By Gear Experts
Table of Contents
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Our Picks
J Rockett Audio Designs Archer Ikon
A golden Klon clone, this pedal is smooth. It nails reproducing a legendary pedal at a cost that is very fair for this quality of tones.
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An affordable approximation that gets you a very impressive Klon sound for the relatively small investment.
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Ceriatone Centura Professional Overdrive
A convincing clone that could be the closest on this list to a reproduction. The Centura emulates the tones and vibe of a Klone, even down to the enclosure. Built with premium components, it is available as a manufacturered pedal or a DIY kit.
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Extremely high quality replica with an emphasis on craftsmanship, this build is based on "a ridiculous attention to detail" and it shows.
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Easily one of the most referenced Klon inspired drives, the Wampler Tumnus is always recommended for those seeking the Centaur tone.
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The Oxblood has a fantastic broad EQ from incorporating switches for bass response and clipping options that seperate it from the rest of the Klon clones.
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Although it has a bit more mids than a Klon, the Sugar Drive from MXR is versatile and comes with a very friendly pedalboard footprint.
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Way Huge Smalls Conspiracy Theory Professional Overdrive
The Conspiracy Theory from Way Huge is a very convincing way to capture the Klon's tone.
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The Mjolnir from Nashville's Mythos Pedals, is a solid option for anyone looking for a Klon clone in a standard pedal enclosure with top mounted jacks. The updated version also has slightly less treble and mids.
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A reproduction of a 2001 Golden Klon, the Decibelics Golden Horse differentiates itself by its expert craftsmanship and small enclosure.
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The Mythical Overdrive from Rimrock offers the option to upgrade to OA126 or OA128 NOS Telefunken germanium or silicon diodes for those interested in having multiple clipping options in their Klon clone.
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The Bad Horse from Tone City is one of the cheapest ways to get Klon tones.
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J Rockett Audio Designs Archer Clean
A highly touted silver Klon clone, the Archer is a fantastic boost and overdrive in a pedalboard friendly format.
Read moreThe best Klon Centaur clones available today. From accessible ways to access the legendary Klon tone to faithful boutique reproductions, these are the pedals to consider when searching for Klon alternatives.
What’s So Special About the Klon Centaur?
The Klon Centaur isn’t just another overdrive pedal - it’s a piece of music gear history. But what exactly makes this pedal so revered, and why are guitarists willing to shell out thousands of dollars for an original? Here’s why the Klon Centaur has achieved almost mythical status:
Transparent Overdrive at Its Best
The Klon Centaur is famed for its transparent overdrive. Unlike many pedals that color your tone, the Centaur preserves your guitar's natural sound, adding warmth and clarity without overpowering it. This means your instrument’s character shines through, whether you’re using the Klon as a clean boost or pushing it into overdrive.
Unique Blend of Signals
One of the secret ingredients to the Centaur’s magic is its unique circuitry. The pedal blends your clean signal with the overdriven one, maintaining the integrity of your tone while adding just the right amount of grit. This gives you a rich, balanced sound that’s perfect for any genre, from blues to rock to country.
Versatility
Whether you need a subtle boost or a crunchy overdrive, the Klon Centaur delivers. With just three controls - Gain, Treble, and Output - it offers a wide range of tonal possibilities. This versatility is why it has found its way onto the pedalboards of so many famous guitarists.
A Collector’s Dream
The Klon Centaur wasn’t produced in massive quantities, and each one was hand-built by Bill Finnegan himself. Today, these pedals are rare and highly coveted, often fetching exorbitant prices on the used market. Owning an original Klon is like owning a piece of rock history, which only adds to its allure.
The Legacy Lives On
Even if you can’t get your hands on an original, the Klon Centaur has inspired a whole generation of Klon clones - pedals designed to capture that iconic sound. These alternatives offer a taste of the Centaur’s magic at a fraction of the cost, making the legendary tone more accessible to today’s guitarists.
