Perhaps the most legendary (and expensive) guitar pedal of all time, the Klon Centaur was one of the first boutique stompboxes, proving that an overdrive could be more than just a dirt box.
Created by Bostonian Bill Finnegan in 1994, the pedal and its innovative circuit (which uses an IC MAX1044 voltage converter and two germanium diodes) changed how overdrives interact with a player’s rig, and how they are perceived overall.
You can sometimes find the original on sale on eBay or Reverb.com with prices ranging from $1,900 to $3k+! (Gold or Silver versions have the same circuit). No wonder many manufacturers have been trying to recreate that sound at a lower cost!
If you are in the market for a Klon, a faithful recreation of it, or a more versatile pedal inspired by that circuit, this article will guide you through a plethora of options.
If you know what you are looking for, the following Table of Contents is a good place to start, otherwise, read through the article.
The Klon Centaur Overdrive’s History
With an initial price tag of $225 (hefty for 1994), the Klon Centaur provided transparent, glassy tone mojo, while adding pleasing harmonic content to whatever signal chain was lucky enough to go through it.
Its 18v circuit, combined with a circuit optimized to minimize compression, made it extremely dynamic. It could be used as a supplement, or as the focal point of a rig, and many famous players loved it as a clean boost and many others as an “amp-in-a-box.” The point is, that it excelled at everything.
Here’s a demo of the original.
A second-hand original Klon Centaur can sell for a small fortune on Reverb.com.
Within a few years, the pedal gained legendary status because of the maker’s dedication to customer service and hand-wiring every unit that left their shop. Finnegan stopped building the original model in 2009; by then, he had hand-wired 5,400 of them. (You can find a more comprehensive history of the Klon here.)
Circuit geeks interested in knowing more about the Klon circuit and its cloning history must watch this video by The Living Room Demos or this one by JHS.
The Newer Centaur: Klon KTR
Click image for video. Check for price on eBay, Reverb.com and Thomann.
The original Centaur took up a beastly amount of pedalboard space, and the KTR (manufactured by Klon’s inventor Bill Finnegan himself, but contracted out to make it compatible with mass production) features a smaller footprint. A toggle was added to switch between true or buffered bypass. Some say it doesn’t compare to the original, but considering it was built by Finnegan himself, the KTR is the closest to the Centaur a pedal can get, according to its creator, who – by the way – thinks it sounds exactly the same.
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Klon Clones and Evolutions, Organized by Price and Features
Considering the variety of devices inspired by the Klon Centaur, we decided to organize our content in the following categories – click to jump to the one you are interested in:
Best Klon Centaur Clones Above $150
Best Klon Clones Between $99 and $130
Best Klon Centaur Clones Under $99
Best Klon Centaur Evolutions
Klon Pretenders
Klon Clone Kits
Obscure Klons
Clicking/Tapping on the images in the galleries below will open a pedal description and a demo video!
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Best Klon Centaur Clones ($130+)
While an original Klon Centaur can fetch a king’s ransom on the used market, there are a variety of much more affordable options that try to stay true to the original design. This list of Klon-style overdrives comprises several of what are widely considered the best Klon pedal clones. They faithfully recreate the original’s tone, response and 3-knob layout.
Wampler Tumnus
$150 – The first mini-klone ever released is also one of the best-selling ones. It’s a sonically faithful redesign of the original, in miniature shape, by a US builder with boutique credentials and an unmatched reputation for nailing overdrive circuits.
J Rockett Archer Ikon
$199 – Almost identical to the original silver version, this pedal is said to emulate the Gold Klon (probably a myth, since the circuit was identical to the Silver version). offering a slightly warmer and more compressed sound than the silver Archer at lower gain settings. It uses Germanium diodes instead of Silicon. You can hear a comparison video here.
RYRA The Klone
$190 – “An exact, part for part, meticulously crafted replica of the infamous “transparent” overdrive pedal.” The enclosure is much smaller though, and the modern graphics arguably cooler. Refining perfection.
