JOYO
JOYO American Tube Amp Simulator Review
Reviewed by Eric Davis · Published
Explore the JOYO American Tube Amp Simulator & Preamp Guitar Pedal, delivering exceptional sound quality for electric guitar enthusiasts.
The verdict
The JOYO American Tube Amp Simulator is an excellent value pedal that delivers quality sound and versatility for guitarists.
Why we recommend it
CLASSIC AMERICAN TUBE AMP SIMULATOR & PREAMP: The American Sound authentically reproduces the legendary American tube am
6-KNOB PRECISION CONTROL — LEVEL, DRIVE, 3-BAND EQ & VOICE: Sculpt your signature tone with Level, Drive, Low, Mid, High
BUILT-IN CABINET SIMULATION FOR DIRECT RECORDING: The integrated analog cabinet simulator lets you run the American Soun
ROAD-READY ALUMINUM ALLOY HOUSING: Housed in a rugged aluminum alloy casing with a classic stoving varnish finish—built
QUALITY YOU CAN TRUST – BACKED BY REAL SUPPORT: Backed by JOYO's decade-plus reputation for crafting musical, budget-fri
Pros
- Authentic tube amp tone simulation
- Affordable price point
- Versatile for live and studio use
- Durable construction
- User-friendly controls
Cons
- Some users report functionality issues
- Requires a regulated 9V power supply not included
Gallery
Full review
Overview
The JOYO American Tube Amp Simulator & Preamp Guitar Pedal is a game-changer for guitarists looking to capture the essence of classic American tube amp tones. Priced at an affordable $39.99, this pedal has quickly gained popularity, securing a spot as one of the bestsellers in the Amplifiers & Effects category on Amazon. With a rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from nearly 1,000 reviews, it's clear that many players find value in this compact device.
Key Features
What sets the JOYO American Sound apart is its ability to authentically reproduce the legendary sounds that have shaped rock history. The pedal offers a range of tones from the sparkling, scooped Blackface cleans to the rich, mid-forward Tweed overdrive. Users have praised its remarkable tone quality, often noting that it delivers an "unbelievable tone for the price." This pedal excels in versatility, allowing players to go direct into a PA or mixer, making it ideal for both live performances and studio recordings.
The 6-knob precision control system includes Level, Drive, a 3-band EQ (Low, Mid, High), and a Voice knob, which is instrumental in shaping your signature sound. The Voice control can be adjusted to provide classic scooped cleans or a thicker, mid-rich overdrive, giving players the flexibility to dial in their perfect tone.
A standout feature is the built-in cabinet simulation, allowing you to connect the pedal directly to a PA, audio interface, or mixer without the need for an amp or mic. This feature is not only convenient but also a lifesaver if your main amp fails during a gig. Additionally, the pedal is designed for silent practice and home recording, catering to a wide range of playing scenarios.
Constructed from durable aluminum alloy, the JOYO American Sound is built to withstand the rigors of live performances. The rugged housing and classic stoving varnish finish ensure that it can handle heavy stomping on crowded pedalboards while remaining lightweight and compact. The smooth and responsive knobs are designed to maintain your settings even under aggressive use, providing reliability when you need it most.
Who Is It For
The JOYO American Tube Amp Simulator is perfect for guitarists of all levels who are seeking a budget-friendly solution for achieving high-quality tube amp tones. Whether you’re a beginner looking to explore different sounds or a seasoned professional needing a reliable pedal for gigs and studio work, the JOYO American Sound offers versatility that can cater to a variety of playing styles. Its portability and ease of use make it an excellent choice for musicians who perform regularly or those who practice at home. Moreover, its ability to function well in different settings—be it live performance or recording—means that it can be a valuable addition to any guitarist's setup.
Final Verdict
In conclusion, the JOYO American Tube Amp Simulator & Preamp Guitar Pedal delivers impressive sound quality and versatility at an unbeatable price. With its authentic tube amp simulation and user-friendly controls, it is a must-have for any guitarist looking to enhance their tone while remaining budget-conscious. Given its robust construction and excellent customer feedback, this pedal is a solid investment for both budding and experienced musicians alike.
