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Average Price: $3,529

High-end/Boutique

$50

$176+

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Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

The Klon Centaur Professional Overdrive is a legendary guitar effects pedal that has helped shape the sound of renowned artists such as Jeff Beck, John Mayer, and Nels Cline. Following its introduction in 1994, this highly sought-after overdrive has been celebrated for its original circuit design, developed by Bill Finnegan with the help of two MIT engineers. Built in small batches by Finnegan, who often struggled to keep up with demand, multiple finish variations would be produced in gold and silver casings and with or without the iconic Centaur logo (referred to as "Long Tail", "Horsie" or "Non-Horsie" models), the Klon Centaur remains a holy grail for musicians seeking to add a touch of vintage and authenticity to their sounds. Though all models share the same circuitry, the earliest "Long Tail" models are known to fetch a higher value. The Centaur would leave production in its official capacity in 2008, being succeeded by the Klon KTR; however, the occasional Centaur unit has been produced by Bill to fundraise for a friend's cancer treatment.

Key Features:

  • Original hard clipping overdrive circuit
  • New old stock 1N34A Germanium Diodes, handpicked for their unique forward voltage
  • 18V charge pump for increased headroom
  • Dual gain control blends the clean signal in as clipping increases
  • Op-amp based buffer, known to help other pedals in the chain sound their best
  • Produced in 6 finish variations between 1994-2008
  • Also available in a bass variant by request
  • Used by renowned musicians such as Jeff Beck, John Mayer, and Nels Cline

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 Overdrive different from other overdrive pedals?

The Klon Centaur Overdrive is renowned for its transparent sound that enhances your guitar's natural tone, providing a clean boost and smooth overdrive without excessive coloration. Its unique circuit design and use of germanium diodes contribute to its distinct tonal characteristics.

Is the Klon Centaur Overdrive suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Klon Centaur Overdrive is highly regarded for live performances due to its ability to cut through the mix with clarity and maintain the integrity of your guitar's tone, making it a favorite among professional musicians.

Does the Klon Centaur Overdrive work well with both single-coil and humbucker pickups?

The Klon Centaur Overdrive is versatile and works well with both single-coil and humbucker pickups, providing a balanced and dynamic response that complements a wide range of guitar styles and setups.

How does the Klon Centaur Overdrive affect my amplifier's sound?

The Klon Centaur Overdrive enhances your amplifier's natural sound by adding warmth and sustain, offering a transparent overdrive that amplifies your existing tone rather than drastically altering it.

Can the Klon Centaur Overdrive be powered by a standard 9V power supply?

Yes, the Klon Centaur Overdrive can be powered by a standard 9V power supply, making it easy to integrate into most pedalboard setups without requiring specialized power sources.

Music is Win

Music is Win

I Bought a $5,000 Guitar Pedal–Does it Sound ANY GOOD?

Video thumbnail for I Bought a $5,000 Guitar Pedal–Does it Sound ANY GOOD? by Music is Win

I Bought a $5,000 Guitar Pedal–Does it Sound ANY GOOD?

Music is Win

Music is Win

Video thumbnail for 【English Sub】KLON CENTAUR(ケンタウルス) 〜“オーバードライブの王様”を知る【デジマート DEEPER’S VIEW 〜経験と考察〜 Vol 16】 by digimartnet

【English Sub】KLON CENTAUR(ケンタウルス) 〜“オーバードライブの王様”を知る【デジマート DEEPER’S VIEW 〜経験と考察〜 Vol 16】

digimartnet

digimartnet

Video thumbnail for Klon Centaur Professional Overdrive Guitar Effect Demo by chatreeo

Klon Centaur Professional Overdrive Guitar Effect Demo

chatreeo

chatreeo

Video thumbnail for Klon Centaur - Pedal Demo - Carter Vintage Guitars by Carter Vintage Guitars

