If you, like countless other guitarists, want that Klon Centaur sound but can't find one for a reasonable price, you need another option. That's why we went ahead and reviewed our picks for the best Klon clone pedals available today.
You've heard a ton of your idols use a Klon Centaur and you want to try one out yourself. You look it up online and find out what they cost (**GASP**). Since most reasonable and rational people (not to mention poor musicians) can't justify dropping a couple thousand bucks on a single guitar pedal, we have to find a better option.
Fortunately, the exclusivity of the Klon's availability has ushered in a whole host of excellent clones. Some sound the same, some very similar, some have even made improvements. Here is a review for the top 8 Klon clone pedals (plus 1 bonus option if you are into DIY stuff).
The Best Klon Clone
If you want to skip the rest of the list and just get straight to our top pick, then this is the section for you.
The Best Sounding Klon Clone Pedal
Our top pick from this list is the NUX Horsemen. Not only is this pedal one of the lower priced ones on this whole list, but you get a clone of the classic gold Klon Centaur AAAAND the gain boosted silver Klon Centaur.
This pedal has an unbelievable sound at an unbelievable price. Pick one of these up and you will not be sorry.
Our Top Picks
Best Budget Pedal
3. NUX Horsemen
Best Mid-Range Pedal
7. J. Rockett Audio Design Archer Ikon Overdrive
Best Premium Pedal
8. Bondi Effects Sick As Overdrive
Bonus Pedal
9. DIY Your Genuine Professional Overdrive Guitar Effect Pedal All Kits US2
Best Klon Clone Review
As you can see, we've split this list into three categories; Best Budget Pedal, Best Mid-Range Pedal, and Best Premium Pedal.
Best Budget Pedal
1. Mosky Golden Horse
Description:
The first pedal on this list has a great sound for a pretty low cost. As an added bonus, it's super compact and will easily fit on any pedal board.
It's easy to control and has three intuitive rotary knobs; treble, output, and gain. The treble control adjusts the brightness of your guitar. Output works, more or less, as a volume control. Gain, obviously, controls the level of gain on your guitar signal.
All in all, for the price, this pedal is a steal.
Features: 2 modes (normal & soft), 3 control knobs (treble, output, gain), true bypass, LED indicating effects or bypass status, metal shell, compact
Dimensions/Weight: 4.92 x 4.33 x 2.48 inches; 6.3 oz
True Bypass? yes
Input: 1 x ¼"
Output: 1 x ¼"
Pros:
- impressive clean boost
- price
Cons:
- controls can be finicky
- small size leaves no room for battery
2. JOYO Tauren R-01
Description:
The JOYO Tauren is the launch pedal for their new R series line. This pedal boasts a great sounding transparent overdrive that gives a pleasing boost to your signal without coloring your tone at all.
You can get full control of your sound by utilizing the three rotary knobs; gain, tone, and volume. Gain controls your level of gain and ranges from a simple boost to distortion. Volume increases the level of your signal. The tone control is pretty cool. When used in conjunction with the boost knob, it can actually give a little more boost and a little coloration, as you see fit.
The circuitry is designed to react dynamically to your playing. For instance, you can use this pedal as an overdrive/distortion pedal. It will sound more like the OD on a head rather than a combo clean channel with an OD pedal.
Features: clean boost, bright LED, true bypass, 3 control knobs (volume, gain, tone)
Dimensions/Weight: 5.91 x 4.17 x 2.44 inches; 11.3 oz
True Bypass? yes
Input: 1 x ¼"
Output: 1 x ¼"
Pros:
- rich sounding drive
- quality construction
Best Mid-Range Pedal
3. NUX Horsemen
Description:
The NUX Horsemen has gained quite a good reputation for it's ability to deliver transparent overdrive at a very reasonable price. You also get the added bonus of essentially having two pedals packed into one single (pretty compact, I must say) unit. For those reasons, this is our top pick for the list.
Gold mode is designed to emulate the classic sound of the classic gold Klon Centaur. When switched into Silver mode you get the more powerful version of the silver Klon Centaur. Basically, you get a larger gain range than with Gold mode. The NUX distinguishes intself, however, by adding in a custom OP-AMP voltage converter.
