• Chandler Tube Driver Bias Models
• Chandler Tube Driver Bias Mod
• Chandler Tube Driver Bias Mod List

'The Bias control is very helpful as it adjusts the amount of current applied to the cathode of the tube. Eric Johnson used to spend a lot of time looking for perfect tubes to use in his standard Tube Drivers, but now he can just set the bias easily with the stock tube. Just go up or down a few clicks and he nails what he wants. The Tube Driver can often sound a tad fizzy in the top end and flabby in the lows but the TD-X sounds perfectly balanced and the top end in particular, sound smooth and nicely rounded off for an overall warmer and more dynamic character. Like the Tube Driver, the TD-X has a nice headroom and plenty of gain, when you crank it up. This is the rarest versions of Tube Driver that you will see, handbuilt by BK Butler in 1985/86. Also has the input / output jacks on the sides instead on top like the later versions. The only thing missing is the plastic yellow round top for the Out Level knob.

THE ORIGINAL DESIGN: This is the ONLY hand-made and Authentic Tube Driver! I personally designed it in 1983. The primo 5-knob Bias model is also available for $45 additiona read more. + $9.50 Shipping. NEW TUBE DRIVER w/BIAS.CV Relief Sale. $100 OFF. BK BUTLER. The Original. ZZ, EJ, DG & all the Pros get THIS Tube Driver! 5.0 out of 5 stars. 52 product ratings. NEW TUBE DRIVER w/BIAS.CV Relief Sale. $100 OFF. BK BUTLER. The Original.

Years ago, Eric Johnson requested that I install an extra pot in some of his Tube Drivers to help him match the tube response to his super critical hands and ears. My solution was to install a 5th control that controls the tube cathode current and enables him to ‘dial in’ the tube characteristics he wanted. This saved him from sorting through literally hundreds of tubes to find the exact one he wanted. Now he uses a Bias mod Tube Driver on stage. David Gilmour, Joe Satriani, Billy Gibbons and many other pros now use the Bias mod.

A bit more technical description:

The Bias control is very helpful as it adjusts the amount of current applied to the cathode of the tube. Eric Johnson used to spend a lot of time looking for perfect tubes to use in his standard Tube Drivers, but now he can just set the bias easily with the stock tube. Just go up or down a few clicks and he nails what he wants. The Bias control also adds dynamics and allows you to custom match your Tube Driver for any particular pickup/amp combination.

Technically it varies the electrical 'strength' of the tube and that affects gain, texture and dynamics. It does not change the EQ directly but because the way the tube responds can be varied; you will hear EQ differences at various settings.

Most players find a 'sweet spot' about 2:30 - 3 o'clock on the control.

All in all, it is a 'pro tool' type of control that each player can set to their own subjective taste.

User Comments regarding the Bias mod upgrade:

Chandler Tube Driver Bias Models

Hi BK,
I got the Tube Driver with Bias last week and was too busy to test it out. Well now I have tried it and it's AWESOME!! The Bias dials in everything from creamy to nasty!! There's a huge variance that I'll have to find my 'sweet spots' depending on which amp and which guitar I am using...
Brian

Dear BK,
Gday there BK, just got the tube driver in my hot lil hands this morning ... absolutely blown away by the sound especially with the Bias knob. It adds a whole other dimension and is hard to imagine the pedal without ... for a bit of Gilmour , honestly instant ‘Comfortably Numb’ tone - just out of this world and loud as all hell :D
Cody

Hi BK,
Just wanted to let you know, I received the TD on Saturday morning and was able to use it on the gig Saturday night... You have done a wonderful thing for musicians and music by inventing and building these. You were right in suggesting I get the Bias model. I'm glad I did. And I can't believe you got it to me in four days. Thank you so much; I'm going to love working with it.
High Regards,
Tommy

Chandler Tube Driver Bias Mod

Hi guys,
I'm looking for a BK Butler Tube Driver, for all of the obvious reasons, and came across a 'Real Tube Overdrive by Bk Butler'.
I can't seem to find much info on this pedal. Is it similar? There is a guy in Toronto selling one for $120...but the BK Butler Tube Driver's seem to be around $300...
Is anyone fimiliar with the Real Tube Overdrive? Will I get the 'Violin' tone out of it?

Chandler Tube Driver Bias Mod List