Klon Centaur - Pedal Demo - Carter Vintage Guitars

Carter Vintage Guitars

Carter Vintage Guitars

Video thumbnail for Klon Centaur Professional Overdrive by Brett Kingman

Klon Centaur Professional Overdrive

Brett Kingman

Brett Kingman

Video thumbnail for Klon Centaur Professional Overdrive (Gold) demo by David Fisher (tibbon)

Klon Centaur Professional Overdrive (Gold) demo

David Fisher (tibbon)

David Fisher (tibbon)

Video thumbnail for Klon Centaur - Is This Overdrive Pedal Really Worth $5000? by The Studio Rats

Klon Centaur - Is This Overdrive Pedal Really Worth $5000?

The Studio Rats

The Studio Rats

Video thumbnail for The Klon Centaur - Tips, Tricks, & It's History Through My Eyes | JAY'S TOOLBOX by JayLeonardJ

The Klon Centaur - Tips, Tricks, & It's History Through My Eyes | JAY'S TOOLBOX

JayLeonardJ

JayLeonardJ

Reviews

PROS

  • Unmatched sound quality; stands above 50+ other overdrive pedals

  • Offers a unique 3D quality to tone that other pedals lack

  • Specific midrange EQ that makes notes sing

  • Can make single coils and humbuckers (especially Friedman Vintage T Buckers) shine

  • Described as a magical, almost spiritual experience through a good tube amp

  • Regarded by some as the best overdrive in the world

CONS

  • High price point not justified by internal components cost

  • Sound quality perceived as equivalent to much cheaper pedals by some users

  • Does not universally match well with all amps, limited synergy

  • Inconsistent sound quality between units with the same product number

  • May spend long periods unused; perceived as not essential by some

Critic Reviews

A Brief but Complete Guide to the Klon Centaur — Anatomy of Guitar Tone

anatomyofguitartone.com

The Klon Centaur is hailed as a "holy grail" of guitar tone, yet the review highlights that its legendary status often overshadows its practical use. As a boost pedal designed for cranked amps, its unique hard-clipping circuit offers a specific midrange push but may sound harsh with clean amps. While the original Klons fetch high prices, affordable clones can deliver similar tones if built with quality components. The review is critical of the hype and the misuse of the Klon as an overdrive pedal, suggesting its true value lies in specific setups, not universal appeal.

Klon Centaur Demo

tonefiend.com

The Klon Centaur Overdrive is a pedal drenched in myth, often fetching exorbitant prices that many see as unjustified. While some hail it as a legendary piece with superior dynamics and craftsmanship, others dismiss it as an overpriced Tube Screamer alternative. The original's airy, open sound and build quality are praised, but numerous clones offer similar tones at a fraction of the cost. In a market flooded with alternatives, the Klon’s value is more historical than practical, making it a Hall of Fame relic rather than a must-have for modern setups.

A History of the Klon Centaur & Best Clones - Andertons Blog

andertons.co.uk

The Klon Centaur is hailed as the pinnacle of overdrive pedals, revered for its transparent tone and dynamic response. It stands out with its unique blend feature and germanium diodes, delivering smooth, rich distortion without altering the amp's natural tone. However, its mythic status drives exorbitant second-hand prices, often exceeding £3,000. While its sonic qualities and build are unmatched, the steep cost makes it inaccessible for many. Thankfully, a thriving market of affordable "klones" offers similar tones for less. Ultimately, the Klon remains a coveted piece for tone purists and collectors alike.

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4.5 out of 5

Based on 4 Reviews and 40 Ratings

5 star
4 star
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curtis_ulin

The real deal

There are myths and arguments that have made there way to all corners of the gear nerds universe about this pedal. You know what it does. My personal view: It adds a certain 3 dimensional quality to your tone that other pedals just don't have. It really makes notes jump out of your amplifier. And it has a very specific midrange EQ to it that really makes the notes sing. That's why I like it.

jimmarchi1

Yeah, the Klon ain't bad. Wish I had kept the one I bought in the late 90s. I could use the money now! Oh well.

alteredstate

Great and overpriced

This thing sounds amazing. If "Transparent" OD is your thing, this is king, but the price is insane. There are less than $100 in parts in here so build your own. $1800 avg used price is BS. This pedal is a tone legend though.

cheol_kim

Only guitarists would pay $2000 for $5 bucks circuits!