The higher voltage means more harmonics and really sells this as a superior Klon clone. You can control the volume and treble with their individual knobs. The gain control is where you can really explore your sound.
The gain rotary is a "double potentiometer". It gives you control over both the mids and bass frequencies. You can use this in true bypass mode or switch to buffer bypass if you have a longer pedal chain.
Features: gold and silver modes (2 pedals in 1), 3 control knobs (gain, treble, output), true bypass/buffer bypass, OP-AMP voltage converter.
Dimensions/Weight: 2.56 x 2.6 x 4.61 inches; 9.6 oz
True Bypass? yes
Input: 1 x ¼"
Output: 1 x ¼"
Pros:
- sounds great paired with other pedals
- 2 distinct sounding clones in 1 unit
- small size fits almost any pedal board
Cons:
- some reports that it will cut some lower bass frequencies
4. MXR Sugar Drive
Description:
You can't go wrong with an MXR pedal. Their version of the transparent overdrive, Klon clone is a hit. Inspired by the circuitry of the Klon, the Sugar Drive contains a Drive control and a voltage doubler.
Doubling the voltage essentially increases the headroom. This is what gives your guitar that boost without altering the tone at all. You can then use the drive function to blend your original, clean signal with the overdrive effect. The results sound amazing.
This pedal automatically uses True Bypass but is also able to be used as Buffered Bypass by simply flipping a switch on the side of the pedal. The controls are simple and intuitive; offering you control of the tone, volume, and, as we mentioned already, drive.
Plus, this is a bundle pack that includes a couple patch cables, Dunlop picks, and a 9v adapter.
Features: bundle pack (6 Dunlop picks, 2 patch cables, Dunlop 9v power supply), simple boost all the way into overdrive, blends in clean signal, 3 knob control setup (tone, volume, drive), true bypass/buffer bypass
Dimensions/Weight: 11.14 x 6.61 x 2.91 inches; 15 oz
True Bypass? yes
Input: 1 x ¼"
Output: 1 x ¼"
Pros:
- bundle pack
- sounds better than more expensive pedals
Cons:
- could be a little brighter
5. Electro-Harmonix Soul Food
Description:
The Electro-Harmonix Soul Food pairs perfectly with a vintage tube amp. With just the right setting, you can boost your signal and send your amp into overdrive. Instead of having the sound of pedal based overdrive, you get that sweet, warm tone from your amp.
This pedal is everything you could want in transparent overdrive. Keep the gain turned low and you will get a simple boost in your signal. Crank it up and get a more distorted sound. While you can still get an awesome transparent overdrive effect from this pedal, EHX also markets this as a distortion/Fuzz pedal.
The drive also retains and boosts more of your mid range while the treble gives you control over your tone. Both of these together will really cut through the mix for you.
Features: transparent overdrive, boosted power rails for bigger headroom and definition, responsive, compact design, true bypass/buffered bypass, power supply included
Dimensions/Weight: 8.5 x 3.8 x 4.2 inches; 1 lb
True Bypass? yes
Input: 1 x ¼"
Output: 1 x ¼"
Pros:
- sounds beautiful with a tube amp
- great tone clarity and definition
Cons:
- reports that it will cut some of the low end
6. Wampler Tumnus
Description:
Wampler describes their journey to clone the Klon as painstaking and faithful. Judging from how this thing sounds, it was worth the effort.
The Wampler Tumnus is a smaller version of the Wampler Tumnus Deluxe. But it's light weight and slim design does not hold it back in the least. It was designed to use in combination with other pedals to increase the amount of gain in your signal. You can also use it as a standalone overdrive or to boost just enough to push your amp into overdrive.
The overall design is simple and intuitive. You get a pretty straightforward, three-knob setup. You can control your gain and go from clean boost to super gritty. Your volume controls your level. Treble is what gives you more room at the top end.
Features: works as standalone overdrive or slightly dirty boost for your amp, buffered bypass, 3 control knobs (volume, gain, tone), slim design
Dimensions/Weight: 7 x 4 x 7 inches; 7 oz
True Bypass? yes
Input: 1 x ¼"
Output: 1 x ¼"
Pros:
- very lightweight
- reports that buffered mode can improve tone
Cons:
- not true bypass
Best Premium Pedal
7. J. Rockett Audio Design Archer Ikon Overdrive
Description:
The J. Rockett Audio Designs Archer IKON is a faithful reproduction of the Klon Centaur. With a simple tuning of the gain knob you can get a beautifully boosted clean signal or an incredibly satisfying tube-like distortion.
