The Joyo JF-01 Vintage Overdrive is an analog overdrive pedal in the Tube Screamer tradition, built with an RC4558 chip and true bypass switching. Joyo describes it as a pedal that "introduces warm overtones when used as a clean volume boost" and, pushed harder, delivers "the searing tone and warmth of a classic overdriven tube amp"12. Reviewers have long noted that it delivers that classic drive sound for very little money, and that it doubles as a clean boost, which stretches its usefulness on a board2.
What it does and how it is controlled
The JF-01 has the straightforward control layout players expect from a Tube Screamer-style pedal: Drive, Tone and Level. Pedal of the Day's reviewer, Mike B, mapped out how the Drive knob behaves across its range2:
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Drive | Adjusts the drive amount. All the way down gives a clean boost, around 12:00 a classic driven boost, and at 3:00 and beyond, raging sounds that push the amp2 |
| Tone | Shapes the treble response. About 1:00 is recommended for clean boost use2 |
| Level | Sets the output volume2 |
With the Drive turned all the way down and the Tone at about 1:00, Mike B found "this pedal can be used as a really nice-sounding clean boost," which he noted doubles its value for money2.
Circuit and design
The JF-01 is a representation of the classic Tube Screamer circuit, using the RC4558 op-amp chip that circuit is known for, though the reviewer was clear it is not an exact copy2. The pedal is true bypass, a design that minimizes tone loss when it is switched off2. The enclosure is aluminum alloy with a stoving varnish finish2.
Power and size
The JF-01 runs on 9V DC with a center negative plug and draws 7mA, a light load by pedal standards1. Its dimensions of 11.8cm long by 6.4cm high by 3.8cm wide make it a compact, standard-sized stompbox that fits alongside other pedals without crowding a board2.
What reviewers said
Pedal of the Day's 2014 review came down firmly on the value side. As Mike B put it2:
"you are basically getting one of the classic drive pedal sounds for less than thirty dollars, and it can also be used as a clean boost"
That combination of the Tube Screamer sound, true bypass and a second life as a clean boost is what the JF-01 is known for among players on a budget2.
Videos
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Questions
Is the Joyo JF-01 a Tube Screamer clone?
Pedal of the Day's reviewer described the JF-01 as a representation of the classic Tube Screamer, though not an exact copy. It uses the same RC4558 op-amp chip associated with that circuit, and the reviewer found it delivers the classic drive pedal sound at a budget price, with the added ability to double as a clean boost.
What op-amp chip is in the Joyo Vintage Overdrive?
The JF-01 uses an RC4558 chip, the same op-amp type long associated with the Tube Screamer circuit it is based on, according to Pedal of the Day's 2014 review.
Is the Joyo JF-01 true bypass?
Yes. Pedal of the Day notes the JF-01 has a true bypass design that minimizes tone loss when the pedal is switched out.
How much current does the Joyo JF-01 draw?
Joyo's product listing gives a current draw of 7mA at 9V DC with a center negative plug, which is light enough for almost any pedalboard power supply.
How big is the Joyo Vintage Overdrive?
Pedal of the Day lists the JF-01 at 11.8cm long, 6.4cm high and 3.8cm wide, a compact standard-sized enclosure that fits easily on a crowded board.
Sources (2)
- JF-01 Vintage Overdrive by JOYO, RockBoard PedalPedia, 2026
- Joyo JF-01 Vintage Overdrive Pedal, Pedal of the Day, 2014-06-02
