The JC Audio Klone Overdrive is a hand-built guitar effects pedal that follows the circuit of the Klon Centaur, the gold-boxed mid-gain overdrive that has been cloned by many small builders. Pedal of the Day reviewed it in March 2015, noting that many clones share the same general circuit layout and sound, and that JC Audio's version stood out to its reviewer: "it is honestly one of the best overdrive pedals I have played"1.
What it does to your sound
This is not a pedal for players chasing heavy distortion. Pedal of the Day's reviewer, Mike B, described it plainly: "This pedal is not a high-gain overdrive, but is an excellent tone enhancer, and will add just the right amount of grit and drive to your sound if you want it to"1. That matches the original Centaur's character: Legendary Tones' 2004 review of the Klon described its basic controls as overdrive, treble and volume, a mid-gain design meant to push an amp rather than replace one3. Players looking for more saturation would be in the territory of distortion pedals instead of this kind of overdrive.
Controls and switching
The pedal keeps the Klon's three-knob layout, and the Treble knob works as an overall Tone control1. The enclosure follows the original's look closely: the reviewer found "it looks remarkably similar to a [Klon], minus the words printed on the enclosure. Even the knobs are the same"1.
- Gain: sets the amount of grit and drive
- Treble: works as an overall Tone knob1
- Output: sets the pedal's level
Switching is true bypass, and the pedal uses Neutrik jacks1. The review also mentions relay switching1.
Where it came from
JC Audio was one of the many small builders making Klon-style pedals. Pedal of the Day credited the pedal to Jordan Curry, "for building this incredible pedal"1, and noted that JC Audio was "making remarkable pedals reminiscent of the Klon for a 1/10 of the price"1 at the time of the 2015 review.
Other Klones
JC Audio was far from alone in this territory, and the Klon circuit has been revisited by builders again and again:
- The Jad Freer Audio Klone is described by its maker as "a faithful reproduction of an original Klone Centaur Professional Overdrive, specifically S.N. 3157"4.
- The JedsPeds Super Klone is a DIY kit version of the circuit5.
- Pedal of the Day's review of the Kenny B Pedals Klone Boost Overdrive called it "a plug and play pedal, for sure, but one with some added features for really dialing in what you want"6.
Videos
Pedal of the Day
Questions
Is the JC Audio Klone Overdrive true bypass?
Yes. Pedal of the Day's 2015 review describes the pedal as true bypass, fitted with Neutrik jacks. The review also notes relay switching, so the pedal passes your guitar's signal untouched when it is off.
Who designed the JC Audio Klone Overdrive?
The pedal was built by Jordan Curry of JC Audio. Pedal of the Day's review credits Curry directly, thanking him for building the pedal, and describes JC Audio as making pedals reminiscent of the Klon at a fraction of the original's price.
What does the Treble knob do on the JC Audio Klone?
According to Pedal of the Day's review, the Treble knob works as an overall Tone control, shaping the pedal's output in the same way the treble control does on the original Klon Centaur.
Is the JC Audio Klone a high-gain pedal?
No. Pedal of the Day's reviewer describes it as not a high-gain overdrive, but an excellent tone enhancer that adds grit and drive when you want it. Players after heavier distortion would look at a distortion pedal instead.
Sources (6)
- JC Audio Klone Overdrive, Pedal of the Day, 2015-03-29
- JC Audio Klone Drive, Pedal of the Day, 2015-03-07
- Maxon OD820 Overdrive Pro versus Klon Centaur, Legendary Tones (republished on maxonfx.com, Godlyke, Inc.), 2004
- Klone (Klon Centaur replica), Jad Freer Audio
- Super Klone, JedsPeds
- Kenny B Pedals Klone Boost Overdrive, Pedal of the Day, 2019-11-21
