The Joyo JF-02 Ultimate Drive is a compact overdrive pedal from Joyo, a maker known for budget takes on established circuits. Performer Magazine's reviewer Chris Devine described it as recreating the sound of a late-'70s overdriven tube amp, rich in second- and third-order harmonics, the harmonics that give a pushed amp its singing quality1. It is best known for what it is said to copy: the same review notes that "it's been noted on various forums that it's a clone/copy of Fulltone's OCD pedal, at a fraction of the price (just $35)"1.
The OCD connection
The pedal the JF-02 is said to copy, the Fulltone OCD, is itself part of a longer line. Aion FX describes the OCD circuit as "itself a modified version of the Voodoo Labs Overdrive with several added features and tweaks," and notes that the original ran until it was replaced by the OCD V2 in 201731. Fulltone has since continued the line with the dual-overdrive OCD'Lux, which the maker calls "The ultimate OCD"4. Pedal of the Day's review of the OCD V4, the version contemporary with the JF-02, ended with an unreserved recommendation to go get one5.
For a player, the practical point is simple: the JF-02 offers the OCD-style gain structure, an open-sounding overdrive rather than a mid-humped Tube Screamer style, at a price far below the original. If you want to compare it with other budget Joyo drives, the JF-01 Vintage Overdrive and Joyo Sweet Baby sit in the same range, and the R-20 King of Kings applies the same approach to a different classic circuit12.
Controls and the Hi/Low switch
Control-wise there is nothing strange, as Devine put it: "Gain, Tone & Level, and a Hi/Low mini toggle"1.
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Gain | Sets the amount of overdrive |
| Tone | Shapes the treble of the driven tone |
| Level | Sets the output volume |
| Hi/Low toggle | Low mode keeps the original tone intact; Hi mode adds more low-mids and bass1 |
Pedal of the Day describes that toggle as a High/Low switch for mid spectrum EQ cut2, which lines up with Performer Magazine's account: in Low mode the original tone is not messed with, and in Hi mode there is a bit more low-mids and bass1. In practice it works like a voice switch, letting the pedal sit behind or push forward in a mix.
How it sounds, according to reviewers
Performer Magazine's verdict split cleanly by pickup type:
- With humbucking guitars, it is big and beefy, and keeps up well in the mix for rhythm and lead playing styles1.
- Single coil guitars maintain their cutting edge, and do not get shrill1.
The review's summary read: "PROS: Great tone, great price. CONS: Graphics may not appeal to all."1
Power, build and size
The JF-02 runs from a 9V battery compartment, though Devine suggested the compartment "might be considered a bit cheap"1. The enclosure is an aluminum alloy casing with a stoving varnish finish2. Pedal of the Day lists the dimensions as 11.8 cm long, 6.4 cm high and 3.8 cm wide2, a standard compact box that takes little room on a board. Bypass is true bypass, which the review credits with maintaining the instrument's true tone when not engaged1.
The prices on record are $35 in Performer Magazine's 2016 review1 and the 40 dollar figure Pedal of the Day linked to in 20142. Both are dated, and neither reflects a current price.
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Questions
Is the Joyo Ultimate Drive a Fulltone OCD clone?
Performer Magazine's reviewer Chris Devine noted that it has been said on various forums that the JF-02 is a clone or copy of Fulltone's OCD pedal, at a fraction of the price. The OCD itself is described by Aion FX as a modified version of the Voodoo Labs Overdrive with added features and tweaks, so the JF-02 sits at the end of that lineage.
Is the Joyo JF-02 true bypass?
Yes. Performer Magazine's review states that the JF-02 is true bypass, maintaining the instrument's true tone when the pedal is not engaged.
Does the Joyo Ultimate Drive take a battery?
Yes. The review mentions a 9V battery compartment, though the reviewer suggested it might be considered a bit cheap. A 9V DC supply is the usual alternative for pedalboard use.
What does the Hi/Low switch do on the Joyo Ultimate Drive?
The Hi/Low mini toggle changes the pedal's EQ character. In Low mode the original tone is not messed with, according to Performer Magazine, while Hi mode adds a bit more low-mids and bass. Pedal of the Day describes the toggle as a High/Low switch for mid spectrum EQ cut.
How big is the Joyo JF-02?
Pedal of the Day lists the dimensions as 11.8 cm long by 6.4 cm high by 3.8 cm wide, a compact standard enclosure that fits easily on a crowded pedalboard.
Sources (5)
- Joyo JF-02 Review: Their Ultimate Drive, Performer Magazine, 2016-05-25
- Joyo JF-02 Ultimate Drive Overdrive Pedal, Pedal of the Day, 2014-10-04
- Titan Dynamic Drive / Fulltone® OCD™ Overdrive, Aion FX, 2023-03-24
- OCD'Lux - Fulltone USA, Fulltone USA
- Fulltone OCD Overdrive V4, Pedal of the Day, 2015-05-30
