Boss Katana Bass ...

[Johno Dunn]

I have been looking for a bass combo for ages. Tried out the fender rumbles and ashdown studio quite a few times. Love the weight, but wasn’t excited by their tone.

tried out a katana 210 today. Put it on lay by immediately. Hope I won’t regret it - it’s heavier than I planned on. But it just sounded better than those other options. Always hard to say for sure in store but looking forward to getting my hands on it. Not a regular bass player any more but I want to own an amp.

I love mine!

 

[vindibona1]

The Katana could be a good bass amp. A little gimmicky IMO, but it's from Boss, the company that is owned by Roland. If anyone has owned a Roland Cube guitar amp, you'll know that they were outstanding SS amps.I've owned two of them and still own one. One of the cool features of the Cube amps were the different voicings you could dial in on the "lead" channel. Unfortunately Roland Cubes never got any traction in the marketplace, perhaps because they were over-priced compared to tube amps? Roland also never went after the bass market, I supposed due to their lack of success with their guitar cubes. But again, the Cubes were outstanding for what they were (are). The lack of traction, marketing, price points was why the Roland name on amps was dropped and replaced by Boss.

I would have to suspect that the Katana line is to pick up where Roland left off, with different marketing and price points. I had demoed some early Katana guitar amps and honestly as a guitar player was not impressed compared to my Cubes. But the Katana bass line may be a different story. Yeah, it's got some of the same gimmicks as the Roland Cubes, but I would think that most bass players rely on basic sounds and the extra voicings are a bonus.

My question for the 210 would be; could a 160 watt SS amp drive two 10" speakers well? Secondly, 160 watts weighing in at 48 pounds seems like a mismatch of the weight to power ratio. My two current bass amps are a GK MB-112 (200 watts) and TC Electronic BG250-112. The GK, with one 12" speaker only weighs 30 pounds and is loud as hell when I need it to be. The TCE is even louder yet only weighs 34 pounds. Alternately I often plug into an Acoustic Image Ten2 amp, 450 watts, two 10" speakers and weighs a measely 28 pounds. I don't think it puts out the same volume as my other two amps, but 28 pounds?????

But again, if the Katana is anywhere near as good as the Roland Cubes, then Boss might just have a winner on their hands.

 

[Cave Puppy]

The Katana could be a good bass amp. A little gimmicky IMO, but it's from Boss, the company that is owned by Roland. If anyone has owned a Roland Cube guitar amp, you'll know that they were outstanding SS amps.I've owned two of them and still own one. One of the cool features of the Cube amps were the different voicings you could dial in on the "lead" channel. Unfortunately Roland Cubes never got any traction in the marketplace, perhaps because they were over-priced compared to tube amps? Roland also never went after the bass market, I supposed due to their lack of success with their guitar cubes. But again, the Cubes were outstanding for what they were (are). The lack of traction, marketing, price points was why the Roland name on amps was dropped and replaced by Boss.

I would have to suspect that the Katana line is to pick up where Roland left off, with different marketing and price points. I had demoed some early Katana guitar amps and honestly as a guitar player was not impressed compared to my Cubes. But the Katana bass line may be a different story. Yeah, it's got some of the same gimmicks as the Roland Cubes, but I would think that most bass players rely on basic sounds and the extra voicings are a bonus.

My question for the 210 would be; could a 160 watt SS amp drive two 10" speakers well? Secondly, 160 watts weighing in at 48 pounds seems like a mismatch of the weight to power ratio. My two current bass amps are a GK MB-112 (200 watts) and TC Electronic BG250-112. The GK, with one 12" speaker only weighs 30 pounds and is loud as hell when I need it to be. The TCE is even louder yet only weighs 34 pounds. Alternately I often plug into an Acoustic Image Ten2 amp, 450 watts, two 10" speakers and weighs a measely 28 pounds. I don't think it puts out the same volume as my other two amps, but 28 pounds?????

But again, if the Katana is anywhere near as good as the Roland Cubes, then Boss might just have a winner on their hands.

I had an old Roland DB-500, a very similar amp to the 2x10 Bass Katana, except it had a 12” speaker. Same wattage - 160w - same sort of control layout. It was PLENTY loud. Trust me. It was my main gigging amp for about 15 years. If I were in the market for another combo the Boss Katana would be it. The head portion of the DB-500 failed so I repurposed the cab into a stand alone speaker cab.

