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Post by jesslm02 on Mar 30, 2012 9:12:47 GMT -7
Does anyone know the difference between the BK Butler and Chandler Tube Drivers? I know they are basically the same design but I didn't know if one maybe better than the other.
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Post by Jericho on Mar 30, 2012 13:50:34 GMT -7
I can't say this is "gospel truth" as I have only owned the BK Butler version... But common internet opinion (and a VERY strong opinion by BK Butler) is that the Chandler's are inferior.
His personal remarks are that the Chandlers fail to capture the sound completely and are poorly made by comparison. Is that Sales Talk or fact? I can't say for sure but as he designed it so I guess that gives his opinion some credence.
Additionally, I believe the Chandlers have a Wall Wart plug which makes them a little less friendly.
It could fall into that common "Sounds better alone in the bedroom, but can't tell the difference live" place. My BK Butler really opened up and sounded great live through a stage volume amp setting.
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Post by zpilot on Mar 30, 2012 14:16:40 GMT -7
I bought several of the BK's at a clearance store for virtually nothing not knowing much about them. I thought they were a little harsh and the switch was inconsistent. I swapped the tube in one to a NOS 5751 and it sounded wonderful. I changed the tubes in the rest of them, converted them to true bypass and sold the lot. Everyone loved them. I even had people call me up to see if I could get more. It did the "Boogie" thing especially well.
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Post by mcook217 on Mar 31, 2012 22:18:45 GMT -7
David Gilmour and Billy Gibbons both use the BK... as Tony would say, "nuff sed"
I own the Butler and it's fantastic. It's been my understanding the chandler is just a cheaper knock-off. does it sound good? maybe. i don't know, never played through one. But i know for sure the Butler is an absolutely beast, and a number of other guys here on the forum love them too.
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Post by Jefferson on Apr 2, 2012 8:20:32 GMT -7
Below is an interview with BK that explains the whole Butler vs. Chandler thing. Essentially, BK is THE designer of the tube driver. Chandler marketed his product for a while using their name. They then decided that they were the owners of the product and took Butler to court where they promptly lost their suit. If you want a tubedriver, then BK Butler is the guy who you should be talking to. you can read the article at: home.comcast.net/~jroscoe/bkbutler.htmlPS: all the ones played by BFG, DG, EJ, Satch, KWS - made by BK Butler.
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Post by Michael Bartee on Apr 5, 2012 15:06:51 GMT -7
I have owned the Chandler version a few years ago. It was harsh and cheesy sounding. I tried several different tubes with no luck. The rack mount version sounded totally different. I used it on many recordings as well as live gigs back in the 80's. I have not purchased a BK so I can't give an A/B of the two.
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Post by Scott on Apr 5, 2012 15:10:08 GMT -7
IMO - The best tube drive that money can buy is the Kingsley Minstrel. Simply outstanding... But pricey... Wait time was about 2 weeks to arrive at my house in Ohio.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 5, 2012 18:53:18 GMT -7
home.comcast.net/~jroscoe/bkbutler.html edited from the story on this link: Have you seen how much your original BK Butler Chandler Tube Driver units are getting on E-bay. Latest was $383.00US! You were making a limited run of 6 this year, any plans to mass produce them in the future?As I tell whoever will listen: “There is NO Chandler Tube Driver… Never was a Chandler Tube Driver! They just marketed it for a while.” But I do understand the confusion caused when I allowed their name to be included on my product. My lesson was well learned… enough said.
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