Does anyone have schematics for Klon Centaur ?
Try emailing them :icon_mrgreen:
I think that no one has it and due to the fact he's a "one product" company, no one would be
willing to post it either !
It wouldn't be "right" to do so .....
according to the undercurrent i caught a whif of - clay jones reverse engineered one several years ago
people on this board have it - but are reluctant to give it out.
i guess you have to build up enough trust/friendship before they will share it with you.
i was looking for it recently. no-one was willing to give it to me.
from what i understand is - it is an amalgamation of various circuits - something like a mxr boost with mods on the clipping and custom tone controls..
after watching videos clips on youtube - i put it down to hype and gave up on it.
its amazing how all the super-hyped circuits turn out to be plain old circuits with a few mods ;)
im going to build the amz boost instead - when i get enough time.
cheers
ulysses
edit:typo
Hmm...Sounds hard to get it.
But if anyone is willing to send it to me and wants to remain anonymous then its ok. :D
Send it to hardrockzone3@hotmail.com.
Thanks in advance. ;D
Build a Crank (Mark Hammer)
My friend has a Klon and when I put the Crank next to it it was so the same soundwise
I love that Crank; it removed my old Colorsound Overdriver from my board :)
Quote from: Izzy on March 29, 2007, 08:33:15 AM
Does anyone have schematics for Klon Centaur ?
Try Behringer
Quote from: smnm on March 29, 2007, 09:47:13 AM
Quote from: Izzy on March 29, 2007, 08:33:15 AM
Does anyone have schematics for Klon Centaur ?
Try Behringer
Haha, good one. ;D
Just a side note to Izzy. Don't go around asking for schematics of Centaurs, Tims and Fuzz Factories. You'll only get some witty remarks and perhaps make someone show you disrespect. Lecture about ethics may follow.
Now, asking for the basic structure of a pedal or asking suggestions for a similiar sounding one is a much better idea.
---------
Jimbo
I wrote a big post about the whole "I'm new here. I want to build myself a XXXXX. Do you have a schematic?"/"How dare you ask for that circuit!" thing. Better to just leave it alone....
I will say that while I might be curious about a Centaur or other "holy grail" pedals which are shrouded in mystery because of the goop on their boards, or the goop on THIS board ;) I'm content with finding other circuits that do what I feel these other pedals (which are rarely as cool as the mystery is - still curious about the Bartolini Tube-It and the Rivera Buf booster, but eh....I got more than enough circuits to play with).
So go get a Zoom Power Drive pedal for $50. I think it's the total sleeper clean boost pedal. No, it's not DIY, and I'm not about to reverse engineer one. My time is worth more than the $50 I paid for mine, and it's not leaving my pedalboard to get reverse engineered! :)
DIY? I love love love love the Fetzer for a slightly dirty boost. Love the AMZ minibooster in all sorts of positions- different spots on the pedalboard, PART of other circuits to goose them, etc.
A question I will post, which I'm sure I could find if I searched.... I like the Zoom because with the gain at 0, it had a full sounding boost which has a great bass and treble control. What are people's favorites for CLEAN BOOST with active treble and bass? I used to use an Anderton Clarifier circuit back in the day. I also used a Paia Dual Filter Voicing Unit in my rack WAY back in the day. I love the simplicity of having one small pedal that beefs up the bottom end while giving a boost. My AC30 top-boostLOVES having the bottom boosted before it.
Roger
As a person who has heard one. It does what it does well. Guitar and amp and player matter.
No one (well Maestro for their sustainer) out goops Ampeg:
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y57/c-martin/fuzzes/close%20shots/ampeg-scrambler-inside.jpg)
LOL
Think about how much it cost Bill Finnegan to have that proprietary chassis cast for him. This is no Hammond assembly line box bought for $4 a pop at OEM rates. This is something he either has to make himself, or else commission an order of several thousand (plus mould development costs) in order to have available. Now imagine how many units he has to sell to recoup those costs. I'm just talking abut the chassis, not the contents.
The civil thing to do is let Bill sell his Klons for whatever price he asks and not invade his turf or make the design public in any way. The guy did something brave by ponying up the dough to make a unique and elegant box. It's the kind of thing you honour.
