Yup. People who pay these prices are nuts. They just aren't that great. I just bought 3 NUX Reissue pedals for around $50.00 each and they sound great, along with my Plumes. And they don't sound like a TubeScreamer. But I can get tones like the pedals demo'd here.
I agree!! I don't understand how a klon can fetch so much money....It's way overrated! it doesnt even sound that great if you ask me. I had a Ceriatone Klon and sold it a week later because it just didnt do anything special for me. (not dissing ceriatone they make great stuff)but the klon sound is definfetly not for me I guess. I do love my KOT though...lots of tonal capabilities way better than any klon type pedal I've heard or tried.
I don't want to be a party pooper but to my ears the best tone was the amp with no pedals. I sold my Fender amp and I use a Peavey Delta Blues with the 15'' speaker and I use Danelectro pedals ''The Breakdown'', ''Million dolllar boost'' and the ''Pride of Texas'' and those 3 pedals gives me a ton of different tones. It's inexpensive and it works for me.
I realize I'm the little kid pointing and yelling, "The emperor has no clothes!" but I don't hear a nickel's worth of difference between these pedals. I remain clueless as to exactly what tone everyone is graveling for. I guess my hearing just isn't that sensitive. I kinda feel like most of the tone is coming from a pare of well trained hands and muscle memory. The magic isn't in expensive toys.
They're only expensive because of limited availability. They sound good but not $5000 good. A $60 Soul Food will get you close and there's a 1000 Klon clones $100-300 that are almost perfect replicas of the tone.
Ronnie, IMO, you're right. Either your hearing is fine, or mine is also failing. I follow guitar and gear channels obsessively, and the differences between all these products are microscopic , if not non-existent. Unfortunately that hasn't stopped me from spending 10's of thousands of dollars buying all of it.... Maybe I should just practice more....
Sorry Mike. I forgot to say I love me some Baxter. I feel like if he were playing a $50 Joyo overdrive, he'd still make it sound awesome, cuz he's awesome. There we go.
I sometimes use a Klone (MXR Sugar Drive) with my 70's Princeton Reverb. Sounds good, but I prefer the MXR 10 band EQ boosting the mid frequencies for a so-called "clean boost".
It’s over priced bull shit. How about a jhs morning glory or mxr sugar drive? Or any other clone. A little tone tweaking will get you close enough no one will know the difference. Is it that much difference vs the money? You still have to have the chops or no matter what you play or play through, you will sound as mediocre as you chops are
@@jfrankcarr I use a Jhs milkman as my boost into a TS-9 when I play my strat. I have KoT for my LP. I have a Blues Jr that I play at home and at my brother's house we split the cost to have a Matamp green 120MV built. He's a bit of an nut. He owns a 65 twin, a couple of vintage Princeton's, though they're post CBS, a vintage ampeg bass amp. One of advantages of not having a wife and kids I guess.
I have a KTR. When I was playing cheaper amps it made a greater improvement than now with my “higher end” gear. Grab a klon clone if you have a cheaper rig. Most are the same price as any other overdrive pedal.
I owned an original Centaur back in the 2000s. Sold it for $50 more than I paid for it and thought I’d actually done something. Having learned from that debacle, I now own 2 KTRs. I must say, I like the KTR better than my original Centaur. It’s not the end all of tone but it does what it does better than others of that type, IMHO.
I watched a blind test by Danish Pete of a bunch of overdrives, Klon included. He picked the Wampler Tumnus as his favorite over the Klon, which was second. I bought a Tumnus. It is the pedal I didn't know I needed, and it didn't cost $5k.
Dude the wampler Tumnus is a guitar players secret weapon. I have an original mini and I bought a deluxe version. The mini is just magical. The extra features on the deluxe takes away from the awesomeness of the mini but both are amazing
I spent soooo much money buying pedals that were supposed to be a Klon clone. Eventually, I realized I'd been better off just buying a Klon in the beginning. I sold my "like" Klon gear and bought an actual Klon KTR.
Nothing ever came close to my early 80s RAT, stolen in 1988, have had 6 subsequent RATs and none have made me happy (using a 1980 Twin Reverb). Picked up a new Tube Screamer and a Big Standard Sandstorm this year and both are very good, TS a "bit" noisy", Sandstorm is very nice, need to live with it a bit longer with the Twin before passing final judgment. Just got a REVV G3 and I am blown away with how it makes my ultra clean 1980 Twin Reverb sound. I've only had it a week but I go to bed with this sound/tone in my head and I can't stop smiling. My Twin is so clean and chimey and now it has something that gives me a range of edginess that is raw yet articulated.I plan on seeing how it works with my MESA DC-22, have a feeling that it is going to be a match made in heaven. The Volume knob on the G3 produces amazing differences across the board, and the "Blue" setting is just orgasmic. Here the KLON sounded best, that little bit of feedback in the last demo says it all.
The more you pay for the pedal the more you’re going to (want?) to love it. Played my tele straight into my Marshall earlier this evening …. hope you enjoy your gear too!
Isn't it almost on the edge of Buyer's Remorse? Unless you're rolling in cash, if you spend that amount of money for a pedal, you are going to find a way to convince yourself that you like it. The guitar industry, just like the golf industry, depends on you thinking "if I just had that one item, it would be perfect". After 50 years of buying, selling and trading guitars, amps, effects, etc. that now I am at the point where my "sound" is the best crap sound around!!
I bought my KTR for $269 in 2018 and sold it for $269 a year later. (Doh!). On the other hand , what I paid for my KOT in 2018 and sold it for in June 2021 is on a “need to know basis” (and my wife does not need to know):)
I’ve got the KTR, it’s great as both a boost and a drive pedal.... currently 7 days away on the KOT list so excited to get that after 3 years of waiting..... 🤘🏼
Get this! I just bought a Klon KTR. I found a guy that has a small gear shop in a small village in Hawaii and he had a brand new KTR on the shelf for sale in his store since 2015. He said he only played it once, and it's been in the box since then. I was able to buy if from him for $600! Crazy! I wasn't sure I find a KTR in good condition that I could afford, much less, a brand new one. Bought it immediately. It really is everything I hoped and dreamed a Klon to be.
I love the King of Tone, it's the best pedal I own - and it's the best $800 pedal you can buy (for $285). There are SO MANY Klon clones that are just as good as that original (The Archer in particular) that it seems pointless at this point.