Warm Audio Centavo
A klone by a US company specializing in accurate recreations of various vintage and rare gear that won’t break the bank. It includes a Mod switch on the back panel that recreates the modification asked by Jeff Beck for his original Klon, which extends the bass response.
Interstellar Audio Machines Octonaut Hyperdrive
$275 – a high-end Klon clone that replicates the original’s expressive and transparent tone. The circuit features hand-picked rare germanium diodes, true buffered bypass and a double ganged gain pot. In true Klone fashion, it employs a “natural crossover” circuit to blend the overdrive with the clean signal.
Ceriatone Centura
$215/250 – An authentic, exact, part-for-part Klon replica that is also sold as an unassembled kit (for $25 less). Its reputation among tone connoisseurs is noteworthy, although its size, similar to the original unit, may be a drawback for some.
J Rockett Archer (Silver)
$199 – J. Rockett went to painstaking lengths to design their take on the Centaur, appropriately named the Archer. Initially designed with the same NOS germanium diodes that Finnegan used in the original, the new stock features Silicon ones. Its clarity and responsiveness make it one of the favorite Klon-inspired pedals out there.
Mythos Mjolnir Overdrive MK IV
$199 – A Klone very close to the original, with tweaks only intended to improve consistency and deliver a smoother overdrive sound. Also available is a Germanium Mod that features hand-matched Germanium Clipping diodes, featuring softer clipping that is more compressed with less overall gain.
Decibelics Golden Horse| Support our site, buy it on Reverb |
~$270 – High end, hand-made-to-order and available in many colors, this Klone sports almost the exact same components and values as Klon Centaur #2505 from 2001, but packed in a case that’s around 1/4th the size of the original. Each unit is tested against that pedal before is shipped out. Due to its size, it doesn’t accept batteries, but the builder can provide an external adapter for 9v DC fans.
Rimrock Effects Mythical Overdrive | Support our site, buy it on Reverb |
$150+ – One of the designs that most closely resembles the original Centaur, this unit uses only the highest-quality components.
ARC Effects Klone | Support our site, buy it on Reverb |
$155+ Used – This is the pedal that coined the term “Klone” (as in “clone of the Klon,” get it?). The Arc Effects’ stompbox is a recreation that replicates all components from the original design, at around… 10% of the cost or so!
All-Pedal Alcmene | Support our site, buy it on Reverb |
$149 – Featuring the classic Klon 3-knob layout and Germanium clipping diodes, this is an authentic-sounding, quality pedal offering higher headroom and dynamic response thanks to an integrated charge pump delivering higher internal voltage rails.
PedalMonsters Klone | Support our site, buy it on Reverb |
$149 – This offering is a solid affordable choice, hand-built by a Washington DC, passionate company that presents itself as the “Robin Hood of the pedal world.”
Studio Daydream HMP: KCM-OD | Support our site, buy it on Reverb |
$239+ – Available in Silver the more expensive Gold edition, this is a high-end authentic recreation of the original Klon with the exact same controls, delivering the famous transparent boost to low gain overdrive. The circuit employs a 27V booster circuit utilizing a charge pump IC, while careful selection of parts and design results in extremely low noise.
Bowman Audio Endeavors The Bowman | Support our site, buy it on Reverb.com |
$200 – A faithful, hand-built take on the Klon circuit using quality components hailing from New Jersey.
JHS Klone | Find it used on Reverb.com or eBay|
$350+ used – A discontinued point-for-point rendition which ended up inspiring the 2023 NOTAKLON DIY Kit, the JHS Klon Clone is extremely hard to find and very sought after. They fetch upwards of $600 on the used market. The good news is that JHS offers an EHX Soul Food mod that is widely praised, a lot cheaper, and a little easier to find – but was also recently discontinued.
Handy FX Minotaur | Support our site, buy it on Reverb.com |
$200 – A hand-built Klon that shares the simple 3-knob layout of the original, but allows for more flexibility thanks to two under-the-hood side sliders: one sets the circuit to True or Buffered Bypass, the other one provides a CENT mode tuned after the original and a higher gain and fatter bass mode labeled as MINO.