 

[dennis bailey]

i have a katana 210,,love the amp but cant download the updated drivers onto my computer...or the instructions are just to sketchy for me been trying for 2 days...theres some kind of BIN file that i cant get open...any suggestions?

 

[B-flat?]

 

[dennis bailey]

thank you very much....that simplified things!

 

[wongahcheng]

You’re in luck, I currently own both. It’s a win either way, just depends on your needs. I use the RB-112 for practice and small gigs, and right now the Katana 110 is primarily for recording, but I think for practice, jamming with friends, and very small gigs (it has an XLR out) it’s a winner.

As we’ve written, the one-watt option is very good when you don’t want to bother anyone, but even at 9:00 on the master volume, you won’t summon the police with complaints.

I’m an Ampeg guy, but I gotta admit that each time I plug into the Katana I start thinking it’s gonna end up being my default practice amp for home. Give both a listen if ya can!

If you were to keep one in the long run, which would it be? I haven't tried the Katana, and usually I'll stay away from extra features e.g. built-in effects, because I have that separately. Just want a solid basic amp that I will use my stompboxes with for low volume practice, and occasionally to take to band practice/small show (that usually goes through a DI anyway).

I can get the Katana 110 right now, but have been waiting for RB-112 to be restocked in my country. Earliest will be March next year, which is a bit too long. Tried the RB-110 that they have in stock, very impressed by the tone. Does the Katana 110 sound boxy at all? Had GK MB 110 but sold it after a short while only, not too keen on its sound.

 

[wongahcheng]

Update: I got the Katana 110 after trying it out at nearby store. It sounds big at low volume still, and like many others have mentioned, they're surprisingly loud for a 60W. Although I won't be needing the built-in effects, they're nice to have for noodling around at home. Most of my concerns came from how long can it last. I'm a believer of the more features it has the higher the chance for things to go south, so I try to avoid extra features on anything. But after trying and hearing the tone in person, the Katana 110 is perfect for me who wants a solid tone for home practice, occasional recording, and if I ever need it for live performance. So far I have been relying on the venue's backline and my NUX NBP-5 for DI out and cabsim stuffs (another GREAT piece of gear that took me by surprise!). I have read some reviews where it was mentioned that it doesn't handle low B well, and me personally I play only 4 strings and it sounds good on the E. Just have to know how the gain, volume, and master knobs react to each other and there you have it!

Also I didn't know all the LED indicators on the panel are actually switch that you can press to cycle between 3 modes. Again, this is all high tech stuffs that I probably do not need, but in the end I just want what sounds good at high AND low volume. Not boxy at all, can't believe all that tone comes out from a 10" driver. The headphone out is fantastic too if have to practice silently, although the 1W mode serves that purpose just fine. Just placed an order for the Bluetooth adapter as well. Here's hoping that it will last for a long time!

 

[MxDigory]

Update: I got the Katana 110 after trying it out at nearby store. It sounds big at low volume still, and like many others have mentioned, they're surprisingly loud for a 60W. Although I won't be needing the built-in effects, they're nice to have for noodling around at home. Most of my concerns came from how long can it last. I'm a believer of the more features it has the higher the chance for things to go south, so I try to avoid extra features on anything. But after trying and hearing the tone in person, the Katana 110 is perfect for me who wants a solid tone for home practice, occasional recording, and if I ever need it for live performance. So far I have been relying on the venue's backline and my NUX NBP-5 for DI out and cabsim stuffs (another GREAT piece of gear that took me by surprise!). I have read some reviews where it was mentioned that it doesn't handle low B well, and me personally I play only 4 strings and it sounds good on the E. Just have to know how the gain, volume, and master knobs react to each other and there you have it!

Also I didn't know all the LED indicators on the panel are actually switch that you can press to cycle between 3 modes. Again, this is all high tech stuffs that I probably do not need, but in the end I just want what sounds good at high AND low volume. Not boxy at all, can't believe all that tone comes out from a 10" driver. The headphone out is fantastic too if have to practice silently, although the 1W mode serves that purpose just fine. Just placed an order for the Bluetooth adapter as well. Here's hoping that it will last for a long time!

