Would a Boss Katana-50 MkII amp be the right amp for recreating Robert Fripp like tones?

[IMMusicRulz]

Me being encyclopaedic about the knowledge of progressive rock, and with Robert Fripp in particular, I was wondering how to create those distorted, gooey tones that Greg Lake and Robert Fripp created on In The Court Of The Crimson King. I knew that Greg Lake used a wahwah pedal and a Hiwatt column of amps for his distorted, dirty Jazz Bass tones, and I knew about Robert Fripp using Hiwatts for his black beauty Les Paul, as well as a cherry red Gibson ES 345 and on the sessions for Larks Tongues In Aspic, a Fender Stratocaster that was given to him by John Wetton. By the time that King Crimson reformed in 1981, Robert Fripp had switched to using a Roland JC-120 amp, which he also used on some of his collaborative albums with Andy Summers.

So I think I found an amp that will come close to recreating that tone. Whether it be the growling bass of 21st Century Schizoid Man or ELP's The Barbarian, or the guitar leads of Larks Tongues In Aspic, I think the Boss Katana-50 MkII will come close to those tones. With 50 watts of power and a custom 12-inch speaker, the Katana-50 delivers a commanding range of gig-worthy tones that gracefully slice through any band scenario. The amp also excels for home playing, with a uniquely efficient design and innovative Power Control that provides inspiring sound and response at low volumes. In addition, the Katana-50 includes integrated access to a huge range of BOSS effects, which are customizable using the free BOSS Tone Studio editor software. And with the amp’s powerful Tone Setting memories, you can store your favorite amp channel setups and effects combinations for instant recall.

Katana Version 4: Three New Effects Types and Dedicated Pedal FX

The Katana Version 4 update brings original Katana-50 owners some new effect features derived from the next-generation Katana MkII series. Heavy Octave, Stereo Delay, and Pan Delay effects have been added, along with a dedicated Pedal FX section that makes it easier to set up foot-controlled wah and pedal bend.

The Katana Version 4 update is available in the Downloads section.

Here's how I can best create that Fripp-like tone: Using the Katana's "clean" amp type and selecting the 60s Fuzz from the Boss Tone Control software for the Booster section. Set the Direct Mix control on the Tone Central software to about 40-50 to emulate the clean/fuzz blend of a Hiwatt amp or a Vox Conquerer or Vox AC30 amp. This would also be good for recreating George Harrison's solo tone on The Beatles' Hey Bulldog.

I am also wanting to download the software needed for this amp tone, but I am afraid that it might cause viruses that might harm my PC. So I'll be very careful about that. However, this amp costs about $269, so I think I might be able to afford it. Hopefully they won't discontinue it, because it would make a great Christmas present.

So if you guys think a Boss Katana 50-MkII amp would be great for recreating Robert Fripp's tone, please let me know. You guys clearly know more about amps than I do...

 

[NoTeleBob]

You can buy a used Kantana 50 MK II for shorter money. There are a lot of them in the secondary channel on any particular day. Also 100's for not much more. The 100 has more flexibility with an effects loop and the ability to use the extended foot switch.

Also, you should be comfortable with using a laptop or IPad hooked up by a USB cable if you plan to do what you suggest. The real power in those amps is by using the Boss Tone Studio.

It's been a while, but I think there is already a JC120 model in the "sneaky amps" that you can easily install. Then you'd just need to fool with the EQ and any other effects you need.

 

[NeverTooLate]

The Katana was on sale for 229 or so for quite a while till Dec 31.

You need to go to Guitar Center or Sam Ash and try one on the spot. Or buy from either and return if you don't like it/does not work for you. You could also try the Blackstar ID Core 20, which is stereo and has lots of modelling options. Then there is the Fender Mustang GTX. And the Boss Pocket GT is also an option.

I have the Pocket GT and I love its 5150 amp sim and I am getting used to its Mesa Boogie sim. The Marshall simulation, otoh, I cannot get anywhere close to where it sounds "right." Of course, a Boss product should do JC 120 well. I like it but then again, it is just a clean channel, good for scales, LOL.

In short, you need to go and try the amp(s).

 

[old_picker]

Maybe look at a decent fx unit and use existing amp. Plug it into your hifi system for best results. I use a boss gt100 and there is miles and miles there I'll never get to use. Any quality fx unit will do the fripp sound. Getting accurate tones from a modelling amp may be a bridge too far?

 

[stratoman1]

I had a 50 watt MKII for about 2 hours before I took it back

I was hoping for some good, usable tones with next to no fuss. It wasn't meant to be

Cleans were pretty good but I'm not the guy who wants to hook up to computer and download, tweak, save, patch, download more crap, rinse and repeat.

It sounds like you're more suited for that though. I say give it a shot

 

[MuddyWolf]

Is katana a tube amp?

 

[tigertail]

Seems to me a good vintage-voiced Big Muff (Ram's Head) is key - make sure the amp or modeler has one.