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Post by LT on Sept 3, 2021 14:21:40 GMT -7
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Post by premiumplus (Dave) on Sept 5, 2021 17:40:27 GMT -7
I've been waiting for my KOT for almost 3 years, and have a while to go. So I spent $105 + $10 shipping and picked one of these up. They're well made and look identical in every way, at least from photos. I haven't been able to A/B compare but it sounds really good...and I don't feel bad about buying a clone since I'm trying real hard to buy a new original!!!
I looked at the gutshots between the two clones and they look identical to each other, or dang close.
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Post by zpilot on Sept 6, 2021 3:32:14 GMT -7
Looks like several manufacturers are taking advantage of the wait time for KOT. The Demonfx version seems to be using construction and components comparable to most other pedals. If it sounds good, what the heck. Go with it.
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Post by LT on Sept 6, 2021 7:43:18 GMT -7
Thanks guys. I opened up a KOT today and compared it to the gut shot of the Demonfx unit. They look extremely close.....although I don't have the knowledge to speak to the component values used. The only physical difference I see are the 2 switches, one each on the far sides of the board. I assume that selects the "high gain" option Analogman builds into the circuit when you order one.
Once I get it, I'll post a quick review.
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Post by doctorice on Sept 8, 2021 6:13:27 GMT -7
Thanks guys. I opened up a KOT today and compared it to the gut shot of the Demonfx unit. They look extremely close.....although I don't have the knowledge to speak to the component values used. The only physical difference I see are the 2 switches, one each on the far sides of the board. I assume that selects the "high gain" option Analogman builds into the circuit when you order one. Once I get it, I'll post a quick review. Lou, I think the KOT switches are to allow a user to select boost/OD/distortion and determine which side of the pedal does which. This allows boost into OD or boost after OD, for example. I believe the high-gain option is hard-wired, and according to analogman it's only about 20% more gain. Factory default settings are boost on the yellow side and OD on the red, as I recall.
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Post by LT on Sept 8, 2021 8:15:38 GMT -7
Thanks guys. I opened up a KOT today and compared it to the gut shot of the Demonfx unit. They look extremely close.....although I don't have the knowledge to speak to the component values used. The only physical difference I see are the 2 switches, one each on the far sides of the board. I assume that selects the "high gain" option Analogman builds into the circuit when you order one. Once I get it, I'll post a quick review. Lou, I think the KOT switches are to allow a user to select boost/OD/distortion and determine which side of the pedal does which. This allows boost into OD or boost after OD, for example. I believe the high-gain option is hard-wired, and according to analogman it's only about 20% more gain. Factory default settings are boost on the yellow side and OD on the red, as I recall. Mike....you are correct. I set mine to both sides OD. In the clone, there are two separate switches, one on each far side of the board near where the footswitches are soldered. I'm assuming those select the "hi gain" option that AM hardwires in. I'll give a full report once I get it. I'm hoping it'll be close enough that I can put my KOT's away.
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Post by Russell B on Sept 8, 2021 8:39:47 GMT -7
Following
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Post by LT on Sept 8, 2021 11:16:12 GMT -7
Ok....it arrived today and I just spent some time comparing it with a KOT. I had both the KOT and the KODrive in a looper. I set both exactly the same with both sides on (that's how I use the KOT). Details; both sides set to "OD", both sides "High Gain", Volumes at noon, Gains at 2 o'clock and Tones at 10 o'clock.
Initially the KOD was much brighter, however the overdrive levels seemed pretty dang close. I opened up the KOD and started reducing the treble trimpots. I had to reduce them quite a bit, but I have to admit, I can't tell the difference now.
I used a Strat and a PRS Custom 24 into my Mk1 Boogie set clean and the pedal played equally well with either. The build quality looks to be very good (Chinese made though).
Bottom line....the KOD will definitely give a real KOT a run, without the ridiculous wait time.....and it's 20% the cost of a KOT (from AM, plan to spend $300 or so). I can't speak to the longterm reliability yet, but I'm putting the KOD on my gig board and the KOT in the pedal locker.
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Post by LT on Sept 8, 2021 11:28:33 GMT -7
Quick followup....I actually read the "manual" on the KOD website and it says the "normal" sound is with the treble trimpots all the way off. I just checked, and that is essentially where I had set them. So, if you buy one of these, know that the treble is boosted from the factory.
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Post by gbowman on Oct 4, 2021 12:26:20 GMT -7
After reading all this, I purchased one as well. Hopefully it will be here soon and I'll add my 2 cents...
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Post by gbowman on Oct 15, 2021 10:27:49 GMT -7
Update: I had a chance to try my new KoD at a rehearsal last night. I wound up setting pot trim pots all the way CCW to reduce the highs (although I may add back just a smidge to the OD side). On the OD channel I turned on the higher gain setting. Its not a ton more gain, but puts it right where I want it to be. Tonewise, this a pretty great pedal for the money. The Boost (with fur) channel really shines. There is a bit of a bass cut, but when used as a bluesy sort of sound, its really quite good. I tried switching boost off / OD on for solos, but found that Boost + OD is where the glory and fatness lives. So, is it a KOT? I don't know. Its a dandy pedal though regardless of price. And yes, it looks pretty well made, time will tell.