2000 Nobles ODR-1 (~$1,000) for the win. 1979 Ibanez TS808 (~$2,000) for the show and Wampler Tumnus (~$230) for place. That would be 1st, 2nd and 3rd for all you sober non-gambling types. For me… the three you displayed are very cool but the three I have listed sound better. But who knows maybe the ODR-1 will be the next Klon Overd And yes, I had a 1992 Klon Centaur Professional Overdrive until about a year ago when I sold it for absolutely ridiculous price when compared to what I paid for it 28 years prior. Laughing all the way to the bank. A nice 2,640% increase. 😂 Great video Baxter. Keep em coming.
I’ve got a solid klon clone a pedal builder friend made for me, and it’s a great drive. It is my lead boost, and I crank the drive up to around 2 o’clock. Into my OCD (v1 clone from yet another friend), it screams. And when it’s just me and a strat, I love it by itself. I’m also on the KOT waiting list. I should be coming up soon.
I had a Klon clone by a small boutique maker for a few years which I really liked. I used it turned all the time with my Lazy J20 (tweed deluxe type). It just gave some nice breakup and sustain with out muddying the clean tone. I then bought a Klon (they were sub 1000 then). at first I didnt like the Klon as much as the copy. But after a bit of fiddling I got to love the Klon, always on with the gain right off on my J20. I use a KoT for my overdrive. Not sure what the message here is. Think its that the Klon has something very subtle and classy that works really well. Couldnt afford any of those pedals now though!!
They all sound good to me, with the KOT slightly edging them out. But that said, the Two Rock by itself kinda stole the show. Man that amp sounds great!
Baxter my take on the three and I currently own the KTR. I’ve played several Klon’s and borrowed a KoT for a gig. The KTR - more present mids than it’s older brother. As you can tell it’s harsh when full overdrive. But man when you dial this pedal in with a shot of bourbon, scotch and a beer it is my favorite of the three. I use it as a clean boost as do most. I also have a 1980 TS-808 with the original JCR chip and I can get a nearly identical sound between the KTR and the TS if I try. But the mid boost is different on these pedals so they are not the same beast. The first and second run KTR’s will be worth a lot more money in a few more years. So if you can find a reasonable mint version with box and candy… buy it because in a few years some tone chaser will give you $3,000 for it, quote that. KoT - a bit more tone shaping than the Klon’s. If you like tweaking this the pedal for you. To my ears it is better sounding than the Klon and not as harsh as the KTR. It’s no wonder these pedals are three to four years out, amazing tone. Or you can get a used unit off of reverb right away but expect to pay that premium. The Centaur - what can be said that hasn’t already been said. Is it worth the hype? Yes. How many clones have been made over the years, there is a reason for that. It is simply the best clean boost overdrive out there, Bill nailed it. Is it worth $5,000 or more? Nope. Bill released the KTR to protest and combat the high collector prices of the Centaur, although that didn’t really work. Now both of his pedals are worth some nice coin. 😂
I’ve been on the KoT waiting list since Nov 2017. … allllllmost there, baby! I had a KTR I bought mine newly made and flipped it later. J Rocket is my current fav of this species (with many tens of others tried)
I have a KTR. I bought it near the MSRP only a year or two ago and it's fun to own. I am also on the waiting list for a KOT. The demand speaks for itself. They are worth the hype. That said there are plenty of good alternatives. Joyo Tauren, Wampler Tumnus, Rocket Archer, Mythos Mjolnir, Ryra Klone, ProAnalog Manticore, Ceriatone Centura, etc..... Some are under $100, some under $200.
I just bought an OKKO Diablo Overdrive on Reverb, the original, 20 year old version and oh my goodness, the best overdrive pedal I have ever played. To me, it sounds like everything a Klon is. It must be that German engineering or something....lol.
What makes me dig the KTR is the “almost always better” switch. It allows me to get my tone dialed in. I’m lucky. I got it for retail. Not inflated prices.
I'm running my KOT (factory settings) through an old Blackface Vibrolux. I'm playing a LP and ES 335. I'll sometimes thicken it up with an EP Boost. But usually I'll work the volume knobs on my LP.
I use the new tube screamer overdrive pro TS808DX it has a boost I think it was 350 Canadian from Japan it took a while to get to me but it works really good….It’s hard to say the vintage was my favourite but you never know until you have them in your hands great video
Nice review! Loved the 6:45 honestly of : "they're all very similar". Given component tolerances, especially with carbon resistors, there's as much intra-pedal variability within each brand/model as there is inter-pedal variability between the different models. There clearly could be more difference between 2 Klons as between a KTR and a Klon. Why I ordered a clone and will add a Tumnus Deluxe via my Christmas List.
I have been on the KOT list for a year, but have no illusion I will get one. Waiting list up to 4 years now and growing longer due to legacy waitlisters now exercising their options. That said, it is actually exciting to see Mike’s business model play out so well in today’s world.
I have to say I don’t like this type of distortion sound. Apparently that’s a huge money saver. Before everyone flames me, I’m autistic and sense things differently. All three sound very harsh to me. I like Jerry Garcia Rosebud style distortion ala Deal solo.
Sound is subjective anyway bro! Just because something is surrounded by hype doesn't mean everyone has to like it. I agree especially with the klon they don't sound like they're worth 5k to me!
Agree. I suspect all three pedals are very capable of delivering that "Smooth", rich sound, with a crunch, just a bit of bite to it, going over the edge when the pick really digs in. Also allows for a rather longer-lasting note. Yeah, well, I am also on the same spectrum you are on :) If some descriptions sound weird, I am a watcher from Germany. I really enjoy these videos on a regular basis
Hypes are funny. Many guitar players are still hoping and searching for the best fuzz and the best vibe they can get, and they're willing to spend crazy amounts of money only to get that typical Jimi Hendrix sound. I always HATED that sound. I can't stand it. 😬
I am on the waiting list for KOT but not sure if I am going to keep it. I really love what I get out of my Benson preamp and my Tumnus. I certainly wouldn't pay the price of admission for the KTR or the Klon. Too much for me!.
Personally, I think a lot of collectable/boutique pedals in general are more hype than substance. I'm not saying they don't sound good, but pedals like these are desirable more so because of the collectability than because of what they actually do.
