Keeley Mk3 Driver

In the ever-evolving landscape of guitar effects pedals, the Keeley Electronics Mk3 Driver stands out as a beacon of innovation and sonic mastery. This extraordinary overdrive workstation, designed in collaboration with guitar virtuoso Andy Timmons, transcends conventional boundaries, offering a plethora of tonal possibilities from a pristine clean boost to a gritty germanium fuzz generator.

At the heart of the Mk3 Driver is a meticulously crafted circuit that marries a three-control blues driver with specially designed switches for Drive and Tone voicing. The Tone Switch, with settings inspired by both Timmons and Keeley, empowers players with a spectrum of tonal nuances. In the Andy Timmons Position, chords resonate with clarity and articulation, thanks to the preferred voicing and low-end response. Conversely, the Robert Keeley Position activates the legendary Phat Boost, delivering a richer low-end frequency response ideal for vintage or single-coil pickups.

The Mk3 Driver's circuit employs a sophisticated blend of JFET saturation, diode clipping, and op-amp clipping, creating a harmonically rich tone that adapts to the player's dynamic range. The Drive Switch further enhances this flexibility, offering two distinctive clipping modes. Andy Timmons Clipping, featuring asymmetrical LED and silicon diode clipping, captures the essence of Timmons' Super AT Mod sound. On the other hand, Robert Keeley Clipping introduces two germanium diodes for a vintage fuzz-like experience with a softer, smoother feel.

One of the pedal's standout features is Keeley's industry-leading buffer, ensuring noise-free switching and providing the option to seamlessly transition between true-bypass and buffered modes. This attention to detail extends to the pedal's construction, with Keeley designing, engineering, and manufacturing the Mk3 Driver in Oklahoma City. From meticulously built circuit boards to the newly fabricated aluminium enclosure, every element is tailored for the professional musician seeking an inspiring tone during demanding performances.

According to Andy Timmons, the Mk3 Driver represents the pinnacle of the clean/slightly broken-up tone he has pursued for years. The collaboration with Robert Keeley and his team has resulted in a pedal that not only reproduces Timmons' iconic Super AT Mod tone but also introduces a unique modification utilising germanium diodes for a new kind of clipping. Timmons praises the Mk3 Driver as a hidden gem, capable of taming the low-end and delivering a Marshall-esque crunch tone. With the Mk3 Driver and the Halo, Timmons declares himself to be in "Tone Heaven," a sentiment that will echo the sentiment of many musicians who seek the perfect blend of craftsmanship and innovation in their gear.