I actually paused spooning flour onto the chopping board as I make hamburgers for dinner as soon as he played “A day in the life”, it was that good. I felt the presence of Jeff.
Unbelievable…I only just found out that Jeff Beck has died! I had no idea when posting that previous message a few hours ago. So grateful to have witnessed him live in Melbourne, Australia some years ago. RIP Jeff. Never forgotten.
Thanks for this. One of the best explantions and demos of the Klon online. I ran my Archer Ikon through a white noise generator to see what it was up to. Many people say it attenuates bass but this did not appear to be the case. With the gain off and treble at noon: no change. As the gain was increased - even slightly - it starts boosting around 1k to 5k and tamed the very high frequencies. Bass remained the same. When I use it it's usually as a clean boost with gain at 8am to add a touch of those high mids.
I have owned 2 of the silver klon pedals one I bought on ebay and one direct. I never really bonded with them, the first I sold pretty quickly and the second I sold when the used market went over $1K. No regrets they were rarely on my live board. I have a Gold archer and a silver beck modded archer, I think they are both better (to my ears anyway) than the klons I owned.
That "horrible noodling" was my favorite part of the video! I've never had a real Klon, but have a Tumnus. Honestly, for that "waking up the guitar sound," as you put it, I prefer my Timmy. Then I hit the Timmy with a TS mini and that's a nice mid-gain lead sound. I leave the Tumnus near the end of my chain to use occasionally as a boost, in case I have to compete with an especially loud drummer!
I’ve had the exact same experience. Kicked the Klone off of my board for the Timmy. It just sounds fuller to my ear and the gain range is wider. Only thing it doesn’t have is the slight mid hump.
@@grantg8291 i run my timmy into my klon. With the timmy a little gainier than the klon (which is set very low gain) into a cali tweed set a little dirty. Magic. Imo.
Your “jeff beck” is just amazing , bro you should definitely record your tunes and riffs - you just nail it - you have a great collection of riffs and licks
I find running my Timmy last in the chain s an always on pedal really brings back out the high end and low end from the klon and doesn’t add as much mids
It's amazing how gear in this nutty business can reach "god like" status. People clamouring for vintage guitars and amps because their heroes played them. Nevermind that the gear used to achieve those classic tones were closer to new when recorded. I hear great tone in this video but I suspect that's mostly Shawn's fingers ;)
You're very kind. Thanks very much. The Klon-type circuit has a definite harmonic thing to it but I feel there are plenty of options out there that work.
Freakin' sounds great! I think it's a little of both... there's something about the allure of these vintage tools... they elicit that "magic" sometimes just because they put you in "that" mood... it's weird, but it's that subjective, non-rational, non-quantifiable part of what makes some things "special" over just good or nice... and after all... it is art!
I have a silver Klon that I use with a Strymon Timeline and run it into a tweed Blues Jr. I use a Fender Lincoln Brewster strat and go from a completely clean, clear tone to a beautiful, warm, singing tone just by hitting the Klon switch. I set the Blues Jr to clean tones and I set the Klon Gain-3, Treble-9 and Output-9. I also have a Deep Six compressor, EP Booster and Neunaber Immerse MKII in front of these always on. I have the Blues Jr. on a stand about knee high to my right facing across the stage miked with a SM57. I can move closer to the amp or away from it to get the desired dirt, sustain and feedback. I feel the main ingredient is the Brewster strat which has a Master volume push-pull switch, the middle tone knob is a Boost Control and the bottom tone knob is wired to only the treble pickup. It's loaded with two DiMarzio Area 58 pickups in the neck and middle positions and a DiMarzio Area 61 in the bridge. The Brewster Strat compliments the Klon so well I recently bought a second Brewster Strat. Like all rigs this one works for me but it may not be your thing. Just wanted to share my story. Rock on!!!
I love my ikon (picked it up after watching your demo actually). I feel there is definitely more hype than is warranted for the originals, but supply and demand is a real thing…. I have found that if I like my tone in a particular setup, the klone makes it better whereas if I do not, it isn’t the way to go.
I miss that sound. I played a Bondi Sick As and Archer Ikon into my hotrodded JMP (Dirty Shirley clone) and man what ride that sound would take you on. Today’s rig is clean with a bunch of pedals and tones for covers.
Your bridge pickup noodling was the best I’ve ever heard a Klon sound on full gain, and I own one. Those magic Tubbs hands again! I also find the Klon a bit mid-barky for my taste, but they do sound good in a mix when pushing a lightly driven sound into something more punchy. I can also recommend kicking it in after a light fuzz, which rounds out the spikyness of the fuzz while keeping the fatness. Obviously all the klones do all of these things as well (or better). And just occasionally, the right mix of guitar, amp and other FX gives you that extra harmonic thing that sounds fab. Great video as always sir.
I own a silver one I also bought from Bill. I’ve never heard a pedal that comes close, but that depends upon how you’re using it. I use it as a tone enhancer, very little gain if any. It seems to tickle some magic frequencies to make your tone sound bigger, fuller, richer.
Omgosh i realy love this video ... Finly someone goes threw this pedal ..now i know ... When i put the gain and volum all up n tone in da midle its my magic ..absolutly worth the money .... Thanks for this video😁
Great demo. I got one of these recently after saving up all my 50 cents for 10 years or so. Worth every penny. It does everything I need from sweeten a clean sound to low gain to no gain-max output. There's so much range in these pedals. It really is the best pedal ever made IMHO. I'd really like to shake the hand of Bill and whoever he worked with at MIT to design this thing. They changed everything forever ..
The max output on a Klon circuit is INSANE. I got the Notaklön somewhat recently. I always find myself keeping the output below 50%. About the same spot as you do. I always find that I use gear the same way as professionals, even when I've never looked at their settings. Lmao I guess I've watched too much JHS and That Pedal Show.
