The IdiotBox Han-Taun Overdrive is a Klon Centaur-style overdrive pedal from IdiotBox Effects, a builder known for hand-built pedals with pop-culture graphics. The maker describes it as "my take on the Klon Centaur overdrive," and says it is "pretty damn close to the legit Centaur reissue with a bit more beef and tighter high end." In other words, it is a klone: a pedal built around the circuit of the famous Klon Centaur, with a little extra low end of its own1.
What it does to your sound
The Klon Centaur is technically a hard-clipping overdrive, as Brian Wampler explained to MusicRadar, and the Han-Taun follows that same layout. Pedal of the Day noted that "The Han-Taun is set up just like the famous mythical beast pedal, with Gain, Treble and Output controls," and called it "a magnificent klone pedal"2. IdiotBox says it "makes any guitar stand out and totally slays on bass," which is where the added low end comes in1.
"It's pretty damn close to the legit Centaur reissue with a bit more beef and tighter high end."
Wampler's point to MusicRadar is worth keeping in mind when comparing any klone: the Klon family is often described as transparent, but he argued that this is "mostly a myth," because the circuit is a hard-clipping overdrive that is shaping your signal, not passing it through untouched3. The Han-Taun leans into that character rather than hiding it, with the Gain, Treble and Output control layout of the original2.
Power and setup
The Han-Taun runs on a common 9VDC center-negative 2.1mm BOSS-style power input and draws 20mA. It also has a battery snap, so it can run on a battery if you prefer. A power supply is not included1.
IdiotBox warns: "DO NOT USE ANY POWER SUPPLY RATED OVER 9VDC OR DAMAGE COULD OCCUR." Stick to a standard 9VDC center-negative supply with enough current headroom for the pedal's 20mA draw1.
Enclosure and design
The pedal comes in a 1590BB-sized enclosure measuring 4.7" x 3.7" x 1.18", a standard stompbox footprint. Pedal of the Day described it as "one of them being this blue gem," referring to its blue finish, and as "another wonderfully Star Wars-themed effect" from IdiotBox, whose graphics play on Han Solo and Taun-Tauns12.
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Questions
Can the IdiotBox Han-Taun Overdrive run on a battery?
Yes. The Han-Taun has a battery snap alongside its 2.1mm BOSS-style power input, so it can run on a 9V battery as well as a center-negative DC supply. Note that IdiotBox warns against using any power supply rated over 9VDC, as damage could occur, and a power supply is not included with the pedal.
Why is the Han-Taun pedal Star Wars themed?
IdiotBox Effects gives its pedals pop-culture graphics, and Pedal of the Day described the Han-Taun as another wonderfully Star Wars-themed effect, with catchy graphics inspired by Han Solo and Taun-Tauns. The name itself is a play on the two, which fits the pedal's role as a boost overdrive.
How big is the IdiotBox Han-Taun enclosure?
The Han-Taun uses a 1590BB-sized aluminum enclosure measuring 4.7 x 3.7 x 1.18 inches, according to IdiotBox Effects. That is a standard stompbox footprint that fits on most pedalboards without much fuss.
Sources (3)
- Han-Taun Overdrive, IdiotBox Effects
- IdiotBox Effects Han-Taun Boost Overdrive, Pedal of the Day (www.pedal-of-the-day.com), 2019-04-19
- Brian Wampler explains why it's (mostly) a myth that the Klon is a 'transparent' sounding overdrive pedal, MusicRadar, 2024-01-10