Daddy Daughter My Little Klony | Support our site, buy it on Reverb.com |
$125/135 – A pedal hand-built by a father-daughter small enterprise that replicates the sound of the Klon using an in-house designed circuit board with NOS D9E clipping diodes matched to the original specs.
Music Box Pedals Klone | Support our site, buy it on Reverb.com |
$189 – A high end Klon clone built in NJ, USA, with top mount jacks using quality components that comes in three different case/knob combinations
Harby Pedals Centauri | Support our site, buy it on Reverb.com |
$169 – A Klon clone embedded in a compact case much smaller than the original. Selling at $169, it’s about 1/30th the price of an original Klon Centaur, using several components as the original and the same 3-knob layout.
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Mid-Priced Klon Clones ($99-$130)
For those who can’t afford hype nor high-end price brackets, but dislike overly affordable products, there’s a middle-of-the-road solution to their Klon cravings. Some of these pedals are affordable because they are built-in assembly chains, while others are sold direct, which allows for a lower price point, but they all offer a tone with a distinct Klon Centaur flavor.
Way Huge Conspiracy Theory
$129 – One of the newest, affordable, three-knob klones from a reliable builder. It keeps things simple, compact, and – what’s important – delivers authentic Klon tones.
MXR Sugar Drive
$120 – One of the few mini-klones available on the market (at least for now), the MXR Sugar Drive simplicity is deceptive. The drive knob in this circuit blends the clean guitar signal with the overdriven one as you turn it up, while the circuit’s headroom in increased through what is referred to as a “Charge Pump.” A switch lets you choose between bypass or MXR’s buffered bypass.
Tone Bakery Creme Brulee | Support our site, buy it on Reverb.com |
$99 – One of the more affordable options on this list, the Crème Brulee isn’t a point-for-point recreation, but it comes damn close and gets great reviews at our Stompbox Exhibits!
IdiotBox Han-Taun Overdrive | Support our site, buy it on Reverb.com |
$129 – An affordable emulation featuring – in the words of the maker – ” a bit more beef and tighter high end.”
Chellee Ponyboy Overdrive V3 | Buy new from the builder – Find deals on Reverb |
$119 – Klon Centaur-based overdrive offering both a buffered clean boost with plenty of chime and a rich transparent overdrive for pushing your edge of breakup tones into singing lead. The voicing switch shifts the frequency range of the Treble control. In V3 a new selection of diodes adds a new tonal dimension to the higher gain settings and a bass control allows for a little extra tone shaping.
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Affordable Klon Clones (Under $99)
If you want to give the Klon Centaur experience a go without getting into a three-digit investment, you have a few very interesting options in this list. This being said, the models in this list offer a tone not as faithful to the original and, in some cases, poorer build.
Electro-Harmonix Soul Food
$78.20 – The Soul Food is the epitome of the “Klone revolution.” Great-sounding, way under $100, and readily available, it is pound-for-pound one of the most popular Centaur-style overdrives. A switchable buffer/true-bypass feature solidifies it as a contender against the others. The overall sound is said to be a little thinner, but it works well stacked with other overdrives.
TC Electronic ZEUS
~$60 – Presented as a dynamic and transparent boost-to-mid-gain overdrive it sports Germanium clipping diodes and stepped-up internal voltage for improved headroom. Just like the original Klon, it blends some of the clean signal back into the overdriven one. A “Fat” switch gives your tone more “oomphs” (if needed).
NUX Horseman
$69 – This mini-pedal offers the handy option to emulate not one but TWO versions of the Centaur Overdrive: Gold mode is the mimic of the classic, transparent Gold Centaur overdrive pedal, and the Silver mode is a powered version with an extended gain range (Silver Centaur).
Joyo Tauren
$54 – Very popular on Amazon, this incredibly affordable three-knob Chinese pedal delivers an acceptable Klon tone and gets remarkable reviews for it from buyers (4.6 stars out of 5).
Mosky Golden Horse
$35 – This is the cheapest Klon clone you can find. Reviews on Amazon highlight a good tone but a questionable build. At around $30 this mini pedal represent a no-brainer way to get acquainted with the Klon Clones family.
