“One of the most affordable Klon clones out there, and easily the most entertaining”: JHS Pedals Notaklön review

Every pedal brand under the sun seems to have its own take on the Klon Centaur, but JHS Pedals has put a unique twist on the drive. This one you, the player, build yourself

Reviews
By published
JHS Pedals Notaklön
(Image: © Future / Phil Barker)

Guitar World Verdict

Not only is it one of the most affordable Klon clones out there, but easily the most entertaining. We’d say go buy one right away, but you can’t. Owing to its immense popularity, the Notaklön is backordered – no surprises there.

Pros

  • +

    No soldering required.

Cons

  • -

    Demand means you might have to wait for yours.

You can trust Guitar World Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing guitar products so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.

It’s not an over-exaggeration to say that no other effects pedal in recent memory has managed to stir up quite as much hype as JHS Pedals’ Notaklön overdrive did when it was first unveiled last year. 

Overnight, the internet was flooded with news of the Notaklön – a brand new, £79 Klon clone that you assemble yourself. Every influencer under the sun marched on YouTube, documenting the foolproof building process and demonstrating the JHS-certified Klon tones, which – as expected – looked to be top‑notch.

Now, the market is in no great need for more Klon Centaur clones – the mythically elusive original unit championed by the likes of John Mayer has been the inspiration behind many off-brand attempts in recent years – but the Notaklön is a different beast altogether.

JHS Pedals Notaklön

(Image credit: Future / Phil Barker)

To start: you build it yourself. The solder-less DIY process is immensely fun, and adds an extra layer of entertainment to a piece of gear that sonically excels. 

Sure, it’s simple – all you have to do is fit the two circuit boards to the chassis, connect them via a ribbon cable and secure the Output, Treble, and Gain control knobs – but that’s what makes it so great: its accessibility.

The foolproof process caters to all players, and while the Notaklön could easily have been released as part of a standard JHS line, it certainly would have lost some of its charm.

JHS Pedals Notaklön

(Image credit: Future / Phil Barker)

Then there are the tones. JHS has been kind enough to fit this pedal with a Shamrock Mod Switch, which means you get not only the classic Klon tone, but an additional voice that supplies +4dB gain boost and an additional stage of hard-edge clipping. 

This is the mode that TG have found ourselves sitting in; with the gain dialed up, there’s a gritty gnarliness about it. Rolled back, it’s the most serene edge-of-breakup boost you could hope for. 

At £79, not only is it one of the most affordable Klon clones out there, but easily the most entertaining. We’d say go buy one right away, but you can’t. Owing to its immense popularity, the Notaklön is backordered – no surprises there.

Specs

JHS Pedals Notaklön

(Image credit: JHS Pedals)
  • PRICE: $99 / £79 
  • TYPE: Overdrive
  • CONTROLS: Volume, Treble, Gain, Bypass switch, -/+ Shamrock Mod Switch
  • TRUE BYPASS: Yes
  • POWER: 9V DC negative center
  • CONTACT: JHS Pedals
TOPICS
Matt Owen
Matt Owen
News Editor, GuitarWorld.com

Matt is the GuitarWorld.com News Editor, and has been writing and editing for the site for almost five years. He has a Masters in the guitar, a degree in history, and has spent the last 19 years playing everything from blues and jazz to indie and pop. During his GW career, he’s interviewed Peter Frampton, Zakk Wylde, Tosin Abasi, Matteo Mancuso and more, and has profiled the CEOs of Guitar Center and Fender.

When he’s not combining his passion for writing and music during his day job, Matt performs with indie rock duo Esme Emerson, and has previously opened for the likes of Ed Sheeran, Keane, Japanese House and Good Neighbours.