Hey Shawn. Great video. I really like how you used the Klon in your demo. Yes, it is a killer sounding pedal, but to pay anywhere from $3000 - 5000 American is quite steep. I purchased a Wampler Tumnus after watching your video a while back. I must say that I have managed to achieve similar tones just like the tones from this video with the Tumnus. Also, I really missed having a "Tubbs" tune at the beginning of this video. Take care.
I run a soul food and love it. Keep the Gain around 25%. I used to run a clean boost into it but changed to a Mooer Yellow comp which does have a boost function as well as EQ. worth a look!
Incredible thank you for sharing your thoughts and settings. Those Klons always inspire new riffs out of me as soon as I plug in! Awesome playing too Shawn! “Horrible Noodling” my ass lol. 😂
Seems to me it is all about the application. The Klon and the army of clones have their place. I am reasonably certain you could pull all the tones you just demonstrated using that amp and the volume control of your guitar, no Klon or clone necessary. The pursuit of great tone is and always will be an adventure. Cheers!
Great playing. Jeff beck noodling shows us tone in the fingers 👍Not gone down the Klone rabbit hole yet. Seems to be an expensive eq pedal. So many other types of pedals open up the guitar sound.
Thanks so much! There is a bit of harmonic magic that happens with the Klon type circuit that can't be achieved with an EQ IMHO but there are other alternatives for sure.
Nice video and guitar playing. I just completed a klon build (ggg) and wasn't sure if it was working properly. Turns out that it is fine and that I just need to learn how to use it.
I use the Warm Audio Centavo clone, running with an old Tubescreamer 808. The Klon clone just wakes up a Marshall head adding "more" with the 808 pushing the gain. I run Les Pauls with lower output PAF pickups. The Klon circuit has always been a favorite of mine since Bill started making them in 94, combined with the volumes on the guitars I can clean the sound up or just hammer it for good classic crunch. Great insights on it from you.
I bought a silver Archer because of your demo haha ! Still one of my favorite pedals. I actually had a KTR and a gold Archer before that, but the silver always sounded and felt best to me. I’ve played an OG silver Klon and like the Archers way more than the KTR I had.
@@austinfailz the Silver has a little more ‘cut’ to it thank the ikon. Maybe if I was strictly playing single coils I would go with the Ikon. It wasn’t just a “turn the tone knob up” kinda thing either. Both felt better to me than the KTR. KTR was just kinda raspy sounding to me. Build quality is way more solid on the Archers too.
@@seangaskinmusic2300 I see. Thanks for responding. I'm kind of interested in getting either a Warm Audio Centavo, Ceriatone Centura, or a JRAD Archer (though not sure which one). Probably a Silver after your response.
@SpaceD_0ut_Ace i can second the above..the silver archer is awesome. Yes its great as a clean boost but i push my dark terror into tonal bliss with the amp gain at 12 oclock and the pedal gain at 1 oclock. Great rock tone! Get one if you havent already!
I use my Klon Clone to smack the front end of my amp (set to just before breakup) into overdrive when needed for solos. Just a simple stomp and go for that extra push when needed. The myriad of clones out there work just fine for this purpose. The original Klons are just collector items now but we should all thank Bill Finnegan for developing this circuit for all of us electric guitar players to use and enjoy for bargain basement prices. Thanks Bill !
On bass I use my Bass Soul Food Klon-ish pedal strictly as a boost into my JHS Morning Glory and Jive Reel Saturator. It does have some good sounds on its own for bass but just not for what I play. With just the BSF as a boost going into my Jive with no toggles on and gain at about 9:00 with volume at about 11:00 produces a great fat bass yet very clear sound through my Ampeg SCR DI with my Empress compressor set for light compression and is my always on sound. I record a lot of movies and tv shows in Thailand where I now live and it sounds amazing as well as for live shows.
I’ve owned a Tumnus Deluxe and an Ikon. I’ve more recently (well about 5 years ago) settled on the Chellee Ponyboy 3. To my ears similar to the Ikon with more options. Like you I ran it as a cleanish boost. I had a Source Audio EQ2 lying around from another use and now have that on my board having set up a similar tone curve. I now find myself preferring the EQ2 - on which I have also set up a preset of a Rangemaster. I also run it in front of some pedals and behind others. I think what I am trying to say is that the EQ2 is possibly more deserving of space on the board. Like you I think the Klon is great but perhaps overhyped.
If you're willing to do some hunting, you can find the article where Jeff Beck's guitar tech talks about a cheap Klon clone that is 1:1 in terms of sound in performance to an actual Klon. The seller uses a name like weekend 2087, or something like that. Between the article, I think it was in vintage Guitar, and discussion of it on the Gear Page, you can find all the details to chase one down. Frankly, I don't care for the sound of a Klon. I have several pedals I prefer much more, and that's what I use.
I have a KTR, only ever use it to stack with another overdrive and/or fuzz, and the few times I'm using a dirty amp. The fat clean thing works, but it requires a huge volume jump which is usually a pain in the ass.
I just finally got my hands on a KTR. To be honest, I find the actual overdrive (gain) on it not very pleasing to my ear. Very honky as you described and grainy. However, I agree where these pedals excel at is the low gain settings. It just adds a very nice fatness and fidelity to the sound that is fantastic. But there are other pedals that do that for way cheaper such as an EP Booster. Overall, I think they are overhyped but also have a very useful application as an always on enhancer or boost... P.S. Great playing as usual!!!
