Recommended Klon Centaur-Style Overdrive Pedals [Clones & Replicas]

As the successor to the original CENTAUR, the KTR was created by Bill Finnegan and currently stands as Klon's sole product. The core concept was to deliver the exact same sound as the CENTAUR, but in a more compact enclosure at a lower price point. While Bill maintains that buffered bypass is ideal (just like on the original CENTAUR), the KTR includes a toggle switch allowing users to select true bypass to meet modern demand.

To shrink the size, component types and circuit layout were altered. Bill spent over two years selecting parts to counteract any resulting shift in tone and ensure it matched the CENTAUR. Crucially, NOS germanium diodes—an irreplaceable core element of the original—are still used. This shows that the original CENTAUR's circuit innovations and unique enclosure were merely means to an end; the essence of Klon lies in Bill Finnegan's uncompromising commitment to sound.

If, like Bill, you've ever felt frustrated by how an amp's tone dulls when rolling down your guitar's volume, you owe it to yourself to try the Klon KTR. You will immediately feel the same passion and sonic sensibility that made the original CENTAUR legendary.

The Jeff Archer was designed based on the Archer model to suit the exact preferences of the world-famous British rock guitarist. It is modified using rare components identical to the pedal built into his actual live touring rig. While maintaining the core Archer circuit board, swapping certain components gives it a distinct sonic character. Designed to never get buried in the mix, this versatile overdrive/clean boost pedal offers abundant headroom. Controls consist of Output, Treble, and Gain; turning the Gain control transitions seamlessly from a high-quality clean boost to rich overdrive.
Additionally, the Output control is exceptionally effective, delivering a powerful, articulate sound that cuts through clearly.
It shares the same rugged metal enclosure as the popular standard Archer model in a very compact footprint. Top-mounted jack placement saves valuable board space when lining up pedals. Power can be supplied via a 9V battery or an optional power supply. The back panel features the hand-written signature and serial number of brand co-founder Chris Van Tassel.

■ Controls: Output, Treble, Gain
■ Switch: Effect On/Off
■ I/O: Input, Output, DC In
* DC In plug size: 2.1mm ID / 5.5mm OD
■ Power Supply: 9V battery or 9V DC (power supply sold separately)
■ Current Draw: 26mA
■ Dimensions: 104 (L) x 59.5 (W) x 47 (H) mm
■ Weight: Approx. 392g

Matching its enclosure color, this model captures the tone of the silver-enclosure Centaur era.
Compared to the later gold-cased IKON, it is characterized by a flatter, more balanced frequency response.
It works brilliantly whether used as a crystal-clear boost or as a punchy crunch-drive that cuts through the mix.
True to its Centaur pedigree, its extraordinary dynamic range is a must-hear.

Featuring tremendous headroom, the ARCHER allows you to drive your sound while smoothly altering the balance between clean boost and gain boost.
Depending on the Gain control setting, it delivers a wide variety of tones: fully counterclockwise (zero) functions as a pure clean boost, while fully clockwise (max) acts as a full overdrive boost. Equipped with buffered switching, your signal constantly passes through a high-grade buffer when bypassed, preventing tone degradation. The sweet spot created by blending clean boost and overdrive gain is top-tier.

The Archer was designed by J. ROCKETT AUDIO DESIGNS, the company that originally manufactured the KTR (the successor to the legendary Centaur) as an OEM builder. The Archer Ikon utilizes the same Russian germanium diodes as original gold-box Centaurs, faithfully recreating the prized gold-enclosure era tone.

■ Buffered Switching
■ Power: 9V battery or 9V DC adapter (center-negative, sold separately)

The "Archer OD (Overdrive)" comes from California-based boutique pedal maker J. Rockett Audio Designs (JRAD).
Designed to cut through any mix, this versatile overdrive/booster pedal provides ample headroom.

JRAD is a division of J. Rockett Audio Designs, offering an authentic, high-caliber Klon Centaur clone.

■ Controls: Output, Treble, Gain
■ Switch: Effect On/Off
■ I/O: Input, Output, DC In
■ Power Supply: 9V battery or 9V DC (power supply sold separately)
■ Current Draw: 26mA
■ Dimensions: 104 (L) x 59.5 (W) x 47 (H) mm
■ Weight: Approx. 390g

A mid-gain preamp/overdrive that responds sensitively to picking dynamics and guitar volume adjustments. It delivers drive with exceptional string separation from low to high gain. Its three-dimensional sound maintains strong presence during chord work and excels as a gain booster for solos. This pedal is frequently compared to the legendary Centaur OD.