Nice demo.....one thing you could have tried is some guitars with different pickups...... I have a 57 hot rod Stratocaster with a DiMarzio tone zone in the bridge..... I get incredible tone out of that pickup with an Ibanez tube screamer..... Fender hot rod deluxe amp .....as good as anything you got here......
Thanks, its pure magic! I have this pedals. Change my playing and yes …expendí e but the gigs dont stop coming . Now in gonna but 3 more. Good, good good.
I have a KTR. Bought retail at the normal new retail price. I’ve always liked it and have used it both as a boost and an overdrive (more 2 o’clock than cranked). When my guitars and amps were cheaper I found it made a more noticeable different. A klon clone is a good way to improve a less expensive rig and it doesn’t have to be the now expensive KTR. Would I sell mine? Thought about it and if they keep going up it would be my first “need the money” sale. But right now I’m using it a lot and enjoying it.
I got a KTR new and used it as an always on in my board to play through a blues jr. It was like msg for guitar. The whole rig sounded better. Playing through a higher wattage amp I use it more as an overdrive. Had no idea they got so pricey.
There is a guy in VA that makes a great Klon clone.... his name is Danny and he owns and operates Noise Pollution Pedals. They are great pedals, especially for the money. Check em out!! Another great video Baxter!!
I've got the KTR and have about 16 months left on the KOT waiting list. I use the KTR as a boost and distortion with either my DRRI, or Supro Blackmagick and I think it sounds great and yes, I take it to bar gigs. Also, I wouldn't judge solely off of a video, but that Two Rock sounded very flat to me. I would've liked to hear you demo those pedals with a different amp.
Nice demo. They all sounded good, but worth the money? Subjective I guess. The KOT new price is not far rom many other new pedals. Would be nice to hear them with a Les Paul too. There are so many OD / Boost pedals on the market to compare these by. Eye’s closed could you pick out a $5k Klon? (Hypothetical question). Great video as always Baxter
Nothing beats the original Marshall Gov'nor! I have a British model, first edition before they started building them in Asia. I haven't played electric guitar in 10 years, have sold almost all of my pedals, but I'm keeping this one until I die!
Owned the KTR, sounded great but the LED light when out. Paid $300 first round. Have it to a recording artist friends and he just leaves it on. I turned down a Klon at $1500 because it was way to much:) I have settled on the KOT. Two channels of good is more gooder. Awesome gear video’s are always fun.
Wish I could say I’ve played all of these but unfortunately I’ve only played and own the KTR. It’s the second to last drive pedal in my chain. I mostly always pair it with something lighter drive in front of it like my Zendrive from love pedal and then use the KTR for a bigger drive. So beautiful. Super jealous of Baxter getting to play all of these.
Someone may have already brought this up, but I have yet to see a demo showing how these pedals react to rolling off the guitar volume control. If a pedal cleans up nice, and is responsive to pick dynamics, that's what captures my ears. I realize that might make for a long demo, but so many pedal demos start and end with everything on 10.
I have a Klon Clone. It is a great boost pedal but there is a sweetness to it when I crank up the dirt a bit. I also have a Timmy Clone that I love better than the Klon Clone. Now combine the 2 of them just right and WOW, they become the perfect monster, in the cool way.
I love my Klon. However, it’s sitting in my closet along with 3 KTR’s. My wife heard how much the Centaur is today, and made me buy multiple KTR’s when they were $269.00 each. However, on my pedalboard today I opted for a Ceritone Centura. This pedal was around the $225-250 range. I’ll wait until my KTR is worth more and trade you for your Two Rock! Okay, I’ll take a hike! Lol
In massively compressed RUclips land the differences were minimal. I do like the sound of my Ceriatone Klone as an overdrive but I cannot tell one clean boost from another unless one is tube based and the other is not. They’re just tools, fun for sure but I’d rather have a Two Rock than any of them. To my ear I liked the driven amp best. KoT wait time is now about four years for a new signup. A fellow I know just got his four years after signing up. I have over three years yet to wait.
i know its sacrilegious, but honestly, the Klon just didnt sound all that impressive to me. KOT sounded the best out of the 3 IMO, but bluesy overdrive isnt really in my wheelhouse. for the $ though, i think i can live without all 3.
I bought a KTR for a reasonable price just after they were discontinued and just before they took off in price. I don’t think I could sell it, I love the tone.
I have a kOt and prince of tone, it's a joy to own them and fun to have but i honestly don't use them on my board. I use a hot cake and a zvex super duper, they just seem to be more open and airy for me. But damn is the kot a fun conversation piece to have
I used a Klon clone for years and I loved it, but for reasons I don't understand, I decided to order a Klon KTR. I wasn't going to do it until I saw the 2nd hand prices. I will have to wait for another 7 months, but when I get it and I'm not impressed enough, I know I can always sell it and actually make some money. The only thing that really annoyed me was the fact that for the first time I really liked the KOT. I liked it more than the KTR. Anyway, if that KTR beats the sound of my beloved Greer Lightspeed, I know it's a keeper. 😬
The KTR and the Klon are the exact same pedal made with the same components and made by the same guy. The only difference aside from visual differences is due to tolerances in components varying. There are many Klon style pedals available that can sound just like the original without breaking the bank. Also the real magic of a Klon lies in the middle gain settings. It makes a great clean boost but there's nothing unique about it if using it as a boost. What's different about a Klon is the way it combines your original tone with the pedal. The more you turn the gain knob up, the less of that original signal that's coming through. We all have different idea for things and there's nothing wrong with that. But setting the gain of a Klon between 1/4 and 3/4 and putting it in front of an amp thats already lightly breaking up gives a tone that can be very overdriven but still retains clarity.
The KTR, circuit-wise, is surfaced mount, while the Klon is not. The switch, LED, potentiometers, all different. There are plenty of additional “varying” differences between them.
The KTR was outsourced to be manufactured. There’s a “magic” diode that Bill says is the secret ingredient in the klone and it’s in the KTR as well though.
Baxter - I have a King of Tone and a nice Klon clone (Ryra Klone). I think both pedals work best when the tube amp is set up just on the verge of breakup. Both the boost and overdrive settings on the pedals sound great when the amp is set this way….Cheers from Long Island! - Paul
You have use them with the gain half way not all the way or even 3/4 up ! The Tumnus does a very close job to the Klon !! The King of Tone I have on order and is different and the KTR is pretty much hype !
