The Klon Centaur. Just the name itself conjures images of mythical tone and legendary status within the guitar community. While the name might evoke fantastical creatures, the reality of obtaining an original Klon Centaur pedal is often grounded in the very real-world issue of exorbitant prices on the used market. It’s a common misconception that Bill Finnegan, the creator of this iconic pedal, profits from these inflated resale values. However, it’s crucial to understand that he doesn’t see a penny from those secondary sales.
Alt text: A gold Klon Centaur overdrive pedal, showcasing its iconic enclosure and minimal controls, a sought-after piece of gear for guitarists.
The original Klons were a labor of love, meticulously crafted by Bill himself as essentially a one-person operation. This handcrafted approach, while ensuring quality, inherently limited production. Imagine the challenges: sourcing specific components, managing manufacturing inconsistencies, handling customer inquiries, and the logistics of shipping – all falling on a single individual. Scaling up production to meet demand was simply not feasible with the resources available.
When considering the sometimes eye-watering prices commanded by original Klon Centaur pedals, it’s essential to remember their initial retail price was around $300. The dramatic price surge is primarily attributable to scarcity and the overwhelming desire for these pedals among collectors and, notably, a roster of famous musicians who have incorporated the “Centaur Guitar” magic into their sound. This combination of limited supply and high demand has propelled the Klon Centaur into the realm of boutique pedal legend.
Alt text: A collection of various Klon Centaur clone pedals displayed together, highlighting the diverse interpretations of the circuit by different pedal builders seeking to capture the essence of the original “centaur guitar” tone.
The good news for guitarists seeking that coveted Klon sound without breaking the bank is the proliferation of high-quality Klon clones. With the original circuit design having been meticulously analyzed and replicated, numerous manufacturers now offer pedals that capture the essence of the Klon tone at significantly more accessible price points. Achieving that sought-after “centaur guitar” overdrive is no longer exclusive to those willing to pay premium prices for vintage units.
Modern Takes on the Centaur Circuit
Beyond faithful reproductions, the Klon circuit has also served as a springboard for innovation. Companies like FSC are pushing the boundaries of the original design, exploring new sonic territories while retaining the core character that makes the Klon so revered. A prime example is the FSC KB-1. This pedal ingeniously incorporates a silicon clipping stage alongside the classic germanium diode configuration found in the original Centaur.
Alt text: The FSC KB-1 pedal, illustrating its dual-channel layout with separate controls for germanium and silicon clipping modes, offering expanded tonal options beyond a traditional Klon Centaur circuit.
This addition of a silicon side to the FSC KB-1 opens up a broader palette of tonal colors. It allows players to venture into grittier, more aggressive overdrive territories. By cascading the silicon soft-clipping gain stage on top of the germanium hard-clipping diodes, the KB-1 can achieve textures reminiscent of fuzz pedals, albeit with a distinct character that sets it apart from typical fuzz circuits. This innovative approach demonstrates how the legacy of the “centaur guitar” pedal continues to evolve and inspire new sonic explorations.
In conclusion, while the mystique and collectibility of original Klon Centaur pedals remain undeniable, the availability of excellent clones and innovative variations ensures that the iconic “centaur guitar” tone is accessible to a wider range of players. Whether you seek a faithful recreation of the original magic or a modern evolution of the circuit, the legacy of the Klon Centaur continues to shape the landscape of overdrive pedals.
