Pricing and availability

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Reverb
5.0 (3)
$36.89 7 available New
Thomann
4.7 (70)
$36.00 $35.00 $1.00 · All time low

Average Price: $37

Budget/Beginner

$80

$181+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 1 merchant for "Joyo JF-21 Splinter". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 19, 2026.

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Description

Unleash the power of vintage tones with the Joyo JF-21 Splinter, a dynamic distortion effects pedal that bridges the gap between fuzz and distortion. This pedal is designed for guitarists seeking the classic sound of a bygone era, yet it offers enough versatility to fit into any modern setup. Whether you're looking to replicate the gritty sounds of the '70s or add a unique edge to your current tone, the JF-21 Splinter provides the tools you need.

With intuitive controls for distortion, filter, and volume, this pedal ensures you have complete command over your sound. The interesting combination of fuzz and distortion adds depth and character to your music, making it a must-have for any guitarist wanting to explore new sonic landscapes. This pedal features a sturdy footswitch for effect bypass and an LED indicator to easily show when the effect is engaged.

For ease of use, the JF-21 offers standard 6.3 mm jack inputs and outputs, and supports power via a 9V battery or a DC mains adapter, ensuring you're always ready to perform. Compact and reliable, this pedal is ideal for gigs, studio sessions, or home practice.

Key Features:

  • Classic sound with a unique fuzz and distortion blend
  • Controls: Distortion, filter, volume
  • LED indicator for effect on
  • Footswitch for effect bypass
  • Input and output: 6.3 mm jack
  • Power options: 9V battery or 9V DC mains adapter (not included)
  • Power consumption: 20 mA

Product specs

Available since February 2022
Overdrive No
Distortion Yes
Fuzz Yes
Metal No

FAQs

What kind of distortion can I expect from the Joyo JF-21 Splinter?

The Joyo JF-21 Splinter offers a versatile distortion sound with a blend of fuzz characteristics, making it suitable for a range of rock and alternative music styles.

Does the Joyo JF-21 Splinter work well with both single-coil and humbucker pickups?

Yes, the Joyo JF-21 Splinter is designed to perform well with both single-coil and humbucker pickups, providing consistent distortion tones across different guitar types.

Can the Joyo JF-21 Splinter be powered with a standard 9V power supply?

Yes, the Joyo JF-21 Splinter requires a standard 9V DC power supply, which is common for most guitar pedals.

Is the Joyo JF-21 Splinter suitable for live performances?

The Joyo JF-21 Splinter is compact and robust, making it suitable for live performances where reliable and consistent distortion is needed.

How does the fuzz element in the Joyo JF-21 Splinter affect its sound?

The fuzz element in the Joyo JF-21 Splinter adds a gritty, textured layer to the distortion, offering a unique sound that stands out in a mix.

TheGuitarGeek

TheGuitarGeek

Joyo Splinter JF-21 Distortion Review | A Fat Rat for 40 Bucks! #PocketMoneyPedals

Video thumbnail for Joyo Splinter JF-21 Distortion Review | A Fat Rat for 40 Bucks! #PocketMoneyPedals by TheGuitarGeek

Joyo Splinter JF-21 Distortion Review | A Fat Rat for 40 Bucks! #PocketMoneyPedals

TheGuitarGeek

TheGuitarGeek

Video thumbnail for Joyo JF-21 Splinter Demo - By Jose De Castro by JOYO AUDIO

Joyo JF-21 Splinter Demo - By Jose De Castro

JOYO AUDIO

JOYO AUDIO

Video thumbnail for The best modded Rat under $40: JOYO JF-21 SPLINTER by The Tone Lounge

The best modded Rat under $40: JOYO JF-21 SPLINTER

The Tone Lounge

The Tone Lounge

Video thumbnail for JF 21 SPLINTER OFFICIAL VIDEO by JOYO AUDIO

JF 21 SPLINTER OFFICIAL VIDEO

JOYO AUDIO

JOYO AUDIO

Video thumbnail for JOYO JF-21 SPLINTER Distortion (Bass Demo) by Jo Bass

JOYO JF-21 SPLINTER Distortion (Bass Demo)

Jo Bass

Jo Bass

Video thumbnail for Joyo JF-21 Splinter / Doom Metal Demo by Doom Tones

Joyo JF-21 Splinter / Doom Metal Demo

Doom Tones

Doom Tones

Video thumbnail for JOYO JF-21 SPLINTER VS JOYO JF-22 Oxford Sound by JOYO Direct

JOYO JF-21 SPLINTER VS JOYO JF-22 Oxford Sound

JOYO Direct

JOYO Direct

Reviews

PROS

  • Excellent for bass, with no bottom loss on fat switch

  • Offers both Mosfet and stock distortion modes for versatile sound

  • Can emulate Darkglass and Rat-like sounds at a low cost

  • Unaffected by playing style (finger or pick)

  • Good build quality and solid sound options for beginners

  • Works well for Rat-style distortion lovers

  • Offers a wide range of tones from light gain to heavy sludge

  • Priced competitively as an effective Rat pedal clone

CONS

  • Not a 1:1 Rat circuit clone, nuances may be missed by professionals

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Joyo JF-21 Splinter.

