I bought a Boss katana 100 and I really like it, however when changing patches when I just wanted to have a good jam session I found it a hassle having to stop and change channels. I decided to buy a valeton GP 200 and I love it, when I want to mix tones and effects I don’t have to stop playing everything is just a toe tap away. I am practicing more now because of the valeton and my chord changes are getting better and quicker,I still need to correct my finger placement from time to time but I’m getting there.
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There’s a foot switch available for the Katana 100 that would let you change among the available presets / channels. But it’s additional $s, not a standard accessory with the amp. The GP 200 looks like a more broad range, performance-oriented tool. Glad you’re happy with it.
Edit: for clarity, this foot switch is not compatible with a Katana 50 but works with a long list of other Roland / Boss products.
That’s why I went with the katana 3rd generation 100,it gives you more options. I had thought of buying the 50 but decided to go with the 100 and I am glad I did. Because of that I feel I’m getting better and my neighbors tend to agree, they like to hear me having a jam session even if it’s something I’m making up as I go along.
If you mean a jam session with other folks, I haven’t done one of those in probably more than 25 years (I just lack a collection of musical acquaintances). For what I do in my home studio the 50 seems quite sufficient. A foot switch to change patches while playing would have some entertainment value, but I’ve still got my old Digitech pedal if I actually had a need for that.
Hey David!
I have the Katana 50 Mk II. My “gear advisor” tells me that the Xsonic Airstep Kat is compatible with the Mk I or Mk II 50 models & that it’s better than the Boss footswitch. At about $100, I haven’t pulled the trigger on one yet, but it’s still good to know that there’s a viable option out there!
Tod
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Thanks, I hadn’t run into that one. Their website currently shows it on sale for about $70, vs the usual about $130, so that’s a great discount. Looks pretty powerful. Something to keep in mind or put on my wishlist. I’ve played a bit with the Katana Librarian app their page mentions and it’s really capable but I also like the Boss Tone Studio, which benefits from the richer UI of a big screen, etc., etc. Right now I’m more focused on using my limited music time to get my new MIDI controller better configured but I appreciate the reference for this option.
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I hadn’t seen the Airstep before. I have seen their ULooper, though. Since they both use the USB port, I’m guessing they probably can’t be used together unless one or the other has a USB port that the other can plug into.
I sort of wish I had held out to get the Katana 100 instead of the 50, but at least I know there are some options. Though for the price of both, I could probably just upgrade to the 100… 
When I want to do some looping now, I generally just set the amp to a clean channel and use my pedal board. Would be nice to also add some of the effects built into the amp, though.
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The valeton GP 200 has a looper integrated