I’ve built a handful of the BYOC Silver Pony for myself and friends. Mostly, they get used as always-on “that’s my tone” right before the amp, and then another Silver Pony as a push box. There is definitely a specific tone with them and now, because of this video I need to try one in front of my G120 MK III. :)
Thanks for the examples with various levels of gain on the amp and pedal Shawn. The higher gain examples made me think of Pete Thorn's base tone as he used to slam the front of his PT15 w/ the Jeff Archer. I don't have my Archer on my main board anymore, but I like to stack it with a Timmy on some rigs. BTW: Thanks for the D20 videos. I've been loving that amp for the past year and a half. Cheers!
I think that there’s something sweet about the tone delivery of that pedal but yeah it’s everywhere these days. At least various versions of that tone are all over the place.
Hi! If your ears have shifted away from the klon circuit for overdriven sounds and compressed clean sounds, where have your ears shifted to? I have slowly gravitated towards it over the years, rather than away from it
Thank you for sharing very informative. Huge fan of what you do man. Loved what you and your brother contributed to the Violet Burning. You guys truly inspired me to become a musician, and encouraged me to get better at my craft. Much love ✌️
I use mine the same way you describe using it mine is a kit I bought and I completely put it togeather my self I think I have 35 dollars in it and I can’t tell the difference listing to it from an original
Would the Klon (or variants like the Greer Lightspeed) be okay to thicken up a clean Blues Junior (with a Telecaster)? Or is Tubescreamer variant better for that? Cheers, and loved the video!!
Thanks so much. The Greer Lightspeed isn't so much a Klon clone but maybe more along the lines of a TS circuit with less mid bump. The Rockett Pedals Archer IMO is a really great sounding Klon clone pedal. I think you'll get a fatter tone out of that than a TS-style pedal. One other thing to consider based on needing to "thicken up a Blues Junior" is the Rockett Blue Note. It sounds killer with a Tele.
The KC improves any tone, clean crunch, gain push, whatever. Other pedals can do this also, but none with the magic of the KC. It's a "more box" in every way, for sure. Pity it costs so much. It's actually worth a few bucks more than other ODs but, 7-8,000 of them? I think not.
I don't care if a clone sounds close. It has to be exact! Even though I've never played one and don't know what they sound like and even if by now it's been improved upon...non of that matters at all. It has to be exact! Not close...not even close...Exact! Come on! Doesn't anyone understand that the moment that design was finished that all time stopped! Nothing will ever beat it. Nothing can ever beat it. I have a plan to capture the smell of it (the sweet smell of success) and permeate bits of cork with that smell. And sell that cork so that people might place a chunk in each nostril and in this way all may enjoy sniffing the cork of the Klon.
Great video! The clean boost methodology is very similar to how I use my TS808 but when you apply gain this pedal sounds obviously very different from the TS808. But yeah, gives you some color and some push and adds life to anything. So, $5000? 🤣👍
@@ShawnTubbs oh I abuse my whammies, that’s why I like double locking ones. It’s that awesome phraseing and execution I have issues with. Thank you for all the killer info. Have a great week Sir
@@PooNinja Learn the JB version of "A Day In The Life"! I've stolen so much phrasing from just listening to Jeff's execution of that melody!! You can totally do it, man.
@@ShawnTubbs ok I’ll give it a shot this weekend 👍🏽 Edit fire up the compressor 😖 He don’t use no stinking pedals just raw power. Raw power… I can’t find that in the shop. My teacher said ,Just learn it! do it till ya learn it then come back and prove it. He’s all ISO 9000 about Ery thing!
@@ShawnTubbs I haven’t tackled that yet but I put down the pick and improvised holding the bar and playing to Greenish Blues by Mr. Vai 🤘🏽 I’m getting better 👏🏽👏🏽 I’m not good just better.
I have a KTR which I use as a clean boost. Since I switched to using Zendrive and Mosferatus I get all the nasal mids I want while retaining low end. The Klon cuts too much low for me.
It is clear to me that this is an ad for REVV amps. This amp is very capable. When I plug into my Deluxe Reverb, I use a pedal. I don't think a pedal valued at several thousand dollars adds much to the REVV amp, guitar and your playing. By the way, I use to be an engineer at DOD/Digitech. I do not work for REVV.
Hmmm...I don't recall ever telling anybody that any pedal could possibly "add value" to their playing. The only thing any musician can do to "add value" to their playing is PRACTICE. This is a REVV channel so yeah viewers are going to see a REVV amp here and there. I've done videos that don't even mention or show the amp being employed.
@@ShawnTubbs I'm pretty sure that was meant to be a compliment. It sounds to me like he's saying that when you're as good as you are, and the amp is as good as it is, you don't need a Klon, 'cause you already sound awesome. It doesn't add any value in the qualitative sense. You can't improve on perfection, so to speak.
@Shawn Tubbs Loving your videos with the Revv Generator 120 Mk III. Would love to see you do a video using an effects modeler in 4 cable method with the Revv. I own one myself and use a Line 6 Helix but seem to have trouble determining the correct Send and Return level settings on the Helix to use with the Revv. Is the Revv’s FX Loop a Line level or Instrument level loop? Someone at Revv once told me it was Instrument level but setting it up that way with the Helix really drops the volume and I find I really have to crank up on the Revv Master volume to play at rehearsal level.
@@ShawnTubbs Thanks for replying Shawn, I appreciate it. Right off the bat you may have solved my issue because the person I talked to who was not an actual tech told me that the Fx Loop was Instrument level which I set it to. I have the channel volumes on the amp at around 2 o’clock and the Master at up quite high as well just to get a useable gig/rehearsal volume. I’ll switch to Line level and see how it goes. Thanks again!
@@Jason-Taylor Yeah, try that out for sure. I'm sure the REVV representative was assuming you were running line level. You'll still need to tweak things in but it should work better.