Caline Pegasus
$49 – A super-affordable, straightforward “Klone” that gets mixed reviews on Amazon but sells quite well. It gets thumbs up in the in the blues video review.
Tone City Bad Horse
$48 – An under $50 mini overdrive pedal that recreates the tone of a Klon with slightly more spiky, less smooth and warm results.
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Best Klon Centaur Evolutions
Of course, perfection doesn’t exist in the realm of audio engineering, and even a successful circuit like the one of the Klon has been the object of reinterpretation and attempted improvements.
Wampler Tumnus Deluxe
$199.97 – This other Wampler Klon clone is an evolution of the original Tumnus (see “Authentic “Klones” list) in a bigger enclosure, with optional true bypass switch and tonal flexibility through a three-way EQ section. A toggle switch in the middle of the pedal gives you higher gain options for extra flexibility.
Origin Effects Halcyon Gold
$309 | a Klon evolution sporting signature features and expanded voicing. The Adapt switch toggles two modes of a circuit that responds in real-time to the input to deliver more consistency to the resulting overdriven tone and its dynamics. A Dry knob allows control of the clean signal’s level, while a MOD switch gives you a standard voice and another one with a mid hump and a softer, more compressed clipping character.
Bondi Effects Sick As Mk3
$250+ – A popular Klone with a toggle switch that controls the amount of headroom and character of the drive, and an extra Bass knob for added versatility. Both EQ knobs allow 15dB of boost or cut. Mk3 keeps the same tone and look but adds 18v internal voltage for extra headroom, better input protection, optimized power delivery network, reduced noise floor, and quieter true-bypass switching.
J. Rockett Archer Select
$349 – A multi-voice klon clone including the stock circuit of the original Archer plus 6 more voices, 2 based on Archer variations and 4 new ones. The alternate voices can be selected through the Clipping rotary knob and activated via the Clipping footswitch. It features a DI output with cab sim that allows direct connection to PAs or recording rigs.
Walrus Audio Voyager MkII
$249 – A 5-mode Klone with a separate mid boost/cut footswitch featuring a parametric section to select the amount of boost and midrange frequency (250Hz-2kHz). The 5 voices include an authentic Klon mode based on 1N34A Germanium diodes and more dynamic and/or low-end-richer tones, some of which are based on symmetrical and asymmetrical Silicon diodes.
ThorpyFX Peacekeeper
$285 – A Klon-inspired drive by a reputable UK builder that places an active treble and bass EQ after the overdrive and a Mids/presence control before the overdrive. While the latter can change the overall character of the saturation from smooth to crunchy, the former controls allow “around the edges” sculpting of the driven tone without affecting the crucial character of the mids.
J Rockett Rockaway Archer
$249 – A version of the popular Archer with six graphic EQ sliders instead of a tone knob, developed by guitarist Steve Stevens. Each slider controls 18dB of cut or boost at 6 different frequencies.
Decibelics Golden Royale
$522 – A dual version of the company’s popular Golden Horse circuit, with two separate channels that can be used either individually or stacked. It solves the eternal dilemma of using a single Klon/Golden Horse either as a Clean Boost or as an Overdrive.
Mojo Hand FX Sacred Cow
$179 – A Klone with two twists: an ironic one (the legendary Centaur image is replaced by the culinary icon of a cow), and a tonal one, thanks to the added flexibility of the appropriately named “Fatty/Lean” Toggle. The first setting adds a touch of extra girth, very useful for quieter pickups. Like the original, it converts the signal internally to 18v.
Lovepedal Kalamazoo
$250 – Although this is not presented as a Klon clone, this transparent overdrive by a very reputable builder presents uncanny similarities in tone and response. A glass knob controls the treble without affecting the bass frequencies and coexists with a tone knob.
Jackson Audio The Optimist
$379 – A 2-channel overdrive with OD1 based on the Klon (transparent and dynamic with sparkly higher mids) and OD2 perfectly flat across the frequency spectrum. The drives can be played separately or stacked, and each features independent controls for Volume, Tone, and Gain. At the end of the chain, there’s a 3-way EQ switchable by stomping on both footswitches at once. This adds a third layer of tone to this pedal’s sonic arsenal.
