Cornerstone Unveils Centurio: A Dual-Channel Evolution of the Legendary Klon Circuit

The Italian boutique builder has solved the pedalboard real estate problem for Klon purists by packing two independent channels, variable diode clipping, and flexible switching into a single enclosure.

For decades, the mythical Klon Centaur circuit has been praised for its transparency, touch-sensitive breakup, and ability to push a tube amplifier into sweet saturation without coloring the core tone. However, because the original circuit excels primarily at one specific setting at a time, countless guitarists have resorted to running two Klon-style pedals side-by-side on their pedalboards—one for a clean boost, and another set for higher gain.

Boutique effects manufacturer Cornerstone Music Gear has officially addressed this common player workaround with the release of the Centurio. Priced at €299.00 and handmade in Italy, the Centurio evolves the classic Klon architecture into a dual-channel powerhouse designed to save precious pedalboard real estate without compromising on tone.

Two Klons, One Enclosure: The Architecture

The core philosophy behind the Centurio is simplicity and independence. Instead of stacking two separate pedals with an overwhelming array of patch cables, the Centurio houses two entirely distinct Gain and Volume stages inside one unit, switchable on the fly.

• Normal Mode: This is the foundational channel. It delivers the highly responsive, classic Klon-based drive that transitions seamlessly from a transparent clean boost to a rich, touch-sensitive light overdrive.

• Hot Mode: Activating the dedicated second footswitch engages a completely separate gain stage. This channel introduces more saturation, natural compression, and a heavier feel under the fingers, making it ideal for soaring lead tones or thicker rhythm parts.

Deep Tone Shaping: Bright Switches and Clipping Controls

Cornerstone has went beyond just duplicating the controls; they have introduced sophisticated tone-shaping tools to help players differentiate their two channels.

The Hot Mode features a dedicated Bright Switch. Setting the switch “up” adds high-end clarity and bite, while switching it “down” tightens up the low-end. Because this control is isolated to the Hot Mode, players can brighten their lead channel without altering the EQ of their primary rhythm tone.

Additionally, the Centurio features a continuous Clip Knob that affects both channels. This control allows players to seamlessly blend between two distinct diode types:

• Full Counter-Clockwise (Germanium): Delivers a soft attack and warm, vintage-style breakup reminiscent of the original Klon design.

• Full Clockwise (Mosfet): Yields a tighter, more modern response with added definition and bite.

• The In-Between: Guitarists can continuously blend the two clipping styles to find the exact sweet spot for their specific amplifier rig.

Built for the Stage

Designed with live performance in mind, the Centurio features an External Footswitch Input. This allows guitarists to connect any standard external footswitch and toggle between Normal and Hot modes from a different position on stage, eliminating the need to hover directly over the pedalboard.

The pedal operates on standard 9V DC (center negative) power and is assembled by hand, one at a time, at the Cornerstone workshop in Italy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is the Centurio just two Klon pedals stacked together?

Not exactly. While it offers two independent Gain and Volume stages (Normal and Hot), it is built as a single integrated architecture. The Hot Mode introduces an additional gain stage stacked inside the pedal for more compression and saturation, rather than just running two identical low-gain pedals into one another.

Does the Clipping Control affect both channels?

Yes. The Clip knob continuously blends between Germanium and Mosfet diodes, and this selected clipping profile applies across both the Normal and Hot Mode channels.

Does the Bright Switch affect my clean boost setting?

No. The Bright Switch is a dedicated tone control that only applies to the Hot Mode channel, leaving your Normal channel tone completely intact.

Can I switch channels remotely?

Yes. The Centurio includes a dedicated 1/4″ External Switch input, allowing you to connect a standard external footswitch to flip between Normal and Hot modes from anywhere on stage.

Verdict & Score

Verdict: 8.7 / 10 — An Essential Premium Drive

The Cornerstone Centurio is a masterclass in functional pedal design. It successfully identifies a real-world workflow used by professional guitarists—running multiple Klon-style gain stages—and refines it into a sleek, rugged, and incredibly versatile single enclosure.

The addition of a continuous Germanium/Mosfet blend control and an isolated Bright switch lifts this pedal far beyond a simple clone.

At €299.00, it sits at a premium price point, but considering it effectively replaces two high-end boutique overdrive pedals while saving massive pedalboard space, the value proposition is undeniable for serious tone chasers.

Score Breakdown

• Tone & Responsiveness: 9.6/10

• Features & Innovation: 9.4/10

• Build Quality: 9.5/10

• Value for Money: 8.8/10

• Total Score: 8.7 / 10