if you don't need/want the extra power. Going up to the Artist means you're probably looking for a higher-end amp, in which case the Katana series doesn't really fit that profile.
Katana's are beginner/intermediate amps that are good for indoor practice, small studio recording, and jamming.
The 50 and 100 can handle all those things just fine.
Questions and Comments
If you have questions about either the Artist MK2 or Katana, leave them in the comments section below. We'll help out as much as possible. Thanks for trusting our content.
Related Articles
Written by Bobby Kittleberger on Amps & Roundups
Written by Bobby Kittleberger on Amps & Roundups
Comment Policy: You're down to leave a comment? That's awesome. Keep in mind that comments are moderated and rel="nofollow" is in use. Please avoid any spammy keywords or a domain as your name, otherwise your comment will be deleted. Let's stay on topic, keep questions relevant and have a meaningful conversation. All the best.