The Legend of the Klon Centaur: What Makes it So Special?

Before we delve into the world of clones, it's essential to understand the allure of the original Klon Centaur. Released in the early 1990s, the Klon Centaur quickly gained a cult following among professional guitarists for several key reasons:

• Transparent Overdrive: Unlike many overdrive pedals that drastically alter your guitar's inherent tone, the Klon Centaur is lauded for its transparency. It adds gain and sustain without masking the nuances of your instrument or amplifier. It's often described as making your amp sound like "more of itself," just louder and richer.
• Exceptional Clean Boost: Even with the gain knob turned down, the Klon Centaur excels as a clean boost. It adds volume and punch without significant coloration, perfect for pushing a tube amp into natural overdrive or adding clarity and presence to clean tones.
• Unique Mid-Range Magic: The Klon's signature mid-range is often described as "creamy" and "musical." It's not a harsh or nasal mid-boost, but rather a smooth and articulate enhancement that adds warmth and cut, helping guitars sit perfectly in a mix.
• Dynamic Response: The Klon is incredibly touch-sensitive. It responds beautifully to pick attack and guitar volume adjustments, allowing for a wide range of tones from subtle grit to roaring overdrive, all controlled from your fingertips.
• Buffered Bypass: The Klon features a high-quality buffered bypass, which helps preserve signal integrity, especially in long cable runs or complex pedalboards. This is a crucial feature often overlooked but highly valued by discerning players.

The combination of these factors, along with its limited production and endorsement by renowned guitarists, solidified the Klon Centaur's legendary status and drove its value into the stratosphere. This scarcity and price point naturally created a demand for more accessible alternatives – the Klon clones.

Why Choose a Klon Clone? The Practical Advantages

The primary reason guitarists seek out Klon clones is simple: affordability and accessibility. Original Klon Centaurs, when they surface on the used market, can fetch prices ranging from several thousand to tens of thousands of dollars. For most musicians, this is simply unattainable. Klon clones offer a way to experience that coveted sonic character at a fraction of the cost.

Beyond price, there are other compelling reasons to consider a clone:

• Modern Features and Reliability: Many Klon clones incorporate modern features that were absent in the original, such as true bypass switching (for those who prefer it over buffered bypass), smaller enclosures for pedalboard efficiency, and readily available components for easier maintenance.
• Variations and Enhancements: Some clone builders go beyond simply replicating the original circuit. They may offer subtle tweaks or modifications to address perceived shortcomings or offer additional tonal options, such as different clipping modes or EQ controls.
• Supporting Smaller Builders: Purchasing a Klon clone often supports independent pedal builders and smaller companies, contributing to the vibrant boutique pedal market.

However, it's crucial to understand that not all Klon clones are created equal. The market is flooded with options, ranging from budget-friendly circuits to meticulously crafted, hand-wired replicas. Knowing what to look for is key to finding a clone that truly captures the essence of the Klon sound.

What to Look for in the Best Klon Clone: Key Features and Considerations

When searching for the best Klon clone, consider these crucial factors to ensure you're getting a pedal that delivers on its promise:

1. Circuit Accuracy: The heart of any good clone lies in its circuit. Look for clones that are known to closely replicate the original Klon Centaur circuit. Research online forums, reviews, and builder websites for information on circuit design and component choices. Keywords to look for include terms like "op-amp," "diodes" (often germanium or Schottky), and "charge pump."
2. Component Quality: While not always indicative of tone, high-quality components generally contribute to a more reliable and potentially better-sounding pedal. Look for clones that use quality resistors, capacitors, and potentiometers. Hand-wired construction, while not essential, is often associated with boutique quality and attention to detail.
3. Gain and Tone Characteristics: Listen to demos and read reviews focusing on the clone's gain range, transparency, mid-range response, and overall tonal character. Does it capture the smooth, transparent overdrive and the unique mid-range of the original Klon? Does it clean up well with your guitar's volume knob?
4. Build Quality and Reliability: Consider the pedal's build quality. Is it housed in a sturdy enclosure? Are the jacks and footswitch robust? A well-built pedal will withstand the rigors of gigging and last for years.
5. Bypass Type (Buffered vs. True Bypass): The original Klon Centaur is buffered bypass. Some clones offer buffered bypass, while others offer true bypass. Consider your preference and pedalboard setup. Buffered bypass can be beneficial in long signal chains, while true bypass is favored by some for its perceived "purity" when the pedal is off. Some clones even offer switchable bypass options.
6. Price and Value: Klon clones range in price from budget-friendly to boutique-level. Determine your budget and consider the features and quality you're getting for the price. Sometimes, spending a bit more can result in a significantly better-sounding and more reliable pedal.

Top Contenders: The Best Klon Clones Available Today

Based on circuit accuracy, tone, build quality, and overall value, here are some of the best Klon clones currently available on the market. This list encompasses a range of price points and features to cater to different needs and preferences:

1. Wampler Tumnus Deluxe

Key Features: Highly regarded for its accurate Klon-style tone, versatile gain range, active 3-band EQ (Bass, Mids, Treble), buffered bypass, and top-mounted jacks. The "Deluxe" version offers expanded EQ control compared to the standard Tumnus.

Pros: Exceptional Klon-esque tone, very versatile EQ for shaping the sound, excellent build quality, buffered bypass, popular and well-reviewed.