I almost always play through headphones but sometimes it’s nice to play with a friend but this amp is very loud even at “1 watt”
After getting the Bluetooth adapter, I’ve found I don’t have a use for it. Wish I could have figured that out before buying the darn thing but oh well.
Like you, I’m after one good sound and there is a lot of control to tweak to get that sound, but once I have it, what then? I have my sound saved in the memory bank but most times I’m just using the front panel and making minor adjustments there. Set it and leave it. The adapter gave me a backup of “my sound”. that said, I can’t decide which amp model I prefer as there each excel in different ways so I do play with that a bit but I don’t need an app for that

I do play a five string bass and it handles my low b fine but I also haven’t cranked it yet and might never get to

 

[iagtrplyr]

If you were to keep one in the long run, which would it be? I haven't tried the Katana, and usually I'll stay away from extra features e.g. built-in effects, because I have that separately. Just want a solid basic amp that I will use my stompboxes with for low volume practice, and occasionally to take to band practice/small show (that usually goes through a DI anyway).

I can get the Katana 110 right now, but have been waiting for RB-112 to be restocked in my country. Earliest will be March next year, which is a bit too long. Tried the RB-110 that they have in stock, very impressed by the tone. Does the Katana 110 sound boxy at all? Had GK MB 110 but sold it after a short while only, not too keen on its sound.

Hey there! I'm so sorry to be replying as late as I am, but I had to comment on your two posts knowing you already made a decision on your amp purchase. Congrats, BTW!

Had I been here sooner I'd have asked a couple of questions to qualify your thinking. If I was wanting a practice/small gig amp with few controls and great sound I'd have veered ya toward the Rocket Bass. It's simple but does the job beautifully and is a fairly decent recording amp going into my interface.

Had you said that you wanted a little more on the amp, even though you're using your own pedals, then the Katana 110 would be a perfect choice. And you're right, it plays a lot louder than the specs show. As far as boxiness is concerned, I don't notice nearly as much as I did with my Fender Rumble 100. That combo was so boxy it gave me claustrophobia. I used to play through GKs and while I thought it was a quality product, you have to like the family tone to really enjoy using it. I'm like less of a modern sound and more old school like Ampeg.

 

[iagtrplyr]

Update: I got the Katana 110 after trying it out at nearby store. It sounds big at low volume still, and like many others have mentioned, they're surprisingly loud for a 60W. Although I won't be needing the built-in effects, they're nice to have for noodling around at home. Most of my concerns came from how long can it last. I'm a believer of the more features it has the higher the chance for things to go south, so I try to avoid extra features on anything. But after trying and hearing the tone in person, the Katana 110 is perfect for me who wants a solid tone for home practice, occasional recording, and if I ever need it for live performance. So far I have been relying on the venue's backline and my NUX NBP-5 for DI out and cabsim stuffs (another GREAT piece of gear that took me by surprise!). I have read some reviews where it was mentioned that it doesn't handle low B well, and me personally I play only 4 strings and it sounds good on the E. Just have to know how the gain, volume, and master knobs react to each other and there you have it!

Also I didn't know all the LED indicators on the panel are actually switch that you can press to cycle between 3 modes. Again, this is all high tech stuffs that I probably do not need, but in the end I just want what sounds good at high AND low volume. Not boxy at all, can't believe all that tone comes out from a 10" driver. The headphone out is fantastic too if have to practice silently, although the 1W mode serves that purpose just fine. Just placed an order for the Bluetooth adapter as well. Here's hoping that it will last for a long time!

What's great about the built-in effects is in case you don't have a certain pedal on your board and the Katana does, then you can use it in the chain. I like their octave pedal for some things but don't happen to own one. Voila, instant octave pedal. You may rarely use them, but all it takes is a one-time use of a certain reverb or delay and you'll be happy they're there.

My biggest use of this Katana is for recording and my favorite setting is one of the fretless models found in the library with my Hofner bass. Pretty authentic sound and is easy to dial in. Not all of their tones are perfect, but the idea that someone just getting started has numerous options at their fingertips is terrific. Add the fact that it's a Roland product and you've probably got an amp that'll last quite a long time!

Finally, unless you're luckier than me, get ready to sit and wait for the Bluetooth adaptor. I ordered one on June 30th and am still waiting. I decided to preorder to make sure I received one with their latest shipment, but it's now expected sometime in November...five long months later! If you're patient like me, go for it. But unless you have inside info or live somewhere BOSS can get it to you quickly, don't hold your breath.

Again, congrats, and enjoy your 110!

 

[Cantstandsya]

What's great about the built-in effects is in case you don't have a certain pedal on your board and the Katana does, then you can use it in the chain. I like their octave pedal for some things but don't happen to own one. Voila, instant octave pedal. You may rarely use them, but all it takes is a one-time use of a certain reverb or delay and you'll be happy they're there.

