Cornerstone updates Antique Classic Drive to V3 with Hot Mode

July 29, 2024 · 2 sources

Cornerstone has updated the Cornerstone Antique Classic Drive to a V3 version, reported on July 29, 2024¹. The overdrive is a Tube Screamer-style circuit with a new dual-channel Hot Mode and a customizable finish¹².

The Hot Mode adds a smaller Hot Gain and Hot Volume knob pair, engaged by a dedicated footswitch, which boosts gain and volume². According to the maker, the Hot Mode's volume boost sits after the overdrive stage, so output can be cut or boosted without affecting gain, and can be reduced to keep levels consistent between the normal and Hot Mode channels¹. An extra COMP toggle increases the dynamic responsiveness of the overdrive². The Tone knob affects low-mid frequencies and the Presence knob shapes high-mids and high-end². The pedal requires a standard 9V DC negative power supply².

The finish is inspired by the Vespa scooter, with an engraved Greek key pattern on the faceplates and 61 combinations of color, faceplate and knobs¹. The voicing is described as a Tube Screamer-style mid-hump¹; Delicious Audio calls it a Tube Screamer evolution tweaked for John Mayer's bluesy sounds and not a clone². Delicious Audio also notes that the V2's main difference was a Mids toggle in place of the Hot Mode knobs².

The V3 is listed at $249.00¹. The earlier Antique Classic Drive is listed at $196.00¹.

Gearnews' reviewer was unconvinced by the 61 variations, writing that exclusivity and customization sell many pedals rather than sound, while saying the video demos sound good¹.