Cons: Higher price point compared to some clones, some purists may prefer less EQ control for a more "pure" Klon experience.

Why it's a "Best" Clone: The Wampler Tumnus Deluxe consistently ranks as one of the top Klon clones for its sonic accuracy, added versatility with the EQ, and professional-grade build. It's a premium option that delivers exceptional Klon-inspired tones.

Source: Wampler Pedals Official Website, Premier Guitar Review (Placeholder)

2. JHS Pedals The Klone V2

Key Features: Another highly respected clone known for its accurate recreation of the Klon circuit, buffered bypass, and a straightforward three-knob layout (Gain, Treble, Output). The V2 version features improved components and build quality.

Pros: Faithful Klon tone, excellent dynamics and responsiveness, high-quality components, buffered bypass, well-regarded brand.

Cons: Can be pricier than some other clones, limited tonal shaping options compared to clones with more controls.

Why it's a "Best" Clone: JHS Pedals The Klone V2 is a benchmark Klon clone, widely praised for its authentic Klon sound and build quality. It's a reliable and excellent choice for players seeking a classic Klon experience.

Source: JHS Pedals Official Website, Reverb.com Reviews (Placeholder)

3. Electro-Harmonix Soul Food

Key Features: A budget-friendly option that offers a surprisingly good Klon-style tone for the price. Features buffered bypass and a switchable bypass mode (buffered or true bypass). Available at a significantly lower price point than boutique clones.

Pros: Extremely affordable, decent Klon-esque tone for the price, switchable bypass modes, readily available.

Cons: May not be as sonically refined or dynamically responsive as higher-end clones, build quality is basic, some users find the buffered bypass to be always engaged even when switched to "true bypass" mode (depending on version).

Why it's a "Best" Clone (for Budget): The Electro-Harmonix Soul Food is the go-to recommendation for guitarists on a budget who want to explore the Klon sound. It provides a respectable approximation of the Klon tone at an incredibly accessible price, making it a fantastic entry point into the world of Klon clones.

Source: Electro-Harmonix Official Website, Guitar World Review (Placeholder)

4. MXR Sugar Drive

Key Features: Compact and affordable Klon-style overdrive from a reputable brand. Features buffered bypass and a simple three-knob layout. Known for its smooth overdrive and boost capabilities.

Pros: Compact size, affordable price, good Klon-inspired tone, buffered bypass, from a trusted brand (MXR/Dunlop).

Cons: May lack some of the nuance and detail of higher-end clones, build quality is standard MXR (reliable but not boutique level).

Why it's a "Best" Clone (for Compact Boards): The MXR Sugar Drive is an excellent option for players who need a Klon-style overdrive in a pedalboard-friendly format. It delivers solid Klon-esque tones in a compact and affordable package, making it ideal for smaller boards or players who prioritize space.

Source: MXR Official Website, Sweetwater Customer Reviews (Placeholder)

5. Ceriatone Centura

Key Features: A highly accurate and meticulously crafted Klon clone from Ceriatone, known for their amp clones. Often considered one of the closest clones to the original Klon circuit. Offers buffered bypass and high-quality components.

Pros: Exceptional sonic accuracy to the original Klon Centaur, premium components, excellent build quality, buffered bypass.

Cons: Higher price point, may have longer lead times due to being built to order, less readily available than mass-produced clones.

Why it's a "Best" Clone (for Accuracy Seekers): The Ceriatone Centura is often cited as the most sonically accurate Klon clone available, especially for those seeking the closest possible recreation of the original circuit and tone. It's a premium option for players who prioritize absolute accuracy above all else.

Source: Ceriatone Amplification Official Website, The Gear Page Forum Discussions (Placeholder)

Note: This is not an exhaustive list, and many other excellent Klon clones exist. Research and listen to demos of various clones to find the one that best suits your ears and budget. Consider also brands like Mosky, Caline, and others that offer more budget-oriented Klon-style pedals.

Choosing the Right Klon Clone for You: A Practical Guide

Selecting the best Klon clone ultimately depends on your individual needs, budget, and tonal preferences. Here's a practical guide to help you make the right decision:

• Budget: Start by determining your budget. If you're on a tight budget, the Electro-Harmonix Soul Food or MXR Sugar Drive are excellent starting points. For those with more to invest, the Wampler Tumnus Deluxe, JHS The Klone V2, or Ceriatone Centura offer premium Klon experiences.
• Tonal Goals: What are you hoping to achieve with a Klon clone? Are you primarily seeking a transparent overdrive, a clean boost, or that unique Klon mid-range? Listen to demos focusing on these aspects for each clone.
• Pedalboard Space: Consider the size of your pedalboard. The MXR Sugar Drive is a great option for compact boards, while larger pedals like the Wampler Tumnus Deluxe might be better suited for larger setups.
• Features: Do you need extra EQ control, switchable bypass modes, or other features? The Wampler Tumnus Deluxe offers a versatile EQ, while the EHX Soul Food has switchable bypass.
• Brand Reputation and Support: Consider the reputation of the pedal builder and their customer support. Established brands like Wampler, JHS, MXR, and Electro-Harmonix offer reliable products and support.
• Trial and Error (If Possible): Ideally, try out a few different Klon clones if possible. Visit a local guitar store or utilize online retailers with return policies to experiment and find the clone that resonates with you the most.

FAQ: Common Questions About Klon Clones