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BOSS Katana Gen 3 Head
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![Did the BEST just get BETTER?? NEW BOSS Katana Gen 3 [Full Band Demo]](https://img.youtube.com/vi/Oim-fKD_JQo/hqdefault.jpg)
Your Price: $529.99 CDN
or from $56 CDN/mo
The Next Generation of a Modern Classic
With Katana Gen 3, the acclaimed BOSS stage amplifier series evolves to take your guitar ambitions to the next level. New Tube Logic enhancements enrich the core platform with even greater sound, feel, and response, including an expressive Pushed amp character that edge-of-breakup fans will love. The BOSS Tone Studio app has also been updated, making your remote amp and effects editing workflow more intuitive than ever. Loaded with inspiring tone tools and diverse connectivity options, Katana Gen 3 is your indispensable centerpiece for studio recording, live performance, and daily practice.
The compact Katana Head Gen 3 features 100 watts of Class AB power, a unique Bloom option derived from the flagship Katana Artist Gen 3, and an onboard 5-inch speaker for practice and checking tones.
Versatile Connectivity
- 8-ohm speaker jack
- Power Amp In for preamps, modelers, and multi-effects
- Stereo Expand function to link with a second Katana amp
- Send/return loop for external pedals
- Stereo headphones jack, line output, and USB output with IR-based cabinet sound
- Record/playback tracks in music production software on a computer or mobile device• via a USB-C®
- MIDI input for advanced remote control
*Compatibility with all third-party devices and software is not guaranteed.
Expansion Options
- Jacks for up to two footswitches and an expression pedal
- Supports the GA-FC and GA-FC EX Foot Controllers for complete stage control
- Optional Bluetooth® Audio MIDI Dual Adaptor (BT-DUAL) for wireless audio playback from a mobile device and remote editing from the BTS app (iOS/Android)
BOSS Tone Studio
- Newly updated interface for a more intuitive workflow
- Customize the onboard effects with over 60 premium BOSS types
- Detailed amp and effect editing tools, including deep parameter controls, effect order, and more
- Customize the IR-based cabinet sound for the headphones, line out, and USB recording output
- Fine-tune the three Contour settings
- Shape the overall tone with multiple EQs
- Effect loop controls, including post amp/post reverb positioning and series/parallel operation
- Save and organize Livesets for different playing applications
Katana Gen 3: Inspiration Unbound
Backed by the advanced Tube Logic amplifier architecture and reactive Class AB power, the BOSS Katana series has become a standard for guitarists everywhere since its introduction in 2016. Katana amps embody decades of BOSS development knowledge, providing professional, tube-inspired sound coupled with modern advantages like onboard effects, one-touch memory recall, deep sound customization, and reduced weight. Katana Gen 3 elevates the lineup with even more range and versatility, bringing you a playing experience that goes where no other amps can.
Refined Tube Logic Tones
Tube Logic recreates tube circuitry and all its complex interactions at a component level. This approach continues to evolve with refinements to the five amp characters available in previous Katana models, including the iconic high-gain Brown type. The new Pushed character spotlights internal dynamic enhancements with the touch-responsive gain of a driven clean combo. All six amp characters also include a variation for 12 distinctive tones. Going further, the Bloom switch engages a dedicated circuit that introduces a totally different amp feel. The sound comes alive with a sharper attack and a richly dynamic low-end response, two characteristics that are difficult to achieve at once.
"Sweet Spot" Sound at Any Volume
As every tube amp lover knows, the sound becomes richer, fuller, and more responsive as you turn up the volume. Unfortunately, it also gets way too loud for many playing situations. An external power attenuator is a common solution, but it can introduce artifacts that color the amp's tone and feel. The integrated Power Control in Katana Gen 3 delivers the best of all worlds, letting you dial in cranked-amp inspiration with no adverse effect on the sound. Along with the main external speaker output, there's an onboard 5-inch speaker for practice convenience and dialing in sounds.