Holy Hel, I remember when the Klon was like $200 in a full page GW add... which I thought was expensive then but $4000!!! (FYI there are plenty of modern copies that are less then $100 cough soul food cough cough)
I own a King Of Tone (purchased before the secondhand market exploded for literally every pedal in the past year). It's a good pedal, but I only really ever use it with both sides on. As a dual overdrive it kind of fails in that regard IMO, I like a dual overdrive to be useful for each side independently as well as both on (the Browne Protein excels at this). But with both sides on, the KoT is a pretty great sound however truthfully I prefer the tone of the stock old Marshall Bluesbreaker pedal it's based on.
They all sounded good, but also the amp just by itself. If I only had one choice. Get the expensive (tube) amp. Pedals are gravy.... now for the prices... eh... not so bad - but the Klon $ - nah... Or great amp, mild boost and a compressor?
Klon sounded better, there is a slight difference, it was warmer. the KTR sounded great, KoT sounded slightly noiser perhaps. I could never afford them... Thanks for doing the comparison!!!
After giving this a couple of listens. I would rate the KTR as best boost tone and KOT had the best overdrive tone. Even if I could afford the Klon I could justify the cost considering all the really amazing clones/klon etc available for a fraction of the cost.
Mythos Mjolnir is a great Klon clone. The Wildwood version in particular. The Way Huge Conspiracy Theory is another good one. And not too pricey. And the JRockett Archer being another great sounding pedal, the the fraction of the cost of a Klon or KTR.
Would be amazing if you guys could put uncompressed audio files of these demos on Soundcloud for the haters of RUclips compression (pun intended) amongst us. Love the show. Cheers.
Some Pedals and Guitars are Magical and Only Playing them in Person can allow someone to Realize How Much Difference an Exceptional Pedal or Guitar Make , Klon was nice but Analogman pushed it into My Zone of comfort and my Choice of 3 and KTR a distant 3rd somehow
I've had a few of the better Klones available, including the Tumnus Deluxe (my personal favourite), the Aluminium Falcon, some handbuilds using the same components etc., however, not the original. I've been using the KoT now for a couple of years and in my rig (Tele RI through a Mesa Lonestar Special), I do prefer the sound and the responsiveness of the Kot. Cold dead hands, baby.
I just have a TC Mojo Mojo running into my silverface Champ. Total cost: $350. Gets the job done. I think I like the Analogman pedal the best in this comparison, but for normal people maybe just get a Wampler Tumnus or a Keeley Oxblood...
What are you willing to pay for the tone you want? My pedalboard currently lives in my closet, and has not been used for quite some time. I go through phases. Currently into the Fender 5E3 clone that I built, channels jumpered, guitar straight in. Play with the knobs. Dime the amp, and use the guitar controls. I have learned alot about tone and tone control, as opposed to just having everything cranked and smashing a button with your foot. That being said, on days when I do want that extra kick or delay, a nice pedal is great to have around. To each their own. I just like how a channel like Casino shows what things can do, and Baxter and Jonathan always make a good statement.
So how will these sound with my Squire 60s CV Tele and my 25 year old Crate 25 watt amp (volume set to 2 because I'm not allowed to disturb the rest of the family while I practice 0-3-5 for hours on end)?
Even though I hate saying this, a 40 dollar Klon clone will get you 95% of the way there. That extra 5% isn't worth the prices.
Agreed, add a BBE Sonic Stomp and you’re even closer.
Yup. People who pay these prices are nuts. They just aren't that great. I just bought 3 NUX Reissue pedals for around $50.00 each and they sound great, along with my Plumes. And they don't sound like a TubeScreamer. But I can get tones like the pedals demo'd here.
I agree!! I don't understand how a klon can fetch so much money....It's way overrated! it doesnt even sound that great if you ask me. I had a Ceriatone Klon and sold it a week later because it just didnt do anything special for me. (not dissing ceriatone they make great stuff)but the klon sound is definfetly not for me I guess. I do love my KOT though...lots of tonal capabilities way better than any klon type pedal I've heard or tried.
The Tumnus Deluxe is pretty great.
I'm on the King of Tone waiting list! Just three more years to Go! Yeah hoo!
I don't want to be a party pooper but to my ears the best tone was the amp with no pedals. I sold my Fender amp and I use a Peavey Delta Blues with the 15'' speaker and I use Danelectro pedals ''The Breakdown'', ''Million dolllar boost'' and the ''Pride of Texas'' and those 3 pedals gives me a ton of different tones. It's inexpensive and it works for me.
I realize I'm the little kid pointing and yelling, "The emperor has no clothes!" but I don't hear a nickel's worth of difference between these pedals. I remain clueless as to exactly what tone everyone is graveling for. I guess my hearing just isn't that sensitive. I kinda feel like most of the tone is coming from a pare of well trained hands and muscle memory. The magic isn't in expensive toys.
Tone chasers will always be on the chase... for what? They may never find out. :-)
@@servethesongs Was that a knock on Baxter?
They're only expensive because of limited availability. They sound good but not $5000 good. A $60 Soul Food will get you close and there's a 1000 Klon clones $100-300 that are almost perfect replicas of the tone.
Ronnie, IMO, you're right. Either your hearing is fine, or mine is also failing. I follow guitar and gear channels obsessively, and the differences between all these products are microscopic , if not non-existent. Unfortunately that hasn't stopped me from spending 10's of thousands of dollars buying all of it....
Maybe I should just practice more....
Sorry Mike. I forgot to say I love me some Baxter. I feel like if he were playing a $50 Joyo overdrive, he'd still make it sound awesome, cuz he's awesome. There we go.
Also, I never hear a KLON through a Blues Jr. Or something similar. It's always through a top of the line amp so of course it sounds amazing.
I sometimes use a Klone (MXR Sugar Drive) with my 70's Princeton Reverb. Sounds good, but I prefer the MXR 10 band EQ boosting the mid frequencies for a so-called "clean boost".
It’s over priced bull shit. How about a jhs morning glory or mxr sugar drive? Or any other clone. A little tone tweaking will get you close enough no one will know the difference. Is it that much difference vs the money? You still have to have the chops or no matter what you play or play through, you will sound as mediocre as you chops are
@@stevegamiello6476 you're right on both points.
