Wampler Tumnus vs Klon Centaur
The Tumnus wins on value — at $80 it delivers a circuit that most players cannot reliably distinguish from the original in blind tests. The original Klon wins only for collectors or players who believe the specific components matter at the highest level.
Wampler Tumnus
Brian Wampler's Klon-inspired overdrive with bass and treble controls added — the Tumnus Deluxe version adds even more EQ flexibility. Uses the same topological approach as the Klon with modern component choices.
Players who want the Klon transparent boost character without the original's price tag — especially with additional EQ flexibility
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
Tone Character
Wampler Tumnus
- ✓ Faithful Klon-style transparent boost character
- ✓ Bass and treble controls not on original Klon
- ✓ Significant price advantage over original Klon
- ✓ Buffered bypass preserves treble on long cable runs
- ✗ Not true bypass — buffered
- ✗ Slightly different top-end character than original Klon
- ✗ Tumnus Deluxe better value for extra cost
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
When To Choose Each
Any player who wants Klon-style transparent boost without spending $1,500+ on a used original — the Tumnus is the practical choice.
Collectors and purists who believe original components and circuit construction matter — the Klon is a piece of guitar history.
Final Verdict — Wampler Tumnus vs Klon Centaur
Best for beginners
Wampler Tumnus
Wampler Tumnus scores higher on versatility (65/100) and lower on gain (25/100) — a more forgiving starting point than Klon Centaur.
Best for metal tones
Wampler Tumnus
Wampler Tumnus leads on gain (25/100) and bass response (50/100) — the two tonal pillars of metal playing.
Best value
Wampler Tumnus
At £89 vs £1,500, Wampler Tumnus delivers 94% cost savings. The tonal trade-off is minor.
Specification Summary
| Wampler Tumnus | Klon Centaur | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £89 | £1,500 |
| Category | Overdrive | Overdrive |
| Gain | 25/100 | 25/100 |
| Warmth | 60/100 | 62/100 |
| Treble | 66/100 | 68/100 |
| Bass | 50/100 | 48/100 |
| Versatility | 65/100 | 60/100 |
| Best for | Players who want the Klon transparent boost character without the original's price tag | Players who want an overdrive that thickens and brightens the signal without defining its own character |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Most players in controlled tests cannot reliably distinguish them. The Tumnus has slightly more top-end air; the Klon a touch more mid warmth.
No — it uses buffered bypass, which many players prefer for preserving high-end over long cable runs.
The Deluxe adds bass and treble controls, making it the more flexible choice for a few dollars more.
The KTR is Bill Finnegan's own official version. It's the closest circuit legally available and retails around $250.