Famous BOSS Effects
Katana Gen 3 features five simultaneous effect categories loaded with essential selections from the historic BOSS library. Booster, Mod, FX, Delay, and Reverb sections offer enhanced sound quality, grab-and-go parameter controls, and three variations each for access to 15 unique effects. BOSS Tone Studio unlocks additional possibilities, allowing you to customize the onboard effects from 60 different types and tweak deep options not available from the amp's panel. And when the optional Bluetooth Audio MIDI Dual Adaptor is installed, you can wirelessly edit sounds on the gig using the BTS editor app on your smartphone.
Unrivaled Sound Shaping
BOSS Tone Studio for Katana Gen 3 offers new visual enhancements and graphic customization options that make crafting your tone faster and more intuitive. Explore amp and effect editing tools, change the effect order, and shape the overall sound with the three-way Contour control and multiple EQs. Dial in system-wide settings and behaviors. And organize custom setups for all your gigs. You also have access to BOSS Tone Exchange, where you can download pro setups and share sounds with the worldwide Katana community.
Complete Stage Command
Katana Head Gen 3 features a host of powerful tools for modern performers. Eight Tone Setting memories let you store and recall complete amp/effect setups, while rear-panel jacks support remote control with footswitches, an expression pedal, and MIDI. The GA-FC and GA-FC EX Foot Controllers extend your capabilities even further, providing complete stage control solutions for your Katana Gen 3. Switch Tone Settings, turn effects on/off, integrate multiple expression pedals, and more. The GA-FC EX model also includes an expansion option to double your footswitches or control two Katana amps at once.
Expand Your Range
Katana Head Gen 3 flows with all your creative journeys. Easily link two amps via the Stereo Expand• function, with master control from the main amp and stereo effects like chorus, delay, and reverb distributed across both amps for a wide, immersive sound. Or connect to the Power Amp In jack to bypass the Katana preamp and use the reactive Class AB power section to amplify a modeler or an external preamp.
*Stereo Expand is supported on all Katana Gen 3 and MkII models except the Katana-50 Gen 3 and Katana-50 MkII.
Get Connected
Katana Head Gen 3 includes connectivity to meet every need. Plug in headphones to practice quietly with stereo sound. Send a feed to a house PA via the Line Out jack. And record to your favorite music software on computers and mobile devices over USB-C. All audio outputs feature IR-based cabinet sound for great direct tone, with three Air Feel types and two customizable settings in BOSS Tone Studio.
• Stage-ready 100-watt amp head with a built-in 5-inch practice speaker
• Six amp charactersincluding the newly developed Pushed typeplus a selectable variation for each
• Five independent effects sections: Booster, Mod, FX, Delay, and Reverb
• Bloom switch engages a dedicated circuit that revoices the amps feel and response
• Three-way Contour for shaping the overall tonal color
• Three Cabinet Resonance options: Vintage, Modern, and Deep
• Eight Tone Setting memories for storing all amp and effect settings
• Power Control for achieving cranked-amp tone and response at low volumes
• Updated Boss Tone Studio app (Windows/macOS) for remote editing from a computer or mobile device
• Download and share Katana sounds on BOSS Tone Exchange
• Compatible with sounds created on previous stage-class Katana models
- 30 W (Using internal speaker)
- 100 W (Using external speaker)
Nominal Input Level
- INPUT: -10 dBu (1 M ohms)
- AUX IN: -10 dBu (20 k ohms)
- RETURN IN: -10 dBu (100 k ohms)
Speaker
- 12 cm (5 inches) x 1
Controls
- POWER switch
- PRESENCE knob
- MASTER knob
- SOLO button
- POWER CONTROL switch (STANDBY, 0.5 W, HALF, MAX)
- CAB RESONANCE switch (VINTAGE, MODERN, DEEP)
Amplifier
- VARIATION button
- BLOOM button
- AMP TYPE knob (ACOUSTIC, CLEAN, PUSHED, CRUNCH, LEAD, BROWN)
- GAIN knob