@@jfrankcarr I use a Jhs milkman as my boost into a TS-9 when I play my strat. I have KoT for my LP. I have a Blues Jr that I play at home and at my brother's house we split the cost to have a Matamp green 120MV built. He's a bit of an nut. He owns a 65 twin, a couple of vintage Princeton's, though they're post CBS, a vintage ampeg bass amp. One of advantages of not having a wife and kids I guess.
I have a KTR. When I was playing cheaper amps it made a greater improvement than now with my “higher end” gear.
Grab a klon clone if you have a cheaper rig. Most are the same price as any other overdrive pedal.
I owned an original Centaur back in the 2000s. Sold it for $50 more than I paid for it and thought I’d actually done something. Having learned from that debacle, I now own 2 KTRs. I must say, I like the KTR better than my original Centaur. It’s not the end all of tone but it does what it does better than others of that type, IMHO.
I got on the waiting list in January! 2024 here we come! 🤣
Just got on after watching this too👌
I watched a blind test by Danish Pete of a bunch of overdrives, Klon included. He picked the Wampler Tumnus as his favorite over the Klon, which was second. I bought a Tumnus. It is the pedal I didn't know I needed, and it didn't cost $5k.
Dude the wampler Tumnus is a guitar players secret weapon. I have an original mini and I bought a deluxe version. The mini is just magical. The extra features on the deluxe takes away from the awesomeness of the mini but both are amazing
@@alexwoolridge94aw You are exactly right, I have one for overdive and one for a Boost
I spent soooo much money buying pedals that were supposed to be a Klon clone. Eventually, I realized I'd been better off just buying a Klon in the beginning. I sold my "like" Klon gear and bought an actual Klon KTR.
« I’ve sort of found a sweet spot on the settings » *turns all the gain knobs all the way up👌👌👌 gotta love it
My 9 year old daughter on Baxter: that guy looks like the Hulk when the Hulk is a guy.
That made me smile:)!
I thought you just got out of bed. You must be a working musician with a gig and "Its early man". But the guitar playing is great.
@@sparkyguitar0058 no hair brush has been able to stop the disaster on top of my head, the shears are only a temporary fix:)
@@CasinoGuitars Hey Where do think my Meat and 3 modded Soul Food would fit in with these? Also bought used for under $100.
@@sparkyguitar0058 just fine honestly:)
Nothing ever came close to my early 80s RAT, stolen in 1988, have had 6 subsequent RATs and none have made me happy (using a 1980 Twin Reverb). Picked up a new Tube Screamer and a Big Standard Sandstorm this year and both are very good, TS a "bit" noisy", Sandstorm is very nice, need to live with it a bit longer with the Twin before passing final judgment. Just got a REVV G3 and I am blown away with how it makes my ultra clean 1980 Twin Reverb sound. I've only had it a week but I go to bed with this sound/tone in my head and I can't stop smiling. My Twin is so clean and chimey and now it has something that gives me a range of edginess that is raw yet articulated.I plan on seeing how it works with my MESA DC-22, have a feeling that it is going to be a match made in heaven. The Volume knob on the G3 produces amazing differences across the board, and the "Blue" setting is just orgasmic. Here the KLON sounded best, that little bit of feedback in the last demo says it all.
The more you pay for the pedal the more you’re going to (want?) to love it. Played my tele straight into my Marshall earlier this evening …. hope you enjoy your gear too!
Tele through a fender pro jr here.
@@damagedw Fender Pro is my father, I’m Fender Pro Jr. Cool. Glad to hear that you love your gear. 🎸
"The more you pay for the pedal the more you’re going to love it" Yup. Confirmation bias all the way.
Isn't it almost on the edge of Buyer's Remorse? Unless you're rolling in cash, if you spend that amount of money for a pedal, you are going to find a way to convince yourself that you like it. The guitar industry, just like the golf industry, depends on you thinking "if I just had that one item, it would be perfect". After 50 years of buying, selling and trading guitars, amps, effects, etc. that now I am at the point where my "sound" is the best crap sound around!!
I bought my KTR for $269 in 2018 and sold it for $269 a year later. (Doh!). On the other hand , what I paid for my KOT in 2018 and sold it for in June 2021 is on a “need to know basis” (and my wife does not need to know):)
I’ve got the KTR, it’s great as both a boost and a drive pedal.... currently 7 days away on the KOT list so excited to get that after 3 years of waiting..... 🤘🏼
All sounded pretty great. Personal favorite was the KTR into clean. Nicely done!
Get this! I just bought a Klon KTR. I found a guy that has a small gear shop in a small village in Hawaii and he had a brand new KTR on the shelf for sale in his store since 2015. He said he only played it once, and it's been in the box since then. I was able to buy if from him for $600! Crazy! I wasn't sure I find a KTR in good condition that I could afford, much less, a brand new one. Bought it immediately. It really is everything I hoped and dreamed a Klon to be.
ROFL, Two Rock Drive Channel alone was enough for me. Uggh, why must you haunt me Two Rock, WHY?!!!!
I love the King of Tone, it's the best pedal I own - and it's the best $800 pedal you can buy (for $285). There are SO MANY Klon clones that are just as good as that original (The Archer in particular) that it seems pointless at this point.
2000 Nobles ODR-1 (~$1,000) for the win. 1979 Ibanez TS808 (~$2,000) for the show and Wampler Tumnus (~$230) for place. That would be 1st, 2nd and 3rd for all you sober non-gambling types.
For me… the three you displayed are very cool but the three I have listed sound better. But who knows maybe the ODR-1 will be the next Klon Overd
And yes, I had a 1992 Klon Centaur Professional Overdrive until about a year ago when I sold it for absolutely ridiculous price when compared to what I paid for it 28 years prior.
Laughing all the way to the bank. A nice 2,640% increase. 😂
Great video Baxter. Keep em coming.
I’ve got a solid klon clone a pedal builder friend made for me, and it’s a great drive. It is my lead boost, and I crank the drive up to around 2 o’clock. Into my OCD (v1 clone from yet another friend), it screams. And when it’s just me and a strat, I love it by itself.
I’m also on the KOT waiting list. I should be coming up soon.
