The Legend of the klon centaur

Half Man, Half Horse: The Wrath of Klon

Every so often, a pedal comes along that's so singular, so completely and wildly effective, that it manages to go where none like it have gone before. Then, just like that, it vanishes, lighting up message boards and driving up eBay auctions, becoming the stuff of myth.

So it was with the Klon Centaur.

Earthquaker Devices Astral Destiny Modes

One of the most sought-after pedals of the last 30 years, the Klon Centaur is a transparent overdrive designed by Bill Finnegan. First introduced in 1994, this legendary pedal originally retailed for $225, a tidy sum in the early-to-mid '90s. Now, it regularly fetches upwards of $3K, with gold (or "Horsie") models commanding as much as $4K more.

But why? 

Well, a lot of reasons. For one, it sounds good. Not every transparent overdrive is really "transparent," meaning it boosts the gain without changing the tone. For the Klon, this is no problem. An IC MAX1044 voltage converter allows it to run at higher voltages, generate a higher order of harmonics and extra internal headroom, great for a clean boost. But if you need some dirt, dial up the Klon's dual germanium diodes to clip your waveform. If you want, you can even mix some of the clean in with the "dual-ganged" gain pot. 

Another reason the Klon Centaur is so valuable? Finnegan just didn't make that many, only about 8,000 between 1994 and when he discontinued the pedal in 2009. $225 was a crazy amount of money to pay for an overdrive at a time when "boutique pedals" weren't really a thing, not to mention the popularity of digital rack-mounted units was growing, and or older time-tested, overdrives were widely available for less.

Thankfully, we don't have to live in a Klon-less world. Finnegan reissued the pedal under the name "KTR" in 2014. And even though the circuitry on the original Klons was "gooped," or covered over with black epoxy resin to obscure the design, many effects manufacturers have since introduced some pretty reliable Klon clones to compete with rising vintage and second-hand prices.

CME-Style RYRA Klon

Handmade in founder Shane Logan's home workshop, each RYRA Klon Overdrive is a precise replica of the original Klon, constructed from the best materials available, including many difficult-to-source NOS components. Get one in traditional Gold or this CME Exclusive Chameleon!

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Shop Effects Pedals

Whether you want to saddle the mythical beast or you're looking to ride without ponying up, we can help.
Take the reins and call, click, or visit us today to talk about stabling the legendary overdrive for yourself. 

Fender Vintage Modified '68 Custom Pro Reverb Silverface Amps / Guitar Combos
Fender Vintage Modified '68 Custom Pro Reverb Silverface Amps / Guitar Combos
Fender Vintage Modified '68 Custom Pro Reverb Silverface Amps / Guitar Combos
Fender Vintage Modified '68 Custom Pro Reverb Silverface Amps / Guitar Combos
Fender Vintage Modified '68 Custom Pro Reverb Silverface Amps / Guitar Combos

Fender Vintage Modified '68 Custom Pro Reverb Silverface

$1,599.99
The ‘68 Customs have become an extremely popular amp series for guitarists who love classic Fender sounds along with toneful modifications that resonate with today’s players.

The ‘68 Custom Pro Reverb takes its cues from the original 40-watt model, improving its portability and tonal flexibility by reducing the cabinet size and weight, moving to a single-channel format and single 12” speaker, and adding a middle tone control. This refined and upgraded amp is the perfect size and volume for almost any gig, and may be the ultimate pedal-friendly platform.

