Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $579

High-end/Boutique

$50

$176+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

The Klon KTR is the more accessible sibling to the legendary Klon Centaur, famous for its distinctive and versatile tone. A favorite amongst musicians, this pedal is renowned for its tone-enhancing capabilities, adding a transparent layer of sound that complements and elevates any setup. It faithfully replicates the revered tone of the original Centaur, without the exorbitant price tag that its predecessor commands in the used market.

Key Features:

  • Affordable alternative to the original Klon Centaur
  • Delivers versatile, transparent tones
  • Known for enhancing the tone of your existing rig
  • Replicates the same amazing tone as the original Centaur at a friendlier price point

Product specs

Brand Klon
Model KTR
Finish Red
Year 2012 - 2019
Made In United States
Categories Overdrive and Boost Pedals
Pedal Format Standard

FAQs

What type of overdrive does the Klon KTR provide?

The Klon KTR is known for its transparent overdrive, which enhances your guitar's natural tone while adding a smooth, dynamic overdrive that is highly responsive to your playing dynamics.

Is the Klon KTR suitable for use with both humbuckers and single-coil pickups?

Yes, the Klon KTR works well with both humbuckers and single-coil pickups, offering a versatile overdrive that complements various guitar types and styles.

Does the Klon KTR require a specific power supply?

The Klon KTR requires a standard 9V DC power supply, which is typical for most guitar pedals, ensuring easy integration into most pedalboards.

How does the Klon KTR compare to the original Klon Centaur?

The Klon KTR is considered a faithful reproduction of the original Klon Centaur, offering similar tonal characteristics and quality, but in a more accessible and compact format.

Reverb

Reverb

Klon KTR Overdrive | Reverb Demo Video

Video thumbnail for Klon KTR Overdrive | Reverb Demo Video by Reverb

Klon KTR Overdrive | Reverb Demo Video

Reverb

Reverb

Video thumbnail for The Ultimate Klon Shootout! Klon Centaur vs Klon KTR vs Wampler Tumnus by Andertons Music Co

The Ultimate Klon Shootout! Klon Centaur vs Klon KTR vs Wampler Tumnus

Andertons Music Co

Andertons Music Co

Video thumbnail for KTR Klon vs. Silver Klon vs. Gold Klon by Curtis Kent

KTR Klon vs. Silver Klon vs. Gold Klon

Curtis Kent

Curtis Kent

Video thumbnail for SNAMM '16 - Klon Centaur & KTR Demos by Premier Guitar

SNAMM '16 - Klon Centaur & KTR Demos

Premier Guitar

Premier Guitar

Video thumbnail for Klon Centaur vs KTR by shnobel

Klon Centaur vs KTR

shnobel

shnobel

Video thumbnail for Friday Fretworks - Klon Centaur KTR: Worth the Hype?! by Chris Buck

Friday Fretworks - Klon Centaur KTR: Worth the Hype?!

Chris Buck

Chris Buck

Video thumbnail for Don’t buy a Klon KTR! by Riley Haynie

Don’t buy a Klon KTR!

Riley Haynie

Riley Haynie

Video thumbnail for Klon Centaur - Klon KTR Shootout - Pedal Demo by Mass Street Music

Klon Centaur - Klon KTR Shootout - Pedal Demo

Mass Street Music

Mass Street Music

Video thumbnail for Klon Centaur vs Klon KTR by TheKlonWars

Klon Centaur vs Klon KTR

TheKlonWars

TheKlonWars

Video thumbnail for 【English subtitles available】KLON KTR VS CENTAUR by funk ojisan's guitar geek room

【English subtitles available】KLON KTR VS CENTAUR

funk ojisan's guitar geek room

funk ojisan's guitar geek room

Reviews

PROS

  • Transparent and warm sound enhances overall tone

  • Offers sweetness and clarity without "fizz"

  • Identical performance to the original Centaur with minor improvements

  • Effective at low gain for nuanced overdrive

  • Allows full treble and output range even at zero gain

  • Works well with a variety of amps, adding magic to the sound

  • Brings out the amp's true color without diluting tone

  • Fattens high notes and pushes amp speaker into lush overdrive

  • Handbuilt quality by Bill Finnegan

CONS

  • Knob orientation and lack of labels can confuse users

  • Not significantly different in sound from less expensive clones

  • Silkscreened text on pedal considered eye-roll-inducing by some

  • Price point may not justify the slight improvements over clones

Owner Insights

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

Build quality

  • Early KTR runs reportedly had quality control issues; an amp tech noted working on several of these units.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Klon KTR is often compared to the EHX Soul Food and Mosky Silver Horse, with some users unable to distinguish between them in blind tests.

    Source
  • The Tumnus is noted for having more low-end compared to other Klon clones, making it a viable alternative for those seeking a different EQ balance.

    Source
  • The MXR Sugar Drive is recommended as an alternative for those seeking reliability without the high price of the KTR.

    Source
  • The Snouse BlackBox V2 is praised for its great sound and price, even receiving positive feedback from The Pedal Show.

    Source
  • The Ceriatone Horsebreaker is a dual pedal combining a Klone and a Bluesbreaker circuit, offering versatility for those seeking both tones.

    Source
  • The KTR is noted for its louder output, distinct midrange, and greater headroom compared to the King of Tone.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Users find the KTR excels with the gain cranked, especially when used with an amp on the verge of breaking up.

    Source
  • The KTR is often used as a clean boost with the buffer always on, positioned after wah/fuzz/OD but before modulation effects.

    Source
  • The KTR is valued for achieving a "classic" sound, especially in blues and rock genres, with some users aiming for John Mayer-like tones.

