The Tube Driver by B.K Butler / Chandler

The Tube Driver is the brain child of Brent K. Butler, and was one of the first tube overdrives to hit the market in the late ’70s. After producing some 3 knob and 5 knob versions, under several brand names, the iconic 4 knob version was designed in 1983 and went into production in 1985. When you think of the B.K Butler Tone Driver, this is the version you have in mind.

B.K Butler and Chandler Industries

Chandler Industries distributed the Tube Driver for B.K Butler. In 1987 the relation between both parties ended, but since Chandler Industries owned the name “Tube Driver”, they continued the production of the Tube Driver using a sightly modified circuit design.

The Chandler Tube Driver

The version we have here, is the Chandler Tube Driver / Real Tube Overdrive. These pedals were made during 1987-1989. The one we have demoed was made in 1988 and it is the cleanest unit we have ever seen. Like previous versions, the Chandler one also uses 1 12ax7 tube in the circuit and equipped with a power section connected to the pedal.

EQ differences between both versions

Some say that there are differences, some say that there aren’t. To us it is pretty clear that the two circuits are not identical, thus there are EQ differences between the versions. That is not to say that ones sounds better than the other by definition, it is a matter of taste and preference. Until we get our hands on the B.K Butler version, we invite you to enjoy the demos of the Chandler Tube Driver.