Klon Centaur vs Ibanez TS-808 Tube Screamer
The Klon Centaur wins for transparent clarity — it adds sparkle and harmonic content without the TS808's characteristic mid-hump. The TS808 wins for the definitive mid-pushed blues boost that SRV and Gary Moore relied on.
Klon Centaur
The most mythologised overdrive in history. Bill Finnegan's parallel clean/clipped blend architecture produces a transparent, amp-like boost with unique harmonic sparkle. Fewer than 8,000 made between 1994–1999. The KTR is the official reissue.
Players who want an overdrive that thickens and brightens the signal without defining its own character — especially effective as a boost into a tube amp
Ibanez TS-808 Tube Screamer
The original 1979 Tube Screamer circuit, reissued faithfully. The JRC4558D op-amp and asymmetric soft clipping circuit make it the benchmark all overdrive pedals are compared against — warmer and slightly more open in the output section than the TS-9.
Blues, rock — the classic amp-pushing overdrive with warm harmonic character and the original circuit that the TS-9 was based on
Tone Character
Klon Centaur
- ✓ Unique parallel clean/clipped signal blend
- ✓ Preserves guitar character beneath overdrive
- ✓ Adds harmonic sparkle without colouring tone
- ✓ The reference for transparent boost
- ✗ Original costs £1,500–£3,000+ on used market
- ✗ Relatively limited gain range
- ✗ High price-to-performance ratio vs quality clones
Ibanez TS-808 Tube Screamer
- ✓ Warm, harmonic-rich overdrive character
- ✓ Marginally warmer output buffer than TS-9
- ✓ The definitive SRV and blues-rock overdrive
- ✓ Responds beautifully to guitar volume interaction
- ✗ Mid-hump character not suited for all amps
- ✗ Cuts bass frequencies
- ✗ Price premium over TS-9 for audibly minor difference
- ✗ Not transparent — imposes its own character
When To Choose Each
Players who want amp enhancement without altering the amp's core character — John Mayer uses Klon as a clean boost to add presence and clarity rather than colour.
Blues players who want the classic mid-pushed boost that cuts through a band mix and sustains naturally — the definitive SRV and Gary Moore boost pedal.
Final Verdict — Klon Centaur vs Ibanez TS-808 Tube Screamer
Best for beginners
Klon Centaur
Klon Centaur scores higher on versatility (60/100) and lower on gain (25/100) — a more forgiving starting point than Ibanez TS-808 Tube Screamer.
Best for metal tones
Ibanez TS-808 Tube Screamer
Ibanez TS-808 Tube Screamer leads on gain (45/100) and bass response (40/100) — the two tonal pillars of metal playing.
Best value
Ibanez TS-808 Tube Screamer
At £199 vs £1,500, Ibanez TS-808 Tube Screamer delivers 87% cost savings. The tonal trade-off is meaningful.
Specification Summary
| Klon Centaur | Ibanez TS-808 Tube Screamer | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £1,500 | £199 |
| Category | Overdrive | Overdrive |
| Gain | 25/100 | 45/100 |
| Warmth | 62/100 | 70/100 |
| Treble | 68/100 | 55/100 |
| Bass | 48/100 | 40/100 |
| Versatility | 60/100 | 72/100 |
| Best for | Players who want an overdrive that thickens and brightens the signal without defining its own character | Blues, rock |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Original production ended in 1999; fewer than 8,000 were made. Clones (KTR, Tumnus) replicate the circuit for a fraction of the price.
The Klon — it adds sparkle without the TS808's characteristic mid-hump. Ideal for players who want amp tone with more clarity.
Stevie Ray Vaughan (as a boost), John Mayer, Gary Moore. The Klon is John Mayer's boost of choice in recent years.
Wampler Tumnus and EHX Soul Food are faithful clones under $80 that most players cannot distinguish from the original blind.