- VOLUME knob
Equalizer
- CONTOUR button
- BASS knob
- MIDDLE knob
- TREBLE knob
Effect
- BOOSTER button
- MOD button
- FX button
- DELAY button
- REVERB button
- TAP button
- BOOSTER knob
- MOD knob
- FX knob
- DELAY knob
- REVERB knob
Tone Setting
- CH1 button
- CH2 button
- CH3 button
- CH4 button
- PANEL button
Stereo Expand
- STEREO EXPAND switch
Indicators
- VARIATION
- BLOOM
- ACOUSTIC
- CLEAN
- PUSHED
- CRUNCH
- LEAD
- BROWN
- CONTOUR
- BOOSTER
- MOD
- FX
- DELAY
- REVERB
- TAP
- SOLO
- CH1
- CH2
- CH3
- CH4
- PANEL
Connectors
- INPUT jack: 1/4-inch phone type
- POWER AMP IN jack: 1/4-inch phone type
- LINE OUT jack: 1/4-inch phone type
- SEND jack: 1/4-inch phone type
- RETURN jack: 1/4-inch phone type
- SPEAKER OUT jack: 1/4-inch phone type (Minimum 8 ohms)
- STEREO PHONES jack: Stereo 1/4-inch phone type
- EXP PEDAL jack: 1/4-inch TRS phone type
- GA-FC/CTL CH1/CH2 SOLO jack: 1/4-inch TRS phone type
- AUX IN jack: Stereo miniature phone type
- USB port: USB C type
- MIDI IN connector
- BLUETOOTH ADAPTOR SLOT: Bluetooth® Audio MIDI Dual Adaptor
- AC IN jack
Power Consumption
- 77 W
Dimensions (Include handle and rubber feet)
- 470 (W) x 228 (D) x 215 (H) mm
- 18-9/16 (W) x 9 (D) x 8-1/2 (H) inches
Weight
- 8.8 kg
- 19 lbs 7 oz
Accessories
- Owner's manual
- Power cord
- GA-FC sticker
With Katana Gen 3, the acclaimed BOSS stage amplifier series evolves to take your guitar ambitions to the next level. New Tube Logic enhancements enrich the core platform with even greater sound, feel, and response, including an expressive Pushed amp character that edge-of-breakup fans will love. The BOSS Tone Studio app has also been updated, making your remote amp and effects editing workflow more intuitive than ever. Loaded with inspiring tone tools and diverse connectivity options, Katana Gen 3 is your indispensable centerpiece for studio recording, live performance, and daily practice.
The compact Katana Head Gen 3 features 100 watts of Class AB power, a unique Bloom option derived from the flagship Katana Artist Gen 3, and an onboard 5-inch speaker for practice and checking tones.
Versatile Connectivity
- 8-ohm speaker jack
- Power Amp In for preamps, modelers, and multi-effects
- Stereo Expand function to link with a second Katana amp
- Send/return loop for external pedals
- Stereo headphones jack, line output, and USB output with IR-based cabinet sound
- Record/playback tracks in music production software on a computer or mobile device• via a USB-C®
- MIDI input for advanced remote control
*Compatibility with all third-party devices and software is not guaranteed.
Expansion Options
- Jacks for up to two footswitches and an expression pedal
- Supports the GA-FC and GA-FC EX Foot Controllers for complete stage control
- Optional Bluetooth® Audio MIDI Dual Adaptor (BT-DUAL) for wireless audio playback from a mobile device and remote editing from the BTS app (iOS/Android)
BOSS Tone Studio
- Newly updated interface for a more intuitive workflow
- Customize the onboard effects with over 60 premium BOSS types
- Detailed amp and effect editing tools, including deep parameter controls, effect order, and more
- Customize the IR-based cabinet sound for the headphones, line out, and USB recording output
- Fine-tune the three Contour settings
- Shape the overall tone with multiple EQs
- Effect loop controls, including post amp/post reverb positioning and series/parallel operation
- Save and organize Livesets for different playing applications
Katana Gen 3: Inspiration Unbound
Backed by the advanced Tube Logic amplifier architecture and reactive Class AB power, the BOSS Katana series has become a standard for guitarists everywhere since its introduction in 2016. Katana amps embody decades of BOSS development knowledge, providing professional, tube-inspired sound coupled with modern advantages like onboard effects, one-touch memory recall, deep sound customization, and reduced weight. Katana Gen 3 elevates the lineup with even more range and versatility, bringing you a playing experience that goes where no other amps can.
