September 4, 2023 The Klon Centaur
The Klon Centaur is a highly sought-after and influential guitar overdrive pedal that has earned the status of a “holy grail” among guitarists. Its unique tonal qualities, rarity, and a rich history contribute to its lasting appeal and impact on the guitar effects pedal industry.
Creator and Inspiration: The Klon Centaur was created by Bill Finnegan, an American electronic engineer and guitarist. He was inspired to design the perfect overdrive pedal after being dissatisfied with the existing pedals on the market. Finnegan aimed to create a pedal that could retain the original character of the guitar and amp, while adding a natural-sounding overdrive.
Creative Process and Challenges: Finnegan began developing the Klon Centaur in the early 1990s, and it took him several years of experimentation to perfect the design. One of the major challenges he faced was creating a unique circuit that would offer a distinctive sound. He eventually developed a proprietary dual-gain stage design that contributed to the pedal’s signature sound.
Years of Production: The Klon Centaur was produced from 1994 to 2000, with only around 8,000 units built. Its rarity is one of the factors contributing to its high demand and value.
Unique Circuit Design and Signature Sound: The Klon Centaur’s circuit utilizes a dual-gain stage design, which results in a smooth, transparent overdrive with a distinct midrange boost. This design preserves the guitar’s natural tone while adding warmth and sustain. The pedal also features a three-knob layout, controlling gain, treble, and output.
Technical Differences with Subsequent Versions or Clones: The original Klon Centaur has been succeeded by the Klon KTR and numerous clones. The Klon KTR was also developed by Finnegan and retains the core circuitry of the Centaur, but with slight modifications for improved performance and consistency. Clones, on the other hand, try to replicate the sound of the original Centaur but may use different components, circuits, or designs.
Impact on the Guitar Effects Pedal Industry: The Klon Centaur has had a significant impact on the pedal industry, inspiring countless boutique pedal makers to develop their own versions and clones. Its transparent overdrive and unique tonal qualities have set the standard for what many guitarists seek in an overdrive pedal.
Notable Users: Notable users of the Klon Centaur include John Mayer, Jeff Beck, Warren Haynes, and Nels Cline, among others. Its reputation has made it a popular choice for professional guitarists and tone enthusiasts alike.
Rarity and Current Market Value: Due to its limited production, the Klon Centaur is considered rare and often fetches high prices on the secondhand market. Depending on the condition and version (silver or gold), an original Klon Centaur can sell for anywhere between $2,000 to $5,000 or more.
‘Holy Grail’ Status and Comparison to Other Pedals: The Klon Centaur is often considered a ‘holy grail’ pedal due to its unique sound, limited availability, and historical significance. Other pedals that share this status include the original Ibanez Tube Screamer, the Dallas-Arbiter Fuzz Face, and the Strymon Timeline. While the rarity, market value, and desirability of these pedals vary, they all share a reputation for exceptional tone, inspiring countless imitations and tributes.