The KTR is now discontinued and going up in price. Insanity. Scott Henderson, I believe it was, has suggested getting some Chinese knockoff. I don't have a problem with that, though it does look quite a bit like a real Klon, so I'm not sure what the legality is on importing that from China. It even says Klon Centaur on it.
I normally hate listening to hardware builders noodling on guitar (one pedal maker and his merry men, in particular) and skip through it after I hear the tone and get the idea, but listening to you play guitar is genuinely fun. There are very few people I could just sit in a room with, listening to them play, and be genuinely be entertained (Dale Flood, from Unorthodox, who I got to hang out with a few times, is another), You are great, man! Super legit.
LOL I paused the video to make that comment, and as soon as I unpaused, you referred to it as "horrible noodling". You are humble as well as skilled. That's admirable. Those would be my best licks and I would be proud of them, if it were me. 😁
anything below two o' clock on the drive doesn't give you "the klon sound". it'll literally be any given generic od but not the mythical circuit you're paying for. yes, you can use a klon as a boost but it's not what it was built for and there's better pedals for that very function.
I think the number one use would be trying to impress someone. No? How important are they to the history of great classic music? I would say they are not at all.
I think it was a good pedal back when they could be had for about $300.00 but that was not at all what I would consider inexpensive. Now? Meh....I guess it's a good investment if you have the means and the value continues to climb.
Could you maybe smack your lips a couple more times a second please? Cause it’s not ultra annoying at all. Awesome player by the way, just work on speaking bro.
First, I'll need to create an algorithm based on how many times I actually "smack my lips" per second and then factor in the "couple more times" you're asking me to achieve... and then.... I'm just doing some math here.... Give me just a moment....Hang on, almost there.... You're pretty hyper-focused on things that I don't care about.
@@ShawnTubbs constructive criticism, and just a pet peeve of mine, didnt mean to so harsh, I actually know quite a few people that feel the same way, not about you specifically, about people that do that, it’s like open mouth chewing if that helps, again I apologize if I was to harsh, and it certainly has zero to do with the jams of course, keep your eye out for it, it’s like looking at a car and all of the sudden you see it everywhere, your at least on the very mild side, Tim poole is probably the worst I’ve seen, hope ya don’t hate me bro.
@@optimus3305 I don't at all hate you in any way. I just know that I personally have missed so much in life by being hyper-focused on things that are ancillary...
just put my Notaklon together, sounds really good, thanks for showing how to really get the most out of it
Dude - your Jeff Beck is disgustingly good.
Thanks, Jeremy! Hope you're doing well man.
RIP
I actually paused spooning flour onto the chopping board as I make hamburgers for dinner as soon as he played “A day in the life”, it was that good. I felt the presence of Jeff.
Unbelievable…I only just found out that Jeff Beck has died! I had no idea when posting that previous message a few hours ago. So grateful to have witnessed him live in Melbourne, Australia some years ago. RIP Jeff. Never forgotten.
It’ sounds good without the pedal but the pedal sure don’t make it $5000 better
This is kind of my ideal tone demo video. Moves through ideas just fast enough, simple and sweet
To my ears, the Klon is one of the worlds finest treble boost pedals. It does a rare thing. It does not take away anything.
You have a really high-quality audio on this video. My compliments.
Thanks for this. One of the best explantions and demos of the Klon online. I ran my Archer Ikon through a white noise generator to see what it was up to. Many people say it attenuates bass but this did not appear to be the case. With the gain off and treble at noon: no change. As the gain was increased - even slightly - it starts boosting around 1k to 5k and tamed the very high frequencies. Bass remained the same. When I use it it's usually as a clean boost with gain at 8am to add a touch of those high mids.
More beef yet still crystally crisp, I see, Klon is something indeed for clean channel.
I have owned 2 of the silver klon pedals one I bought on ebay and one direct. I never really bonded with them, the first I sold pretty quickly and the second I sold when the used market went over $1K. No regrets they were rarely on my live board. I have a Gold archer and a silver beck modded archer, I think they are both better (to my ears anyway) than the klons I owned.
Yeah, the Rockett Archer pedals are great.
The Beck modded is so great!
I just bumped the clean boost I’ve been using for almost 20yrs. A conflicting happy and sad gear moment! Haha
That "horrible noodling" was my favorite part of the video! I've never had a real Klon, but have a Tumnus. Honestly, for that "waking up the guitar sound," as you put it, I prefer my Timmy. Then I hit the Timmy with a TS mini and that's a nice mid-gain lead sound. I leave the Tumnus near the end of my chain to use occasionally as a boost, in case I have to compete with an especially loud drummer!
I’ve had the exact same experience. Kicked the Klone off of my board for the Timmy. It just sounds fuller to my ear and the gain range is wider. Only thing it doesn’t have is the slight mid hump.
Sounds like you've got it dialed!! Thanks for the comment!
@@grantg8291 Nice!
@@grantg8291 i run my timmy into my klon. With the timmy a little gainier than the klon (which is set very low gain) into a cali tweed set a little dirty. Magic. Imo.
Your “jeff beck” is just amazing , bro you should definitely record your tunes and riffs - you just nail it - you have a great collection of riffs and licks
Thanks very much!!
The tumnus deluxe is a great alternative
I find running my Timmy last in the chain s an always on pedal really brings back out the high end and low end from the klon and doesn’t add as much mids
Great playing!
Thank you!
The way you blend jazz and blues in your licks is incredible
You're very kind. Thanks so much.
Not sure I'd want a "I'm a Klon steal my pedal board" on my board when gigging. Killer playing Shawn, as always.
Yeah, I get it. Back when I had a Klon, I was honestly worried about theft.