With a simple 3-knob setup you can get a great sound. Use the output knob to control your volume. Increase your guitar's brightness with the treble knob. Increase or decrease the amount of distortion in your signal through the gain knob.
This pedal sounds great and can be easily tweaked to give you the sound you want. The Archer IKON can help you add life to any amp.
Features: can be used as a clean boost, 3 knob control setup (gain, treble, output), 9v battery or adapter (not included), true bypass/buffered bypass
Dimensions/Weight: 7 x 3 x 5 inches; 15.2 oz
True Bypass? yes
Input: 1 x ¼"
Output: 1 x ¼"
Pros:
- small footprint
- harmonically rich
- settings are easy to tweak
Cons:
- poor battery life
8. Bondi Effects Sick As Overdrive
Description:
The Bondi Effects Sick As Overdrive pedal is the top of the line for transparent overdrive. While it is still technically a Klon clone, it stands on it's own merits. It does everything a Klon can do, plus some.
You have your standard 3 knob setup of Level, Treble, and Gain. But you also get an additional Bass control for more fine tuning options.
When adjusting your gain, this pedal offers a bit more than most in that department, as well. It monitors the blend of gain and clean tone and, as the gain increases, it also increases that ratio. This simple trick keeps your tone pure and unblemished.
There is a toggle switch to help you shape the size of the headroom and sound of your drive. This pedal is a premium priced pedal but rreally does put in the effort to not only emulate a Klon Centaur but to even surpass it's performance.
Features: clan boost or overdrive, dynamic control, natural sound, responsive to your picking and volume control, internal 18v doubler for morre headroom, transparent overdrive or "powerful active tonestack", up to 15dB of boost or cut, soft touch bypass
Dimensions/Weight: 6.73 x 4.37 x 3.39 inches; 15.8 oz
True Bypass? yes
Input: 1 x ¼"
Output: 1 x ¼"
Pros:
- extra bass knob gives you more EQ control
- stacks well with multiple pedals
- has good mid-harmonics
Cons:
- large footprint
9. DIY Your Genuine Professional Overdrive Guitar Effect Pedal
Description: This is the bonus DIY pick. This one is more for the do-it-yourselfers out there. We can't really vouch for how great of a pedal this is since each one will be different depending on who builds it.
It does come as a kit with all the parts, circuitry, and casings you need. It's pretty inexpensive and looks like it could be a fun weekend project. Who knows, you could end up with an awesome sounding pedal.
Features: everything to build your own pedal, 9v battery or 9v jack, fun project, authentic looking replica case
Input: 1 x ¼"
Output: 1 x ¼"
Pros:
- fun project
- a fraction of the cost of an original
- convincing replica
Cons:
- you have to assemble it yourself (could be a pro if you're into that)
- battery rattles around inside
Why Clone A Klon?
Why do you need a Klon clone? Why not just get a Klon and be done with it? It's complicated...
Can You Still Get A Klon Centaur?
If you want an original Klon Centaur you are going to have to find one on ebay, reverb, or some other used music equipment outlet. Just be ready to pay A LOT for it (at least $1500). Bill Finnegan, the creator of the Klon pedals, hand made every single one from 1994 to 2000 and only around 8,000 total were ever produced. So, no.
However...
Why Are They So Expensive?
Like I said, for the most part you can only get them used. However, Bill Finnegan will occasionally decide to make them again. Like the original run, he builds every single pedal by hand so these are always limited in their run.
When he relaunched the Centaur again, it was in 2019. He posted them on ebay with a reserve of $100. The auction ended at a final price of just over $2,000.
So it looks like the price is so high due to a combination of scarcity and, if we're being honest, an overly hyped market.
How To Choose The Right Klon Clone
Most of these clones operate in the same way. They have a three knob setup; gain, tone/treble, and volume/output. To really pinpoint which one you want you will want to read the reviews, listen to the demos, decide which one looks coolest (that's valid), and pick the one in your budget.
