Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $319

High-end/Boutique

$50

$176+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

Unleash the vintage warmth and dynamic range of classic tube overdrive with the Chandler Tube Driver. Revered by guitar legends like Eric Johnson, David Gilmour, and Joe Satriani, this pedal delivers an authentic, tube-driven sound that elevates your tone to professional heights. Whether you're after creamy blues or searing rock solos, the Chandler Tube Driver offers a versatile sonic palette that suits any style.

Its intuitive layout features controls for Out Level, EQ, and Tube Drive Level, allowing you to sculpt your sound with precision. The pedal's unique tube circuitry ensures that each note is infused with rich harmonics and natural compression, giving your playing a lively, responsive feel. Crafted for musicians who crave that organic, warm overdrive, this pedal is your ticket to capturing the iconic sounds of the masters.

Built with durability in mind, the Chandler Tube Driver is ready to withstand the rigors of both studio sessions and live performances. Connect it to your rig and prepare to be inspired by the legendary tones this pedal can deliver. Join the community of musicians who trust in its timeless quality and experience the magic for yourself.

Key Features:

  • Authentic tube-driven overdrive
  • Out Level, EQ, and Tube Drive Level controls
  • Rich harmonics and natural compression
  • Robust design for reliability in various settings
  • Used by iconic guitarists like Eric Johnson and David Gilmour

Product specs

Brand Chandler
Model Tube Driver (4-Knob)
Finish Cream
Year 1987 - 1989
Made In United States
Categories Overdrive and Boost Pedals
Pedal Format Standard

FAQs

What kind of tone can I expect from the Chandler Tube Driver?

The Chandler Tube Driver is known for its warm, creamy overdrive and smooth sustain, making it ideal for classic rock and blues. It delivers a rich, tube-like sound that enhances the natural tone of your guitar.

Is the Chandler Tube Driver suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Chandler Tube Driver is well-suited for live performances, offering dynamic range and responsiveness that can cut through a mix. Its robust construction also ensures reliability on stage.

Can the Chandler Tube Driver be used with both guitar and bass?

While primarily designed for electric guitar, the Chandler Tube Driver can also be used with bass guitars, providing a warm overdrive without losing low-end clarity.

What power requirements does the Chandler Tube Driver have?

The Chandler Tube Driver typically requires a standard 9V DC power supply. It's important to use a compatible power source to ensure optimal performance and avoid damage.

How does the Chandler Tube Driver compare to other overdrive pedals?

The Chandler Tube Driver stands out for its authentic tube-driven sound, offering a unique warmth and character compared to solid-state overdrive pedals. Its tonal versatility makes it a favorite among guitarists seeking vintage overdrive tones.

MOTAROCK- ROCK IT!

MOTAROCK- ROCK IT!

Tube Driver Chandler test

Video thumbnail for Tube Driver Chandler test by MOTAROCK- ROCK IT!

Tube Driver Chandler test

MOTAROCK- ROCK IT!

MOTAROCK- ROCK IT!

Video thumbnail for chandler tube driver - vintage by don felipe

chandler tube driver - vintage

don felipe

don felipe

Video thumbnail for BK Butler Tube Driver vs Chandler Tube Driver | New vs Old by Hollywood Rare Guitars

BK Butler Tube Driver vs Chandler Tube Driver | New vs Old

Hollywood Rare Guitars

Hollywood Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for Chandler Tube Driver vs Marshall Guv'nor ( Plexi / JCM 800 Tones ) by Hollywood Rare Guitars

Chandler Tube Driver vs Marshall Guv'nor ( Plexi / JCM 800 Tones )

Hollywood Rare Guitars

Hollywood Rare Guitars

Reviews

PROS

  • Provides a wide range of tones from fuzz to creamy overdrive

  • Highly responsive and dynamic with both single coil and humbucker pickups

  • Works well with a variety of instruments beyond guitar, like bass and keyboards

  • Enhances the sound of solid-state amps and simulators

  • Classic rock and Gilmour-like sustain and tones are easily achievable

  • Allows for easy tonal customization with four distinct knob settings

  • Durable construction with a heavy and sturdy feel

  • Inspiring pedal that complements versatile amps like Mesa Mark V

  • Offers unique tonal character, different from typical amp overdrive

  • Excellent for mixing with other effects like Tube Screamer for enhanced sound

CONS

  • Can sound thin if not placed last in the pedal chain

  • Large size may require it to be placed outside the pedalboard

  • Some users find the grit too coarse and not smooth

  • Construction quality questioned due to internal components like hot glue

  • Lacks super lows and upper harmonics, compared to high voltage amps

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Chandler Tube Driver.

Setup and maintenance

  • Powering the Tube Driver with a 1Spot can be effective, but using a separate 9v or 12v DC supply reduces noise issues.

    Source
  • R17, a 22kohm resistor, feeds the filament heater and is crucial for operation; replacing it often resolves signal issues.

    Source
  • The tube should get warm but not hot, as these are 'starved plates' and designed to operate at lower temperatures.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Owners report that running the pedal on 12v gives more oomph and less volume drop compared to 9v.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The pedal utilizes an ECC83/12AX7 as a clipping stage, functioning more as a diode than a preamp.

    Source

User experience

  • Some owners experience noise when daisy chaining with the 1Spot, suggesting isolated power might be preferable for quieter operation.

    Source
  • A burned-out resistor by the diodes can cause faint, muddy signals, even if LEDs and clean bypass function correctly.

    Source
  • Owners suggest using a multimeter to check for continuity and live voltage, as these pedals are sensitive to electrical inconsistencies.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The pedal is known for its signature gnarly and raspy sound, ideal for certain musical contexts despite its noisy operation.

