Chandler Tube Driver

The Chandler Tube Driver, originally designed by B.K. Butler in 1975, is a legendary tube-based overdrive pedal celebrated for its warm, amp-like tones. Initially conceived as a tube preamp for organs, the Tube Driver was adapted for guitarists and became one of the first pedals to incorporate a real vacuum tube for distortion. Its ability to produce smooth, harmonically rich overdrive has made it a favorite among professional guitarists for decades.

History and Design

Origins: B.K. Butler developed the Tube Driver by repurposing a phonograph preamp and housing it in a Radio Shack enclosure. By 1979, he began hand-building units under his own name. In 1985, Butler partnered with Chandler Industries to distribute the pedal, giving it its iconic tan-and-black design. However, this partnership ended in 1987 due to disputes over intellectual property.
Circuitry: The most famous version is the 4-knob model introduced in 1983, featuring controls for Volume, Drive, Bass, and Treble. It uses a 12AX7 tube running on starved voltage to generate its signature creamy distortion.
Legal Disputes: After severing ties with Chandler in 1987, Butler retained control of his design but faced unauthorized knockoffs from Chandler and other companies. He eventually won legal battles to protect his intellectual property and continued producing the pedal under his own name.

Popular Settings

Clean Boost: Drive at 8 o'clock, Bass and Treble at noon, Volume slightly above unity. This setting enhances clarity without significant distortion.
Smooth Overdrive: Drive at 11 o'clock, Bass at noon, Treble at 2 o'clock, Volume adjusted for output. Ideal for lead tones with rich sustain.
High-Gain Overdrive: Drive at 2 o'clock or higher, Bass at noon or slightly rolled back, Treble around 1 o'clock. Produces thick distortion with cutting highs.

Notable Players

The Tube Driver has been used by many legendary guitarists across genres:

David Gilmour (Pink Floyd): Known for using multiple Tube Drivers in his rig since the early '90s to achieve his signature smooth lead tones.
Eric Johnson: Relies on it for its creamy sustain and articulate overdrive.
Billy Gibbons (ZZ Top) and Joe Satriani: Both have used it to craft their distinctive tones.

Legacy

The Chandler Tube Driver remains a benchmark in boutique overdrive pedals due to its ability to emulate the dynamics of cranked tube amps. Its warm tone and versatility have inspired countless clones and alternatives while retaining its status as an industry standard among professional musicians.