J Rockett Audio Designs Archer Ikon
5.0 (41)
Average Price: $184
High-end/Boutique
$50
$176+
Budget
Standard
High-end
- + Exceptional versatility, from clean boost to crunchy overdrive
- + Maintains guitar and amp's character, even at high gain settings
- + Works well with a variety of guitars, especially with single coils
- + Provides vintage early 70s tones and modern overdrive sounds
- See 6 more
- Tends to accentuate the low mids more than some may prefer
- Only includes a treble control, limiting EQ shaping
- Can get noisy with the gain turned up
- Does not come with a storage pouch, unlike some competitors
| Bypass | buffered bypass |
| Analog/Digital | analog |
| Power | 9V |
| Effects | boost, overdrive |
| Current Draw | 26ma |
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Electro-Harmonix Soul Food
4.5 (320)
Average Price: $81
Standard/Professional
$50
$176+
Budget
Standard
High-end
- Offers a transparent, Klon-clone tone at a lower price
- Versatile low-to-mid gain range suitable for various music styles
- Enhances harmonics and adds a "tube-like" sound to solid-state amps
- Works well as a clean boost, adding clarity without over-coloration
- See 6 more
- Not suitable for high gain or fuzz sounds
- Footswitch can be stiff and produces a loud click
- Battery installation can be challenging due to tight internal spacing
- Might sound harsh when used with clean amps without modification
- See 1 more
| Bypass | true bypass, buffered bypass |
| Analog/Digital | analog |
| Power | 9V |
| Effects | distortion, overdrive |
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Ceriatone Centura Professional Overdrive
5.0 (13)
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- Circuit closely mimics the original Klon for authentic sound
- Provides a clean boost without altering sound at low volumes
- Adds warmth when driving the front end of tube amps
- Versatile from clean boost to mid gain tones
- See 4 more
- Lacks the sparkle and clarity of the original Klon Centaur
- Some users find its distortion not entirely organic
- Can sound thin compared to other pedals like the ts808
- Not as throaty or organic as some might prefer for distortion
| Bypass | buffered bypass |
| Analog/Digital | analog |
| Power | 9V |
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RYRA The Klone
5.0 (12)
- Transparent tone with a unique sweetness
- Versatile; pairs well with a wide range of other pedals
- Can function as a clean boost or gain pedal effectively
- Rich, full sound that enhances without overpowering
- See 6 more
- Some users report a very slight muffle sound
- May have slightly less gain than comparable pedals
| Bypass | true bypass |
| Analog/Digital | analog |
| Power | 9V |
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Wampler Tumnus V2
5.0 (4)
Average Price: $137
Standard/Professional
$50
$176+
Budget
Standard
High-end
- Excellent for achieving sweet spot on tube amps without high volume
- True clean boost capability with optional grit via tone knob
- Compact size, doesn't take much pedalboard space
- Versatile, suits various music styles and setups
- See 6 more
- Level control is touchy, making it easy to get loud
- Small knobs can be challenging to adjust
- LED light indicator overly bright for some users
- On/off switch requires more force than some prefer
- See 1 more
| Bypass | buffered bypass |
| Analog/Digital | analog |
| Power | 9V |
| Effects | overdrive |
| Current Draw | 20ma |
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Keeley Oxblood Overdrive V2
4.5 (9)
Average Price: $203
High-end/Boutique
$50
$176+
Budget
Standard
High-end
- Versatile, with a notable range of drive tones
- Clipping and low cut switches enhance tone shaping
- Smooth creamy midrange, excels at both low and high gain settings
- Pairs well with other overdrive pedals for layered effects
- See 6 more
- Some settings may take time to dial in for optimal sound
| Bypass | true bypass |
| Analog/Digital | analog |
| Power | 9V |
| Effects | overdrive |
| Current Draw | 23ma |
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MXR M294 Sugar Drive
5.0 (13)
Average Price: $129
Standard/Professional
$50
$176+
Budget
Standard
High-end
- Comparable to more expensive Klon clones, hard to tell apart
- Warm tone that pairs well with other pedals
- Crisp "sparkle" to the top end, distinctive from competitors