Matthews Effects The Architect V3
$190 – An evolution of the Klon that adds flexibility with a three-way clipping toggle and a full 3-band active EQ.
Nordvang Wingman V2 | Support our site, buy it on Reverb.com |
$319 – Nordvang offers three dual-channel overdrives in which at least one side is a Klon-style circuit. The Wingman has two of them, so it’s technically a dual Klone. The three classic knobs (Gain, Tone, Volume) are integrated by a Ratio toggle switch that adjusts the OD’s maximum gain range. Internally a set of dip switches for each side allows you to extend the bass response. V2 introduces a TRS split function to use with pedal looper systems enabled via three internal dip switches.
Fredric Effects King of Klone
~$275 – A UK-built, dual klone that combines two identical, cascaded circuits (charge pump, buffer intact) so that you can use one channel for boost and one for overdrive – or use it however else you prefer.
Foxpedal Kingdom V3 | Support our site, buy it on eBay or Reverb.com |
$229 – A Klone that attempts to enhance the original with higher voltage spread for more headroom, and two switches affecting the signal’s clipping. V3 adds an independent boost circuit and two diode flavor options: Silicon or Mosfet.
Wilson Effects Lusus Naturae | Support our site, buy it on Reverb.com |
$195 – This non-true-bypass Klone features a 6-position rotary clipping switch that opens up a variety of options in the overdrive’s clipping stages, allowing the player to fine-tune the pedal to his or her amp. Like the real thing, it works great as a boost or overdrive in adding pleasing harmonics to an already dirty amp.
Mojo Hand FX Sericon
A tweakable Klon evolution that splits the signal into its two op-amp stages (Gain and Drive controls), featuring different voicings for a variety of harmonic content. The two signals meet again at the third gain stage, aka “Blaze,” which is a low-pass filter that, at higher Gain/Drive settings, tightens the low end when turned counterclockwise, or adds more beef and thick saturation when turned clockwise.
ProAnalog Devices Manticore V2 | Support our site, buy it on ebay or Reverb.com |
$239 – A re-engineered but authentic-sounding version of the now rare original, the Manticore V2 gives the Klon tone a fresh look, introducing an extra gain stage at the input level and a Savage knob that fattens up your guitar signal through a unique low pass filter.
Anasound Savage MkII
$250 – Inspired by the Klon Centaur, this pedal features a mahogany enclosure and several trim pots inside the case to control tone, OD bass, EQ and clipping.
LPD Pedals Embers | Support our site, buy it on Reverb.com |
$225 – A Klon-inspired overdrive with a broader gain range and an extra Bass knob that’s particularly effective in fattening up or thinning down the overdriven tone.
Norvdang No.1 Signature | Support our site, buy it on Reverb.com |
An “as close as we can get” simulation of the Klone, it adds a lo-gain Pre Drive toggle with a mid-frequency bump and asymmetrical soft-clipping that widens the tonal options. A 3-way toggle labeled “Clipping” lets you also select between Germanium diodes, Schottky diodes or no diodes in the overdrive stage for extra dynamic and tonal flavors.
Greenchild K818 | Support our site, buy it on Reverb.com |
$225 – Dual overdrive preamp with a Klon and Tube Screamer circuit in parallel.
Noise Space Audio Klone | Support our site, buy it on Reverb.com |
$219 – A Ukrainian hand-built reinterpretation of the Klon, featuring the original NOS USSR ?9? diodes, but replacing the Electrolytic capacitors in the audio path with high-quality film capacitors and audio-grade electrolytic capacitors. It also adds two toggles for extra tonal options: a 3-way low-frequency one and a 2-way gain one.
DS Custom T.E.O. | Support our site, buy it on Reverb.com |
A tweakable take on the Klon circuit using NOS Soviet diodes. It features a Blend knob, EQ controls for Treble and Bass, and an extra “Mod” voicing, which delivers richer bass frequencies. All visible components can be customized, including case and LED color.