Bernadduur..... :icon_redface: :icon_redface: :icon_redface: :icon_redface: Thanks. I must emphasize that I have absolutely NO idea if there is anything similar in the circuitry of the Klon Centaur and my Crank pedal. I was aiming for the same overall sonic objective, but that is all. If there is any similarity in even the most minute aspect, it is pure coincidence.
good point on the enclosure for the KLON
it is a very old process, sand casting.
Bill told me years ago that it is very labor intensive and he might do it differently had he known how much work it would be. At the time he was casting them himself, wouldn't be surprised if that is still the case (pun)
I think it is a beautiful enclosure and fitting for his overall quality and uniqueness
I know why its so darn expensive given that enclosure. It looks military spec. His website leaves a lot to be desired though. To me from the reviews it sounds like some sort of tube driver without the tube. I would be interested to hear one though. The curious thing is that one review states that its noisy.
stan
Quote from: Mark Hammer on March 29, 2007, 05:08:58 PM
Bernadduur..... :icon_redface: :icon_redface: :icon_redface: :icon_redface: Thanks. I must emphasize that I have absolutely NO idea if there is anything similar in the circuitry of the Klon Centaur and my Crank pedal. I was aiming for the same overall sonic objective, but that is all. If there is any similarity in even the most minute aspect, it is pure coincidence.
Man, your pedal ROCKS!
There is this very famous blues player in my city who NEEDED the Crank; never seen a guy as happy with a pedal as he was!
He made some cool samples of him with the pedal; I'll try to make em available
Quote from: modsquad on March 29, 2007, 05:34:41 PM
I know why its so darn expensive given that enclosure. It looks military spec. His website leaves a lot to be desired though. To me from the reviews it sounds like some sort of tube driver without the tube. I would be interested to hear one though. The curious thing is that one review states that its noisy.
stan
It is dependent on guitar as amp.
I found it quite bad sounding with a Les Paul through it but LOVED it with my Tele and my EKO; it really completed my Dumble
Quote from: Bernardduur on March 29, 2007, 05:37:34 PM
Quote from: modsquad on March 29, 2007, 05:34:41 PM
I know why its so darn expensive given that enclosure. It looks military spec. His website leaves a lot to be desired though. To me from the reviews it sounds like some sort of tube driver without the tube. I would be interested to hear one though. The curious thing is that one review states that its noisy.
stan
It is dependent on guitar as amp.
I found it quite bad sounding with a Les Paul through it but LOVED it with my Tele and my EKO; it really completed my Dumble
I thought my Father in law was the only one using an EKO. (closet full of them).LOL
I found my EKO in the trash (EKO Tramp II)
Someone did some slaughter with it; now it is nice again and plays super! The thing that really brought it to life was replacing the humbuckers in em with some single coils (under a humbucker cover)
I think the problem is that no one has ever verified any of the schematics that were floating around anyway so we have no idea how accurate they are (if they are).
About the only things I remember are:
Germanium diodes (which totally surprised me) - like an MXR distortion+ with 2 Ge clippers.
I believe it had a blend design which is what started a lot of the "blending" pedals - dual gang pot I believe.
Higher voltage - 18V I think - see the Shaka HV.
Those were the main points I remember.
Sound is totally subjective - I liked the HotCake a lot more - many have written me and said the opposite. Of course I don't like the Orange Sunshine that I have and others think it sounds great.
I think you are right about the dual gang pot but
look like its just 9v (sorry if posting the picture was wrong)
(http://filters.muziq.be/files/pics/klon_centaur_006.jpg)
Ya know, whether it sounds good or not is open for debate I suppose but.....
It does have a NICE enclosure! :icon_wink:
I'd say about 90-95% of the people who are looking for information on this pedal aren't looking to clone the pedal to make a profit for less than the man himself charges, but rather curious how this circuit works. I guess its a case of those few jerks who you know would clone it for a profit ruining it for those of us who wouldnt.
Quote from: joelap on March 29, 2007, 08:10:51 PM
I'd say about 90-95% of the people who are looking for information on this pedal aren't looking to clone the pedal to make a profit for less than the man himself charges, but rather curious how this circuit works. I guess its a case of those few jerks who you know would clone it for a profit ruining it for those of us who wouldnt.
