Harby Pedals Centauri Overdrive / Boost / Buffer Pedal

Harby Pedals Centauri Overdrive / Boost / Buffer Pedal

Modeled directly after its predecessor’s circuit board, the Klon Centaur, Harby Centauri is built using the highest-quality components to give you that rich, clear Centaur sound without the Centaur price tag.

Specifications

Modernized
The original Centaur’s components were attached to the circuit board using “through-hole” techniques, with pins that go through the circuit board and are soldered on its underside. This process got the job done, but it was expensive and time-consuming. Eventually, Bill Finnegan began producing his pedals using surface-mount technology (SMT), attaching the components directly to the circuit board’s face. This is the method we used to design the Harby Centauri.

True to the original
Bill Finnegan once said of his 1N34A germanium clipping diodes that they are “… the most important factor in how the circuit sounds when it’s being used to create distortion.” As a tribute to his insight, the Centauri uses only 1N34A diodes, with an original forward voltage of 0.35v (±15%). It’s also built using the original Centaur circuit board layout and features its buffered bypass, rather than the more modern true bypass.

Technical

• Original Centaur circuit board layout.
• Gold-plated PCB (ENIG).
• Genuine Texas Instruments op-amps (TL072).
• NOS 1N34A germanium clipping diodes with original forward voltage of 0.35v (±15%).
• Solid anodized aluminum knobs (volume, drive, and tone controls).
• Neutrik input and output jacks.
• Buffered bypass.
• 9v DC operation using a standard negative center power supply.

History behind the Harby Pedals Centauri 
In 1994, Bill Finnegan made a legendary contribution to the guitar industry: the Klon Centaur overdrive stomp pedal. With a clear, well-articulated sound that’s free from synthetic, solid-state distortion and unnecessary heaviness, the Centaur became a favorite among guitarists everywhere, and its popularity hasn’t declined since.

Not everyone could get their hands on one, though. Finnegan only built 8,000 units, and these days, they command prices in the neighborhood of $7,000. So naturally, many guitarists opened up Centaurs to study the circuit board schematics in order to copy them and build their own. For years, these guitarists were thwarted by a thick layer of epoxy coating every Centaur circuit board. It wasn’t until 2009 that Martin Chittum finally managed to remove the resin from a Centaur and the schematics were revealed.

Like fellow pedal junkies, Harby decided to recreate the Centaur to take up less space on your stomp board without sacrificing the original’s clarity and sweetness. Using the original circuit board design and parts that Finnegan himself relied on, the Harby Centauri can be used on any pedal board for a huge range of applications. Use it on its own to juice up your output, get a clean boost with the drive knob turned all the way down, or combine it with fuzz and distortion pedals to add a slightly thicker character to their heavy grit. And with its buffered bypass, the Centauri, like the original Klon Centaur, is never truly off—its mellow, clear tone can always be relied on in the studio and on-stage.

All that said, Harby doesn't claim that the Centauri is a perfect sonic match to any Klon. Finnegan himself said that the sound varied from Centaur to Centaur, due to the nature of the clipping diodes he used. We’ve simply attempted to replicate the Centaur’s quality and richness through a faithful reconstruction according to Finnegan’s specifications. The results speak for themselves.

Shipping Policy

Flipside Music ships items within 2 days of purchase. UPS, FedEx or USPS will be the parcel carrier used to ship your purchase, if you have a preference for another shipping service provider, please contact Ike or Dylan and we will work with you and the company you choose.

International orders may be subject to destination countries sales, VAT or import tax. Please contact your country's duty center, prior to purchase for more information regarding these fees. Flipside Music will not reduce listed price to avoid said duties, taxes, or export/import fees.

Return Policy

New Items:

We honor a 14 day return window on all new items.

If you feel the need to return an item, it must be in the sellable condition, no paint chips, scratches or broken parts. Sellable Condition means that the product(s) is in exactly the same condition as it was when you received it. The item must have all the original packaging, included accessories owner’s manuals and blank warranty card, no sign of wear or abuse.

Used and Vintage Gear:

We honor a 3 day return window on all used and vintage items.

All our used gear is tested for functionality prior to being available for purchase and therefore only carries a 3 day approval period. If you would like to make a return just let us know within the 3 day window.

Damaged or Defective Items:

We visually inspect all items before shipment. If you believe you have received a damaged or defective product, please contact us immediately so we can work through the issue. Guitars, basses, and other equipment returned to us with pick marks, "buckle-rash", or any other damage or evidence of use may be subject to a 20% restocking fee, repair charge or disqualification of return. All items must be returned to us in the same condition they were when shipped to qualify. We reserve the right to refuse any return if we determine the item has been misused, modified or damaged by the purchaser. If the item turns out not to be defective upon inspection, we will have to deduct the cost of shipping from your return credit.

Shipping Charges incurred through the return of an item:

You will be responsible for the shipping charge for the return of your item, and if your item qualifies for Free shipping on its way to you, this shipping charge will also be deducted from your refund. If your item is determined to be defective, we will pay the shipping charge, equivalent to ground service.