Klon Centaur vs Boss Blues Driver BD-2
Klon wins for transparent, amp-like overdrive that preserves the guitar's character and blends the overdrive signal with clean signal in parallel — the result is a thickening and brightening of the signal rather than a hard distortion character. Blues Driver wins for a wider range of available gain, more aggressive overdrive character at higher settings, and significantly lower price — the Boss BD-2 achieves a similar musical gain character at a fraction of the cost of an original or reissue Klon.
Klon Centaur
The most mythologised overdrive ever made. The original Klon Centaur — hand-built by Bill Finnegan from 1994 to 2009 — is the defining "transparent overdrive" and has sparked the entire boutique overdrive market. Originals cost £1,500–£3,000; dozens of clones recreate the circuit at various prices.
Transparent boosting, pushing amp overdrive, clean-to-light overdrive transition — used by John Mayer, Nels Cline
Boss Blues Driver BD-2
Transparent overdrive with character. Responds to pick dynamics and guitar volume knob in a way few pedals do.
Blues, indie, clean rock — transparent overdrive that preserves amp character
Tone Character
Klon Centaur
- ✓ Completely transparent clean boost mode
- ✓ Musical soft-clip character at higher gain
- ✓ Legendary midrange presence
- ✓ Huge secondary market value
- ✓ Dozens of quality clones available
- ✗ Originals extremely expensive and rare
- ✗ The myth may exceed the reality at high gain
- ✗ Clones vary in quality
- ✗ Not suitable as a primary distortion pedal
Boss Blues Driver BD-2
- ✓ Transparent character
- ✓ Dynamic response
- ✓ Works as clean boost
- ✓ Budget price
- ✗ Can sound harsh at high settings
- ✗ Less mid-push than Tube Screamer
- ✗ Less forgiving of bad amps
When To Choose Each
Blues, jazz, and classic rock players who want an overdrive that pushes the amp rather than defining its own character — the Klon's clean blend architecture ensures the guitar's fundamental tone is preserved beneath the overdrive. Particularly effective as a boost into a tube amp already running with some natural breakup.
Players who want a dedicated standalone overdrive with more gain range than the Klon — the Blues Driver achieves genuine distortion at higher gain settings, covering ground from light blues breakup through hard rock overdrive. Its character is more pronounced, colouring the signal with the BD-2's own tonal signature.
Final Verdict — Klon Centaur vs Boss Blues Driver BD-2
Best for beginners
Boss Blues Driver BD-2
Boss Blues Driver BD-2 scores higher on versatility (68/100) and lower on gain (38/100) — a more forgiving starting point than Klon Centaur.
Best for metal tones
Klon Centaur
Klon Centaur leads on gain (30/100) and bass response (55/100) — the two tonal pillars of metal playing.
Best value
Boss Blues Driver BD-2
At £65 vs £2,000, Boss Blues Driver BD-2 delivers 97% cost savings. The tonal trade-off is meaningful.
Specification Summary
| Klon Centaur | Boss Blues Driver BD-2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £2,000 | £65 |
| Category | Overdrive | Overdrive |
| Gain | 30/100 | 38/100 |
| Warmth | 65/100 | 50/100 |
| Treble | 60/100 | 62/100 |
| Bass | 55/100 | 42/100 |
| Versatility | 55/100 | 68/100 |
| Best for | Transparent boosting, pushing amp overdrive, clean-to-light overdrive transition | Blues, indie, clean rock |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Klon by a wide margin — its blend control preserves clean signal alongside gain. The BD-2 colours the tone more noticeably.
EHX Soul Food ($50), Wampler Tumnus ($80), Ceriatone Centura ($140) all approximate the circuit closely.
Both work well, but the BD-2's articulation rewards single coils. The Klon flatters both pickups equally.
Add the BD-2 for a different character; the two complement each other. Klon would be redundant if your goal is just a second overdrive.