I find myself agreeing with this statement.
It's more of a curiousity factor for me I suppose.
AFAIK there's a voltage doubler circuit in there.
The entire forum(s) went through the Klon "ideas" phase. I'm sure it's online in the archives.
Voltage Doublers
Ge diodes (old news)
Blend pot - several pedals used this
Aron
The blend is definitely noticeable when using the Klon- I had just assumed that before even reading it here...interesting that it uses GE diodes- wouldn't have guessed that. I personally think it sounds horrible as a stand alone OD- it's best with the gain around 9 or 10 o'clock used as a semi dirty boost into a working amp- on the verge of breakup at the least or already distorting. What it can do then is magic- it really brings the guitar's sound out front and gives it an amazing presence. It sounds bad if you aren't using it in a band context- just at home. But in the mix, it sits perfectly. I'll also add that I'm another one of the DIY'ers who probably would just study the schem if received- I don't think it's in good taste to rip off any of the hardworking boutique builders, but I don't see anything wrong with wanting to learn.
QuoteQuote from: joelap on Today at 02:10:51 AM
I'd say about 90-95% of the people who are looking for information on this pedal aren't looking to clone the pedal to make a profit for less than the man himself charges, but rather curious how this circuit works. I guess its a case of those few jerks who you know would clone it for a profit ruining it for those of us who wouldnt.
I find myself agreeing with this statement.
It's more of a curiousity factor for me I suppose.
I agree with this too. I'm just curious what's in there. If I'd get the schem, I'm not even sure that I'd actually build one, as I like my Hotcake better anyway.
Quote from: joelap on March 29, 2007, 08:10:51 PM
I'd say about 90-95% of the people who are looking for information on this pedal aren't looking to clone the pedal to make a profit for less than the man himself charges, but rather curious how this circuit works. I guess its a case of those few jerks who you know would clone it for a profit ruining it for those of us who wouldnt.
Then the info-seeking message should be written carefully and accordingly to avoid such faulty interpretations and prejudices. Asking how a certain circuit works is a helluva lot better than "gimme a schemo".
No offense to anyone, I'm just emphasizing that close attention should be paid when writing any post.
---------
Jimbo
I don't want to start a whole discussion on this, but I'm not sure if I agree... A schem tells you how it works, right? A general explanation on how a circuit is built up will not necessarily give away the magic of a pedal. Sometimes the magic is in the details or in the interaction of the whole circuit. The schematic isn't being posted because, because one cannot control what people will DO with it. In the end, what matters is the good/bad intentions of people and that's something you cannot verify on a forum, unless maybe you have built up trust over the years.
By the way, I'm not even sure if a Klon-clone would sell in large quantities and at similar prices. In the end, I believe many people think it's cool to see an original Klon on their pedalboard. The feeling of having the so-called holy grail is what – mostly unconsciously - matters for many (not all) and that's what they're paying the extra $$$ for (or maybe because it makes them think having a Klon makes them a better player). I've been there too, I must admit. I have purchased original pedals after making a DIY clone first for exactly this reason - I realised that afterwards.
People are paying for having a Klon, not for a clone that sounds like it. That's probably one of the reasons why Bill puts so much effort in the enclosures and the unique looks of the pedal. A lot of the value of the Klon lies in the enclosure/looks, the hype, the care of proper construction and finish. People are not buying it at that price because the schem is a mystery as such. Well, I wouldn't buy it for that reason.
The above reasoning probably does not apply for all boutique pedals (some clones DO sell), but somehow I think it does for the Klon. Don't ask me why. I feel it in my toes... :icon_wink:
From what I remember there is a Klon clone being sold but I forgot the name.
I was told that the Banzai Cold Fusion is a 95% Klon clone. It does not enjoy the same reputation however.
Hey, there's one for sale on ebay right now - BIN price of $900!! Ebay strikes again. ::)
http://cgi.ebay.com/Klon-Centaur-Silver-w-Centaur-Graphic-Very-Rare_W0QQitemZ170095447754QQcategoryZ41416QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
EDIT: BTW, it looks like it might be positive ground since there's a metal DC jack on the back of it...
