If you’re a guitarist or a gearhead, you’ve probably heard of the Klon Centaur, one of the most iconic overdrive pedals ever made. Its unique sound has made it a favorite among guitarists, and it has been used on countless records. However, the original Klon Centaur is no longer in production, and they can be quite expensive on the used market. Enter the Klon KTR, a pedal designed to replicate the sound of the original Klon Centaur. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the Klon KTR, how it compares to the original Klon Centaur, and whether it’s worth the investment.
History of the Klon Centaur
To understand the Klon KTR, it’s important to first understand the history of the Klon Centaur. The Klon Centaur was created by Bill Finnegan in the mid-1990s, and it quickly gained a cult following among guitarists. The pedal’s unique sound comes from its use of a special type of clipping circuit, which produces a smooth, creamy overdrive that’s been described as “transparent.” The Klon Centaur was also known for its ability to enhance the natural tone of a guitar, rather than covering it up like some overdrive pedals do.
What is the Klon KTR?
The Klon KTR is a pedal designed to replicate the sound of the original Klon Centaur. It was created by Bill Finnegan in collaboration with Paul Cochrane, who is known for his Timmy overdrive pedal. The Klon KTR uses the same circuit as the original Klon Centaur, but with some minor tweaks to improve the reliability and reduce the noise. The pedal also has a smaller footprint than the original Klon Centaur, making it more pedalboard-friendly.
How does the Klon KTR compare to the original Klon Centaur?
The Klon KTR is often compared to the original Klon Centaur, and opinions are divided on which one sounds better. Some people swear by the original Klon Centaur, while others prefer the Klon KTR. One advantage of the Klon KTR is that it’s more readily available and affordable than the original Klon Centaur. However, some guitarists argue that the Klon KTR doesn’t quite capture the magic of the original Klon Centaur.
What makes the Klon KTR special?
The Klon KTR is a special pedal for a few reasons. Firstly, it’s designed to replicate the sound of one of the most iconic overdrive pedals ever made. Secondly, it’s made by the same person who created the original Klon Centaur, so it has a certain level of authenticity. Finally, the Klon KTR has its own unique sound, which some guitarists prefer over the original Klon Centaur.
How to use the Klon KTR
Using the Klon KTR is fairly straightforward. The pedal has three knobs: gain, treble, and output. The gain knob controls the amount of overdrive, while the treble knob adjusts the high frequencies. The output knob controls the overall volume of the pedal. One thing to note is that the Klon KTR is not a distortion pedal, but rather an overdrive pedal, so it’s best used with a clean or slightly overdriven amp.
Is the Klon KTR worth the investment?
Whether the Klon KTR is worth the investment depends on a few factors. Firstly, do you already have an overdrive pedal that you’re happy with? If so, you may not try the Klon KTR. However, if you’re a fan of the original Klon Centaur and have been searching for a way to replicate its sound, the Klon KTR may be worth the investment. Additionally, if you’re a collector or a gearhead, owning a Klon KTR may be a must-have item for your collection. Alternatively, you can always build one from a PCB and I hope I can create a PCB for it soon.
Conclusion
The Klon KTR is a pedal that’s designed to replicate the sound of the original Klon Centaur, one of the most iconic overdrive pedals ever made. While opinions are divided on whether the Klon KTR sounds as good as the original Klon Centaur, it’s a great option for guitarists who want to achieve that smooth, creamy overdrive sound. Whether you’re a collector, a gearhead, or just a guitarist who wants to experiment with different pedals, the Klon KTR is definitely worth considering.
FAQs
Can the Klon KTR be used as a distortion pedal?
No, the Klon KTR is an overdrive pedal, not a distortion pedal. It’s best used with a clean or slightly overdriven amp.
How much does the Klon KTR cost?
The Klon KTR is priced at around $300, which is more affordable than the original Klon Centaur.
Does the Klon KTR sound exactly like the original Klon Centaur?
Opinions are divided on whether the Klon KTR sounds exactly like the original Klon Centaur. Some guitarists prefer the Klon KTR, while others prefer the original Klon Centaur.
Can the Klon KTR be used with any type of guitar?
Yes, the Klon KTR can be used with any type of guitar, but it’s best suited for use with single-coil pickups.
Is the Klon KTR a limited edition pedal?
No, the Klon KTR is not a limited edition pedal, but it is produced in small batches, so availability can be limited at times.
What type of music is the Klon KTR best suited for?
The Klon KTR is a versatile overdrive pedal that can be used for a wide range of music styles, including blues, rock, and country.
How does the Klon KTR compare to other overdrive pedals?
The Klon KTR is often compared to other overdrive pedals, and opinions are divided on which one sounds the best. Some guitarists prefer the Klon KTR, while others prefer other pedals.
Can the Klon KTR be used for bass guitar?
While the Klon KTR is primarily designed for use with guitar, it can also be used with bass guitar, although the sound may not be as optimal.
Is the Klon KTR a true bypass pedal?
Yes, the Klon KTR is a true bypass pedal, which means that when the pedal is switched off, the signal passes through the pedal without any alteration to the sound. It also has a switch to switch from true bypass to buffered mode
Can a DIY Klon KTR be built by a beginner?
