TEST: Keeley MK3 Driver

 The Keeley MK3 Driver Pedal is a signature pedal for guitarist Andy Timmons, which can perform both overdrive and distortion functions.

Who is Andy Timmons?

Most readers will know Andy Timmons as an endorser of the Ibanez company. His signature model, which has been in the Asian manufacturer's portfolio for many years, is an integral part of the Ibanez catalog and it feels like there is no music trade fair in the world where Timmons does not appear as a demonstrator.

Most music listeners outside of the Musicians-Musician scene will probably remember Andy Timmons as the blonde sonny boy of the hard rock band Danger Danger, on whose first two albums 35 years ago he made a real impression with his virtuoso guitar playing.

The construction of the Keeley MK3 Driver

Robert Keeley was able to experience with the Keeley MK3 Driver Pedal how international trademark protection law can put the brakes on you in an unpleasant way and thus bring entire marketing and production processes to a standstill. Originally released under the name Muse Driver, the pedal came into conflict with another brand, resulting in Keeley being forced to change the name of the pedal due to a warning. This is all the more annoying because, according to Robert Keeley's own statements, the Muse Driver Pedal was one of the biggest revenue generators within his portfolio.

Be that as it may, the identical MK3 Driver sits in the same housing in which the other copies of the Driver series are installed and is identical to the Muse Driver apart from the name. The housing is once again of very high quality, the sheet steel used is very durable, and the dimensions (L x W x H): 127 mm x 67 mm x 70 mm are appropriate.

The controls have the classic division into Tone, Drive and Level, although the controls are once again pleasantly difficult to operate. This means that accidentally turning the controls is almost impossible. There are also two mini switches on the housing, one below the tone control and one below the drive control. These take on the function of a high pass, the switch of which is located below the tone control and the switch between silicon or germanium transistors, which is located on the right side.

The pedal can be switched between a buffered and a true bypass circuit using a flexible foot switch. This is extremely useful, because in the true bypass area the sound of the distortion, which is usually at the front of the signal chain, does not affect other pedals, and in the buffered area you compensate for the impedance of the cable lengths, which are partly in one A demanding set, especially with passive pickups, can result in a loss of sound.

On the front side, in addition to the input and output jack sockets, there is also the input for the power supply. Although the Keeley MK3 Driver only has a power consumption of 27 mA, battery operation is not provided for the overdrive pedal. Interestingly, you can use a power supply with a voltage between 9 and 18 volts as the internal voltage. On the one hand, this increases flexibility, but above all it can be used if you want to change something about the sound of the Keeley MK3 Driver. As a rule of thumb, the higher the voltage applied, the tighter the sound emitted.

The pedal, made in the USA, is delivered in a sturdy cardboard box, equipped with a fabric bag, simple operating instructions, stick-on rubber feet and a Keeley plectrum.

The sound of the Keeley MK3 Driver

Although the Keeley MK3 Driver is a signature pedal from Andy Timmons, the pedal can definitely be described as a real all-rounder. The drive level can be turned up from a comparatively subtle overdrive to real distortion and the usual controls such as tone and level intervene in the overall sound as far as they can.

The high-pass filter is a very good tool when it comes to getting the low-frequency pumping that occurs on the amplifier, depending on the tuning and instrument, under control. Especially when it comes to placing an instrument on a PA or the low-frequency range in the transition phase in studio recordings to keep the bass in check, a high-pass filter is always a good thing.

In my opinion, personal taste decides when it comes to silicon and germanium, the two transistor choices. A silicon transistor is a little softer in approach and more pleasing, but the germanium transistor performs better, but occasionally bites a little more. The sound here depends in particular on the instruments or pickups, so it is not possible to make a general statement as to which setting is best suited here.

The sound files were created with a Hagström Super Swede via a Sound City Master One Hundred, a 412 Marshall cabinet with Celestion G12 T 75 speakers and 2 pcs. Recorded with Shure SM 57 microphones.

Conclusion:

With the Keeley MK3 Driver, the American manufacturer has a good all-rounder in the area of overdrive and distortion pedals in its portfolio. The pedal impresses with a good basic sound, which can be used in both fusion and rock.

If you are looking for a flexible and neutral overdrive / distortion pedal, you should give the MK3 Driver a try.

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Additional Informations:

Title: The Fascinating Origin Story of Keeley Pedals

Introduction:
Keeley Electronics is a renowned manufacturer of guitar effects pedals, known for their exceptional quality and innovative designs. This article delves deep into the captivating history of Keeley Pedals, tracing their humble beginnings, evolution, and the impact they've had on the music industry. Join us on this journey to uncover the story behind the creation of these iconic pedals.

Early Beginnings:
The story of Keeley Pedals starts with its founder, Robert Keeley, a passionate guitarist and electronics enthusiast. In the late 1990s, Keeley began modifying pedals for his own use, seeking to enhance their sound and functionality. Word quickly spread about the remarkable improvements he made, and soon, fellow guitarists were knocking on his door, eager to have their pedals "Keeley-fied."