See, that's exactly what I was trying to say. People are paying big $$$ for Klon's with the Centaur drawing on it. Klon's without the Centaur go at half that price. The box is different, but the circuit is the same - that's what Bill told me anyway. People are paying for the looks of that pedal.
Quote from: Serge on March 30, 2007, 11:16:44 AM
See, that's exactly what I was trying to say. People are paying big $$$ for Klon's with the Centaur drawing on it. Klon's without the Centaur go at half that price. The box is different, but the circuit is the same - that's what Bill told me anyway. People are paying for the looks of that pedal.
Well, they say that people are like sheep... :icon_wink:
Where can I get "Klon Centaur" Schematics?
the gear page.
:icon_mrgreen:
Quote from: joelap on March 29, 2007, 08:10:51 PM
I'd say about 90-95% of the people who are looking for information on this pedal aren't looking to clone the pedal to make a profit for less than the man himself charges, but rather curious how this circuit works. I guess its a case of those few jerks who you know would clone it for a profit ruining it for those of us who wouldnt.
Yep.
So many people swear by this pedal and I would like to know what the fuss is all about.
It really can't be that good - can it?
The pedal is something like $300 and that is a lot of money to put into something just to try it.
So, for the love of god, if anyone has the schematic, please send it to me so I can breadboard it and give it a try.
Besides, I need to work on something over the long weekend. :)
GF
Do you guys REALLY need a schematic for yet another distortion circuit? Really?
$300 is quite a fair price for a guy's only product, in a custom cast enclosure. Especially because it is far from another tube screamer clone.
There isn't anything in the circuit that should be new to anyone who has looked at all of the schematics ALREADY available.
Just from what everyone already knows about the circuit from posts on this board, you should at least be able to come up with a block diagram of the circuit and from there it is just a matter of getting to a breadboard...
What we know:
Charge Pump for higher voltage
Ge Diode Clipping stage
A mixer which allows you to blend the distortion and clean
Treble control
That is enough to get you 80% of the way there. Unfortunately the last 20% is like the last 20% of an Audio taper pot, it's a very steep road from there to 100%. But it's all about filtering and level control (isn't all distortion though?).
The important thing is to take a look at the list of what we know above and extrapolate each of those things into what they mean for the circuit (it has a charge pump so it has higher headroom and must not have very tall current requirements; there is a mixer which probably means that there is an inverting opamp stage somewhere, etc.). And then extrapolate as to what each means against the other (there is higher headroom, but Ge diodes? Don't those seem to cancel each other out? Why would you need more headroom if the output signal of the distortion side is on the order of 0.6Vp-p? Wait, there is a mixer? Couldn't you boost the signal from the diodes in the mixer?).
My point is we can take what we already know and come up with a circuit that attempts to mimic the function. And not only do we not expose a good designer's only product to the world, but chances are you are going to learn A LOT more then if you just had the schematic and slapped the circuit on a breadboard...
And, in my opinion, it would be a LOT more fun.
Respectfully,
Jay Doyle
this place is funny.
I believe the main reason someone would ask for a schematic is to clone it for themselfs or to make money.
They should buy it and reverse it themselfs and not ask at the forum if they want it that bad.
People that could understand it could just design something using the tone and what the knobs do
I would not have posted anything at all about what is inside it.
One thing I think has happened is the people that shared stuff that was different have stopped.
How many FFs and TSs can you build or post about? I guess we will find out.
I honestly don't think there are any accurate schems for this circuit on the net. I don't think any exist at all that are very public.
Perhaps one of the more ambitious folks looking for this schem should buy it, reverse it and, then post it and become a DIY "Hero"! :icon_lol:
Just a joke.
However I always wonder about the circuit goopers, seems to me those that goop probably have reverse-engineered LOADS
of circuits in their checkered past!
Why is it OK to Build a Clone of a Ibanez ,Or Boss, or DOD Pedal but it is not OK to Clone THIS Pedal???
Just wondering what ethics are involved in Cloneing a Mass Produced pedal compared a Pedal that isn"t Mass Produced (Like this Pedal)???
It just seems that if it Is OK to clone the Latest Boss pedal than it should be OK to Clone ANY pedal (For personal Use)......
