The Handy FX Minotaur Overdrive is an overdrive pedal built in New Jersey, USA, based on the Klon Centaur circuit, the pedal that, as Pedal of the Day puts it, "has produced more clones than perhaps any other circuit"1. It follows the Klon formula closely: hard clipping through a pair of NOS germanium diodes, a buffered or true bypass output, and the familiar oxblood knobs on a familiar layout1. Delicious Audio lists it at $189 as of June 2026 and describes it as "a high end Klon clone built in NJ, USA, with top mount jacks using quality components"2.
How it works: the 18V headroom and the gain stage
Inside the enclosure, headroom is increased with a voltage converter that steps the 9V input up to 18V, the same internal-boost approach the original is known for1. The Gain knob is a classic dual potentiometer: as you turn it up, it simultaneously increases the input to the gain stage and blends in more of the affected signal, which is how the Klon design moves from clean boost territory into overdrive1. Players who want more clean headroom from a pedal like this can also look at dedicated boost pedals.
The circuit's defining parts, at a glance:
- Pair of NOS germanium diodes in the classic hard-clipping configuration1
- Internal voltage converter stepping 9V input up to 18V for extra headroom1
- Dual-potentiometer Gain control that drives the gain stage and blends affected signal at the same time1
- Buffered or true bypass output, player selectable1
Cent and Mino modes
Two internal slide switches set the pedal's behavior. One selects the voicing: Cent mode sticks to the original circuit, while Mino mode increases the input to the gain stage, "resulting in higher gain possibilities," with the overall bass increased for more warm low end presence1. The other switch selects True or Buffered bypass1.
| Setting | Positions | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| Voicing switch (internal slide) | Cent / Mino | Cent sticks to the original circuit; Mino increases the input to the gain stage for higher gain possibilities, with overall bass increased for more warm low end presence1 |
| Bypass switch (internal slide) | True / Buffered | Chooses between true bypass and buffered bypass1 |
Both the mode and bypass switches are internal slide switches, so changing them means taking the pedal off the board and opening it up. Set them where you want them before mounting.
What reviewers said
Pedal of the Day's reviewer came away impressed: "Like the original, it sounds excellent as a tone-shaping boost at the end of your drive section, but it also offers some of the best over-driven sounds" the reviewer has heard overall1. On the look of the pedal, the same review noted, "With the familiar layout and classic oxblood knobs, you'll feel right at home with the Minotaur at your feet"1.
Delicious Audio added the Minotaur to its shopping guide of the best Klon clones and evolutions when the pedal was announced in April 20223.
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Questions
What is the difference between Cent and Mino mode?
Cent mode sticks to the original Klon-style circuit, while Mino mode increases the input to the gain stage, which opens up higher gain possibilities and raises the overall bass. Pedal of the Day describes Mino as having more warm low end presence, so it suits players who want a fatter, more driven version of the Klon voicing from the same pedal.
Is the Handy FX Minotaur true bypass or buffered?
Both, depending on how you set it. The pedal has an internal slide switch that lets you choose between True bypass and Buffered bypass, so you can decide whether to keep the pedal out of the signal path entirely or use its buffer, in the tradition of the original Klon Centaur.
What diodes does the Minotaur use?
The Minotaur uses a pair of NOS germanium diodes in the classic hard-clipping configuration, the arrangement associated with the Klon Centaur circuit it is based on.
Where is the Handy FX Minotaur made?
Delicious Audio describes it as a high end Klon clone built in NJ, USA, using quality components, with top mount jacks and a choice of three different case colors.
Sources (3)
- Handy FX Minotaur Overdrive, Pedal of the Day, 2022-04-19
- The Klon Centaur Pedal And The Best Klon Clones In 2026: A Buyer's Guide, Delicious Audio, 2026-06-17
- New Pedal: Handy FX Minotaur Klone, Delicious Audio, 2022-04-19