As demand grew, Robert Keeley decided to turn his passion into a business. In 2001, he officially launched Keeley Electronics, setting up shop in Oklahoma City. With a small team of dedicated individuals, Keeley began producing his modified pedals, offering guitarists a new level of tone and performance.

Innovation and Expansion:
Keeley Electronics quickly gained a reputation for pushing the boundaries of pedal design. Robert Keeley constantly sought to innovate and create pedals that would inspire musicians worldwide. With a keen ear for tone and a deep understanding of electronics, he introduced several groundbreaking designs that became instant classics.

One of Keeley's earliest successes was the Keeley Compressor, a pedal that revolutionized compression in the guitar world. Its transparent and studio-quality compression became highly sought after, earning Keeley Electronics a loyal following among guitarists of all genres.

Building on this success, Keeley continued to introduce new and exciting pedals. The Keeley Modded Boss DS-1, the Keeley Katana Boost, and the Keeley Super Phat Mod are just a few examples of the innovative and popular offerings from the company. Each pedal was meticulously designed to deliver exceptional tone, versatility, and reliability.

Collaborations and Artist Endorsements:
Keeley Electronics' commitment to excellence and innovation led to collaborations with renowned musicians and artists. Robert Keeley worked closely with guitarists like John Mayer, David Gilmour, and Andy Summers to develop signature pedals that captured their unique playing styles.

These collaborations not only showcased the versatility and adaptability of Keeley Pedals but also solidified their reputation as a go-to choice for professional musicians. The endorsement and support of these esteemed artists further propelled Keeley Electronics into the spotlight, making their pedals highly coveted among guitarists worldwide.

Continued Success and Legacy:
Over the years, Keeley Electronics has continued to expand its product line, introducing new pedals that cater to the evolving needs of guitarists. The company's commitment to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction has remained unwavering, ensuring that each pedal that bears the Keeley name is a testament to their legacy.

Today, Keeley Pedals are recognized as a benchmark for excellence in the industry. Guitarists of all levels, from amateurs to professionals, rely on Keeley's pedals to shape their tone and enhance their musical expression. The company's dedication to producing top-notch effects pedals has cemented its place in the history of guitar gear.

#### Keeley Pedals: A Legacy of Tone and Innovation

In this final section, let's delve deeper into some of the iconic Keeley Pedals that have played a significant role in their journey and have become staples in the guitar world:

**1. Keeley Compressor:** The Keeley Compressor, introduced in the early 2000s, quickly became a game-changer in the realm of compression pedals. Robert Keeley's innovative design offered transparent, studio-quality compression, allowing guitarists to enhance sustain, even out dynamics, and add a touch of magic to their tone. The Keeley Compressor set a new standard for compression pedals and remains one of the most popular choices among guitarists.

**2. Keeley Overdrives:** Keeley Electronics offers a diverse range of overdrive pedals that cater to various tonal preferences. The Keeley-modded Boss Blues Driver and Boss DS-1 are highly regarded for their enhanced tone and responsiveness. The Keeley Katana Boost, known for its clean boost capabilities, has become a go-to pedal for many guitarists seeking to push their amps into saturated overdrive territory. These overdrive pedals offer a wide range of tonal options, from smooth and bluesy to crunchy and aggressive.

**3. Keeley Modded Pedals:** Keeley Electronics gained recognition for their modifications of existing pedals, taking popular models from other manufacturers and enhancing their performance. The Keeley-modded Ibanez Tube Screamer, for example, is highly sought after for its increased clarity, improved low-end response, and smoother saturation. These modifications have allowed guitarists to achieve their desired tones with greater precision and flexibility.

**4. Keeley Delay and Modulation Pedals:** Keeley Electronics expanded their pedal lineup with a range of delay and modulation effects that have garnered praise for their exceptional sound quality and versatility. The Keeley Caverns Delay/Reverb offers lush, atmospheric delay and reverb sounds in a compact pedal. The Keeley Dark Side combines multiple modulation effects, including phaser, flanger, rotary speaker, and U-Vibe, to create a comprehensive modulation solution for guitarists seeking to explore new sonic territories.

**5. Keeley Workstation Pedals:** In recent years, Keeley Electronics introduced the concept of workstation pedals, which combine multiple effects in one unit. The Keeley Eccos Delay/Looper and the Keeley Delay Workstation exemplify this approach, offering a wide range of delay and looping options in a single pedal. These workstation pedals have become go-to choices for guitarists who value versatility and convenience without compromising on sound quality.

Keeley Pedals' commitment to innovation, attention to detail, and dedication to meeting the needs of guitarists have contributed to their enduring legacy. Whether it's their signature compressors, overdrives, or modulation pedals, Keeley Electronics continues to set the bar high for quality and performance.

Conclusion:
The journey of Keeley Pedals from a small workshop in Oklahoma City to becoming a global leader in the guitar effects industry is a testament to the passion, innovation, and commitment of its founder, Robert Keeley. With their exceptional sound, reliability, and versatility, Keeley Pedals have left an indelible mark on the music world, shaping the tones of countless guitarists. As the company continues to innovate and push the boundaries of pedal design, the legacy of Keeley Pedals will undoubtedly endure for generations to come.