JOYO JA-02 II is a super compact guitar amp with a retro and pop look. As it looks, it has a cheap sound. If you use this lo-fi sound well, it seems to attract attention on Social Media with its looks. It's also convenient with Bluetooth and a rechargeable battery. This is a new and niche mini guitar amp that has never been seen before.
I, an ex-music store staff Yosh (@Yosh_Guitar), don’t recommend it to everyone, but I found a slightly interesting guitar amp, so I’d like to introduce it. The manufacturer didn’t seem to be making it a selling point, but when I actually played it, I realized that it could be used in this way.
Pros of JOYO JA-02 II
Retro Design Mini Guitar Amp
147x75x96mm, 330g super compact mini guitar amp. It’s a size that won’t get in the way on your desk or shelf. It’s a rare pop and retro design for a guitar amp, which is stylish. Available in two colors, pink and blue.
Bluetooth Equipped for Practice and BGM
It supports Bluetooth audio. If you connect it to your smart device, you can play music from sources like YouTube or Apple Music. Although it’s small, it has a stereo speaker with a spacious sound, so it can also be used for regular BGM. Of course, you can also play the guitar while playing the music source.
USB Type C Rechargeable Battery
The power is charged with a USB Type-C cable. Charging time is 2 to 2.5 hours, and playing time is 2.5 to 3.5 hours. It’s a nice point because cheap amps often only have batteries.
Headphone Out, AUX IN Equipped
On the back of the main unit, there is a stereo mini headphone terminal. You can play without making the speaker sound, so you can use it for nighttime performances. Although there is Bluetooth, there is also an AUX IN.
Clean/Overdrive Switchable 2ch
You can switch between clean and overdrive with a switch. With this size, even if you turn up the volume in clean, it seems that the sound will break and distort, but you can make it sound clean. Overdrive has a rough feel like fuzz.
Cheap Sound Isn’t Necessarily a Disadvantage
Don’t expect the sound to be what “everyone imagines a guitar amp sound” to be. It’s the opposite of a smooth, glossy, and rich sound. It sounds decent in the video above, but when you actually listen to it, it’s even more cheap and lo-fi. The bass doesn’t come out much, and the treble feels crispy. However, this sound isn’t necessarily a disadvantage. It feels like Lo-Fi Hip-Hop and is somehow comfortable. It matches the retro look, and the atmosphere is perfect when playing Neo Soul. If used in short videos on social media platforms like Instagram or TikTok, it can enhance the stylish guitarist vibe.
Super Compact Mini Guitar Amp Comparison with Fender/Blackstar
| JOYO JA-02 II | Fender Mini Twin-Amp | Blackstar FLY3 Bluetooth | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $36.00 | $59.99 | $109.99 |
| Output | 5W | 1W | 3W |
| Sound Features | Cheap | Cheap | Proper |
| Bluetooth | Yes | No | Yes |
| Controls | Volume, Tone, Gain, External Sound Source | Volume, Clean/Distortion Switch | Volume, Tone, Drive, Delay Time, Delay Level, Clean/Distortion Switch |
| Power | USB Type-C Rechargeable Battery | 9V Battery or AC Adapter | 6 AAA Batteries or Special Adapter |
| Size | 147 x 75 x 96mm | 171 x 70 x 127 mm | 170 x 102 x 126 mm |
| Weight | 330g | 680g | 900g |
If you want a super compact mini guitar amp with a deliberately cheap sound, JOYO or Fender is recommended. In terms of functionality with Bluetooth and a rechargeable battery, and the ability to produce a loud sound even in clean, JOYO is the clear winner. Also, the price is more low-cost. If you’re a fan of Fender’s design, you might want to collect the Mini Twin-Amp. If you’re looking for a guitar amp with a good sound, I won’t say anything bad. Go for the Blackstar FLY3 Bluetooth. The sound quality is incomparably richer than JOYO and Fender. If you’re on a budget, the non-Bluetooth FLY3 is around $74.99.
Recommended for Stylish Guitarists as a Toy
With its retro look and cheap sound, combined with Bluetooth and a rechargeable battery, the JOYO JA-02II guitar amp is in a sense, cutting-edge. It’s a good example of how any equipment can shine if its characteristics are used well. It’s an amp that lets you enjoy something a little different from everyone else. If you want to be told you have good taste, give it a try. Don’t worry, even if you give up, it can be used as a battery-powered Bluetooth speaker for outdoor use.
JOYO JA-02II is recommended for those who:
- Don’t want a typical guitar amp design in your room.
- Get a boost from having retro and pop items on your desk.
- Don’t play rock much even with an electric guitar.
- Want to play with a clean sound even with a super compact amp.
- Like stylish Neo Soul or Jazz.
- Want to do something different from others.
