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DIY WORKSHOP

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8 The pedal is fully assembled
and this is the final version
with the 15k resistor taken
out of the circuit

9 There has been much
debate about Klon clipping
diodes – the wasp-like
components are the 1N34A
8 diodes supplied with the kit

Thankfully, my friend and fellow Guitar.com 9
contributor Ed Oleszko has kindly loaned
me his so we can find out.
The Ceriatone version gets ever so close
but it’s not quite the same as Ed’s original.
There’s an even frequency balance, clarity
and wide-open chime with the real Klon
in the signal chain – both on and when
bypassed – that sets it apart. Frankly,
though, it’s closer to a £15 difference than
a £1,500 difference, and to my ears the
Ceriatone has a touch more low-frequency
content. This softens the bass response and
clouds the lower mids, equating to a bit
less punch and clarity.
As the gain is increased, I hear a slight
midrange boxiness and the Centura doesn’t
have the Klon’s upper-mid sweetness. Of
course, this is in direct comparison to one
specific Klon rather than a selection of units,
but it does get me thinking about those two
4.7uF signal capacitors that are installed
instead of the 1uF caps. It could be that the I think this is attributable to a bump in the As with all Klon pedals, the circuit board
Centura’s extra low end is the issue. low mids, so my attention turns to the 15k in Ed’s is covered in an opaque black goop
A few minutes later, with 1uF capacitors midrange sweetening resistor. Connecting it that makes it difficult if not impossible to
freshly installed in the C2 and C15 positions, with flying leads and a switch makes it easy identify the signal caps, so I have no idea if
the Centura is sounding considerably closer to assess its influence and, although subtle, the 15k resistor is installed or not. Ed’s has
to Ed’s original Klon. The lows are tighter, taking the resistor out of the circuit appears a relatively low serial number but there’s no
which improves matters more with a Les to even out the low mids, and ensures that sure-fire way to date original Klons. Having
Paul than a Strat, but we also hear a little our Centura starts delivering on that Klon found that the kit can be tweaked to sound
more clarity and definition. However, the chime, punch and clarity. It’s less thick and identical to a randomly selected Centaur by
Centura Professional Overdrive still falls velvety, though. If you were to modify this opting for the earlier-style circuit, it’s not
slightly short on chime, low-string punch kit, a permanently installed midrange switch unreasonable to assume that the kit can be
and pick articulation. for the 15k resistor might be a useful option. configured to sound like a later Klon too.

GUITAR MAGAZINE 129