Great demo great sound great combo
It's amazing how gear in this nutty business can reach "god like" status. People clamouring for vintage guitars and amps because their heroes played them. Nevermind that the gear used to achieve those classic tones were closer to new when recorded. I hear great tone in this video but I suspect that's mostly Shawn's fingers ;)
Amen... The guys that have all those killer tones we're all chasing, used very little gear for the most part. A great amp, and some killer hands.
You're very kind. Thanks very much. The Klon-type circuit has a definite harmonic thing to it but I feel there are plenty of options out there that work.
@Quincy G. Yeah the Archer is the best IMHO.
Freakin' sounds great! I think it's a little of both... there's something about the allure of these vintage tools... they elicit that "magic" sometimes just because they put you in "that" mood... it's weird, but it's that subjective, non-rational, non-quantifiable part of what makes some things "special" over just good or nice... and after all... it is art!
I have a silver Klon that I use with a Strymon Timeline and run it into a tweed Blues Jr. I use a Fender Lincoln Brewster strat and go from a completely clean, clear tone to a beautiful, warm, singing tone just by hitting the Klon switch. I set the Blues Jr to clean tones and I set the Klon Gain-3, Treble-9 and Output-9. I also have a Deep Six compressor, EP Booster and Neunaber Immerse MKII in front of these always on. I have the Blues Jr. on a stand about knee high to my right facing across the stage miked with a SM57. I can move closer to the amp or away from it to get the desired dirt, sustain and feedback. I feel the main ingredient is the Brewster strat which has a Master volume push-pull switch, the middle tone knob is a Boost Control and the bottom tone knob is wired to only the treble pickup. It's loaded with two DiMarzio Area 58 pickups in the neck and middle positions and a DiMarzio Area 61 in the bridge. The Brewster Strat compliments the Klon so well I recently bought a second Brewster Strat. Like all rigs this one works for me but it may not be your thing. Just wanted to share my story. Rock on!!!
I love my ikon (picked it up after watching your demo actually). I feel there is definitely more hype than is warranted for the originals, but supply and demand is a real thing…. I have found that if I like my tone in a particular setup, the klone makes it better whereas if I do not, it isn’t the way to go.
Right on! Thanks for watching!!
I think it sounds fantastic
I miss that sound. I played a Bondi Sick As and Archer Ikon into my hotrodded JMP (Dirty Shirley clone) and man what ride that sound would take you on. Today’s rig is clean with a bunch of pedals and tones for covers.
Yeah, it's a tonality for sure!
Very well played, excellent sound. The Revv 100P also does a good job.
Your bridge pickup noodling was the best I’ve ever heard a Klon sound on full gain, and I own one. Those magic Tubbs hands again! I also find the Klon a bit mid-barky for my taste, but they do sound good in a mix when pushing a lightly driven sound into something more punchy. I can also recommend kicking it in after a light fuzz, which rounds out the spikyness of the fuzz while keeping the fatness. Obviously all the klones do all of these things as well (or better). And just occasionally, the right mix of guitar, amp and other FX gives you that extra harmonic thing that sounds fab. Great video as always sir.
Thanks so much for chiming in!!
It sounds pretty cool, yet subtle.
I own a silver one I also bought from Bill. I’ve never heard a pedal that comes close, but that depends upon how you’re using it. I use it as a tone enhancer, very little gain if any. It seems to tickle some magic frequencies to make your tone sound bigger, fuller, richer.
I built one from a Chinese kit. No clue how it really compares with the real thing, but it was a fun project nonetheless.
Omgosh i realy love this video ... Finly someone goes threw this pedal ..now i know ... When i put the gain and volum all up n tone in da midle its my magic ..absolutly worth the money .... Thanks for this video😁
The Jeff Beck part sounded awesome 👏
Thanks!!!
I have the KTR and use it exactly as you showed for the Jeff Beck stuff
Great demo. I got one of these recently after saving up all my 50 cents for 10 years or so. Worth every penny. It does everything I need from sweeten a clean sound to low gain to no gain-max output. There's so much range in these pedals. It really is the best pedal ever made IMHO. I'd really like to shake the hand of Bill and whoever he worked with at MIT to design this thing. They changed everything forever ..
The max output on a Klon circuit is INSANE. I got the Notaklön somewhat recently. I always find myself keeping the output below 50%. About the same spot as you do. I always find that I use gear the same way as professionals, even when I've never looked at their settings. Lmao I guess I've watched too much JHS and That Pedal Show.
I have a couple of Clones, but currently I use a Thropy Peacekeeper as my "More Box", due to its very flexible EQ.
Hey Shawn. Great video. I really like how you used the Klon in your demo. Yes, it is a killer sounding pedal, but to pay anywhere from $3000 - 5000 American is quite steep. I purchased a Wampler Tumnus after watching your video a while back. I must say that I have managed to achieve similar tones just like the tones from this video with the Tumnus. Also, I really missed having a "Tubbs" tune at the beginning of this video. Take care.
Thanks so much, Sam! Yeah, there's no need to spend that kind of coin at all. The Tumnus is great!
I run a soul food and love it. Keep the Gain around 25%. I used to run a clean boost into it but changed to a Mooer Yellow comp which does have a boost function as well as EQ. worth a look!
Sounds like a good set up!
Incredible thank you for sharing your thoughts and settings. Those Klons always inspire new riffs out of me as soon as I plug in! Awesome playing too Shawn! “Horrible Noodling” my ass lol. 😂
Thanks so much!!
I grabbed one in around 2006 for 1200$. I love it. I use like you did as a sweetener low gain boosty deal but i love the gain cranked too.
Great vid. I use the circuit as a “more box” too.
Hey Andy, yeah that type of circuit is best for the "more box" thing IMHO. Hope you're doing well!
