Klon/Klone - what say ye?

[gtone]

Clips sound decent, but never heard, played or even seen one around these parts (and learned you sure as hell can't trust clips!!). Dig my existing dirt pedals (CMATMODS SignaDrive, SGFX Rock Machine) for boost/light OD with my BF Bassman, so don't know if I need one, frankly.

Looking for those with some experience with these to chime in here...

TIA!

[The Shark]

^{Many of the clones are crap. I'd go with the KTR Klon (licensed to produce by Bill). It is the real deal. Save the money and pay for the real one. As for tone, these are the best clean boost/light overdrive pedals around. They make your amp sound great and they really work well in front of your favorite overdrive pedal too. I must admit I use a "clone" made by LoveKraft. They are no longer being made. I wouldn't have a rig without a "Klon".}

^{This is not some "corksniffery" boutique pedal that underwhelms. I owned a KTR (the new production model). It was perfect, but I sold it because it was indiscernable from my LoveKraft model. If you buy the KTR and don't like it, you can dump it and not lose money. You can't say that about every pedal.}

[unfun75]

I don't think the KTR's are being made right now. Production issues. You'll have to wait for the over-hyped version 3.

[gtone]

I don't think the KTR's are being made right now. Production issues. You'll have to wait for the over-hyped version 3.

So I take it from that you're not too big on them...

[unfun75]

His business model is awful. You'll likely be waiting a LONG time if you want to buy a new one. Buy a clone in the meantime and see if you like it. If you do, try to get on the Klon waiting list and you'll have a pretty good financial investment if you ever decide to sell. You probably won't lose a dime selling a clone, either.

[murkat]

KLon: had one. very nice. sold it. made coin on it (gold with centuar #152)

Klone: had one. not even close. Sold it. lost coin on it.

A Klon is just that.

Find one and try it.

Basically a very refined Tube screamer/ Maxon Pro.

I enjoy my Menatone pedals better for boost and grind, they are more "me".

[gtone]

Thing to do might be to put my name on the list. When they get production rolling again, I get the original unit and don't lose money if it doesn't pan out.

Just hope it sounds a damn sight better than a TS.

[JES1680]

I got on the list years ago for the original knowing I could flip it if I didn't like it. It's been on my board ever since. It's the only boost / od I use. Works great with every amp I've ever had.

[BadgerDave]

I enjoy my Menatone pedals better for boost and grind, they are more "me".

I have never had the opportunity to try a Klon, and at the near $2K rate originals are going for, I'm pretty sure I never will!

I agree with Jay, though, Menatone pedals are all that and more. I went through a couple of Fulltone FullDrives, a modded boutique Blues Driver and Tubscreamer, a TIM, and a couple others that were all very good before buying a Menatone Fish Factory. Five years later I still love the TIM, but the Fish Factory has never left my board. In fact, I bought a second one when I heard that Menatone was not going to make any more. They pop up on ebay accasionally for around $300.00. The red side is a killer tweed/Keith Richards/crunchy rythmn tone and the blue side does Marshall Plexi to death. I also use a Strymon compressor/clean boost. The Strymon and FishFactory together will set you back about $500 and give you everyting I imagine the Klon does, plus a great compressor and added switching flexibility.

[velorush]

Love my Menatone Red Snapper! Can't find anything I like better.

Don't know a thing about Klons other than what I've read on TGP. If you have the cash, probably worth taking for a spin. Kind of like all legends: there has to have been something there or it would have long been forgotten.

[gtone]

Kind of like all legends: there has to have been something there or it would have long been forgotten.

This is the thing that's kept me wondering all these years. Have always thought - sooner or later, I'm gonna come across a guy who has one, maybe I'll get to hear it/try it out for myself. Well, that day has never come, so here I am wondering what all the fuss is about many years later.

Don't seem to recall much of a buzz around the first edition Klon after it was released, yet that has become almost like the bloody Holy Grail itself, it seems. Do remember reading an article (Guitar Player?), maybe 10-12 yrs back comparing several light OD/boost pedals incl. a couple of TS variants, a FullDrive, a Sparkle Drive and a Klon - no particularly large fuss over the Klon in that. Maybe their production/supply issues helped fan the flames of desirability to a degree? Dunno, but do think LovePedal intentionally tried his short-run model production thing to try to generate a bit of "froth". Hard to tell now how much is hype in the current environment...

Oh well, name's now on the list of a local pedal dealer for the next production run along with 1200 or so other lemmings. Another 3 yrs or so, and we might have the answer (unless demand outstrips supply again). Oh well, I'll play the hand I've been dealt until then - digging my current setup quite nicely, actually...

Thanks to all for weighing in - loved your insights/experience, as per usual...

[mkadowaki]

My explanation of a Klon is it makes my amp sound better. I got one when they were in production. Don't know I'd pay current price tho. But nothing else like it. I do t use it for boost or distortion. I use it to sound better.

For distortion OCD. For fuzz Analogman Fuzzface. I got a lot of boost/distortion, production, modified, build it yourself. Nothing like a Klon.