Refined Tube Logic Tones
Tube Logic recreates tube circuitry and all its complex interactions at a component level. This approach continues to evolve with refinements to the five amp characters available in previous Katana models, including the iconic high-gain Brown type. The new Pushed character spotlights internal dynamic enhancements with the touch-responsive gain of a driven clean combo. All six amp characters also include a variation for 12 distinctive tones. Going further, the Bloom switch engages a dedicated circuit that introduces a totally different amp feel. The sound comes alive with a sharper attack and a richly dynamic low-end response, two characteristics that are difficult to achieve at once.
"Sweet Spot" Sound at Any Volume
As every tube amp lover knows, the sound becomes richer, fuller, and more responsive as you turn up the volume. Unfortunately, it also gets way too loud for many playing situations. An external power attenuator is a common solution, but it can introduce artifacts that color the amp's tone and feel. The integrated Power Control in Katana Gen 3 delivers the best of all worlds, letting you dial in cranked-amp inspiration with no adverse effect on the sound. Along with the main external speaker output, there's an onboard 5-inch speaker for practice convenience and dialing in sounds.
Famous BOSS Effects
Katana Gen 3 features five simultaneous effect categories loaded with essential selections from the historic BOSS library. Booster, Mod, FX, Delay, and Reverb sections offer enhanced sound quality, grab-and-go parameter controls, and three variations each for access to 15 unique effects. BOSS Tone Studio unlocks additional possibilities, allowing you to customize the onboard effects from 60 different types and tweak deep options not available from the amp's panel. And when the optional Bluetooth Audio MIDI Dual Adaptor is installed, you can wirelessly edit sounds on the gig using the BTS editor app on your smartphone.
Unrivaled Sound Shaping
BOSS Tone Studio for Katana Gen 3 offers new visual enhancements and graphic customization options that make crafting your tone faster and more intuitive. Explore amp and effect editing tools, change the effect order, and shape the overall sound with the three-way Contour control and multiple EQs. Dial in system-wide settings and behaviors. And organize custom setups for all your gigs. You also have access to BOSS Tone Exchange, where you can download pro setups and share sounds with the worldwide Katana community.
Complete Stage Command
Katana Head Gen 3 features a host of powerful tools for modern performers. Eight Tone Setting memories let you store and recall complete amp/effect setups, while rear-panel jacks support remote control with footswitches, an expression pedal, and MIDI. The GA-FC and GA-FC EX Foot Controllers extend your capabilities even further, providing complete stage control solutions for your Katana Gen 3. Switch Tone Settings, turn effects on/off, integrate multiple expression pedals, and more. The GA-FC EX model also includes an expansion option to double your footswitches or control two Katana amps at once.
Expand Your Range
Katana Head Gen 3 flows with all your creative journeys. Easily link two amps via the Stereo Expand• function, with master control from the main amp and stereo effects like chorus, delay, and reverb distributed across both amps for a wide, immersive sound. Or connect to the Power Amp In jack to bypass the Katana preamp and use the reactive Class AB power section to amplify a modeler or an external preamp.
*Stereo Expand is supported on all Katana Gen 3 and MkII models except the Katana-50 Gen 3 and Katana-50 MkII.
Get Connected
Katana Head Gen 3 includes connectivity to meet every need. Plug in headphones to practice quietly with stereo sound. Send a feed to a house PA via the Line Out jack. And record to your favorite music software on computers and mobile devices over USB-C. All audio outputs feature IR-based cabinet sound for great direct tone, with three Air Feel types and two customizable settings in BOSS Tone Studio.