I had a Klon clone by a small boutique maker for a few years which I really liked. I used it turned all the time with my Lazy J20 (tweed deluxe type). It just gave some nice breakup and sustain with out muddying the clean tone. I then bought a Klon (they were sub 1000 then). at first I didnt like the Klon as much as the copy. But after a bit of fiddling I got to love the Klon, always on with the gain right off on my J20. I use a KoT for my overdrive. Not sure what the message here is. Think its that the Klon has something very subtle and classy that works really well. Couldnt afford any of those pedals now though!!
KTR was my fav
I got on the KoT waiting list Jan 8, 2019. My last guesstimate was that mine will probably ship ~July 2023.
@@servethesongs I’m sure the irony of your comment is lost on you but it gave me a good chuckle. Thank you.
They all sound good to me, with the KOT slightly edging them out. But that said, the Two Rock by itself kinda stole the show. Man that amp sounds great!
Baxter my take on the three and I currently own the KTR. I’ve played several Klon’s and borrowed a KoT for a gig.
The KTR - more present mids than it’s older brother. As you can tell it’s harsh when full overdrive. But man when you dial this pedal in with a shot of bourbon, scotch and a beer it is my favorite of the three. I use it as a clean boost as do most. I also have a 1980 TS-808 with the original JCR chip and I can get a nearly identical sound between the KTR and the TS if I try. But the mid boost is different on these pedals so they are not the same beast. The first and second run KTR’s will be worth a lot more money in a few more years. So if you can find a reasonable mint version with box and candy… buy it because in a few years some tone chaser will give you $3,000 for it, quote that.
KoT - a bit more tone shaping than the Klon’s. If you like tweaking this the pedal for you. To my ears it is better sounding than the Klon and not as harsh as the KTR. It’s no wonder these pedals are three to four years out, amazing tone. Or you can get a used unit off of reverb right away but expect to pay that premium.
The Centaur - what can be said that hasn’t already been said. Is it worth the hype? Yes. How many clones have been made over the years, there is a reason for that. It is simply the best clean boost overdrive out there, Bill nailed it. Is it worth $5,000 or more? Nope. Bill released the KTR to protest and combat the high collector prices of the Centaur, although that didn’t really work. Now both of his pedals are worth some nice coin. 😂
I’ve been on the KoT waiting list since Nov 2017. … allllllmost there, baby! I had a KTR I bought mine newly made and flipped it later. J Rocket is my current fav of this species (with many tens of others tried)
I have a KTR. I bought it near the MSRP only a year or two ago and it's fun to own. I am also on the waiting list for a KOT. The demand speaks for itself. They are worth the hype. That said there are plenty of good alternatives. Joyo Tauren, Wampler Tumnus, Rocket Archer, Mythos Mjolnir, Ryra Klone, ProAnalog Manticore, Ceriatone Centura, etc..... Some are under $100, some under $200.
I just bought an OKKO Diablo Overdrive on Reverb, the original, 20 year old version and oh my goodness, the best overdrive pedal I have ever played. To me, it sounds like everything a Klon is. It must be that German engineering or something....lol.
What makes me dig the KTR is the “almost always better” switch. It allows me to get my tone dialed in. I’m lucky. I got it for retail. Not inflated prices.
I'm running my KOT (factory settings) through an old Blackface Vibrolux. I'm playing a LP and ES 335. I'll sometimes thicken it up with an EP Boost. But usually I'll work the volume knobs on my LP.
I think the Two Rock with any good boost is all you need.
I use the new tube screamer overdrive pro TS808DX it has a boost I think it was 350 Canadian from Japan it took a while to get to me but it works really good….It’s hard to say the vintage was my favourite but you never know until you have them in your hands great video
Nice review! Loved the 6:45 honestly of : "they're all very similar".
Given component tolerances, especially with carbon resistors, there's as much intra-pedal variability within each brand/model as there is inter-pedal variability between the different models. There clearly could be more difference between 2 Klons as between a KTR and a Klon. Why I ordered a clone and will add a Tumnus Deluxe via my Christmas List.
Beautiful Strat,love that color!!!👍🤘
I have been on the KOT list for a year, but have no illusion I will get one. Waiting list up to 4 years now and growing longer due to legacy waitlisters now exercising their options. That said, it is actually exciting to see Mike’s business model play out so well in today’s world.
I have to say I don’t like this type of distortion sound. Apparently that’s a huge money saver. Before everyone flames me, I’m autistic and sense things differently. All three sound very harsh to me. I like Jerry Garcia Rosebud style distortion ala Deal solo.
Most autistic people i know have impecible musical intuition. I also agree with you
Sound is subjective anyway bro! Just because something is surrounded by hype doesn't mean everyone has to like it. I agree especially with the klon they don't sound like they're worth 5k to me!
Agree. I suspect all three pedals are very capable of delivering that "Smooth", rich sound, with a crunch, just a bit of bite to it, going over the edge when the pick really digs in.
Also allows for a rather longer-lasting note.
Yeah, well, I am also on the same spectrum you are on :)
If some descriptions sound weird, I am a watcher from Germany. I really enjoy these videos on a regular basis
Hypes are funny. Many guitar players are still hoping and searching for the best fuzz and the best vibe they can get, and they're willing to spend crazy amounts of money only to get that typical Jimi Hendrix sound.
I always HATED that sound. I can't stand it. 😬
@@mariodriessen9740 Well, I do like the Hendrix - Sound (Not all the time, not for every song), but I hear you. The hunt for guita
I really like my Wampler Tumnus (o.g. without EQ knobs) The Klon style circuit stacks so well with other Overdrives.
I have a kot and for me it was definitely a must have it’s not overhyped it’s a great pedal
I am on the waiting list for KOT but not sure if I am going to keep it. I really love what I get out of my Benson preamp and my Tumnus. I certainly wouldn't pay the price of admission for the KTR or the Klon. Too much for me!.
Hey Baxter, I have been on the KOT waiting list since late 2017, early 2018. I may actually get one this year!!!
Personally, I think a lot of collectable/boutique pedals in general are more hype than substance. I'm not saying they don't sound good, but pedals like these are desirable more so because of the collectability than because of what they actually do.
Nice demo.....one thing you could have tried is some guitars with different pickups...... I have a 57 hot rod Stratocaster with a DiMarzio tone zone in the bridge..... I get incredible tone out of that pickup with an Ibanez tube screamer..... Fender hot rod deluxe amp .....as good as anything you got here......