- Cuts through a mix well, even in dense arrangements
- See 6 more
- Too much output for some settings/preferences
- No battery option, power supply required (not included)
- Some may find it less compressed compared to similar pedals
| Bypass | true bypass, buffered bypass |
| Analog/Digital | analog |
| Power | 9V |
| Effects | boost, overdrive |
| Current Draw | 18.5ma |
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Way Huge Smalls Conspiracy Theory Professional Overdrive
Average Price: $150
Standard/Professional
$50
$176+
Budget
Standard
High-end
- Enhances texture and tightens up bass response effectively
- Works well as both a standalone and stacked pedal
- Compact size, pedalboard friendly
- True bypass with no charge pump, minimizing tone loss
- See 6 more
- Not a complete clone of the original Klon in terms of components
- Some users may prefer more buffer options for tonal variability
| Bypass | true bypass |
| Analog/Digital | analog |
| Power | 9V |
| Effects | overdrive |
| Current Draw | 18.5 ma |
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Mythos Pedals Mjolnir MK IV
5.0 (1)
- Versatile with simple controls
- Works well with other pedals
- Quality overdrive and boost without breaking the bank
- Comparable to the original Klon at a fair price
- See 2 more
- Not an exact Klon replica
- No battery option, requires external power source
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Decibelics Golden Horse
5.0 (1)
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RimRock Mythical Overdrive
5.0 (4)
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Average Price: $120
Standard/Professional
$50
$176+
Budget
Standard
High-end
- Unlocks rich harmonic overtones, enhancing guitar and amp
- Direct comparison to high-end models with favorable outcome
- No waiting list, great value for the price
- Provides tonal variations with touch-feel sensitivity
- See 6 more
- May shave too much top end off for some users
- Tone knob required cranking to brighten sound, can stay dark
| Bypass | buffered bypass |
| Analog/Digital | analog |
| Power | 9V |
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Tone City Bad Horse
4.5 (7)
Average Price: $59
Standard/Professional
$50
$176+
Budget
Standard
High-end
- Solid build quality ensures durability
- Versatile tones, from subtle to classic rock overdrive
- Stacks well with other drive pedals for unique sounds
- Can serve as both a clean boost and a colored overdrive
- See 5 more
- Treble-heavy tone may not suit all preferences
- Fizziness at higher gain settings
- Some users report a "blanket/fluffy" sound quality
- LED durability issues noted by a customer
- See 1 more
J Rockett Audio Designs Archer Clean
Average Price: $179
High-end/Boutique
$60
$151+
Budget
Standard
High-end
- Offers a rich, transparent clean tone with harmonic depth
- Versatile tone shaping with Treble and Color controls
- Compact design saves pedalboard space
- Excels in enhancing tube amp sounds, bringing them to life
- See 6 more
- Does not support 9V battery power despite having a battery attachment
| Bypass | buffered bypass |
| Analog/Digital | analog |
| Power | 9V |
| Effects | boost |
| Current Draw | 28ma |
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Top Ranked Overdrive Effects Pedals on Equipboard
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Recent updates
Aug 13, 2024
We've audited this article and added more information about the original Klon Centaur.
About the authors
Michael R. Pierce is the co-founder of Equipboard and a lifelong musician with over 25 years of experience as a guitarist and gear enthusiast. He blends solid music theory chops (thanks to formal training in guitar, piano, and trumpet) with real-world experience, always exploring and experimenting across genres like rock, blues, and hip-hop. Michael launched Equipboard in 2013 after graduating from The University of Texas at Austin, leveraging his unique blend of musical passion, technological acumen, and community building. His current go-to rig features a Fender American Original ‘50s Telecaster, Analogman King of Tone, Strymon Flint, and a Fender ‘57 Custom Champ. Read more
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We've audited this article and added more information about the original Klon Centaur.
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