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Post by Mark (Basement Enthusiast) on Oct 15, 2021 11:00:33 GMT -7
The longer this thread continues, the more I regret selling my KoT not long after receiving it. Wasn't looking to make a profit off it, which I didn't--just didn't bond with the pedal right away. I should've waited a little longer before selling... because now I'll be waiting a LOT longer if I ever want another new one.
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Post by LT on Oct 15, 2021 12:48:10 GMT -7
The longer this thread continues, the more I regret selling my KoT not long after receiving it. Wasn't looking to make a profit off it, which I didn't--just didn't bond with the pedal right away. I should've waited a little longer before selling... because now I'll be waiting a LOT longer if I ever want another new one. I didn't bond either Mark. I sold 2 of them before I finally stumbled upon how to use it. I keep both sides on and run it in a looper so one footswitch controls it. I dial up a relatively low gain on both sides, but together, it's really great. I can attest that if you dial back the trimpots, this KOD sounds so much like my KOT's that I can't tell em apart. Your ears may be better than mine though!
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Post by LT on Oct 28, 2021 14:35:36 GMT -7
Ok....this is getting silly. The KOD was available for a while on Reverb, but they are now sold out (I bought another one when they had 2 left). Now we have this. Are we seeing inexpensive clones demanding 3+ times their normal selling price? Cmon man! reverb.com/item/44949731-king-of-drive-close-clone-of-kot
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rudeboy
Full Member
Rudecaster into a Z...heaven.
Posts: 123
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Post by rudeboy on Oct 28, 2021 17:11:59 GMT -7
You can still get them for 69 bucks from Amazon.
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Post by Seńor Verde on Oct 31, 2021 8:56:26 GMT -7
Due to many posts here I ordered one I've spent way more on pedals that ended up being flops. Definitely worth a try.
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Post by LT on Nov 9, 2021 8:04:19 GMT -7
Due to many posts here I ordered one I've spent way more on pedals that ended up being flops. Definitely worth a try. Did you get it? What do you think?
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Post by Seńor Verde on Nov 9, 2021 20:22:17 GMT -7
I got a message through Reverb that the dude's shipment was delayed, he said until this week. Stay tuned...
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Post by Seńor Verde on Dec 11, 2021 9:14:43 GMT -7
Finally got the pedal. It's very tweakable and I got some good sounds out of it, but there are two issues.
1- Very loud switch pop on both sides. Unuseably loud. I'll fiddle with it and see if it improves, but if it doesn't, the pedal is outta here.
2- Now this is MY issue, not the pedal's. I just don't like stackable pedals. I want an on/off switch and a switch the chooses which side/mode is engaged. I was kind of hoping it could be easily modded for that type of switching, but at first glance, it can't.
So far, I'm disappointed.
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Post by adam on Dec 11, 2021 9:21:04 GMT -7
1- Very loud switch pop on both sides. Unuseably loud. I'll fiddle with it and see if it improves, but if it doesn't, the pedal is outta here. I'm no help here, but I kind of can't stand the pop of a true bypass pedal, and I didn't realize how much it annoyed until I got a boss chorus pedal.
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Post by Seńor Verde on Dec 11, 2021 9:34:24 GMT -7
All my pedals are true bypass. Some click a little and some don't at all. This pedal pops insanely. I tried with and without a buffer in front of it, with and without a reverb pedal behind it.
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Post by Chilly Gibbons (Todd T.) on Dec 11, 2021 9:41:51 GMT -7
I got one a while ago and also have the KoT. They are very close in tonality with the clone being more tweakable. Just not really my thing.
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Post by tjstrat on Jan 13, 2022 11:26:33 GMT -7
My KoD red channel footswitch went t1ts up after about 20 gentle stomps. Just reiterating my issues with cheap Chinese hardware. Even at the sub $60 prices I'm just not willing to rely on these guys.
FWIW, once I dialed back the treble pots inside and set the dips, it was an okay sounding pedal. For about 20 cycles...
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Post by Don on Jun 23, 2022 20:22:21 GMT -7
I just received my real KoT. I got a 2 jack high gain red side.
WOW!
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Post by daddyelmis (Greg) on Jun 24, 2022 8:26:51 GMT -7
since the "real" KOT is not patented, nothing stops anyone from getting one and reverse engineering the thing. I don't think there's a ton of "magic" in the circuit that cannot be reproduced fairly easily. The key would be good components (within strict tolerances) and excellent manufacturing (soldering). With the (IMO) ridiculous backlog on KOT, I'm surprised there are not a dozen clone companies out there. I do tip my hat to AM for creating what seems to be a very good pedal, and then creating an even better mythical reputation and exclusive aspect that drives sales.
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