“This is an upgrade in every sense”: Boss Katana-Mini X guitar amplifier review
Guitar World Verdict
If you want great tones and a solid range of effects in a small package without any reliance on apps and firmware updates, this is the mini amp to buy right now. You’ll be surprised just how loud it can get too.
Pros
- +
Excellent range of expanded amp sounds and effects
- +
Easy-to-use front panel controls
- +
Good value for money
Cons
- –
Non adjustable delay
- –
No USB recording
- –
No mains power option
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What is it
Calling Boss’s Katana range of modeling amps a success is undercooking it somewhat: it’s made the Japanese company become one of the biggest amp manufacturers in the world. But it also presented a problem.
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| Test | Results | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Build quality | Solid, dependable and designed for ease of use | ★★★★★ |
| Usability | Everything is at your fingertips here – with a couple of small downsides | ★★★★1/2 |
| Sounds | The Boss Katana recipe is a compelling one indeed | ★★★★1/2 |
| Overall | One of the very best desktop amps right now, especially if apps aren’t your thing | ★★★★1/2 |
$1189/£179
The Katana-Mini’s closest rechargeable 10-watt rival in terms of value is a different proposition in form and functionality. There are no onboard EQ controls or effects selection on the hardware; you choose your amps and signal chain the Spark App and save as one of four presets. The selection of models is impressive and the app has jamming and learning features too.
Read our review
$439/£348
Yamaha was early in realising the demand for small practice amps that could also look stylish in your home. This rechargeable 20-watt combo is part of the second generation range with 15 guitar amps, 3 bass amps, 3 mic models for acoustic-electric guitars, and a flat response mode. There are eight effects too, and it’s looking pricey now next to the competition but offers undeniable quality.
Read our review
$199/£219
No Bluetooth or battery power here and some controls need Fender’s app, but you do get a 1.8″ colour screen, 40-watts output and the strength of Fender’s modelling of its own classic amps alongside a strong selection of effects.
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Rob is the Reviews Editor for GuitarWorld.com and MusicRadar guitars, so spends most of his waking hours (and beyond) thinking about and trying the latest gear, while making sure our reviews team is giving you thorough and honest tests of it. He’s worked for guitar mags and sites as a writer and editor for nearly 20 years but still winces at the thought of restringing anything with a Floyd Rose.