There's only one word I would tell you!

Go for Soul Food!

fearofsleep

If you like the soul food I'd highly recommend you get the modd which will change the clipping adding a title switch & then extra bass boost!! I was able to have mine done by a company I found on eBay for a great price.. If you love it now then you'll really love it afterwards

xx_pu55y_5l4y3r_xx

best overdrive in the world... I had to save up for a while but it is so worth it!!!

best overdrive in the world... I had to save up for a while but it is so worth it!!!

jimmarchi1

what'd you pay for yours? silver or gold?

xx_pu55y_5l4y3r_xx

klon ktr

fearofsleep

I agree 100% the klon is just in a league of its own. Before I was able to aquire a klon I had a soul food and then had it modded to add the same clipping & bass boost and now it's another pedal I treasure. I enjoy tone stack ing my klon w/the modded soul food and then using a jhs crayon along with a big muff tone wicker and I'm good to go.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how John Mayer uses Klon Centaur Professional Overdrive

John Mayer

Guitarist

John Mayer Trio

...
Verified via YouTube

The Klon Centaur Professional Overdrive Guitar Pedal was spotted as part of guitarist John Mayer's extensive pedal collection.

See how Jack White uses Klon Centaur Professional Overdrive

Jack White

Singer, Guitarist

The White Stripes

...
Verified via YouTube

At 44:37 in the Premier Guitar Rig Rundown at Third Man Records, it is confirmed that Jack White uses a Klon Centaur Overdrive, which is notably painted black. The proof was provided by Premier Guitar's detailed video walkthrough of White's gear setup. He says:

This is actually a real Klon, but it's rehoused. Actually, our pal Josh from JHS was nice enough to help out and kind of had a lead on good enclosures and they kind of helped us silk screen it with like our our color on it and stuff. Yeah, man, he's great. He's such an enthusiastic, like exciting, passionate, like wealth of knowledge and always up for cool fun stuff. So that's nice. This is really new though, it hasn't been part of the equation for like a long long time. So that's fun to have around.

See how James Hetfield uses Klon Centaur Professional Overdrive

James Hetfield

Bassist, Drummer

Metallica

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video by TC Electronic, Chad Zaemisch, James Hetfield’s guitar tech, describes his live rig. At 3:50 in the video he says:

I’ve got a basic heavy, clean, and leads sounds. The lead is pretty much the heavy sound, and I add a Klon in there.

The interviewer follows up and asks if it’s a real one.

Yes. Yeah, we have real stuff around here.

See how Josh Homme uses Klon Centaur Professional Overdrive

Josh Homme

Guitarist

Kyuss

...
Verified via YouTube

In 0:35 we can see silver Klon Centaur lying on the floor.

See how Billie Joe Armstrong uses Klon Centaur Professional Overdrive

Billie Joe Armstrong

Guitarist, Singer

Green Day

...
Verified via Guitar World

Were you using any effects in the studio?

“I know I used my Klon [Centaur overdrive], but there wasn’t too much in the way of pedals. Just some boost type things.“

See how Paul McCartney uses Klon Centaur Professional Overdrive

Paul McCartney

Singer, Bassist

The Beatles

...
Verified via YouTube

The Klon can be seen throughout this video.

See how Noel Gallagher uses Klon Centaur Professional Overdrive

Noel Gallagher

Singer, Guitarist

Oasis

...
Verified via Photo

Noel Gallagher shows his pedalboard (new as of Oct 2016) on his Instagram. In the top row, fourth from the right, is his Klon Centaur overdrive pedal. His Centaur appears to lack the centaur decal, and the labels for the knobs.

