The Warm Audio Centavo faithfully replicates one of the most elusive overdrive pedals in the history of guitar…
Renowned for its acclaimed boost and overdriven sounds, the fervor for this immensely popular pedal persists to this day, even after its initial production spanning from 1994 to 2009. Given the exorbitant prices it commands, reaching unprecedented levels for a simple three-knob overdrive, it’s understandable why guitarists such as Jeff Beck, Joe Perry, John Mayer, and Josh Homme have recognized the mythical allure of the original pedal, deeming it worthy of all the hype.
The Pedal, The Myth, The Legend
The Warm Audio Centavo stands as a genuine recreation of the authentic overdrive pedal, capturing the legendary essence and beloved tones of the original iconic box.
Whether you seek the legendary boost tones, the nuanced overdrive on the brink of breakup, or aim to elevate your rhythm channel to genuine grit, the Centavo encapsulates all the cherished tones of its predecessor. While the Warm Audio Centavo adeptly functions as a boost pedal, the saturation at higher gain settings establishes a foundation for authentic “transparent” overdriven rhythm tones.
Notably, the inclusion of the “MOD” switch on the rear, a feature famously requested by Jeff Beck for the original pedal, empowers players to extend the bass response, influencing the lower strings for an enhanced low-end drive.
Over the Top or Just Edge of Breakup?
The Centavo features three primary controls on the top panel—Gain, Treble, and Output. The gain characteristic of the Centavo exhibits a delayed breakup, with edge-of-breakup tones emerging beyond the 50% mark, and actual clipping taking place late in the gain stage. The treble control proves invaluable for fine-tuning the top-end frequencies, particularly beneficial for enhancing clarity in muddier guitars like dual-humbucker models or all-mahogany instruments. Loaded with ample output, the Centavo can effortlessly deliver a clean boost or generate natural distortion if your amplifier tubes are already under pressure.
The inclusion of the MOD switch on the rear is a valuable asset, especially when the initial overdrive sounds “thin” in the lower register.
Here are the raw technical specifications for the Warm Audio Centavo:
- Accurate Recreation Of The Most Sought-After Overdrive Pedal Of All Time
- Premium Components Including TL072 Op Amps, Vintage-Style Diodes, And Charge-Pump Voltage Regulator
- Buffered Bypass OperationGain, Treble, And Output Controls
- MOD Switch on Rear For Extended Low-End Response
- Custom-Cast “Champagne” Enclosure With Accurately Tapered Knobs
- 1/4″ Input (Inst) And Output (Amp) Jacks
- Powered By 9v Battery Or Standard 9v Dc Pedal Adapter
- Length: 5”
- Width: 6.75”
- Height: 2.25”
- Weight: 2 Lbs
Check out the Warm Audio Centavo Blackout AND the original at Tone Tailors!