Just because this Guy only makes one Pedal and Hand Makes his enclosures doesn"t seem like a Very good reason to not Clone it ,At least there doesn"t see to be any compelling reason to Clone a Boss but not this pedal....
Explain??
......oh no, not this again! :icon_lol:
Quote from: Minion on April 06, 2007, 12:20:44 PM
Why is it OK to Build a Clone of a Ibanez ,Or Boss, or DOD Pedal but it is not OK to Clone THIS Pedal???
Just wondering what ethics are involved in Cloneing a Mass Produced pedal compared a Pedal that isn"t Mass Produced (Like this Pedal)???
It just seems that if it Is OK to clone the Latest Boss pedal than it should be OK to Clone ANY pedal (For personal Use)......
Just because this Guy only makes one Pedal and Hand Makes his enclosures doesn"t seem like a Very good reason to not Clone it ,At least there doesn"t see to be any compelling reason to Clone a Boss but not this pedal....
Explain??
no need to, someone already has, about 300 times. its around the lounge somewhere...er, everywhere... :D
if someone posts a DS-1 schematic, and hundreds of people clone it, boss aint even gonna feel it. not even a pinch.
on the other hand, if someone posts a Klon schematic, and hundreds of people clone it, then Klon will be in pain...not to mention selling someone else's copywritten design is sorta illegal. :o
(trust me, there are many people waiting for it to come up, SPECIFICALLY to sell it...sure one guy wants it for personal use, but some others want it for resale value...say what you will in defense of whoever, but you know for sure someone wants to clone and sell it as soon as that schem is posted...that sorta what just happens around here, and we dont like it...)
but hey, what do i know? im going to go make some food. chile relleno/huevos mexicanos, anyone?
Quote from: Minion on April 06, 2007, 12:20:44 PM
Why is it OK to Build a Clone of a Ibanez ,Or Boss, or DOD Pedal but it is not OK to Clone THIS Pedal???
Explain??
Simple, He makes ONE product and that's his WHOLE livelyhood.
Boss make 42 pedals, some since 1976 and have sold over 10,000,000 of them !!
No/minimal damage to Boss profits
Lot's of damage to Klon's
;D
where's puretube?
it' POPCORN time again apparently
That is what I figured you guys would say and it shows that you guys have quite a Double Standard were ethics are concerned.....
Boss is still a company Run by Poeple who need to make a Liveing and support there children, so it seems you guys think it is OK to steal from a Big Company but not a Small Company......... In the Eyes of the Law stealing from the Rich is just as Bad as Stealing from the Poor.....
So if We are going to Be Thieves shouldn"t we be Equal Oppertunity Thieves??
It is Like Saying "Pirateing from Microsoft is OK but Pirateing software from a small Company is Bad"!!!
I feel if were are going to Clone Designs of Pedals ,which pedal doesn"t really matter as someone is potentially going to loose money from a lost sale be it Boss (it doesn"t matter if they are a Big company) or some guy who builds a limited number of pedals and sells them (and at $750 a Pedal I don"t think he is Looseing money)....If were are going to be Unethical , we should not Pick and choose who are Victims are....all Poeple should be Potential Victims of our deviousness.....Should they not?? Or is it that you guys get to Pick and choose what company is bad and what is Good and only Clone the pedals of Bad companies.....??
Seeing as it is Unethical on This board to clone this pedal then I guess I won"t post the Schematic for this Pedal.....Ohh well....
Quote from: joegagan on April 06, 2007, 12:40:03 PM
where's puretube?
it' POPCORN time again apparently
I just opened a bag !! :icon_wink:
Actually my explaination was a bit too black/white , the truth is that there's ZERO difference morally !!
To be honest, having all those comercial PCB's available at tonepad etc and keeping "schtumm" on other
things is a total joke :icon_rolleyes:
All or nothing is the only reasonable way forward .... unless you happen to "contribute" here !!
MM. :icon_rolleyes: ( crash helmet on now, happy easter .... I'm off ...... )
>That is what I figured you guys would say and it shows that you guys have quite a Double Standard were ethics are concerned.....
Thanks for pointing this out. Can we move on now?
Thanks,
Aron