Thanks, its pure magic! I have this pedals. Change my playing and yes …expendí e but the gigs dont stop coming . Now in gonna but 3 more. Good, good good.
What would we ever do without the bots?
I have a KTR. Bought retail at the normal new retail price. I’ve always liked it and have used it both as a boost and an overdrive (more 2 o’clock than cranked).
When my guitars and amps were cheaper I found it made a more noticeable different. A klon clone is a good way to improve a less expensive rig and it doesn’t have to be the now expensive KTR.
Would I sell mine? Thought about it and if they keep going up it would be my first “need the money” sale. But right now I’m using it a lot and enjoying it.
I got a KTR new and used it as an always on in my board to play through a blues jr. It was like msg for guitar. The whole rig sounded better. Playing through a higher wattage amp I use it more as an overdrive. Had no idea they got so pricey.
There is a guy in VA that makes a great Klon clone.... his name is Danny and he owns and operates Noise Pollution Pedals. They are great pedals, especially for the money. Check em out!! Another great video Baxter!!
I've got the KTR and have about 16 months left on the KOT waiting list. I use the KTR as a boost and distortion with either my DRRI, or Supro Blackmagick and I think it sounds great and yes, I take it to bar gigs. Also, I wouldn't judge solely off of a video, but that Two Rock sounded very flat to me. I would've liked to hear you demo those pedals with a different amp.
If 90's is vintage, this makes my guitars getting there. 94 Strat, 97 Les Paul.
Nice demo. They all sounded good, but worth the money? Subjective I guess. The KOT new price is not far rom many other new pedals. Would be nice to hear them with a Les Paul too. There are so many OD / Boost pedals on the market to compare these by. Eye’s closed could you pick out a $5k Klon? (Hypothetical question). Great video as always Baxter
Anderton’s did just such a video. Listen to it, not watch it, and see.
Nothing beats the original Marshall Gov'nor! I have a British model, first edition before they started building them in Asia. I haven't played electric guitar in 10 years, have sold almost all of my pedals, but I'm keeping this one until I die!
Original klon was 250$ in 90 to 94,wish I could go back in time and buy like 20.lol
Owned the KTR, sounded great but the LED light when out. Paid $300 first round. Have it to a recording artist friends and he just leaves it on. I turned down a Klon at $1500 because it was way to much:) I have settled on the KOT. Two channels of good is more gooder. Awesome gear video’s are always fun.
Wish I could say I’ve played all of these but unfortunately I’ve only played and own the KTR. It’s the second to last drive pedal in my chain. I mostly always pair it with something lighter drive in front of it like my Zendrive from love pedal and then use the KTR for a bigger drive. So beautiful. Super jealous of Baxter getting to play all of these.
Someone may have already brought this up, but I have yet to see a demo showing how these pedals react to rolling off the guitar volume control. If a pedal cleans up nice, and is responsive to pick dynamics, that's what captures my ears. I realize that might make for a long demo, but so many pedal demos start and end with everything on 10.
I have a Klon Clone. It is a great boost pedal but there is a sweetness to it when I crank up the dirt a bit. I also have a Timmy Clone that I love better than the Klon Clone. Now combine the 2 of them just right and WOW, they become the perfect monster, in the cool way.
I love my Klon. However, it’s sitting in my closet along with 3 KTR’s. My wife heard how much the Centaur is today, and made me buy multiple KTR’s when they were $269.00 each. However, on my pedalboard today I opted for a Ceritone Centura. This pedal was around the $225-250 range. I’ll wait until my KTR is worth more and trade you for your Two Rock! Okay, I’ll take a hike! Lol
In massively compressed RUclips land the differences were minimal. I do like the sound of my Ceriatone Klone as an overdrive but I cannot tell one clean boost from another unless one is tube based and the other is not. They’re just tools, fun for sure but I’d rather have a Two Rock than any of them. To my ear I liked the driven amp best. KoT wait time is now about four years for a new signup. A fellow I know just got his four years after signing up. I have over three years yet to wait.
KLON is guitar euphemism for "stinky cork."
I just received my KOT today…..I was on the list for over 5yrs! 😂
This is the pinnacle of Baxter being unimpressed by pedals 🤣🤣
The original Klon and the KTR sound remarkably different at full gain actually. >>!
i know its sacrilegious, but honestly, the Klon just didnt sound all that impressive to me. KOT sounded the best out of the 3 IMO, but bluesy overdrive isnt really in my wheelhouse.
for the $ though, i think i can live without all 3.
My old LPB-1 through my Gibson Falcon did pretty much the same. A lot of money unless you use that sound for every song
I bought a KTR for a reasonable price just after they were discontinued and just before they took off in price. I don’t think I could sell it, I love the tone.
I like the KTR. Instead though I just stack 150 Caline's on my pedalboard. I usually get a standing ovation when I turn them all on (river-dance).
I liked it because I like Baxter. Hype is hype. They all sound pretty good, but I'll take a tube screamer.
You should do another video with klones of these pedals through the same rig
I have a kOt and prince of tone, it's a joy to own them and fun to have but i honestly don't use them on my board. I use a hot cake and a zvex super duper, they just seem to be more open and airy for me. But damn is the kot a fun conversation piece to have
It took 23 months for my KOT.
I used a Klon clone for years and I loved it, but for reasons I don't understand, I decided to order a Klon KTR. I wasn't going to do it until I saw the 2nd hand prices. I will have to wait for another 7 months, but when I get it and I'm not impressed enough, I know I can always sell it and actually make some money.
The only thing that really annoyed me was the fact that for the first time I really liked the KOT. I liked it more than the KTR.
Anyway, if that KTR beats the sound of my beloved Greer Lightspeed, I know it's a keeper. 😬
The KTR and the Klon are the exact same pedal made with the same components and made by the same guy. The only difference aside from visual differences is due to tolerances in components varying. There are many Klon style pedals available that can sound just like the original without breaking the bank.
Also the real magic of a Klon lies in the middle gain settings. It makes a great clean boost but there's nothing unique about it if using it as a boost. What's different about a Klon is the way it combines your original tone with the pedal. The more you turn the gain knob up, the less of that original signal that's coming through. We all have different idea for things and there's nothing wrong with that. But setting the gain of a Klon between 1/4 and 3/4 and putting it in front of an amp thats already lightly breaking up gives a tone that can be very overdriven but still retains clarity.
