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Average Price: $277
High-end/Boutique
$50
$176+
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Description
THIS IS THE ORIGINAL DESIGN from BK Butler, NOT a reissue!
I've been continually hand-building and improving my Tube Driver quality since I created it in 1983. Used by Eric Johnson - for his famous 'violin tone', David Gilmour -his 'go to' pedal since the Division Bell album, ZZ Top - Billy Gibbons, Joe Satriani, Joe Bonamassa, and many others. This current production is actually BETTER than the first units because of superior parts. Note: My latest improvements include a new quiet, humbucking toroid transformer to eliminate AC hum and noise.
NOTE: I see some unauthorized 'Chandler' copycat clones for sale here on Reverb with separate 'wall wart' power supplies. Wisely avoid them as I get players requesting me to repair them quite often. There are NO spare parts available and they do NOT sound the same as my originals because Chandler made 2 gross errors in the circuitry when they tried to copy my original. NO pros use them!
The latest production JJ tubes sound fantastic. I hand select them carefully for no microphonics, great harmonics and tone!I've also just added a B+ adjustment trim-pot inside so you can dial in the overall gain you want. This is EXACTLY what all the pros are currently using. Joe Satriani recently got 2 of these and is very happy. -See the pics. Don't buy used, overpriced or abused used pedals or unauthorized 'Chandler copies' with wall warts!! This is the only place on Reverb to get a NEW ORIGINAL Tube Driver directly from BK Butler. Authentic and hand-made BK Butler Tube Driver. I personally designed it in 1983. I autograph each one also. NOTE: The primo 5-knob Bias upgrade is also available for $70 more: Just message me that you want to upgrade when you order. I'll answer and let you know how to upgrade.
Product specs
| Brand | BK Butler |
| Model | 911 Tube Driver Reissue |
| Finish | Cream |
| Year | 2005 - 2025 |
| Made In | United States |
| Categories | Overdrive and Boost Pedals |
| Pedal Format | Standard |
FAQs
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What makes the B.K. Butler 911 Tube Driver unique compared to other overdrive pedals?
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The B.K. Butler 911 Tube Driver is renowned for its genuine tube-driven circuit, providing warm, organic overdrive tones favored by legendary guitarists like David Gilmour and Eric Johnson. Its ability to deliver both subtle overdrive and powerful distortion makes it a versatile choice for various music styles.
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Is the B.K. Butler 911 Tube Driver suitable for live performances?
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Yes, the B.K. Butler 911 Tube Driver is well-suited for live performances, offering a robust build and dynamic tonal range that can cut through a mix. Its tube-driven design ensures consistent sound quality, making it a reliable choice for gigging musicians.
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Does the B.K. Butler 911 Tube Driver require a specific power supply?
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The B.K. Butler 911 Tube Driver typically requires an internal transformer compatible with the mains voltage of the region it was manufactured for. Ensure compatibility with your local voltage standards to avoid any power issues.
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Can the B.K. Butler 911 Tube Driver be used with bass guitars?
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While primarily designed for electric guitars, the B.K. Butler 911 Tube Driver can also be used with bass guitars. It may provide a unique overdrive character, but it's advisable to test it with your specific setup to ensure desired tonal results.
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What genres of music is the B.K. Butler 911 Tube Driver best suited for?
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The B.K. Butler 911 Tube Driver excels in rock, blues, and classic rock genres, offering a rich, creamy overdrive that enhances lead and rhythm guitar parts. Its versatility allows it to adapt to various playing styles and musical contexts.
Videos
That Pedal Show
That Pedal Show – Thoughts On Valve Overdrive Pedals, Part 1
That Pedal Show – Thoughts On Valve Overdrive Pedals, Part 1
That Pedal Show
BK Butler Tube Driver
shnobel
What's All The Buzz About? It's the BK Butler Tube Driver
Wes Likes to Play Guitar
BK Butler Tube Driver vs 86 Pro Co RAT
shnobel
BK Butler Tube Driver vs TS9 Tubescreamer vs SD1 LPD Comparison
LPD Pedals
BK Butler Tube Driver Pedal
Brad's Guitar Garage
B.K. Butler Tube Driver
Guitarsenal
Keep or Sell? B.K. Butler Tube Driver
Middle Aged Gear Junkie
Reviews
PROS
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Provides a creamy boost for solos
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Offers unique Colorsound reminiscent of Gilmour's 70s work
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Bias control version highly recommended for tonal flexibility
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Heritage piece with a history of satisfied users
CONS
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High price point may not justify the value for everyone
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Can be finicky and hard to dial in with certain setups
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May perform better with specific amps (e.g., Marshall)
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about B.K. Butler 911 Tube Driver.
Features and functionality
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The Tube Driver's EQ, volume, and gain controls are highly interactive, offering dynamic response and tonal versatility, particularly effective on David Gilmour-style tones.
Source -
The Bias knob mod offers a broad range, with many finding optimal tone slightly under maximum, enhancing tonal flexibility.
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The bias knob model offers extensive tonal options, enhancing warmth and crunch, particularly with a Stratocaster and a Marshall Origin 20 amp.
Source
Comparisons
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The Buffalo TD-x replicates the Tube Driver sound closely at low gain settings, but lacks the fuzzy undertones and unpredictable nature at higher gain.
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The MXR FET Driver captures the Tube Driver's mid-high gain characteristics better than low gain, approximating around 60% of the Tube Driver's signature fuzziness.
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The Boss BD-2 achieves 60-70% of the Tube Driver's sound but lacks the dynamic EQ range and airy clarity at low volumes.
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Users note the Tube Driver's impressive performance even through solid-state amps like the Roland Cube 30, hinting at its versatility.