Features
• Third-generation Katana amplifier with evolved Tube Logic sound and expressiveness• Stage-ready 100-watt amp head with a built-in 5-inch practice speaker
• Six amp charactersincluding the newly developed Pushed typeplus a selectable variation for each
• Five independent effects sections: Booster, Mod, FX, Delay, and Reverb
• Bloom switch engages a dedicated circuit that revoices the amps feel and response
• Three-way Contour for shaping the overall tonal color
• Three Cabinet Resonance options: Vintage, Modern, and Deep
• Eight Tone Setting memories for storing all amp and effect settings
• Power Control for achieving cranked-amp tone and response at low volumes
• Updated Boss Tone Studio app (Windows/macOS) for remote editing from a computer or mobile device
• Download and share Katana sounds on BOSS Tone Exchange
• Compatible with sounds created on previous stage-class Katana models
Specifications
Rated Power Output- 30 W (Using internal speaker)
- 100 W (Using external speaker)
Nominal Input Level
- INPUT: -10 dBu (1 M ohms)
- AUX IN: -10 dBu (20 k ohms)
- RETURN IN: -10 dBu (100 k ohms)
Speaker
- 12 cm (5 inches) x 1
Controls
- POWER switch
- PRESENCE knob
- MASTER knob
- SOLO button
- POWER CONTROL switch (STANDBY, 0.5 W, HALF, MAX)
- CAB RESONANCE switch (VINTAGE, MODERN, DEEP)
Amplifier
- VARIATION button
- BLOOM button
- AMP TYPE knob (ACOUSTIC, CLEAN, PUSHED, CRUNCH, LEAD, BROWN)
- GAIN knob
- VOLUME knob
Equalizer
- CONTOUR button
- BASS knob
- MIDDLE knob
- TREBLE knob
Effect
- BOOSTER button
- MOD button
- FX button
- DELAY button
- REVERB button
- TAP button
- BOOSTER knob
- MOD knob
- FX knob
- DELAY knob
- REVERB knob
Tone Setting
- CH1 button
- CH2 button
- CH3 button
- CH4 button
- PANEL button
Stereo Expand
- STEREO EXPAND switch
Indicators
- VARIATION
- BLOOM
- ACOUSTIC
- CLEAN
- PUSHED
- CRUNCH
- LEAD
- BROWN
- CONTOUR
- BOOSTER
- MOD
- FX
- DELAY
- REVERB
- TAP
- SOLO
- CH1
- CH2
- CH3
- CH4
- PANEL
Connectors
- INPUT jack: 1/4-inch phone type
- POWER AMP IN jack: 1/4-inch phone type
- LINE OUT jack: 1/4-inch phone type
- SEND jack: 1/4-inch phone type
- RETURN jack: 1/4-inch phone type
- SPEAKER OUT jack: 1/4-inch phone type (Minimum 8 ohms)
- STEREO PHONES jack: Stereo 1/4-inch phone type
- EXP PEDAL jack: 1/4-inch TRS phone type
- GA-FC/CTL CH1/CH2 SOLO jack: 1/4-inch TRS phone type
- AUX IN jack: Stereo miniature phone type
- USB port: USB C type
- MIDI IN connector
- BLUETOOTH ADAPTOR SLOT: Bluetooth® Audio MIDI Dual Adaptor
- AC IN jack
Power Consumption
- 77 W
Dimensions (Include handle and rubber feet)
- 470 (W) x 228 (D) x 215 (H) mm
- 18-9/16 (W) x 9 (D) x 8-1/2 (H) inches
Weight
- 8.8 kg
- 19 lbs 7 oz
Accessories
- Owner's manual
- Power cord
- GA-FC sticker
Media
Youtube video product demo
Description: Introducing BOSS Katana Gen 3. Danny from BOSS, along with Sean and Matt, are at Long McQuade HQ to dive into the new Katana Gen 3 amplifiers. Get ready to explore the incredible features and upgrades that make this amplifier a must-have for guitarists of all levels.
Q & A
Question: I am a one man band, I am wondering if the 5 inch speaker on the Gen 3 head would be loud enough for small gigs?
- asked on Jul 4, 2024
- asked on Jul 4, 2024
Answer: It does have a 5" speaker but it is just for practicing and would not be loud enough for gigs. You would need to add a speaker cabinet.