The KTR, circuit-wise, is surfaced mount, while the Klon is not. The switch, LED, potentiometers, all different.
There are plenty of additional “varying” differences between them.
And not hand made by Bill!
The KTR was outsourced to be manufactured. There’s a “magic” diode that Bill says is the secret ingredient in the klone and it’s in the KTR as well though.
Baxter - I have a King of Tone and a nice Klon clone (Ryra Klone). I think both pedals work best when the tube amp is set up just on the verge of breakup. Both the boost and overdrive settings on the pedals sound great when the amp is set this way….Cheers from Long Island! - Paul
That’s my combo too. Well, sometimes it’s the KOT and Protein.
Baxter You Are Kicking It!!!
You have use them with the gain half way not all the way or even 3/4 up !
The Tumnus does a very close job to the Klon !! The King of Tone I have on order and is different and the KTR is pretty much hype !
Holy Hel, I remember when the Klon was like $200 in a full page GW add... which I thought was expensive then but $4000!!! (FYI there are plenty of modern copies that are less then $100 cough soul food cough cough)
I own a King Of Tone (purchased before the secondhand market exploded for literally every pedal in the past year). It's a good pedal, but I only really ever use it with both sides on. As a dual overdrive it kind of fails in that regard IMO, I like a dual overdrive to be useful for each side independently as well as both on (the Browne Protein excels at this). But with both sides on, the KoT is a pretty great sound however truthfully I prefer the tone of the stock old Marshall Bluesbreaker pedal it's based on.
They all sounded good, but also the amp just by itself. If I only had one choice. Get the expensive (tube) amp. Pedals are gravy.... now for the prices... eh... not so bad - but the Klon $ - nah... Or great amp, mild boost and a compressor?
Klon sounded better, there is a slight difference, it was warmer. the KTR sounded great, KoT sounded slightly noiser perhaps. I could never afford them... Thanks for doing the comparison!!!
Another one to add to the high price list as it’s only a yearish old & has already selling for more than double. The Ibanez tsv808.
Well, after a 4-year wait, I placed an order for my KOT yesterday. So I have no choice but to say KOT! :) I spent about $300.
Congrats! I got about 2 years left.🤷♂️
That's awesome! I'm looking at 2024!
That’s awesome! I’m about two years out on mine. I can’t decide on which options to get but I’ve still got plenty of time to decide. :-)
Good luck guys! I went with high gain x 2 sides and adding a toggle switch.
@@Smart-Alex nice!
After giving this a couple of listens.
I would rate the KTR as best boost tone and KOT had the best overdrive tone.
Even if I could afford the Klon I could justify the cost considering all the really amazing clones/klon etc available for a fraction of the cost.
I built a klon clone from BYOC the silver pony and love it. I A/B'd it against a friends klon and they were pretty damn close.
Baxter, if you can try to get a NORDVANG Gravity or 83. Check out Bert Kingman video on these pedals. Keep your video's coming.
Mythos Mjolnir is a great Klon clone. The Wildwood version in particular.
The Way Huge Conspiracy Theory is another good one. And not too pricey.
And the JRockett Archer being another great sounding pedal, the the fraction of the cost of a Klon or KTR.
Sounds great Baxter ! 👍🎸
I think they all sound great. If forced to choose I would go KTR.
Would be amazing if you guys could put uncompressed audio files of these demos on Soundcloud for the haters of RUclips compression (pun intended) amongst us. Love the show. Cheers.
King of Tone is awesome sounding...the prices of these pedals is what would make me dislike owning them..kinda takes the fun out of having them
Some Pedals and Guitars are Magical and Only Playing them in Person can allow someone to Realize How Much Difference an Exceptional Pedal or Guitar Make , Klon was nice but Analogman pushed it into My Zone of comfort and my Choice of 3 and KTR a distant 3rd somehow
I've had a few of the better Klones available, including the Tumnus Deluxe (my personal favourite), the Aluminium Falcon, some handbuilds using the same components etc., however, not the original. I've been using the KoT now for a couple of years and in my rig (Tele RI through a Mesa Lonestar Special), I do prefer the sound and the responsiveness of the Kot. Cold dead hands, baby.
Well,tossing the KoT,a double overdrive,between 2 Klons just muddied the water.Two modified Bluesbreakers are very different than a Klon circuit.
I just have a TC Mojo Mojo running into my silverface Champ. Total cost: $350. Gets the job done. I think I like the Analogman pedal the best in this comparison, but for normal people maybe just get a Wampler Tumnus or a Keeley Oxblood...
What are you willing to pay for the tone you want? My pedalboard currently lives in my closet, and has not been used for quite some time. I go through phases. Currently into the Fender 5E3 clone that I built, channels jumpered, guitar straight in. Play with the knobs. Dime the amp, and use the guitar controls. I have learned alot about tone and tone control, as opposed to just having everything cranked and smashing a button with your foot. That being said, on days when I do want that extra kick or delay, a nice pedal is great to have around. To each their own. I just like how a channel like Casino shows what things can do, and Baxter and Jonathan always make a good statement.
So how will these sound with my Squire 60s CV Tele and my 25 year old Crate 25 watt amp (volume set to 2 because I'm not allowed to disturb the rest of the family while I practice 0-3-5 for hours on end)?
I don’t know, man. It’s expensive but the Klon good. I think that rig shows how good it really is.
I thought the klon sounded the best, but it wasn't good enough to justify the huge price difference. The other two sounded amazing as well
TS9 before or after the KLON? What way is better, what are the differences/advantages?
Bought copies and they are very good.
Hey Baxter, there are some lower cost copies (kinda) of these. Have you tried them?
I own a king of tone and rarely ever use it. I just plug into a 57 custom tweed twin with a reverb pedal and thats it.
I think the Okko Diablo should be added to this list since it’s going to be as much as a Klon in the next few years.
Lol...I hope so Dwight!
@@Eric_K_Sr Fact: I am always right.
@@Dwight_K_Schrute 😂😂😂 yes you are Dwight, I should not have questioned you Sensei!
@@Eric_K_Sr it’s fine. Occasionally, Mose makes the same mistake. That’s why I will never teach him to read.