Amplifier Type: Tube
Control Knobs: Vintage-Style Skirted Black Plastic
Inputs: Two - (1/4", Input 2 operates at -6dB)
Cabinet Material: 7-ply 3/4" Meranti plywood
Handle: Molded Plastic Strap with Nickel-Plated Caps
Speakers: One - 12" Celestion NEO Creamback
Total Impedance: 8 ohms
Power Tubes: 2 x 6L6
Preamp Tubes: 3 x 12AX7, 2 x 12AT7
Dimensions: 13.10x22.70x27.50 IN
Weight: 44.60 LB
Footswitch: 2-Button Vintage Style (Reverb On/Off, Vibrato On/Off)
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Fender Vintage Modified '68 Custom Vibro Champ Reverb Silverface Amps / Guitar Combos
Fender Vintage Modified '68 Custom Vibro Champ Reverb Silverface Amps / Guitar Combos
Fender Vintage Modified '68 Custom Vibro Champ Reverb Silverface Amps / Guitar Combos
Fender Vintage Modified '68 Custom Vibro Champ Reverb Silverface Amps / Guitar Combos

Fender Vintage Modified '68 Custom Vibro Champ Reverb Silverface

$999.99
The ’68 Customs have become an extremely popular amp series for guitarists who love classic Fender sounds along with toneful modifications that resonate with today’s players. 

At just 5 watts, the original Vibro Champ was famous for classic Fender tremolo, tube sparkle and killer grind at a reasonable level. The ’68 Custom Vibro Champ Reverb improves on this classic amp by adding hall-emulating DSP reverb and using a larger 10” speaker for increased low end. These additions make this little wonder perfect for rehearsal, home recording and even small gigs.

Color: Black
Amplifier Type: Tube
Control Knobs: Vintage-Style Skirted Black Plastic
Inputs: Two - (1/4", Input 2 operates at -6dB)
Cabinet Material: 7-Ply 5/8" Birch Plywood
Handle: Molded Plastic Strap with Nickel-Plated Caps
Speakers: One - 10" Celestion TEN 30
Total Impedance: 3.2 ohms
Power Tubes: 1 x 6V6
Preamp Tubes: 2 x 12AX7
Dimensions: 12.50x19.50x20.50 IN
Weight: 26.40 LB
Footswitch: Optional 2-Button Footswitch
RYRA Klone Overdrive Pedal Effects and Pedals / Overdrive and Boost
RYRA Klone Overdrive Pedal Effects and Pedals / Overdrive and Boost
RYRA Klone Overdrive Pedal Effects and Pedals / Overdrive and Boost

RYRA Klone Overdrive Pedal

$190.00
 Every "Klone" pedal that leaves the Rock Your Repaired Amp shop is handcrafted using the best components and craftsmanship that is available in the industry.

The Rock Your Repaired Amp Klone is an exact, part for part, meticulously crafted replica of the infamous "transparent" overdrive pedal. It is painstakingly crafted using the absolute best components with a deep devotion to perfection. This recreation of the through-hole constructed overdrive pedal, now out of production, is known for its big, 3D, open sound that cuts right through the mix. This is a pedal for players who don’t typically like pedals.

FEATURES
  • Beautifully Powder Coated Gold
  • Buffered Bypass
  • DC Jack
  • 9V Battery
  • Exterior dimensions of 4.7" x 3.7" x 1.18"
  • Made in the United States
 
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Klon KTR Overdrive Boost Effects and Pedals / Overdrive and Boost
Klon KTR Overdrive Boost Effects and Pedals / Overdrive and Boost
Klon KTR Overdrive Boost Effects and Pedals / Overdrive and Boost
Klon KTR Overdrive Boost Effects and Pedals / Overdrive and Boost
Klon KTR Overdrive Boost Effects and Pedals / Overdrive and Boost

Klon KTR Overdrive Boost

$269.00

The Klon KTR is an overdrive/boost pedal is a revised edition of the legendary Klon Centaur. The circuit is designed completely by Bill Finnegan, and nails the sound of a genuine Centaur. This pedal can produce transparent boost to warm rich overdrive tones, all with the signature mid-range boost that it's famous for.

The Klon KTR is best used pushing a tube amp that's on the edge of breaking up. The KTR is designed to overdrive the amp further into breakup, producing a lively and dynamic lead tone. Besides its obvious mid-range voicing, it is a rather transparent overdrive pedal that wedges its way into your amp to really make it sing in a focused, classic rock and roll kind of way.

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