My biggest use of this Katana is for recording and my favorite setting is one of the fretless models found in the library with my Hofner bass. Pretty authentic sound and is easy to dial in. Not all of their tones are perfect, but the idea that someone just getting started has numerous options at their fingertips is terrific. Add the fact that it's a Roland product and you've probably got an amp that'll last quite a long time!

Finally, unless you're luckier than me, get ready to sit and wait for the Bluetooth adaptor. I ordered one on June 30th and am still waiting. I decided to preorder to make sure I received one with their latest shipment, but it's now expected sometime in November...five long months later! If you're patient like me, go for it. But unless you have inside info or live somewhere BOSS can get it to you quickly, don't hold your breath.

Again, congrats, and enjoy your 110!

I have a brand new BT-Dual available in the classifieds.

 

[iagtrplyr]

I have a brand new BT-Dual available in the classifieds.

Thank ya kindly, but I’m waiting for my buddies at zZounds to deliver me one piping hot and fresh. I don’t even care about it any longer and thought about canceling, but my Irish stubbornness is showing and I’m gonna wait it out. That is, unless Christmas gets here first; then I may substitute it for some magic beans or something!

 

[wongahcheng]

I almost always play through headphones but sometimes it’s nice to play with a friend but this amp is very loud even at “1 watt”
After getting the Bluetooth adapter, I’ve found I don’t have a use for it. Wish I could have figured that out before buying the darn thing but oh well.
Like you, I’m after one good sound and there is a lot of control to tweak to get that sound, but once I have it, what then? I have my sound saved in the memory bank but most times I’m just using the front panel and making minor adjustments there. Set it and leave it. The adapter gave me a backup of “my sound”. that said, I can’t decide which amp model I prefer as there each excel in different ways so I do play with that a bit but I don’t need an app for that

I do play a five string bass and it handles my low b fine but I also haven’t cranked it yet and might never get to

I just placed an order for the BT Dual but the local GC do not have it in stock so it had to be canceled. Like you, I found myself using the Panel most of the time, and the BT Dual would have been just a way to change the parameters whenever it's needed outside of my practice room. Comes in handy but definitely optional. Not sure if I should go for the GA-FC footswitch now

Hey there! I'm so sorry to be replying as late as I am, but I had to comment on your two posts knowing you already made a decision on your amp purchase. Congrats, BTW!

Had I been here sooner I'd have asked a couple of questions to qualify your thinking. If I was wanting a practice/small gig amp with few controls and great sound I'd have veered ya toward the Rocket Bass. It's simple but does the job beautifully and is a fairly decent recording amp going into my interface.

Had you said that you wanted a little more on the amp, even though you're using your own pedals, then the Katana 110 would be a perfect choice. And you're right, it plays a lot louder than the specs show. As far as boxiness is concerned, I don't notice nearly as much as I did with my Fender Rumble 100. That combo was so boxy it gave me claustrophobia. I used to play through GKs and while I thought it was a quality product, you have to like the family tone to really enjoy using it. I'm like less of a modern sound and more old school like Ampeg.

What's great about the built-in effects is in case you don't have a certain pedal on your board and the Katana does, then you can use it in the chain. I like their octave pedal for some things but don't happen to own one. Voila, instant octave pedal. You may rarely use them, but all it takes is a one-time use of a certain reverb or delay and you'll be happy they're there.

My biggest use of this Katana is for recording and my favorite setting is one of the fretless models found in the library with my Hofner bass. Pretty authentic sound and is easy to dial in. Not all of their tones are perfect, but the idea that someone just getting started has numerous options at their fingertips is terrific. Add the fact that it's a Roland product and you've probably got an amp that'll last quite a long time!

Finally, unless you're luckier than me, get ready to sit and wait for the Bluetooth adaptor. I ordered one on June 30th and am still waiting. I decided to preorder to make sure I received one with their latest shipment, but it's now expected sometime in November...five long months later! If you're patient like me, go for it. But unless you have inside info or live somewhere BOSS can get it to you quickly, don't hold your breath.

Again, congrats, and enjoy your 110!