Seems to me it is all about the application. The Klon and the army of clones have their place. I am reasonably certain you could pull all the tones you just demonstrated using that amp and the volume control of your guitar, no Klon or clone necessary. The pursuit of great tone is and always will be an adventure. Cheers!
Great playing. Jeff beck noodling shows us tone in the fingers 👍Not gone down the Klone rabbit hole yet. Seems to be an expensive eq pedal. So many other types of pedals open up the guitar sound.
Thanks so much! There is a bit of harmonic magic that happens with the Klon type circuit that can't be achieved with an EQ IMHO but there are other alternatives for sure.
Sounds great
I passed up on a used non-horsey silver Klon for $1200 a few years ago... man... still can't believe they've gone up so fast!
Yeah, it's crazy for sure.
Nice video and guitar playing. I just completed a klon build (ggg) and wasn't sure if it was working properly. Turns out that it is fine and that I just need to learn how to use it.
I use the Warm Audio Centavo clone, running with an old Tubescreamer 808. The Klon clone just wakes up a Marshall head adding "more" with the 808 pushing the gain. I run Les Pauls with lower output PAF pickups. The Klon circuit has always been a favorite of mine since Bill started making them in 94, combined with the volumes on the guitars I can clean the sound up or just hammer it for good classic crunch.
Great insights on it from you.
I bought a silver Archer because of your demo haha ! Still one of my favorite pedals. I actually had a KTR and a gold Archer before that, but the silver always sounded and felt best to me. I’ve played an OG silver Klon and like the Archers way more than the KTR I had.
What felt better about the silver Archer vs the others?
@@austinfailz the Silver has a little more ‘cut’ to it thank the ikon. Maybe if I was strictly playing single coils I would go with the Ikon. It wasn’t just a “turn the tone knob up” kinda thing either. Both felt better to me than the KTR. KTR was just kinda raspy sounding to me. Build quality is way more solid on the Archers too.
@@seangaskinmusic2300 I see. Thanks for responding. I'm kind of interested in getting either a Warm Audio Centavo, Ceriatone Centura, or a JRAD Archer (though not sure which one). Probably a Silver after your response.
@SpaceD_0ut_Ace i can second the above..the silver archer is awesome. Yes its great as a clean boost but i push my dark terror into tonal bliss with the amp gain at 12 oclock and the pedal gain at 1 oclock. Great rock tone! Get one if you havent already!
Amazing tone and amazing player! love you Shawn
You're so kind. Thanks so much!!
I use my Klon Clone to smack the front end of my amp (set to just before breakup) into overdrive when needed for solos. Just a simple stomp and go for that extra push when needed. The myriad of clones out there work just fine for this purpose. The original Klons are just collector items now but we should all thank Bill Finnegan for developing this circuit for all of us electric guitar players to use and enjoy for bargain basement prices. Thanks Bill !
I run a cornerstone antique v2 into a tumnus deluxe in to a marshall bluesbreaker it sounds great
On bass I use my Bass Soul Food Klon-ish pedal strictly as a boost into my JHS Morning Glory and Jive Reel Saturator. It does have some good sounds on its own for bass but just not for what I play. With just the BSF as a boost going into my Jive with no toggles on and gain at about 9:00 with volume at about 11:00 produces a great fat bass yet very clear sound through my Ampeg SCR DI with my Empress compressor set for light compression and is my always on sound. I record a lot of movies and tv shows in Thailand where I now live and it sounds amazing as well as for live shows.
Mythical overdrive by rimrock pedals is all the klon I need.
Does it sound good with a metalzone? LOL
I run my gold archer into a fulltone fat boost and man it's incredible. I traded a ts9 for mine.
I have a $35 Wish klone and a tumnus both, and they sound just about exactly the same.
I spent 40 bucks Australian for a Demonfx clone. Sounds fine to me.
There are some great clone pedals out there for sure.
I’ve owned a Tumnus Deluxe and an Ikon. I’ve more recently (well about 5 years ago) settled on the Chellee Ponyboy 3. To my ears similar to the Ikon with more options. Like you I ran it as a cleanish boost. I had a Source Audio EQ2 lying around from another use and now have that on my board having set up a similar tone curve. I now find myself preferring the EQ2 - on which I have also set up a preset of a Rangemaster. I also run it in front of some pedals and behind others. I think what I am trying to say is that the EQ2 is possibly more deserving of space on the board. Like you I think the Klon is great but perhaps overhyped.
Love them! I have the Tumnus, and I use it with a dirty amp, the amp I use it with is a Boogie jp2c, sounds great!
Yeah, the Tumnus is a good clone for sure. Thanks for watching and for the comment!
If you're willing to do some hunting, you can find the article where Jeff Beck's guitar tech talks about a cheap Klon clone that is 1:1 in terms of sound in performance to an actual Klon. The seller uses a name like weekend 2087, or something like that. Between the article, I think it was in vintage Guitar, and discussion of it on the Gear Page, you can find all the details to chase one down. Frankly, I don't care for the sound of a Klon. I have several pedals I prefer much more, and that's what I use.
I have a KTR, only ever use it to stack with another overdrive and/or fuzz, and the few times I'm using a dirty amp. The fat clean thing works, but it requires a huge volume jump which is usually a pain in the ass.
I just finally got my hands on a KTR. To be honest, I find the actual overdrive (gain) on it not very pleasing to my ear. Very honky as you described and grainy. However, I agree where these pedals excel at is the low gain settings. It just adds a very nice fatness and fidelity to the sound that is fantastic. But there are other pedals that do that for way cheaper such as an EP Booster. Overall, I think they are overhyped but also have a very useful application as an always on enhancer or boost...
P.S. Great playing as usual!!!
They really do sound great as Rock should.
