"(`・ω・´) Let me explain! KLON is an effects manufacturer based in Massachusetts, USA, and the builder is Bill Finnegan . In 1994, they released the high-quality but expensive overdrive pedal "Centaur," which gained cult popularity, but in 2009, they stopped production amid rumors that "the stock of that sturdy case had run out."
Then, in 2012, they announced their successor, the "KTR," at the musical instrument show "NAMM2012" held in California, and it was released in Japan in October.
For a long time, the "Centaur" was considered the best and most luxurious overdrive pedal, and was a symbol of the highest quality equipment. Even so, in the early 2000s, it usually cost around 60,000 to 70,000 yen, and I bought a new one for a few thousand yen, but in 2009, it was discontinued and it easily cost around 100,000 yen.
Then, in 2012, the KTR was released. The price was surprisingly around 30,000 yen. "Centaur" is currently out of stock all over Japan, with people wondering if it's really worth buying for 30,000 yen.
So, the problem is [...the one adressed here; note], does the "KTR" produce the same sound as the "Centaur"?
When you actually play them side by side, the distortion characters are surprisingly similar. They both have the same pleasant midrange.
There are some differences, such as oscillation when used at full volume, but there's no doubt that they basically produce the same sound.
So, what's different is that the "Centaur" has more depth and breadth in its distortion. I feel like this breadth gives the distortion of the "Centaur" a subtle sense of luxury. The distortion of the KTR is more forward, and in a good sense, it is clearer. The KTR has a switch on the side of the case that allows you to set whether or not to use the buffer, but strangely enough, turning off the buffer gave me a sound breadth closer to the "Centaur".
That's all for now.
My honest impression is that it's similar, but a little disappointing.
I think it's the best Centaur clone ever. I think it's one of the best ODs in the 30,000 yen range. I can fully recommend it."
cred: maruhatch.exblog.jp