Source
Use cases and applications
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Combining the Tube Driver with a compressor and delay can nail David Gilmour's overdrive tones from albums like "On an Island" and "Live in Gdansk".
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For Strat users, the Tube Driver pairs particularly well with Fat 50s and SSL-5 pickups, enhancing American-voiced amp modes.
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While ideal for Strats, it excels with humbuckers, delivering a rich, saturated sound with a touch of sag.
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Some owners prefer EQ settings below the 12 o'clock position for transparent tones, particularly with setting adjustments around 9 o'clock on both EQs.
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Owners report achieving a "Sorrow" intro tone from Pink Floyd's DSoT/PULSE using the Tube Driver with a BOSS CS-2 compressor for sustain and tonal balance.
Source
Build quality
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The Tube Driver features click pots and is shipped with knobs set to Eric Johnson's settings, indicating meticulous attention to detail.
Source
4.5 out of 5
Based on 4 Reviews and 26 Ratings
86
Best boutique boost pedal you'll ever use!!
This was a hand me down from my dad (Also a guitarist). He had one of the super old ones (black shell, yellow lettering) and when he bought the new one he gave me that one. I love it for solos, it gives you that extra bit of creamy boost for leads. Excellent pedal if you've got the money.
235
Wish I had the Money Gilmour has
I love these but for Me now days, it just doesn't justify having a $300.00 Tube Driver. I'm using a Boss Blues Driver running it into a Digitech Compressor into a Electric Mistress Flanger. I get almost the same Colorsound of Gilmour's 70's work. Not to mention a lot of My Own. After all, The Guitarist I really want to sound like is Pepper Roberts. ( Me )
96
I want to like it
A finicky pedal. I want to like it... but I have not been able to get it to sound right with my set up. Might sound better on Marshall amps?
41029
these generally sound good with cleaner amps like fenders and hiwatts, have you tried swapping the stock 12ax7 for a lower gain dual triode like a 12au7 or 12at7
96
Jim, I run my Maz 18 clean. I swapped out the ax7 for an AT7. I like the pedal, but it's gotten bumped off by some cheaper pedals. That's what frustrates me! It's such a conversation starter on my board, but what are you gonna do...
Artist usage
Add artist
This replaced David's Coloursound Powerboost overdrive around the 80's. Two of these are part of his Momentary and Division bell setup in 1993 and 1994, and are still used in his solo shows.
(The source lists these as Chandler Tube Drivers.) Photo of David Gilmour's pedalboard with both Tube Drivers: http://www.kitrae.net/music/Division%20Bell%20pedals_enhanced.jpg
"I currently have two BK Butler Tube Drivers on my pedalboard, and I just use one or the other. If I need a little something more, I’ll stomp a compressor with a bit of drive onto the beginning of it, and that will turn things up another whole gear." - Guitar Player interview.
In a Reverb interview from 2023, at timestamp 6:27, J Mascis holds up his Tube Driver with bias knob and says, "My clean sound, well, it used to be this one," going on to say, "A lot of overdrives can't do that — make a cool sound at a really low volume, and this is one pedal that can do that."
Interview link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qoLd030v5UM&t=6m27s
Eric Johnson's pedal board sports a BK Butler Tube Driver in this Premier Guitar interview at (2:50). Johnson uses it in the lead circuit of his signal chain.
At 0:10 in this video, Andy Timmons mentions his BK Butler Tube Driver. He says, "One of my main lead sounds for the Resolutions CD, the Tube Driver."
https://www.premierguitar.com/artists/keith-urban-aspiring-outlaw
Keith’s Rig Rundown shows a Butler Tube Driver in his second drawer.
At 22:19 in this "Rig Rundown" with Premier Guitar, Kenny talks about his custom pedal board and we're shown a still image with the Butler being seen in the left hand side of the image.
Brad Whitford uses a BK Butler Tube Driver, according to this Premier Guitar rig diagram.
In this photo of Cory's board in Nashville in 2022, you can see the BK Butler Tube Driver.
Seen at 51:07. Joe used the tube driver in 1991 with the melvins
Spotted at 5:16s in Craig Goldy's instructional video.
From the artists website: https://www.lachydoley.com
MY GEAR My beautiful 57 Hammond C3 (Clover Leaf) –> BK Butler TUBE DRIVER –> Leslie 145 Hohner d6 Clavinet fitted with the Castle Bar Whammy System –> Cry Baby Wah –> Harris Tremolo –> 4×10 Fender Devil
In photographs from a September 2007 show featuring Jack Oblivian and the Tennessee Tearjerkers, taken by a user on the Harmony Central forum, Jack Oblivian is seen using a Boss TU-2 tuner into what appears to be a BK Butler 911 Tube Driver. This version of the Tube Driver was reintroduced by BK Butler around that time.
Album Usage
The B.K. Butler 911 Tube Driver has been featured on the following albums:
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use B.K. Butler 911 Tube Driver, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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Similar
Add recommendation12 alternative and related items for B.K. Butler 911 Tube Driver, curated by the Equipboard community.
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The Tube Pilot is derived from the already simplified 910 Tube Driver circuit, with the tone knob omitted.
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A transistor based pedal inspired by the Tube Driver, the Dover Drive seeks to replicate Eric Johnson's tones without the use of tubes.
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A Tube Driver based pedal, that uses FET circuitry in place of Tubes.
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The Tube Works Real Tube is later design by B.K. Butler with the addition of a 3-band EQ.
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A variant of the Tube Driver, the more recent Chandler produced versions are cheaper, but less favored compared to the B.K. Butler produced originals.
The predecessor to the Tube Driver, the Mini Boogèe, later renamed the Mini Matrix was one of BK Butler's first designs, featuring 5 knobs and 2 tubes.
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