I’ve built a handful of the BYOC Silver Pony for myself and friends. Mostly, they get used as always-on “that’s my tone” right before the amp, and then another Silver Pony as a push box. There is definitely a specific tone with them and now, because of this video I need to try one in front of my G120 MK III. :)
That's great that you've found something that works! Definitely try it in front of your MKIII and report!!
Thanks for the examples with various levels of gain on the amp and pedal Shawn. The higher gain examples made me think of Pete Thorn's base tone as he used to slam the front of his PT15 w/ the Jeff Archer. I don't have my Archer on my main board anymore, but I like to stack it with a Timmy on some rigs. BTW: Thanks for the D20 videos. I've been loving that amp for the past year and a half. Cheers!
I really like the silver Rockett Pedals Archer. So glad you're digging your D20! I certainly dig mine!
@@ShawnTubbs Me too. I have the silver Archer. Great little pedal. Your demo inspired me to buy it years ago.
I think that there’s something sweet about the tone delivery of that pedal but yeah it’s everywhere these days. At least various versions of that tone are all over the place.
Hi! If your ears have shifted away from the klon circuit for overdriven sounds and compressed clean sounds, where have your ears shifted to? I have slowly gravitated towards it over the years, rather than away from it
Thank you for sharing very informative. Huge fan of what you do man. Loved what you and your brother contributed to the Violet Burning. You guys truly inspired me to become a musician, and encouraged me to get better at my craft. Much love ✌️
I use mine the same way you describe using it mine is a kit I bought and I completely put it togeather my self I think I have 35 dollars in it and I can’t tell the difference listing to it from an original
Would the Klon (or variants like the Greer Lightspeed) be okay to thicken up a clean Blues Junior (with a Telecaster)? Or is Tubescreamer variant better for that? Cheers, and loved the video!!
Thanks so much. The Greer Lightspeed isn't so much a Klon clone but maybe more along the lines of a TS circuit with less mid bump. The Rockett Pedals Archer IMO is a really great sounding Klon clone pedal. I think you'll get a fatter tone out of that than a TS-style pedal. One other thing to consider based on needing to "thicken up a Blues Junior" is the Rockett Blue Note. It sounds killer with a Tele.
The clones are good . A friend let me try his Klon . I looked at him and said are you nuts ? Lost a friend that day .
The KC improves any tone, clean crunch, gain push, whatever. Other pedals can do this also, but none with the magic of the KC. It's a "more box" in every way, for sure.
Pity it costs so much. It's actually worth a few bucks more than other ODs but, 7-8,000 of them? I think not.
I built my own klon. Is it normal if you put the output and gain high that it just gets extremely loud quickly?
I don't care if a clone sounds close. It has to be exact! Even though I've never played one and don't know what they sound like and even if by now it's been improved upon...non of that matters at all.
It has to be exact! Not close...not even close...Exact!
Come on! Doesn't anyone understand that the moment that design was finished that all time stopped!
Nothing will ever beat it. Nothing can ever beat it.
I have a plan to capture the smell of it (the sweet smell of success) and permeate bits of cork with that smell. And sell that cork so that people might place a chunk in each nostril and in this way all may enjoy sniffing the cork of the Klon.
Great video!
The clean boost methodology is very similar to how I use my TS808 but when you apply gain this pedal sounds obviously very different from the TS808. But yeah, gives you some color and some push and adds life to anything. So, $5000? 🤣👍
Yep!! Thanks for watching!!
Mmm that Jeff Beck feel, my ignorant fingers soo need to learn some of that Rocken finger style.
Just get a strat with a whammy bar and have at it!! Thanks for watching and for chiming in!!
@@ShawnTubbs oh I abuse my whammies, that’s why I like double locking ones. It’s that awesome phraseing and execution I have issues with.
Thank you for all the killer info.
Have a great week Sir
@@PooNinja Learn the JB version of "A Day In The Life"! I've stolen so much phrasing from just listening to Jeff's execution of that melody!! You can totally do it, man.
@@ShawnTubbs ok I’ll give it a shot this weekend 👍🏽
Edit fire up the compressor 😖 He don’t use no stinking pedals just raw power.
Raw power… I can’t find that in the shop.
My teacher said ,Just learn it! do it till ya learn it then come back and prove it. He’s all ISO 9000 about Ery thing!
@@ShawnTubbs I haven’t tackled that yet but I put down the pick and improvised holding the bar and playing to Greenish Blues by Mr. Vai 🤘🏽 I’m getting better 👏🏽👏🏽 I’m not good just better.
What has your ear shifted towards now?
wonder what it will do for keyboards-?/
I was curiouse wich pedals are you using now :D
I'm not sure if I regret selling my Klon or, if I regret selling it when they were "only" fetching $1200...
I don't at all miss mine but I do have a bit of regret as to when I sold it and for how much.
@@ShawnTubbs Yep. I still have a RYRA Klone for when I feel the desire for that circuit. It's pretty close.
I have a KTR which I use as a clean boost. Since I switched to using Zendrive and Mosferatus I get all the nasal mids I want while retaining low end. The Klon cuts too much low for me.
Nice!! Sounds like you've got your tone sorted!! Thanks for watching and for chiming in!
It is clear to me that this is an ad for REVV amps. This amp is very capable. When I plug into my Deluxe Reverb, I use a pedal. I don't think a pedal valued at several thousand dollars adds much to the REVV amp, guitar and your playing. By the way, I use to be an engineer at DOD/Digitech. I do not work for REVV.
Hmmm...I don't recall ever telling anybody that any pedal could possibly "add value" to their playing. The only thing any musician can do to "add value" to their playing is PRACTICE.
This is a REVV channel so yeah viewers are going to see a REVV amp here and there. I've done videos that don't even mention or show the amp being employed.