Specifications
| Voltage | 9 volts_of_direct_current |
|---|---|
| Amperage | 6 microamps |
| Audio Output Effects | Overdrive,American |
| Controls Type | Knob |
| Power Source | Corded Electric,Battery Powered |
| Hardware Interface | 1/4-inch Audio |
| Signal Format | Analog |
| Style | Overdrive,American |
| Color | Golden-orange |
| Item Dimensions L x W x H | 4.73"L x 3.86"W x 2.17"H |
| Item Weight | 390 g |
| Item Dimensions | 4.72 x 3.86 x 2.17 inches |
| Connector Type | 1/4-Inch Right Angle, 1/4-Inch Right Angle to Straight, 1/4-Inch Straight |
| Brand Name | JOYO |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Number of Packs | 1 |
| Unit Count | 1 Count |
| Included Components | Effect Pedal (Not included power supply or battery), User's Manual |
| Item Type Name | Electric Guitar Electronics |
| Manufacturer | ShenZhen JOYO Technology |
| Model Name | JOYO American Sound |
| Model Number | Manufacturer-JOYO-0JF14-0019US |
| Manufacturer Part Number | 031-0JF14-0019 |
| Warranty Description | 1-year manufacturer warranty we stand behind the quality of our product. This warranty covers any manufacturing defects in materials or workmanship for one year from the date of purchase. If you encounter any issue, please contact us directly. We will provide a replacement, repair, or refund after we receive and verify the returned item. |
| Best Sellers Rank | #353 in Musical Instruments (See Top 100 in Musical Instruments)#1 in Guitar Distortion & Overdrive Effects |
| ASIN | B085QJT4CT |
| Customer Reviews | 4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars (990) 4.4 out of 5 stars |
What buyers say
4.8 · 5 reviews“Of all of the pedals listed in the Amazon sale, I bought 3 within a short period: Flanger, Digital Delay, & American Sound. I used to have a collection of 70 pedals (mostly Boss, as well as pedals from Keeley, DOD, EHx, Digitech, Whirlwind, Ibanez, Voodoo Lab, Rocktron, etc.)The trio I purchased makes an incredible effect chain: American in front of the amp with the Flanger & Delay in the loop. I tested switching the order of the flanger & the delay, & I found I like the sounds of flanger before delay. If I can get my flanger to sound like a chorus & my delay to sound like a timed reverb, then I'm in tone Heaven! I get that from these Joyo boxes! Considering their cost, I can't believe how sturdy and heavy they feel.All of the reviews you hear/read of these pedals are accurate. The American Sound is based on Fender amps and gets an amazing Seattle tone. It is meant to be used as an amp sim, plugged into a mixer or a flat amp or a pro-audio rig. I have it plugged into the front of an Orange bass amp; the 6 knobs on the pedal and the 7 knobs on my amp give me a huge amount of control over my tone.The Digital Delay is called "digital", but it has a simulated analog tone. I.e., the repeats are programmed to decay. I prefer digital delays with no decay, but this still sounds great!The Flanger tones can be really stretched from subtle chorus and vibrato to airplane flanger and crazy robot sounds. It's a really good quality tone from something so inexpensive.I switched from all the great classic pedals in the past to no pedals and onto these inexpensive pedals. It is great to have this versatile effect chain for barely over $100 - my deliberate protest of the $300+ pedals out there these days.”
“Bang for your buck for sure. Just an overall amazing sounding pedal. I'm even beginning to appreciate the ugliest of all designs. You may have to fiddle with the knobs a little to find your sweet spot, but a huge variety of organic, tube-like sounds that you can get out of this thing. Also a surprising amount of gain. Lots of character. Takes other pedals very well. I played it live with a boss oc5, blackstar lt dual overdrive, ehx freeze, and keeley caverns delay/reverb > straight into the mixer/PA and it was a killer sound. Highly recommended”
“What a Great Pedal at a Great Price.Fellow guitar players, I use this pedal to simulate an electric guitar amp by running it into my Fishman Loudbox Micro acoustic amp. It’s a practice amp that I use at home with my acoustic guitars with pickups. But the thing sounds flat and boring with my electrics ( just could not come up with an EQ setting that worked on the Fishman so thought I’d give this pedal a try)..I’m delighted with the tone I’ve achieved thru the Fishman amp with this pedal. It sounds like an electric guitar. I play clean so have not tried to drive it to breakup.JOYO really does build quality stuff that sounds good. I’m happy that this pedal solved my problem.”