    Source
  • The pedal's full potential might be revealed by cranking up the post-amp to max, especially if initial overdrive seems weak.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Chandler Tube Driver review on pedal-of-the-day.com

pedal-of-the-day.com

The Chandler Tube Driver Overdrive is a vintage gem, capturing the hearts of seasoned guitarists with its rich, warm tone. With a genuine tube inside, it transforms any amp into a tube amp sound, offering a luscious overdrive that sings and sustains. Its hefty size and unique character make it a collector's item, though opinions may vary due to the different versions from its storied history. While it isn't the cheapest pedal out there, its built-in power supply and legendary status justify the investment. If you can snag one, you'll likely be thrilled with its sonic prowess.

positive

4.5 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 3 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Kurt Cobain uses Chandler Tube Driver

Kurt Cobain

Singer, Guitarist

Nirvana

...
Verified via Livenirvana

First & last show: 12/21/88 - Eagles Hall Hoquaim, WA.

Borrowed from Ryan Aigner. PNW Music Archives Facebook Group.

See how David Gilmour uses Chandler Tube Driver

David Gilmour

Guitarist

Pink Floyd

...
Verified via Gilmourish

According to "Gilmourish" website, Gilmour also uses Chandler Tube Driver pedal.

"Additional pedals include a Boss CS-2 Sustainer, MXR Dyna Comp, Iba- nez CP9 Compressor-Limiter, Boss Hyperfuzz, Electro-Harmonix Big Muff, two Chandler Industries Tube Drivers and three Boss Graphic Equalizers. He also operates several master volume pedals: one for his 4x12 cabinets, another one for his rotating speakers, another for his voice box and a speed control for the doppolas." - Phil Taylor, David Gilmour's guitar tech.

See how Joe Satriani uses Chandler Tube Driver

Joe Satriani

Guitarist

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes

...
Verified via Vintage Guitar® magazine

"What kind of guitars did you use on Surfin’? I used a Kramer Pacer made from spare parts, and two guitars I assembled from Boogie bodies and ESP parts.

"The tone on the title track is so big, throaty, and dry. It was the Kramer into a Vox wah and a Chandler Tube Driver into a Marshall half-stack. We used an Eventide 949 Harmonizer for the pitch-shift effect."

See how Curt Kirkwood uses Chandler Tube Driver

Curt Kirkwood

Singer, Guitarist

Meat Puppets

...
Verified via Premierguitar

Curt Kirkwood's Gear

Guitars ’81 Gibson Les Paul sunburst (’50s reissue)

Amps 50-watt Soldano with 4x10 cabinet, 100-watt Marshall

Effects Boss DS-1 Distortion, Fulltone OCD, Chandler Tube Driver, Dunlop Slash Wah, Morley Echo/Chorus/Vibrato, Maxon Analog Delay, Boss RE-20 Delay

Strings, Picks, and Accessories Ernie Ball Regular Slinky strings, Tortex Purple (1.14 mm) and U.S. quarters for picks

See how John Flansburgh uses Chandler Tube Driver

John Flansburgh

Guitarist

They Might Be Giants

...
Verified via Photo

In this letter, John Flansburgh responds to a fan inquiring about how to play Ana Ng by They Might Be Giants. In the response, John Flansburgh recommends the Chandler Tube Driver Overdrive as an excellent pedal.

If you are looking for a fuzz box, let me recommend the Chandler Tube Driver. It is Excellent

See how Jeramy "Rainbow" Gritter uses Chandler Tube Driver

Jeramy "Rainbow" Gritter

Guitarist, Composer

The Voidz

...
Verified via Photo

In this Instagram photograph, Jeramy shows his Chandler Tube Driver Tube Overdrive Pedal.

See how Henry Kaiser uses Chandler Tube Driver

Henry Kaiser

Guitarist

French, Frith, Kaiser and Thompson

...
Verified via Premierguitar

"I discovered the Chandler Tube Driver in the ’80s and stuck it in front of both amps. When 1998 rolled around, I encountered the now-discontinued (but new at the time) Tech 21 Comptortion pedal."

Album Usage

The Chandler 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 Chandler Tube Driver, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Gibson Les Paul Standard
Gibson Les Paul Standard Solid Body Electric Guitars
1
Fulltone OCD
Fulltone OCD Overdrive Effects Pedals
1
Boss DS-1 Distortion
Boss DS-1 Distortion Distortion Effects Pedals
1
Gibson Les Paul Custom Electric Guitar
Gibson Les Paul Custom Electric Guitar Solid Body Electric Guitars
1
Boss RE-20 Space Echo
Boss RE-20 Space Echo Delay Effects Pedals
1
A/DA Pitchtraq
A/DA Pitchtraq Effects Processors
1
Maxon AD-9 Pro Analog Delay
Maxon AD-9 Pro Analog Delay Delay Effects Pedals
1

5 alternative and related items for Chandler Tube Driver, curated by the Equipboard community.

Crazy Tube Circuits Venus Overdrive

 

similar sound cheaper alternative mod

The Crazy Tube Circuits Venus Overdrive is a great alternative to the Tube Driver for several reasons:

Hybrid Design – Combines tube warmth (12AU7) with solid-state reliability, reducing noise and microphonics.

Flexible EQ – Active 3-band EQ + "Girth" and "Cut" controls for precise tone shaping.

Better Stability – Optimized circuit avoids voltage issues found in older Tube Drivers.

Modern Convenience – Standard 9V power (no high-voltage needs) and compact pedalboard-friendly size.

Dynamic Response – Retains tube-like dynamics while offering tighter low-end and smoother highs.

It captures the Tube Driver’s organic drive but with improved versatility and consistency.

More Chandler Limited Overdrive Effects Pedals

Community setups

Gear Guides

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    Gear IQ 120886