Keeley Electronics has introduced the Manis Overdrive, a compact and highly versatile pedal that merges classic Klon-style drive with modern features designed for today’s players. With its blend of vintage-inspired germanium clipping and switchable Cold War-era transistor tones, the Manis is engineered to deliver both familiar sounds and fresh creative options.
At the heart of the Manis is a circuit inspired by the legendary Klon Centaur. Keeley has expanded on that foundation by adding a Ge-Trans switch, allowing users to toggle between traditional germanium diodes and a unique set of vintage germanium transistors.
In the diode mode, players get the clear, harmonically rich drive Klon pedals are known for. Flip the switch, and the transistors offer a smoother, tube-like response with increased sustain and compression – ideal for expressive lead tones.
Another standout feature is the dedicated Bass+ switch, designed to address the often-overlooked issue of low-end loss when using overdrive with single-coil pickups. Engaging this mode boosts the low frequencies by an octave and adds 3dB, delivering a fuller, more robust sound without muddying the signal.
The Manis also includes selectable bypass modes, giving players a choice between true bypass and Keeley’s silent buffered bypass. The true bypass mode offers a clean signal path when the pedal is disengaged, while the buffered option is perfect for preserving signal strength in larger pedalboard setups.
For players who value versatility without sacrificing tone, the Keeley Manis Overdrive offers a compelling balance. Whether you’re looking to enhance your core tone, add Klon-style clarity, or push into new textures with its transistor mode, the Manis covers a wide tonal range while remaining easy to dial in.
Get the Keeley Manis here for $199.
