1988 B.K. Butler Tube Driver (San Francisco / Chandler-Era label)

The 1988 Tube Driver with the “San Francisco” label is a specific Chandler Industries–era version of the famous tube overdrive pedal originally designed by B.K. Butler. These units sit in a somewhat complicated but interesting period in the pedal’s history and are collectible today.  The Tube Driver is a tube-powered overdrive pedal designed by electronics engineer and musician B.K. Butler in the late 1970s.It uses a real 12AX7 vacuum tube inside the pedal to create warm, harmonically rich overdrive similar to a cranked tube amp. The most recognized version is the large cream-colored 4-knob pedal.

• Level (Output)
• Hi EQ
• Lo EQ
• Tube Drive (gain)

The “San Francisco Label” Version (1987–1989) label indicates the pedal was distributed by Chandler Industries, which was based in San Francisco.

• Butler partnered with Chandler Industries in the mid-1980s to distribute the pedal.
• Around 1987 the relationship ended due to disputes over the design and trademark.
• Chandler continued making Tube Drivers for a short period using their own slightly modified Circuit.
• These pedals (including 1988 Units) often carry the “Chandler Industries – San Francisco, CA” marking.

• Built during the Chandler continuation production (1987–1989)
• Based on Butler’s design
• Often referred to as “Chandler Tube Drivers.

• Cream/tan enclosure with black bottom
• 4 knobs (Level, Hi, Lo, Tube Drive)
• Built-in AC power cord or 12V supply
• Large enclosure to house the tube
• Label mentioning Chandler Industries – San Francisco
• 12AX7 tube inside the pedal

Vintage Tube Drivers (including 1988 Chandler "SAN FRANCISCO" versions) This 1988 Tube Driver with the San Francisco label is a Chandler Industries–era Tube Driver built shortly after Butler split from the distributor. It’s historically interesting because it represents the transitional period between the original Butler pedals and later Tube Works / Butler reissues.