• Registered: 2009-10-10
  • Posts: 438

Topic: Butler Tube Driver

I have a B.K. Butler Tube Driver with the bias mod.  I am on again/off again with it. I believe this pedal craves a loud amp.  Any tube driver users out there? If so, any experience using it in front of a clean amp and/or combined with another drive pedal.  What are your preferred settings? (I use mine in front of old Fender Blackface heads.)  Any tone tips for using this pedal would be greatly appreciated.  One last question, anyone use one with a Les Paul? Thanks!

  • Registered: 2010-03-20
  • Posts: 536

Re: Butler Tube Driver

HoosierRock wrote:

I have a B.K. Butler Tube Driver with the bias mod.  I am on again/off again with it. I believe this pedal craves a loud amp.  Any tube driver users out there? If so, any experience using it in front of a clean amp and/or combined with another drive pedal.  What are your preferred settings? (I use mine in front of old Fender Blackface heads.)  Any tone tips for using this pedal would be greatly appreciated.  One last question, anyone use one with a Les Paul? Thanks!

Where do I start?

Right- there's a few ways you can use the TD. it can be used as a boost, an EQ or an overdrive. I use it for very mild boosts and EQ with a 12AU7. Put a muff in front of it and you'll get very Gilmourish sounds- it's exactly what he uses.

Boost OD- Vol 3 Oclock, OD 9oclock.

OD- Vol Noon, OD, 3 or 4 Oclock. I always leave Bias at +

As a stand alone OD, it is not a power pedal- it's a smooth warm pedal and will crunch and blues up your tone. Remember the tone controls are very sensitive so have a fiddle with them.

It's an amazing pedal when used well.

"Who wants an orange whip? Orange whip? Orange whip? Three orange whips...."

JB LP Goldtop No. 290- Aged...rather like me.
  • Registered: 2009-10-10
  • Posts: 438

Re: Butler Tube Driver

Thanks Jakey for the excellent info.  What effect did the 12au7 have on your Tube Driver? Mine can be a little rough and raspy at times. I am shooting for the big violin tone! Interesting that you brought up the muff. I just watched a you tube clip of a guy getting some good tones when he put his tube driver "before" his fuzzface.  He was using a Gibson SG into an old Fender Dual Showman head.

4 Reply by jakey (edited by jakey 2010-03-20 19:06:44)

  • Registered: 2010-03-20
  • Posts: 536

Re: Butler Tube Driver

HoosierRock wrote:

Thanks Jakey for the excellent info.  What effect did the 12au7 have on your Tube Driver? Mine can be a little rough and raspy at times. I am shooting for the big violin tone! Interesting that you brought up the muff. I just watched a you tube clip of a guy getting some good tones when he put his tube driver "before" his fuzzface.  He was using a Gibson SG into an old Fender Dual Showman head.

Ahhh! I wanted exactly that smooth creamy mild od too- TD's are very tube reliant- a good JJ, GT or, better still, Mullard NOS 12AU7 will get rid of that rasp. Mine is anything BUT raspy. it's kind of warm.

let me know how you get on bud.

"Who wants an orange whip? Orange whip? Orange whip? Three orange whips...."

JB LP Goldtop No. 290- Aged...rather like me.