    Source
  • The KTR is valued for its consistent performance across various rooms, amps, and guitars, making it a reliable gig companion.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • A reported sale of a KTR with original diodes was made for $800, highlighting their appreciation in value.

    Source

User experience

  • Some owners highlight using the KTR for a "dirty" sound akin to a low-gain OCD, favoring its ability to cut through a mix.

    Source
  • Owners suggest that the perceived value of the KTR may be influenced by its reputation rather than distinct tonal superiority over clones.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • DIY enthusiasts can build a custom pedal with both Klon and King of Tone circuits, though fitting them in the same enclosure may be challenging.

    Source
Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 6 Reviews and 30 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
pkrul
pkrul

1064

Great overdrive, who needs the horsie?

Great overdrive, especially at low gain into an amp on the edge of breaking up. Price is reasonable compared to the original Centaurs (what is the hype?). Only drawback is that there is no text to tell you what the knobs do.

From Gear Setup
joehl86

Lifts the veil from the speakers and reveals my tone

I use this pedal usually as my main overdrive. it really brings out the amps true colour without diluting the amps tone. Very clear and distinct and allows all of the chords to breath without sounding too muffled. The Klon KTR may not be for everybody but it really works for my sound and its always best to hear these stomp boxes in the flesh to best hear the character. I set the overdrive at 1 o'clock , tone at 11 and the volume depending on the gig.

simeon_boyadjiev

An Immaculately Sounding Overdrive

Truly the most Transparent Overdrive produced. No hiding with this Pedal and most of all it really fattens the High Notes and pushes the Amps Speaker in a Lushful Overdrive with 0% Compression.

From Gear Setup
automaticadam

Another fantastic handbuilt Klon

While I wish I could afford an original Klon Centaur, the KTR is no slouch and is also handbuilt by Bill Finnegan. Sweet as buttah.

S

worth every penny

I love this pedal more than my own mother

B

I love this pedal more than i love your mother too ;o)

franklyandrade

Excellent!

Using it with Les Paul Guitars sounds amazing!

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Matthew Curry uses Klon KTR

Matthew Curry

Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

Changed things around on the board a bit. Thanks @onecontrolusa for the sweet new tones!

See how Emmett Miller uses Klon KTR

Emmett Miller

Singer, Guitarist

Diarrhea Planet

...
Verified via Everyone Loves Guitar

In the interview around the 41 minute mark he says that the entire band uses Klons on their boards

See how Coastlands uses Klon KTR

Coastlands

...
Verified via Photo

Coastlands uses the Klon KTR overdrive pedal, as shown in their Facebook post titled "Writing."

T

Tom Polzine

Guitarist

Howling Giant

...
Verified

Tom Polzine uses the Klon KTR Centaur, as evidenced by a shot of his pedalboard posted in a Facebook story by Howling Giant in preparation for their upcoming tour with Mars Red Sky.

See how Viktor Krauss uses Klon KTR

Viktor Krauss

Guitarist, Bassist

Robert Plant & Alison Krauss

...
Verified via YouTube

He uses a lot of pedals with Robert Plant and Alison Krauss, including : Blue Sky , Klon KTR , Boss RE-2 , Nobels Overdrive , LS-2 , Back Talk , Hologram Microcosm , Gamechanger Plus , Guyatone ST2 , 2 Xotic EP boosters , Ehx Pitch Fork

See how Ian Dennis Jarrold uses Klon KTR

Ian Dennis Jarrold

Guitarist, Keyboardist

I Like Trains

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo, you can see Ian's Klon KTR stood up at the back of the board.

See how J.B. Meijers uses Klon KTR

J.B. Meijers

Singer, Guitarist

The Common Linnets

...
Verified via YouTube

J.B. talks about the pedal at 17:19 in the video.

See how Lady Lamb uses Klon KTR

Lady Lamb

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via reddit

In an /r/indieheads AMA on April 8th, 2019, Aly listed a lot of her equipment in response to a question that has since been deleted. Included in that list was this overdrive pedal.

See how Jilian Medford uses Klon KTR

Jilian Medford

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Issuu

In The Deli Magazine issue #51, Jilian Medford is mentioned using the Klon KTR overdrive effects pedal.

See how Florian Dubos uses Klon KTR

Florian Dubos

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified

Florian Dubos uses the Klon KTR overdrive pedal, as evidenced by the source.

See how Nico Dijkshoorn uses Klon KTR

Nico Dijkshoorn

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Twitter

In a Twitter post, Nico Dijkshoorn mentions his consistent use of the Klon KTR overdrive pedal, highlighting its impact on improving the sound of any guitar.

T

Thalia Zedek

Singer, Guitarist

Come

...
Verified via Premierguitar

According to Premier Guitar's article, Zedek uses the Klon KTR Centaur overdrive pedal.

Used With

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

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Community setups

Show yours
pkrul

pkrul

Gear IQ 1064

W

waipio

Gear IQ 51

pkrul

pkrul

Gear IQ 1064

lucasnearing

lucasnearing

Gear IQ 135

R

randyteope

Gear IQ 101

31strat31

31strat31

Gear IQ 76

toddfarrelljr

toddfarrelljr

Gear IQ 216

simeon_boyadjiev

simeon_boyadjiev

Gear IQ 606

fabianrink

fabianrink

Gear IQ 669

7 alternative and related items for Klon KTR, curated by the Equipboard community.

Demonic Machines HTR

 

Vintage or Discontinued similar sound cheaper alternative

I mean... it's not like I can just go buy an authentic one for a reasonable price, Bill.

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Vintage or Discontinued similar sound high-end alternative
JHS NOTAKLÖN

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similar sound cheaper alternative

A DIY Klone with a similar construction to the Klon KTR.

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cheaper alternative

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Gear Guides

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    H
    hoidal

    Gear IQ 52