A mid-gain preamp/overdrive pedal that sensitively reacts to picking nuances and your guitar's volume control. Delivers transparent drive with clear string separation across low to high gain settings. Its 3D sound profile preserves chord clarity and functions brilliantly as a gain booster for guitar solos—frequently compared to the legendary Centaur.

The Tumnus Deluxe was created based on the legendary overdrive pedal. Retaining the clarity, punch, and note definition of the original Tumnus, it takes usability and versatility to new heights. A side-mounted switch allows you to toggle the buffer on and off. The Tumnus Deluxe is a feature-packed Klone offering extensive tone control.

Power: DC 9V power supply (70.3mA or higher, center-negative) or 9V battery (alkaline)
Dimensions: 63.5 (W) x 114.3 (D) x 38.1 (H) mm *including knobs
Weight: 323g

The Fredric Effects King of Klone is a luxurious overdrive pedal that combines two legendary, globally adored overdrive circuits into a single unit.
Built specifically for guitarists who feel one Klone just isn't enough.

The King of Klone houses two completely independent "Klone" circuits in one enclosure. Yes, totally independent—each circuit boasts its own buffer and voltage multiplier. While it looks like a single stompbox, it functions exactly like running two separate Klones in series. By housing them in a standard B-size enclosure, you get two independent Klones in less board space than a single original unit.

Built using PCBs designed by Fredric Effects, every unit is fully hand-wired.

- Professional powder coating and screen printing
- PCB-mounted components
- Handmade
- High-quality enclosed jacks
- Alpha footswitch and potentiometers
- Powered by 9V DC center-negative adapter (battery power not supported)

The Sacred Cow Overdrive carries the spirit of two true "classics."
Mojo Hand Fx hails from Texas, where beef is central to traditional culture—making the cow truly sacred.
The other classic is the legendary "gold" overdrive that set the standard for drive pedals, named after a mythical creature.

The Sacred Cow Overdrive captures that legendary sound in full. From a gentle clean boost to rich overdrive that asserts its presence in any ensemble, it's all here.
Mojo Hand Fx brought this circuit into a pedalboard-friendly footprint with enhanced user-friendliness.

■ Controls
Volume: Controls output level. Excellent for pushing an amp into drive or boosting your clean signal with extra authority.

Tone: Features a full-range tone control, sweeping from dark and warm to bright, bell-like overdrive.

Gain: Utilizes a dual-gang pot to seamlessly blend overdrive and clean boost across the entire rotation of the knob, providing sweet tones at every position.

Fatty/Lern Switch: "Lern" provides the standard EQ voicing of the legendary original pedal. "Fatty" adds extra body and compression, ideal when low-output pickups make the original tone sound too bright or sharp.

A unique HTJ-WORKS take on the legendary overdrive that needs no introduction.

The KLON Centaur circuit crafted from a proprietary perspective.

Start by trying the side-mounted Buffer/Through bypass switch to experience the rich mid-range of its buffer entrance.

From the rich buffered signal, the amplifier circuit splits into clean and drive signals.
Try starting with the gain at 0 to enjoy your amp's natural tone gently colored, then explore its smooth, natural overdrive.

The heart of the tone lies in the clipping diodes.

Selected germanium diodes closely match the sonic characteristics of hard-to-find Hitachi 1N34A diodes.

A handy pedal to keep on your board as both a main drive and a booster.

Reasonably priced with a robust, reliable build.

Designed for working musicians to use hard on stage without hesitation.

■ Controls
・GAIN
・TREBLE
・OUTPUT
・Bypass Mode Switch
【Engaged / In】 Buffered output (modifies bypassed signal)
【Released / Out】 True bypass structure (unaltered natural bypassed signal)

■ Features
・OVERDRIVE setting range from natural boost to low-gain crunch.
・Internally generates multiple voltages (9V, -9V, 4.5V, 18V) routed precisely where needed to craft the ultimate tone.
・Design allows vertical or horizontal orientation on pedalboards.
・Hybrid vintage tone combining modern component consistency with classic sound design.

■ Dimensions: Approx. 62 x 118 x 39 mm (excluding protrusions)
■ 9V DC adapter powered (center-negative)
* Uses internal voltage boost; always use a regulated 9V DC center-negative adapter (damage from overvoltage voids warranty).
■ 9V battery operation supported
■ Selectable True/Buffered Bypass switch
■ LED indicator lamp