Features and functionality

  • The "Fat" setting offers thicker lows and darker highs, requiring filter knob adjustments to manage the compression and tone.

    Source
  • The filter knob on the Joyo Splinter works inversely compared to traditional tone controls; turning left boosts highs, while turning right emphasizes bass.

    Source
  • Some users face challenges integrating the Splinter into their rig due to its lack of wet/dry mix, resulting in a completely wet signal when engaged.

    Source
  • The mosfet/stock toggle switch can bypass clipping, similar to a Reutz mod in a Rat, though some users report minimal audible difference.

    Source
  • The "fat" switch noticeably adds beef to the sound, enhancing the pedal's versatility for different rock styles.

    Source

Build quality

  • The DC socket placement is criticized for being impractical, located too close to the input jack.

    Source
  • The pedal's metal casing is described as solidly built, instilling confidence for use on a gigging board.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Splinter is noted to have a looser bottom end and darker tone compared to the RAT built into the Katana Artist, which is smoother and clearer.

    Source
  • The Mosky Black Mouse is noted to be bassier and less tight, likely due to circuit inaccuracies compared to the Joyo Splinter.

    Source
  • Users highlight the Joyo Splinter as a budget-friendly alternative to the expensive Fat Rat, offering similar functionality and satisfaction in sound.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The Splinter is ideal for 70s/90s rock, stoner rock, and doom metal, but less suited for modern metal or 80s hotrodded Marshall tones.

    Source
  • The pedal effectively transitions from light crunch to heavy fuzz and full distortion, especially when paired with a TS9 overdrive.

    Source
  • The vintage mode replicates the sound of an actual ProCo Rat pedal, providing authenticity for those seeking classic tones.

    Source

User experience

  • Some users report significant noise issues, including humming and interference when increasing the volume.

    Source
  • Users appreciate the Splinter for extending practice sessions by adding enjoyable tonal options, indicating its value in maintaining engagement.

    Source
  • Increasing distortion past level 4 can result in a mushy, overloaded sound, reminiscent of input overloading issues.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Joyo JF-21 Splinter: A ProCo Fat Rat clone for very little money - gearnews.com

gearnews.com

The Joyo JF-21 Splinter offers an affordable entry into the coveted Fat Rat distortion sound, delivering a remarkably close clone packed with four versatile modes. With its budget-friendly price tag, it provides great value for those seeking that classic '80s tone. However, while it impresses with flexibility, it falls short compared to pricier alternatives like the JHS PackRat, which offers more voices. Overall, the Splinter is a solid choice for thrifty pedal enthusiasts but may leave more discerning players wanting a bit more depth.

positive
Add

4.0 out of 5

Based on 5 Reviews and 8 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
brotherrat

Great Budget Rat Clone

Found this pedal to be pretty useful despite being only $35 new. The Fat and Mosfet clipping modes are great for bass and can help with the bright and aggressive tone the RAT usually has. Only complaint I have is the thing can feedback extremely easily at higher gain settings and the DC jack being on the side is a bit baffling as a design decision.

M

Master Splinter

I'm big fan for teenage mutant ninja turtles. Thats why I bought this. This is almost FAT RAT

tsakiris

versatile

Rat clone, pretty versatile pedal. You can make it sound as an overdrive, distortion or even a fuzz. Works as a booster too. Don't use it often but comes handy sometimes.

H

Very impressive and affordable pedal

I have one since last year, it's amazing, is very easy to use and to get good sounds, I never had any problem with this pedal

Preferred Settings + Usage:

I use it on all the time, basically my overdrive

rafaelmoraes

Solid distortion pedal

It's a good distortion pedal for those who like the Rat-style distortion.

Preferred Settings + Usage:

Distortion at noon, filter from 11 to 1 o'clock and volume at noon. I put a Ts-style overdrive in front of this pedal, in a boost setting, so it'll sound tighter and less fuzzy.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Will Rahmer uses Joyo JF-21 Splinter

Will Rahmer

Singer, Bassist

Mortician

...
Verified via Photo

Photo of will rahmer using the joyo pedal at maryland death fest 2026

See how Hannah Jadagu uses Joyo JF-21 Splinter

Hannah Jadagu

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

In an Instagram Story post, the Joyo JF-21 Splinter pedal can be seen clearly in the bottom left of Hannah Jadagu's pedalboard.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Joyo JF-21 Splinter, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Community setups

Show yours
R

ruidoblancooo

Gear IQ 89

lou_pajarola

lou_pajarola

Gear IQ 161

M

marek_holub

Gear IQ 89

lou_pajarola

lou_pajarola

Gear IQ 161

1 alternative for Joyo JF-21 Splinter, curated by the Equipboard community.

Pro Co Fat Rat

$177.08 - $279.00

high-end alternative

It has the same knobs and controls (distortion, filter, volume, fat-switch and clipping-mode switch). The distortion itself is pretty similar to the Rat distortion, going from a overdrive sound with the distortion knob at lower setting to a fuzz-like distortion with the distortion at max. Generally, with the distortion knob after 12 o'clock, it gets pretty muddy like the Proco Rat. The thing that makes it very similar to the Fat Rat are both switches, one for normal and fat mode, the other for MOSFET and regular clipping. These are the same switches featured in the Proco Fat Rat pedal.

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