“The Joyo American Sound JF-14 is an amp simulator / pre-amp modeled after a Fender '57 Deluxe amplifier. It is intended to be used for direct recording or used to plug directly into your soundboard for live performances.It work great on a pedalboard into either the front of your amp or thru the effects loop. It also a nice way to spice up your headphone amp for quiet practice sessions.It has 6 controls. 3 for your EQ (Low, Medium and High). You then have a Level for output, Voice and Drive. The drive controls your overall gain for overdrive. The Voice control is unique. It helps define the character of the "amp". The manual says the voice "adjusts the frequency response and distortion, together with the adjustment of the drive it can simulate many kinds of amplifiers". So basically using the voice and drive together you emulate anything from a Fender Twin to a Deluxe Tweed.Fender Amps were "The" sound of the 50's and 60's. The sound and tone of this pedal is incredible.I play a mix of 50's, 60's, Surf, Classic Rock and Country. Using this pedal I can go from Buddy Holly to Dick Dale to Steppenwolf without too much effort.It can be used to give you a clean boost, get a mild breakup, a low gain overdrive all the way to a nice creamy overdriven tube amp sound. This pedal is quite versatile. It plays well with other pedals. My chain looks like this...Tuner > Distortion > Joyo Taichi > Joyo American Sound > Chorus > Delay > Reverb > Tremolo.I absolutely love this pedal. Like most guitar players, I have been looking for the "tone". With the Joyo American Sound I have found my "tone". Buy this pedal now! You will not be disappointed.”
“Really killer pedal. I haven't used it as a recording amp or anything but just as a "flavor" to my tube amp's tone. I have a Blackstar HT5R, which is a great home tube amp as it has the headphone output and the low watt setting, but I have always wanted a Fender Blues Jr. style tone, I just knew it would be too loud and impractical to buy for my house. Enter this great little pedal. I find the Blackstar has a very neutral tone to it, pretty much a blank slate, but when I turn this on, it just adds a nice spark of richness. It adds a subtle reverb, some more clarity and body to the sound, and generally does add a Fender blues style flavor. It's also great to play with the knobs and use it as a volume boost or crunchy drive pedal. It really feels like it offers tons of tonal options and you can definitely spend a ton of time experimenting with the different "amp sounds" and levels. In the end, it's definitely become one of my "always on" pedals.Build quality is also great, and it looks pretty cool on my pedalboard. Has a subtle shine to it which I dig. Great value as well.Edit: After some more time with it, I lowered the rating to 4 stars. I still really enjoy the tone and have it on most of the time, but one thing I noticed is it is generally a bit noisy. I got a new power supply and set every pedal on its 9v and it’s the only one in my circuit that makes has a mild hiss whenever it’s on. Even with the gain lowered it’s still there a bit. Also I noticed the switch is a little clunky and can be tricky to turn on/off at times. Both things aren’t a huge deal, but just some things to note before making the purchase. Overall still a pretty decent value.”
Frequently asked questions
Can I use the JOYO American Sound for recording?+
Yes, the JOYO American Sound is designed for direct recording with its built-in cabinet simulation, allowing you to connect directly to your audio interface.
What power supply do I need?+
The pedal requires a regulated, isolated 9V power supply, which is not included with the purchase.
Is this pedal suitable for live performances?+
Absolutely! The JOYO American Sound is ideal for live performances due to its compact size, durability, and high-quality tone.
Does it work well with other effects pedals?+
Yes, many users have successfully integrated it with other effects pedals to create unique sounds and enhance their tone.
What is the return policy for this pedal?+
The return policy typically follows Amazon's standard return policy, allowing you to return the product within a specified time frame if you're not satisfied.
About the reviewer
Eric Davis
Music Editor
Eric is a musician with 15 years experience reviewing instruments for players of all levels.
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