Hagermann Tubeklon| Support our site, buy it on Reverb.com |
A unique variation of the Klon Centaur with a tube in it, harnessing the power of five transistors, two triodes, and no opamps. The resulting tonality faithfully mirrors the original, with a notable exception at high gain, where authentic tube breakup and sag are achieved.
Greenchild Kursk | Support our site, buy it on Reverb.com |
$199 – A variation on the Klone with an improved tone stack (Baxandall Bass and Treble knobs) and active volume boost for extra versatility.
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Klon Pretenders
A couple of manufacturers, ironically and mischievously, used the Klon’s popularity to promote completely different circuits!
Keeley Ox Blood
$199 – Here’s a description coming directly from Robert Keeley in this page’s comment section: “The Oxblood is not a Klone or a mod of one. We designed it on Instagram over a three-day period where you can see our schematic and circuit development. The design’s goal was to use a voltage doubler, a clean blend path, and a different style clipping, while offering much more gain, and more EQ possibilities. I did however want it to be confused as a Klone, so I’ve always marketed it as Not A Klon.”
Pelican Noiseworks Pelitaur
$190 – Perfectly camouflaged as a Klone, this is actually a double fuzz. Don’t miss the manufacturer’s criptic introduction to the pedal, aimed at confusing and then surprising the Klone seeker.
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Best Klone Clone Kits
Follow the link for a full article about the Best Klon Clone Kits. For those guitarists interested in getting more “intimate” with this notorious circuit, there are several Klon Clone kits that are fairly easy to build and are likely to teach you a thing or two about how pedals work. The noteworthy savings will be mitigated by the need of some gear and time investment. More about this in our Beginners’ Guide to Modding and Building Guitar Pedals.
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Obscure Klones
The world of “Kloners” is ripe with more or less successful attempts and experiments by emerging manufacturers. Here’s a list of some of the less popular or discontinued models.
Piedmont Effects Aluminum Falcon
$179 – A faithful, quite affordable reproduction of the classic Klon Centaur circuit with a very similar look as well. It gets good reviews and can still be found in the used market.
Tone Monk Phoenix
A highly sought-after Klone that has been off of the market for quite a while.
Dan Zink Minotaur
A Klon emulation but in a smaller enclosure. 9v DC, buffered output just like the original.
Ham Fist Fancy Lad
Hard to find, but reputable Klone.
Matthews Effects Klone
True to the original except for being true bypass, now discontinued and replaced by the Architect.
Yellowcake Pedals Blackbox
The Blackbox’s unique features are the knobs on the top side of the enclosure.
LoneWolf FX Minotaur
$199 – A pedal inspired by the Klon but with some mods (more about it here).
Soulsonic FX – Illuminated Overdrive (No Video)
$170 Used – Not liking to be considered just a “Klone,” the Illuminated Overdrive includes a nice added features: a 3 way toggle switch lets you select the type of clipping.
Shootout Videos and Other Links
If the pedal demos we linked to in the galleries above weren’t enough to sway you one way or another, there are a series of videos where the various Klon inspired pedals get compared directly through shootouts: we’ve embedded here some of them to better inform your choice.
• 10 Klones Blindfolded Shootout by The Andertones
• Klon Centaur vs KTR vs Aluminum Falcon vs EHX Soul Food
• Arc Klone vs EHX Soul Food vs Mosky Golden Horse vs Wampler Tumnus Deluxe
• KTR vs Rockett Archer vs EHX Soul Food
• Klon Centaur vs a heck of a lot of Klones
Klon Centaur Vs. Tube Screamer
And if you are wondering how different the Klon sounds compared to another legendarily influential pedal, the Ibanez Tube Screamer, you may want to check this video out:
• Klon Centaur vs Tube Screamer.
There are dozens of musicians’ forums about Klones, rather than pasting them all here we’ll just defer to Google… they are pretty good at it! And if you like the sound of the Klon you may want to look also at this list of Dumble Style Overdrives, the second most hyped clone pedals these days.
P.S. Did we forget something or posted incorrect information? Please post a comment and we’ll look into it!