@@ShawnTubbs I'm pretty sure that was meant to be a compliment. It sounds to me like he's saying that when you're as good as you are, and the amp is as good as it is, you don't need a Klon, 'cause you already sound awesome. It doesn't add any value in the qualitative sense. You can't improve on perfection, so to speak.
Nice
@Shawn Tubbs Loving your videos with the Revv Generator 120 Mk III. Would love to see you do a video using an effects modeler in 4 cable method with the Revv. I own one myself and use a Line 6 Helix but seem to have trouble determining the correct Send and Return level settings on the Helix to use with the Revv.
Is the Revv’s FX Loop a Line level or Instrument level loop? Someone at Revv once told me it was Instrument level but setting it up that way with the Helix really drops the volume and I find I really have to crank up on the Revv Master volume to play at rehearsal level.
Hmmm... The FX Loop is indeed at line level. I don't have a helix on hand to check into that for you.
@@ShawnTubbs Thanks for replying Shawn, I appreciate it. Right off the bat you may have solved my issue because the person I talked to who was not an actual tech told me that the Fx Loop was Instrument level which I set it to. I have the channel volumes on the amp at around 2 o’clock and the Master at up quite high as well just to get a useable gig/rehearsal volume. I’ll switch to Line level and see how it goes. Thanks again!
@@Jason-Taylor Yeah, try that out for sure. I'm sure the REVV representative was assuming you were running line level. You'll still need to tweak things in but it should work better.
Thumbs up. It’s a more pedal. I like that you said that. Basically a
B O O S T right?
That's my favorite way to use the Klon. Thanks for chiming in!
How to use a Klon correctly:
1) Buy it for as cheap as you can find.
2) Sell it for as much as you can get. (Never less than bought it for)
3) Repeat
The KTR is now discontinued and going up in price. Insanity. Scott Henderson, I believe it was, has suggested getting some Chinese knockoff. I don't have a problem with that, though it does look quite a bit like a real Klon, so I'm not sure what the legality is on importing that from China. It even says Klon Centaur on it.
I've bought a AUD$40 clone and that was pushing it.
Right on. I'm a pretty big fan of the Rockett Archer but at the end of the day, if it works, use it!! Thanks for chiming in!
@@ShawnTubbs Actually it's by Demonfx. It's a Chinese clone but it works just fine for me. 😁🇦🇺
I normally hate listening to hardware builders noodling on guitar (one pedal maker and his merry men, in particular) and skip through it after I hear the tone and get the idea, but listening to you play guitar is genuinely fun. There are very few people I could just sit in a room with, listening to them play, and be genuinely be entertained (Dale Flood, from Unorthodox, who I got to hang out with a few times, is another), You are great, man! Super legit.
LOL I paused the video to make that comment, and as soon as I unpaused, you referred to it as "horrible noodling". You are humble as well as skilled. That's admirable. Those would be my best licks and I would be proud of them, if it were me. 😁
Why is nobody talking about the DSM Humboldt 'Silver Linings? Much better than the KLON.
Yeah the DSM Humboldt is a good-sounding pedal.
I'd pay for this pedal $100 maximum
Jimi didn’t have one & he sounded ok to me…….. just saying 🙃
Yeah, Jimi wasn’t too shabby.
anything below two o' clock on the drive doesn't give you "the klon sound". it'll literally be any given generic od but not the mythical circuit you're paying for. yes, you can use a klon as a boost but it's not what it was built for and there's better pedals for that very function.
There are no level numbers on the pedal so technically they go to "infinity" ....which is clearly more than 11.
The secret way of using a Klon is not buying it and spending your money on a cheaper pedal that will sound the same.
wow sounds like a tube pedal
A day in the life?
I can't believe people spend that kind of money on a pedal lol.
I have a 100$ RAT pedal and a $100 Tube Screamer. All you need!
Yeah, I guess from an "investment" standpoint it makes sense but otherwise, I'm with you.
I think the number one use would be trying to impress someone. No? How important are they to the history of great classic music? I would say they are not at all.
I think it was a good pedal back when they could be had for about $300.00 but that was not at all what I would consider inexpensive. Now? Meh....I guess it's a good investment if you have the means and the value continues to climb.
No offense Shawn, but that clean tone does not need any help. It sounds better without the klon. Lol.
Most amps would of course benefit though.
Yeah, that clean tone did sound good.
Vntage tone Prometheus is awesome klon type
Right on. I've not tried that one.
Oh cool. An overpriced EQ.
The best way to use a klon is to sell it to some dumba$$ who thinks its worth thousands😁 I did!
Over rated. I had a silver klon and never found a sound I liked
Could you maybe smack your lips a couple more times a second please? Cause it’s not ultra annoying at all. Awesome player by the way, just work on speaking bro.
First, I'll need to create an algorithm based on how many times I actually "smack my lips" per second and then factor in the "couple more times" you're asking me to achieve... and then.... I'm just doing some math here.... Give me just a moment....Hang on, almost there....
You're pretty hyper-focused on things that I don't care about.
@@ShawnTubbs constructive criticism, and just a pet peeve of mine, didnt mean to so harsh, I actually know quite a few people that feel the same way, not about you specifically, about people that do that, it’s like open mouth chewing if that helps, again I apologize if I was to harsh, and it certainly has zero to do with the jams of course, keep your eye out for it, it’s like looking at a car and all of the sudden you see it everywhere, your at least on the very mild side, Tim poole is probably the worst I’ve seen, hope ya don’t hate me bro.
@@optimus3305 I don't at all hate you in any way. I just know that I personally have missed so much in life by being hyper-focused on things that are ancillary...
@@ShawnTubbsthe guy has written 4 comments in 10 years. And 2 were about you. It’s funny. Maybe it’s a bot made to annoy people