The Klon Centaur, designed by Bill Finnegan, is one of the most iconic and sought-after overdrive pedals in the world of guitar effects. Known for its transparent and harmonically rich tone, the Klon has been used by countless guitarists to shape their sound. However, due to its rarity and high price tag, many guitarists turn to Klon clone kits to capture that legendary tone without breaking the bank. In this article, we will explore the five best Klon clone kits that allow you to build your own Klon-inspired overdrive pedal and embark on a sonic journey that rivals the original.
- PedalPCB Klon KTR Clone Kit
The PedalPCB Klon KTR Clone Kit is a highly regarded DIY option for those seeking the Klon Centaur’s iconic tone. This kit faithfully replicates the Klon KTR, which is considered by many to be one of the closest sonic matches to the original Klon Centaur. With meticulous attention to detail, PedalPCB provides all the necessary components and a well-designed PCB to make the build process smooth.
One of the standout features of this kit is its comprehensive documentation and support, making it beginner-friendly. Guitarists who assemble this Klon clone will appreciate its warm and transparent overdrive, ideal for adding warmth and character to their guitar tone.
- BYOC Silver Pony Klon Clone Kit
The Build Your Own Clone (BYOC) Silver Pony Klon Clone Kit is a popular choice among DIY enthusiasts. It is designed to capture the essence of the Klon Centaur’s tone while allowing for some customization. This kit comes with a variety of component options, including diodes, capacitors, and transistors, allowing builders to tailor the pedal’s sound to their preferences.
The Silver Pony delivers the classic Klon-like overdrive with a smooth and harmonically rich character. It is a versatile pedal that can be used as a clean boost or to add a touch of grit to your guitar signal.
- Aion Electronics Halo Klon Clone Kit
The Aion Electronics Halo Klon Clone Kit is another excellent option for those looking to build a Klon-inspired pedal. Aion Electronics is known for its high-quality PCBs and components, ensuring a reliable and great-sounding build.
The Halo captures the Klon’s transparent overdrive and offers a clean boost option. It includes an internal charge pump, allowing it to be powered by a standard 9V adapter while maintaining headroom. The kit also comes with detailed instructions and support, making it accessible for both novice and experienced builders.
- Ceriatone Centura Klon Clone Kit
Ceriatone is renowned for producing high-quality amplifier and pedal kits, and their Centura Klon Clone Kit lives up to that reputation. The Centura is a faithful reproduction of the Klon Centaur, and Ceriatone provides all the components, including the legendary NOS diodes, required for an authentic build.
What sets the Centura apart is its meticulous attention to detail, both in the design and component selection. It accurately replicates the original Klon’s tonal characteristics, delivering that elusive transparent overdrive that so many guitarists crave.
- Madbeanpedals Afterlife Klon Clone Kit
The Madbeanpedals Afterlife Klon Clone Kit offers an affordable and customizable way to capture the Klon’s distinctive tone. Madbeanpedals provides a PCB, high-quality components, and the flexibility to experiment with different op-amp and diode options to fine-tune your pedal’s sound.
This kit is ideal for those who want to delve into the world of Klon clones and tweak the pedal’s character to their liking. The Afterlife delivers a rich and harmonically complex overdrive that will satisfy even the most discerning ears.
Conclusion
Capturing the legendary tone of the Klon Centaur is a dream for many guitarists, and Klon clone kits offer an accessible way to achieve that goal. The PedalPCB Klon KTR Clone Kit, BYOC Silver Pony Klon Clone Kit, Aion Electronics Halo Klon Clone Kit, Ceriatone Centura Klon Clone Kit, and Madbeanpedals Afterlife Klon Clone Kit are five outstanding options, each with its unique features and customization possibilities.
When choosing a Klon clone kit, consider your DIY experience level and how closely you want to replicate the Klon Centaur’s sound. With the right kit, some patience, and a bit of soldering skill, you can embark on a rewarding journey to build your own Klon-inspired overdrive pedal and unlock the captivating tones that have made the Klon a legendary piece of gear in the world of guitar effects.
