Klon Centaurs

[Skarekrough]

So, these have been intriguing to me lately.

I first remember hearing about Warren Haynes from Gov't Mule using one, kind of assumed it was some sort of vintage peice that just doesn't come up all that often.

I did some research and it turns out that they're in production! They're actually being made currently yet, they're going for close to 6 bills used on eBay!

The website says that you can order them, but it will require a conversation with the builder first so he can get an idea of what sort of wound you're going for with it. And in the pics the board is shown as being covered in a goo to obscure the materials being used.

....can anyone say "Dumble?"

So seriously....what's the hub-bub?

 

[Luke Duke]

Re: Klon Centaurs

So, these have been intriguing to me lately.

I first remember hearing about Warren Haynes from Gov't Mule using one, kind of assumed it was some sort of vintage peice that just doesn't come up all that often.

I did some research and it turns out that they're in production! They're actually being made currently yet, they're going for close to 6 bills used on eBay!

The website says that you can order them, but it will require a conversation with the builder first so he can get an idea of what sort of wound you're going for with it. And in the pics the board is shown as being covered in a goo to obscure the materials being used.

....can anyone say "Dumble?"

So seriously....what's the hub-bub?

I have used 2.

One was an OLD Silver one, the other was one like Jonesy's.

In my mind they are kind of similiar to a pup booster, or full boost meets a treble booster with more flexibility. You can control the Gain, Level, and Treble. That way if you want to add actual grit you can, or if you want a clean boost you can. The treble was useful so you can keep the mud, or ice picks in check.

It's a great box, the thing is that if I had the money, I would have bought one. I'd still like to get one as a matter of fact.

Luke

 

[Gearjoneser]

Re: Klon Centaurs

It's considered numero uno, and basically the benchmark of clean boost overdrives. The owner, Bill Finnegan only makes this one pedal, and the design basically hit the nail on the head. It has dual stacked gain and volume pots, so different parts of the circuit are utilized at the same time, creating a nice bouncy tube feel under the fingers. It's a very transparent OD, but also enriches your tone, much like a tube mic pre enriches a microphone. It's got a smooth tone.....not toothy or ratty at all, similar to just walking over to your amp and turning up the gain and volume. Cheaper pedals claim to do the same thing, but they always have a slightly thin, bright, 'battery tone.' The Klon is rich, full, and has a tube feel to it. It doesn't really have much of it's own character, since it's just making the amp sound better, gainier, and louder.

Luckily, I scored a mint gold/logo'd version several years ago for $240. I sold off most other OD's, because the Klon became my favorite. It's one piece of gear I don't think I'll ever sell.......it's my magic box. One thing I haven't done yet is use it as a recording preamp. I need to try it one of these days, in between a guitar, bass, or keyboard, and the mixing board.

 

[Luke Duke]

Re: Klon Centaurs

Jonesy's description is better than mine. It's not grit as in overdrive, it's harmonics and thickness.

Luke

 

[Lewguitar]

Re: Klon Centaurs

Here's some good reading and reviews of the Klon Centaur...they're all worth a read: http://www.klon-siberia.com/mag_reviews.html

http://www.maxonfx.com/news/lt_od820klon_2004.php

Lew

 

[Skarekrough]

Re: Klon Centaurs

Luckily, I scored a mint gold/logo'd version several years ago for $240. I sold off most other OD's, because the Klon became my favorite. It's one piece of gear I don't think I'll ever sell.......it's my magic box. One thing I haven't done yet is use it as a recording preamp. I need to try it one of these days, in between a guitar, bass, or keyboard, and the mixing board.

So...the inevitable question is how much do one of these things go for, how long is a wait for them typically and how different can two units be since they seem to be geared more towards the player they're made for.

Thanks for all the info from everyone...

 

[Shnook]

Re: Klon Centaurs

If you buy one new from the maker, I believe they are under $400. I don't think the wait on one is too ridiculously long either. I don't know why more people just don't go that route instead of paying $800+ on eBay.

 

[Lewguitar]

Re: Klon Centaurs

$279 from the maker. http://www.klon-siberia.com/overview.html and always a wait and backordered!

 

[the guy who invented fire]

Re: Klon Centaurs

FWIW, the Klons are NOT $279 anymore...

 

[Curly]

Re: Klon Centaurs

try this link:
http://www.tpngear.com/klon.htm