Thanks for your responses, still! Although the Vintage channel on the Katana 110 is a slightly different flavor compared to Rocket Bass delicious baked-in tone, I think it's great nonetheless. I had the old MIA B-100R that sounds just as good, but that thing is so heavy, I gave it to a friend. Was looking for a replacement for a while before settling on ampless setup. Also, I agree with you on wanting more from the amp, Katana 110 serves the purpose very well. I did contemplate on getting an octave but the price of OC-5 is already one third of the amp, and I still have many other effects to choose from! It's just that I was worried for the functionality to last in the long run so again I was on the hunt for the Rocket Bass, until I tried the Katana 110 myself. The other reason is because I live about 1 hour away from the Roland manufacturing plant and they have regional distribution office here, and due to my disappointment on how G&L & their local dealership handled my warranty claim recently (that's living outside of USA for you!), I decided to go with the Boss. Anything happens (fingers crossed), it should be rectified fairly quick.

 

[Yogi Bear]

I received a 110 from Sweetwater late last week, but sadly it’s already on its way back. I had the fuzz speaker of doom issue that seems to have plagued some of these amps. No matter either gain setting I would constantly get fuzz from the speakers. Not a loose sounding rattle, but a legitimate light fuzz.

Another strange occurrence was the volume when powering on the amp. During its brief time in my hands whenever I would power the amp back on after a short break it would come on loud… walls shaking loud! The knob positions obviously didn’t change, but I would have to readjust the knobs to a comfortable level. Almost as if the settings had to reset themselves after being dialed back to 0 and back to their settings. It was really odd, and I’m sure not indicative of the amp.

 

[wongahcheng]

I received a 110 from Sweetwater late last week, but sadly it’s already on its way back. I had the fuzz speaker of doom issue that seems to have plagued some of these amps. No matter either gain setting I would constantly get fuzz from the speakers. Not a loose sounding rattle, but a legitimate light fuzz.

Another strange occurrence was the volume when powering on the amp. During its brief time in my hands whenever I would power the amp back on after a short break it would come on loud… walls shaking loud! The knob positions obviously didn’t change, but I would have to readjust the knobs to a comfortable level. Almost as if the settings had to reset themselves after being dialed back to 0 and back to their settings. It was really odd, and I’m sure not indicative of the amp.

Even with the gain knob sets very low? Where do you have the volume knob, and did you turn on the pad as well? As for the strange occurrence, not sure how you usually turn on/off your amps but generally we will turn down the master volume and set it on standby mode right, I have been doing that and everything is fine for me but it could be that you got a lemon, sorry to hear that!

 

[Yogi Bear]

Even with the gain knob sets very low? Where do you have the volume knob, and did you turn on the pad as well? As for the strange occurrence, not sure how you usually turn on/off your amps but generally we will turn down the master volume and set it on standby mode right, I have been doing that and everything is fine for me but it could be that you got a lemon, sorry to hear that!

Gain set low to off… volume knob very low. Practicing at home low with a napping 3 year old in the adjacent room.

I mute when powering off but historically, 30 years of playing, have never turned down the volume all the way when powering down. I do engage a mute whenever I power off. Either from the amp or tuning pedal.

With all that said it has not soured me on the amp. I am still thinking of grabbing another.

With all that said it still has not soured me on the amp. I am still thinking of grabbing another.

 

[iagtrplyr]

Gain set low to off… volume knob very low. Practicing at home low with a napping 3 year old in the adjacent room.

I mute when powering off but historically, 30 years of playing, have never turned down the volume all the way when powering down. I do engage a mute whenever I power off. Either from the amp or tuning pedal.

With all that said it has not soured me on the amp. I am still thinking of grabbing another.

With all that said it still has not soured me on the amp. I am still thinking of grabbing another.

Go for it!

 

[wongahcheng]

Those with the GA-FC footswitch, how does it work? Are we able to only switch the channels, or can we switch/cycle FX1 and FX2 (3 each, as per LED indicator) as well when 'Panel' is selected? Turned out my local distributor also do not have the BT Dual adapter in stock, so I'm contemplating the GA-FC now

 

[bobfarabaugh]

Those with the GA-FC footswitch, how does it work? Are we able to only switch the channels, or can we switch/cycle FX1 and FX2 (3 each, as per LED indicator) as well when 'Panel' is selected? Turned out my local distributor also do not have the BT Dual adapter in stock, so I'm contemplating the GA-FC now

Only had my 210 for a few days so I could be wrong but I haven’t figured out how to cycle between fx sub group/switch’s yet with the foot switch. I am really glad I got the GA-FC though as it is easy to switch between tone settings and whatever effect you have saved on fx1 & fx2, kick comp and drive on and off.
Sweetwater called me and has the Bluetooth thing in now as well. I find it easier to fiddle with different settings through the tone lab and save them than knobs on amp. Hopefully the Bluetooth thing lets me do similar adjustments wirelessly with my phon or iPad.