- answered by Daryl Guy, Pickering (Store), Ontario
- answered by Daryl Guy, Pickering (Store), Ontario
Reviews
There are currently no reviews for this product. Be the first to write one!
Protect your investment with the Long & McQuade Performance Warranty
A warranty can be a very important factor when making a buying decision. Because repairs can be very expensive in terms of parts and labour costs, manufacturers usually only provide one year limited warranties that generally only cover items that malfunction due to a manufacturer’s defect. With an important purchase such as a musical
instrument or piece of studio gear, however, many people want to have the peace of mind in knowing that their investment will be protected should the product no longer be performing at 100%.
Because of this, Long & McQuade provides our customers with a FREE one-year Performance Warranty on most of our products. The Long & McQuade Performance Warranty supplements the manufacturer’s warranty to ensure that our customers receive complete “no hassle” warranty coverage within their first year.
How does the Long & McQuade Performance Warranty differ from most manufacturers' warranties?
- Performance Guarantee: Normal wear and tear is covered, so your product will be performing as well as the day you purchased it for the entire duration of the coverage. Band and Orchestral Performance Warranty does not include replacing pads or cleaning for woodwind instruments, unless deemed necessary by our repair staff. Ultrasonic cleaning for brass instruments will be provided if deemed necessary by our repair staff, but is not routinely offered under the Performance Warranty.
- Product Replacement: If your product cannot be fixed or costs too much to fix, we will replace it with the equivalent model for no additional charge. If this is not possible, a full refund will be provided.
- No Lemon Policy: Your product will be replaced should the same problem occur multiple times.
- Convenient: Easy drop off and pick up of the product at any Long & McQuade location.
- Guitar Setup: Guitars purchased at Long & McQuade come with 1 free setup, to be redeemed within 1 year for new guitars and 90 days for used guitars.
- Loaners Available: A loaner product may be given while the product is being repaired.
- Power Surge Protection: Your product is covered even if damaged from a power surge.
- Accessory Coverage: Any peripheral devices or accessories that come with your product (i.e. foot pedal, case) are also covered.
- Commercial Use Coverage: Music and recording professionals who purchase gear for “heavy-use” commercial purposes will still be covered.
Long & McQuade reserves the right to restrict the purchase of additional years of Performance Warranty. Used products come with a 3-month Long & McQuade Performance Warranty. Some products (i.e. computers, software, cymbals and other items) are covered only by the manufacturer‘s warranty. Consumables (i.e. strings, reeds, drum sticks, batteries, tubes, cross faders) are excluded as they are designed to be replaced. Cosmetic Damage, Accidental Damage, or problems caused by Humidity or Temperature Issues are not covered. Speakers damaged by overpowering are generally not covered. Our coverage does not provide compensation for loss of use. As of June 2018 the Performance Warranty is no longer transferable. The warranty is only valid in Canada.
Purchasing additional years of coverage
Some manufacturers provide warranties for longer than 1 year; however, these are usually limited warranties that do not provide the same coverage as the Long & McQuade Performance Warranty. Customers interested in more complete and convenient (but not necessarily longer) coverage are still able to purchase additional years of the Performance Warranty.
If you are interested in receiving this coverage for longer than one year, you have the option of purchasing additional years of the Performance Warranty. The pricing is as follows:
- NEW products: Starting at 4% of the current new selling price to double the warranty from 1 year to 2 years. Starting at 4% for each additional year.
- USED products: Starting at 4% of the current new selling price to increase the warranty from 3 months to 1 year. Starting at 4% for each additional year.
- GUITARS: 4% of the current new selling price to double the warranty from 1 year to 2 years. 4% for each additional year. $45 maximum. An additional free setup is not included with additional purchased years of Performance Warranty.
- BAND and ORCHESTRAL instruments: 4% of the current new selling price to double the warranty from 1 year to 2 years. 4% for each additional year.
Great Additions
Reserve in Store
| Product | SKU | Qty |
|---|---|---|
| Katana Gen 3 Head | 804377 |
