Klonology

Haigster replica of the famous Klon Centaur Overdrive pedal. 15 years ago Bill Finnegan created a hand-made effects pedal that stood on its own. The Klon Centaur was completely different than all the other overdrive pedals that came before it and the sound was as unique and special as the circuit design.

The circuit had unique characteristics, most noticeably the use of an IC MAX1044 voltage converter. The voltage converter drives 18 volts to the operational amplifier which is the core of the circuit; at this voltage the response of the amplifier is different from at 9 volt. The higher voltage supply gives the pedal a higher order of harmonics and the more “metallic” the sound.

“…It’s an amp in a box. No more worries in the world of ‘amp du jour’ about overdrive tone. It will be OK. The Centaur will take care of it…”

Nels Cline of Wilco once said, describing his Klon

Among the guitarists who use the Klon Centaur are: Jeff Beck, John Mayer, Wayne Sermon of Imagine Dragons, David Grissom, and Andy Summers.