What Does It Do?
The Klon Centaur basically takes your guitar audio signal and boosts it. It does this without coloring or changing the tone of your instrument. You would then use that boost to push your amp into overdrive.
What's It Sound Like?
It sounds great! Seriously though, that's the thing with these pedals. It isn't so much that the pedal has a specific sound, it is that the pedal helps you really synthesize the relationship between your guitar, amp, and other effects.
What To Look For
As with any pedal, you will want to look for a few things that may set a pedal apart from the others.
True Bypass or Buffered
What you want in a pedal is when it is not engaged, you do not want it to impact your sound or tone. Prior to any bypass technology being the norm, when you disengaged an effect, your sound would still travel through the effect circuitry and possibly retain artifacts from that effect.
True bypass means that the effect is truly disengaged and it will not make any changes to your sound. Buffered bypass just means that the pedal will still buffer even when disengaged.
The Klon Centaur is a buffered pedal. For more detailed info on the difference between the two, Musicradar has an interesting piece.
Knobs/Controls
Most Klon clones are going to have three control settings; Gain, Treble/Tone, and Volume/Output.
Most often the gain control is going to be what drives the signal forward. Sometimes this will also act as a boost into a distorted state.
The treble/tone will generally give you control over how bright your signal will come across. While the volume/output knob will adjust the level of the signal.
Some pedals will offer a few more options, like the Bondi Sick As pedal above. It offers a bit more control over the EQ of the pedal with a bass knob.
In the end, you want something that is going to sound awesome and is easy to use.
Common Questions
Due to the sporadic production and near mythical status of the Klon Centaur, there are a lot of questions. Here are a few of the more common ones.
What is transparent overdrive?
Transparent overdrive is the hallmark of the Klon and all of it's clones. Essentially, it boosts the volume of the signal without coloring the tone of your sound. You can make some adjustments but the actual effect will not change your tone.
Typically, it is used in an almost pre-amp sort of fashion. It does not add overdrive to your sound BUT the boost in volume can be used to push your amp into overdrive.
Is The Klon KTR still being made?
Not really, but sometimes. As we've mentioned, since Bill Finnegan hand makes his pedals, they are not on any kind of reliable (or even predictable, for that matter) production schedule. So, at the moment, we were not able to find any brand new, but that doesn't mean he won't start making them again in the future.
Buuuuuuut, I would expect that if he is going to spend his time making a pedal, it is going to be the Klon Centaur that will fetch $2k on ebay than the KTR that will go for around $300.
What Artists Use A Klon (or clone)?
The Klon and it's successors have been adopted by a whole slew of notable guitarists. Some of the more prominent names are:
Jeff Beck
Jame Hetfield of Metallica
Kirk Hammett of Metallica
Stone Gossard of Pearl Jam
Mike McCready of Pearl Jam
Warren Haynes of The Allman Bros, Gov't Mule, Phil Lesh and Friends, The Dead, etc
Joe Perry of Aerosmith
Chris Walla of Deathcab For Cutie
Mark Tremonti of Creed & Alter Bridge
Joe Bonamossa
Trey Anastasio of Phish
John Mayer
Keith Urban
Best DIY Klon Clone
The DIY pick for the best Klon clone pedal is DIY Your Genuine Professional Overdrive Guitar Effect Pedal. If you are a hobbyist or a fan of projects, you can build your very own Klon clone for a pretty minimal investment.
Obviously, since you're building the pedal yourself, each pedal will be different. We didn't feel like it was a good choice for a best of list but thought it should be included as a fun option.
Best Budget Klon Clone
The top pick for the best Klon clone on a budget is Mosky Golden Horse. You can get a great boost for your guitar and a clear Overdrive that is audibly pleasing. Better yet, you can sometimes find this pedal for between $30 and $40 (I've heard as low as $20!).
Overall Top choice
Again, our top pick for best Klon clone is the NUX Horsemen. They have managed to pack a ton of options and great sound into a very convincing Klon clone for a very reasonable price. This is a MUST HAVE pedal for anyone wanting to explore the world of transparent overdrive.
Conclusion
There are a ton of options above to get you going with a Klon clone. You are bound to find something that will fit your needs, or you can just build your own. Now, back to the woodshed!
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