The Klon Centaur is legendary in the world of guitar gear, known for its transparent overdrive and exceptional tonal qualities. However, its scarcity and high price tag on the used market have led to the development of numerous Klon Centaur clones. These pedals aim to capture the essence of the Klon’s iconic tones while remaining more accessible to guitarists. In this article, we’ll explore ten of the best Klon Centaur clones that deliver impressive performance and value.
1. Electro-Harmonix Soul Food: Budget Brilliance
The Electro-Harmonix Soul Food has gained widespread acclaim for its ability to replicate Klon-like tones at a budget-friendly price point. It offers transparent overdrive and touch sensitivity, making it a top choice for those seeking Klon-inspired tones without breaking the bank.
2. JHS Morning Glory: Versatile Elegance
The JHS Morning Glory is celebrated for its transparent overdrive and versatility. It captures the Klon Centaur’s touch sensitivity and offers a wide range of overdrive tones. The pedal’s “Gain” control allows players to explore various gain levels, making it a flexible option for tone-shaping.
3. Wampler Tumnus: Compact and Captivating
The Wampler Tumnus is a compact Klon-inspired overdrive known for its smooth and transparent character. It mirrors the Klon’s touch sensitivity and harmonic richness while occupying minimal pedalboard real estate.
4. Rockett Archer: True to the Legend
The Rockett Archer is a faithful Klon Centaur clone that closely replicates the original’s circuitry and tonal characteristics. It offers transparent overdrive and touch sensitivity reminiscent of the Klon Centaur, making it an excellent choice for purists.
5. J. Rockett Audio Designs Tour Series Archer Ikon: A Klon Clone with Style
The Archer Ikon by J. Rockett Audio Designs is another Klon Centaur clone that faithfully captures the original’s tonal qualities. It provides transparent overdrive and harmonic richness and boasts an appealing aesthetic.
6. Mythos Mjolnir: The Viking Overdrive
The Mythos Mjolnir is inspired by the Klon Centaur and offers a transparent overdrive with a touch of midrange boost. It retains the Klon’s character while adding a unique flavor to your tone.
7. Anasounds Ages: French Elegance
The Anasounds Ages is a Klon-inspired overdrive pedal with a unique French twist. It offers transparent overdrive and a beautiful wooden enclosure, combining elegance with exceptional tone.
8. MXR Sugar Drive: Classic Meets Modern
The MXR Sugar Drive is designed in collaboration with the original Klon Centaur creator, Bill Finnegan. It captures the essence of the Klon while adding modern features like true bypass and a smaller footprint.
9. Wampler Belle: A Dual Overdrive Approach
The Wampler Belle offers a unique take on Klon-inspired tones by combining two overdrive circuits. It allows players to blend transparent overdrive with a more traditional overdrive, providing a wide range of tonal possibilities.
10. Pedalmonsters Klone V2: Simplified Excellence
The Pedalmonsters Klone V2 is a straightforward and affordable Klon Centaur clone. It delivers transparent overdrive and touch sensitivity in a user-friendly package.
Conclusion
These ten Klon Centaur clones offer a range of options for guitarists seeking to capture the legendary tones of the original Klon pedal. Whether you prioritize budget-friendliness, versatility, authenticity, or unique twists on the Klon sound, there’s likely a clone on this list that suits your preferences. These pedals not only provide access to the iconic Klon Centaur tones but also offer modern features and conveniences, making them valuable additions to any pedalboard.
