Its circuit is quite sensitive to components and that's why i chose the best ones: Cornell Dubilier caps, Frolyt electrolytic caps, Alpha pots, carbon film resistors and metal film resistors in selected places like the original, Neutrik jacks and a very high-quality heavy-duty footswitch. I also like to experiment with different diodes and ic's and that's why i use sockets for both the diodes and the ic's. The difference in the voicing can be quite spectacular and that makes the pedal adjustable to different tastes. Making everything (circuit, jacks, pots, led, footswitch plus the battery) fit inside the box proved to be quite a challenge but after a lot of careful planning everything fit exactly.
The design turned out very nice and I really like the way it looks either etched or with a decal.
The stock overdrive can be a tad too smooth and mid-heavy for certain styles. I installed a switch which changes the overdrive voicing quite dramatically and turns this mild overdrive into a raw, tight and edgy overdrive. It is quickly becoming my favourite overdrive pedal after the mod. The switch allows me to toggle back to the normal Klon circuit when necessary. The difference is most noticeable as the Gain pot is turned up. So when used as a tone-enhancer or booster, the difference is negligible. However, as the Gain goes up, the difference is very obvious. Check it out for yourself, the first clip in the sound clips section demonstrates that.
Sound Files
This first clip demonstrates the difference between the stock Klon circuit and the modded. Gain set around 4 o'clock and Output set to unity. I am checking both modes with 3 different tone settings - check the clip comments for more details.
Fender Baja Telecaster straight into Fender Deluxe Reverb. Recorded with M-Audio FastTrack C600, AKG Perception 420 & Shure SM57. No post-processing.
Fender Baja Telecaster straight into Fender Tweed Deluxe. Klon Mod engaged. Recorded with M-Audio FastTrack C600, AKG Perception 420 & Shure SM57. No post-processing. Please use a good pair of headphones - in the first clip the difference on purpose is subtle.
Tokai SG straight into Fender Deluxe Reverb. Klon Mod engaged. Recorded with M-Audio FastTrack C600, AKG Perception 420 & Shure SM57. No post-processing.
This next clip was recorded on the Fender Deluxe Reverb with a Fender Baja Tele. The ZVEX was placed before the Klon to add more gain and edge to the sound. Klon Mod engaged. Recorded with M-Audio FastTrack C600, AKG Perception 420 & Shure SM57. No post-processing.
Tokai Les Paul straight into Marshall JCM800 2203 High Input. Cab is a Marshall TSLC212 w/ Celestion V30 & Celestion Classic Lead 80. Recorded with M-Audio FastTrack C600, AKG Perception 420 & Shure SM57. No post-processing.
Klon Mod engaged - full Gain. Tokai Les Paul straight into Marshall JCM800 2203 Low Input. Cab is a Marshall TSLC212 w/ Celestion V30 & Celestion Classic Lead 80. Recorded with M-Audio FastTrack C600, AKG Perception 420 & Shure SM57. No post-processing.