The signal coming out of the pedalboard looks to be going into the first Vintage channel of his Fender '68 Custom Twin Reverb Amp.

See how Jeff Beck uses Klon Centaur Professional Overdrive

Jeff Beck

Guitarist

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes

...
Verified via guitarworld

"It's been on his pedalboard for the whole time. I know he loves the Klon and it's a really, really great sounding pedal. A little bit on the noisy side for me - just a little hissy - but in between the hiss there are some really nice notes that come out of it. Sometimes it will be tune specific. Some songs will require a little bit more drive than others. It's kind of because he rides the volume part quite a bit that whatever is closest to max, he's going to want to have that setting to a certain point. So then he can gauge the sensitivity on the guitar," says Jeff Beck's guitar tech. - Rig Rundown of Jeff Beck (the link needs to be replaced.)

Beck continues to use Marshalls, specifically a JCM2000 that supposedly shares very little circuitry with retail models and that he boosts with a Klon Centaur. The man has also enjoyed a flirtation employing a pair of dimed Fender Pro Jr. amps, and let's not forget his trusty Magnatone models.

See how Joe Bonamassa uses Klon Centaur Professional Overdrive

Joe Bonamassa

Singer, Guitarist

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes

...
Verified via YouTube

A Klon Centaur Professional Overdrive pedal can be seen on Joe's pedalboard at 4:06 in this gear rundown video.

See how Josh Klinghoffer uses Klon Centaur Professional Overdrive

Josh Klinghoffer

Singer, Guitarist

Pearl Jam

...
Verified via YouTube

In the YouTube video by Youdio, Josh Klinghoffer is seen using a Klon Centaur Overdrive pedal at the 3:17 mark while playing guitar.

See how Nick Valensi uses Klon Centaur Professional Overdrive

Nick Valensi

Guitarist

The Strokes

...
Verified via reddit

in a redit Q&A he said "the 1st gen jekkyl & hyde was my jam. i didn't like the ones that came after. lately i've been using the JHS color box and klon centaur for all overdrive sounds"

See how Ed O'Brien uses Klon Centaur Professional Overdrive

Ed O'Brien

Singer, Guitarist

Radiohead

...
Verified via the King of Gear ;

Ed has the “Gold Horsie” version. Acquired some time around 2010-11. Used for touring in 2011 and 2012. -2012 Settings: Gain 2, Treble 12, Output 9. -2014 Settings: Gain 9 OR 1, Treble 12, Output 9:30.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Klon Centaur Professional Overdrive, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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4

Community setups

Show yours
david_westhoff

david_westhoff

Gear IQ 310

E

edwardscott

Gear IQ 54

64 alternative and related items for Klon Centaur Professional Overdrive, curated by the Equipboard community.

Mosky Silver Horse

$30.00 - $36.80

similar sound cheaper alternative

A budget Klone praised by the likes of JHS, and readily available between $20-30 USD.

Banzai Cold Fusion Overdrive

 

similar sound cheaper alternative

According to Brian Wampler, the Banzai Cold Fusion is one of the earliest derivatives of the Klon Centaur, featuring different diode values and true bypass switching.

Wampler Tumnus V2

$133.00 - $149.97

similar sound cheaper alternative

Among the most popular and readily available Klon style pedals, the Tumnus substitutes the original's Germanium diodes for more readily available Silicon, with a similar value. Another subtle tweak is in the low end, which is arguably a little fuller on the Tumnus.

Harby Pedals Centauri

$99.00 - $195.00

similar sound cheaper alternative mod

An affordable, circuit clone of the Klon Centaur, with true bypass.

FSC Instruments KB-1

 

similar sound cheaper alternative mod

A higher gain take on the Klon circuit, with an additional boost channel.

Behringer Zentara Overdrive

$58.00 - $239.33

cheaper alternative

It's a Klone, if the name and likeness doesn't make it obvious.

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