Klon Centaur Gold Horsie

$3,821.29 Price Tier: High-end

4.5 (7)

2 Reviews

This product is Vintage or Discontinued

Find out who is using Klon Centaur Horsie

19 wishlisted

42 saved

Page last updated Jul 04, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated July 4, 2026.

Store

Reviews

Price

4.0 (35)

$3,821.29 24 available Used

View Deal

Average Price: $3,821

High-end/Boutique

$50

$176+

Price Tier

In the Overdrive Effects Pedals category, Klon Centaur Gold Horsie is priced in the High-end/Boutique range. This premium gear is built to very high standards and offers premium features.

Budget

Standard

High-end

^* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

Edit description

Step into the realm of legendary tone with the Klon Centaur Gold Horsie. Revered by guitarists and collectors alike, this pedal has etched its name in the annals of overdrive history since its inception in the mid-'90s. Renowned for its transparent overdrive circuit, the Klon Centaur delivers a pristine boost that enhances your guitar's natural sound without overshadowing it. This pedal has found a home on the pedalboards of iconic musicians like John Mayer and Joe Perry, who seek its harmonious blend of clarity and warmth.

What sets the Gold Horsie apart is not just its coveted gold casing or the distinctive Centaur logo but the rarity and mystique that come with it. While the circuits remain consistent across different Klon models, the "Horsie" editions are particularly prized by aficionados for their scarcity and unique aesthetic. Whether you're seeking that perfect clean boost or a touch of saturated overdrive, the Klon Centaur Gold Horsie stands ready to elevate your sound to new heights.

Join a community of tone purists and collectors who have fallen under the spell of the Klon Centaur. Whether you're performing on stage or recording in the studio, this pedal promises to be more than just a tool—it's an essential part of your sonic identity.

Key Features:

Authentic transparent overdrive circuit
Rare "Horsie" edition with distinctive Centaur logo
Durable gold casing for a classic aesthetic
Revered by professional musicians and collectors alike
Seamlessly enhances natural guitar tone without overpowering

Product specs

Brand	Klon
Model	Centaur Professional Overdrive (Horsie)
Finish	Gold, Silver
Year	1994 - 2008
Made In	United States
Categories	Distortion Pedals, Overdrive and Boost Pedals
Pedal Format	Standard

FAQs

What makes the Klon Centaur Gold Horsie unique compared to other overdrive pedals?: The Klon Centaur Gold Horsie is renowned for its transparent overdrive, using low-gain germanium diodes for a distinctive tone that enhances your guitar's natural sound without overpowering it.
Is there a tonal difference between the gold and silver versions of the Klon Centaur?: There is no significant tonal difference between the gold and silver Klon Centaur versions; both use the same circuit and components, with any variations attributed to component tolerances.
Can the Klon Centaur Gold Horsie be used as a clean boost?: Yes, the Klon Centaur Gold Horsie can be used as a clean boost by keeping the gain low and adjusting the output level to enhance your signal without adding overdrive.
Does the Klon Centaur Gold Horsie work well with both single-coil and humbucker pickups?: The Klon Centaur Gold Horsie is versatile and complements both single-coil and humbucker pickups, providing a rich, dynamic response regardless of pickup type.
What power supply does the Klon Centaur Gold Horsie require?: The Klon Centaur Gold Horsie requires a standard 9V DC power supply, commonly used with guitar pedals, or it can be powered by a 9V battery for convenience.

Videos

Add video

Curtis Kent

KTR Klon vs. Silver Klon vs. Gold Klon

Curtis Kent

Gold Klon Centaur Horsie

shnobel

Klon Centaur Horsie vs Gold Klon Centaur

shnobel

1961 Fender Strat & Klon Centaur Gold Horsie 1994 Demo Eddie Vegas www.eddievegas.com

eddievegas1

Reviews

Add review

PROS

Exceptional tone quality that surpasses many other overdrive pedals
Provides a unique, dynamic response and touch sensitivity
Highly effective as a clean boost, enhancing overall sound
Aesthetic appeal with a distinct steampunk art deco design
Collectible value, with many considering it a legendary pedal
Enhances single coil pickups significantly, making them "sing"
Voltage doubling offers a unique signal boost experience
Impressive return on investment with appreciating resale value

CONS

Extremely high price, often considered overvalued for the sound quality
Sound quality can be matched or surpassed by cheaper alternatives
Lack of consistent sound quality across different units
Limited EQ options, lacking versatility in tone shaping
Some users find it unimpressive compared to other available options

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Klon Centaur Gold Horsie.

Features and functionality

0 0

The Klon Centaur's circuit includes a shelving tone circuit that maintains bass while adjusting mids and highs, distinguishing it from other tone circuits.
Source
0 0

The pedal utilizes a buck boost chip providing op-amps with +16V / -8V, offering significant headroom and more complex behavior than typical 9V systems.
Source
0 0

The Golden Horse's silver version includes a "voice" switch that brightens the tone, offering additional tonal flexibility not present in the standard model.
Source

Software and compatibility

0 0

It's been reported that using a Klon or its clones before digital devices like the Strymon Timeline can cause an audible high-pitched whine due to the charge pump design.
Source

Comparisons

0 0

The Voodoo Lab Sparkle Drive and Nux Drive Core offer a mix of clean and overdriven signals, but owners note they lack the Klon's distinct tonal sparkle.
Source
0 0

Owners often recommend the MXR Sugar Drive as a reliable alternative, noting its solid build quality and capacity to emulate the Klon tone effectively.
Source
0 0

Users note that while the Golden Horse is budget-friendly, its sound quality rivals more expensive models like the Deluxe Tumnus, offering great value for its price.
Source

Use cases and applications

0 0

Some users describe the Klon's tone as making a guitar sound like it's been "drinking whiskey and smoking cigarettes," highlighting its unique gritty quality.
Source
0 0

Stacking the Golden Horse with pedals like the EHX Soul Food or a TS clone creates dynamic tonal variations and enhances gain, especially with hollow body guitars.
Source

Mods and upgrades

0 0

The Wampler Tumnus Deluxe is favored for its additional tone shaping and gain capabilities, making it more versatile than the original Klon design.
Source

User experience

0 0

Reports indicate that some players prefer the Ceriatone Centura for its close adherence to the original Klon specs and robust build quality.
Source
0 0

Owners appreciate the Golden Horse for its "creamy rich drive" that enhances the sound of valve amps, suggesting a notable synergy with tube amplifiers.
Source
0 0

Owners report that pairing the Golden Horse with Seymour Duncan pickups and an Orange amp yields excellent results, suggesting a specific setup synergy for optimal performance.
Source

Value and pricing

0 0

The Golden Horse is frequently praised as a top choice for under $100, making it a popular option for budget-conscious pedalboard setups.
Source

Add review

4.5 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 7 Ratings

5 star

4 star

3 star

2 star

1 star

robb_hood

about 7 years ago

Great pedal, pushes the sound out proper nice, mid humped... kinda.

I bought this as an overdrive, now it's always on. It makes any amp sound... "more" — It gets the speaker moving, it simply drives the sound of your setup in a lush way. This Klon can add colour, and it will. Roll off the drive and you just get a lovely clean boost, and the tone control dials in that mid hump to how you like it, Quasimodo to Old Lady Hump. Overall, I'd recommend it but I'd like a slightly different EQ option.