The schematic and circuit of the Klon KTR isn’t that complex and beginner diy pedal builders can build a klon without any prior experience
Do you have a PCB Board for the Klon Centaur or the Klon KTR ?
Currently I don’t have a PCB available but I’m working on it
Klon KTR
If you’re a guitarist or a gearhead, you’ve probably heard of the Klon Centaur, one of the most iconic overdrive pedals ever made. Its unique sound has made it a favorite among guitarists, and it has been used on countless records. However, the original Klon Centaur is no longer in production, and they can be quite expensive on the used market. Enter the Klon KTR, a pedal designed to replicate the sound of the original Klon Centaur. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the Klon KTR, how it compares to the original Klon Centaur, and whether it’s worth the investment.
History of the Klon Centaur
To understand the Klon KTR, it’s important to first understand the history of the Klon Centaur. The Klon Centaur was created by Bill Finnegan in the mid-1990s, and it quickly gained a cult following among guitarists. The pedal’s unique sound comes from its use of a special type of clipping circuit, which produces a smooth, creamy overdrive that’s been described as “transparent.” The Klon Centaur was also known for its ability to enhance the natural tone of a guitar, rather than covering it up like some overdrive pedals do.
What is the Klon KTR?
The Klon KTR is a pedal designed to replicate the sound of the original Klon Centaur. It was created by Bill Finnegan in collaboration with Paul Cochrane, who is known for his Timmy overdrive pedal. The Klon KTR uses the same circuit as the original Klon Centaur, but with some minor tweaks to improve the reliability and reduce the noise. The pedal also has a smaller footprint than the original Klon Centaur, making it more pedalboard-friendly.
How does the Klon KTR compare to the original Klon Centaur?
The Klon KTR is often compared to the original Klon Centaur, and opinions are divided on which one sounds better. Some people swear by the original Klon Centaur, while others prefer the Klon KTR. One advantage of the Klon KTR is that it’s more readily available and affordable than the original Klon Centaur. However, some guitarists argue that the Klon KTR doesn’t quite capture the magic of the original Klon Centaur.
What makes the Klon KTR special?
The Klon KTR is a special pedal for a few reasons. Firstly, it’s designed to replicate the sound of one of the most iconic overdrive pedals ever made. Secondly, it’s made by the same person who created the original Klon Centaur, so it has a certain level of authenticity. Finally, the Klon KTR has its own unique sound, which some guitarists prefer over the original Klon Centaur.
How to use the Klon KTR
Using the Klon KTR is fairly straightforward. The pedal has three knobs: gain, treble, and output. The gain knob controls the amount of overdrive, while the treble knob adjusts the high frequencies. The output knob controls the overall volume of the pedal. One thing to note is that the Klon KTR is not a distortion pedal, but rather an overdrive pedal, so it’s best used with a clean or slightly overdriven amp.
Is the Klon KTR worth the investment?
Whether the Klon KTR is worth the investment depends on a few factors. Firstly, do you already have an overdrive pedal that you’re happy with? If so, you may not try the Klon KTR. However, if you’re a fan of the original Klon Centaur and have been searching for a way to replicate its sound, the Klon KTR may be worth the investment. Additionally, if you’re a collector or a gearhead, owning a Klon KTR may be a must-have item for your collection. Alternatively, you can always build one from a PCB and I hope I can create a PCB for it soon.
Conclusion
The Klon KTR is a pedal that’s designed to replicate the sound of the original Klon Centaur, one of the most iconic overdrive pedals ever made. While opinions are divided on whether the Klon KTR sounds as good as the original Klon Centaur, it’s a great option for guitarists who want to achieve that smooth, creamy overdrive sound. Whether you’re a collector, a gearhead, or just a guitarist who wants to experiment with different pedals, the Klon KTR is definitely worth considering.
FAQs
No, the Klon KTR is an overdrive pedal, not a distortion pedal. It’s best used with a clean or slightly overdriven amp.
The Klon KTR is priced at around $300, which is more affordable than the original Klon Centaur.
Opinions are divided on whether the Klon KTR sounds exactly like the original Klon Centaur. Some guitarists prefer the Klon KTR, while others prefer the original Klon Centaur.
Yes, the Klon KTR can be used with any type of guitar, but it’s best suited for use with single-coil pickups.
No, the Klon KTR is not a limited edition pedal, but it is produced in small batches, so availability can be limited at times.
The Klon KTR is a versatile overdrive pedal that can be used for a wide range of music styles, including blues, rock, and country.
The Klon KTR is often compared to other overdrive pedals, and opinions are divided on which one sounds the best. Some guitarists prefer the Klon KTR, while others prefer other pedals.
While the Klon KTR is primarily designed for use with guitar, it can also be used with bass guitar, although the sound may not be as optimal.
Yes, the Klon KTR is a true bypass pedal, which means that when the pedal is switched off, the signal passes through the pedal without any alteration to the sound. It also has a switch to switch from true bypass to buffered mode
The schematic and circuit of the Klon KTR isn’t that complex and beginner diy pedal builders can build a klon without any prior experience
Currently I don’t have a PCB available but I’m working on it
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