Vintage Warmth Meets Modern Madness
Disclaimer: This pedal was kindly provided by Joyo for the purpose of this review. However, this does not influence our opinion or the content of our review. We strive to provide honest, unbiased, and accurate assessments to ensure that our readers receive truthful and helpful information.
Vintage Vibes in a Compact Box
Chorus effects have shaped bass tones since the late 1970s, adding movement, shimmer, and a dreamlike depth to otherwise dry signals. From Peter Hook’s moody washes to the neon-soaked pop of the ‘80s, the effect has been both a subtle sweetener and a bold statement.
The Joyo Narcissus (R-22) takes this legacy and offers a streamlined version: three knobs, one mode switch, and a whole lot of range—from gentle swirl to total seasick craziness.
Verdict – Joyo Narcissus Pedal
Pros: Vintage mode keeps bass lows intact, versatile tone range, tough build, great value.
Cons: Modern mode can overpower, not fully bass-specific.
Best for: Bassists after an affordable chorus that goes from subtle warmth to wild modulation.
Price Range: ~$50–$60 (check latest price below).
Build & Specs: Solid, Smart, and Stage-Ready
- Dimensions & Weight: ~109 × 72 × 48 mm, about 230–240 g—compact and pedalboard-friendly.
- Construction: Metal alloy chassis, solid footswitch, smooth chrome knobs, and switchable LED ambience lighting.
- Power: 9 V DC (center negative), ~160 mA draw (adapter not included).
- Bypass: True bypass circuitry to keep your clean bass tone untouched.
Controls Explained: Dial in Your Mood
- Rate – Adjusts modulation speed. Slow for subtle movement, fast for warbly psychedelia.
- Depth – Controls the intensity of the pitch variation. Low for gentle shimmer, high for deep swoosh.
- Width – Affects the spread of the delayed signal against the dry tone. Narrow for focus, wide for expansive stereo feel.
- Vintage / Modern Mode Switch –
- Vintage: Warm, thick, and retains more low end—perfect for bass lines that need richness without losing body.
- Modern: Brighter, a touch thinner, and ramps up intensity more quickly—ideal for adventurous or aggressive modulation.
On Bass: Performance & Tone
The Narcissus shines in three main bass applications:
- Subtle Shimmer – Vintage mode, low Rate and Depth, narrow Width. Adds presence without stealing the groove.
- ’80s Chorus Texture – Vintage mode, mid Depth and Width, moderate Rate. Nostalgic yet full-bodied.
- Experimental Madness – Modern mode, cranked controls. Seasick, swirling chaos for breakdowns, intros, or soundscapes.
The important takeaway: even at strong settings, the Vintage mode keeps your lows intact, making it usable for both fingerstyle and pick players without your sound falling apart.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Vintage mode preserves bass low-end.
- Wide tonal range from subtle to extreme.
- Rugged metal build with true bypass.
- Affordable for the quality.
- Easy to dial in usable tones.
Cons:
- Not a bass-specific design—some boutique options keep sub-lows even tighter.
- Modern mode can get overpowering if overused.
- Requires higher current draw than some other chorus pedals.
FAQ
Q: Is the Joyo Narcissus truly bass-friendly?
A: Yes—especially in Vintage mode, which retains more low end. Modern mode thins out the lows slightly.
Q: Does it work well in a band mix?
A: In Vintage mode, yes—it sits nicely under guitars and keys. Modern mode is more of a spotlight effect.
Q: Can it do subtle chorus, or is it always extreme?
A: It can absolutely do subtle—keep Depth and Rate low, Width moderate, and use Vintage mode.
Q: Is the pedal analog or digital?
A: It uses a semi-analog circuit, giving you analog warmth with modern reliability.
Q: How’s the build quality?
A: Solid. Metal chassis, firm switch, smooth controls, and sturdy jacks.
Verdict: Simple, Versatile, and Bass-Friendly
The Joyo Narcissus (R-22) offers an impressive range of chorus tones for bassists, from refined shimmer to head-spinning modulation. Vintage mode is your go-to for warmth and low-end preservation, while Modern mode is a creative playground. It’s built tough, sounds good, and costs far less than many competitors. For bassists wanting versatility without complexity—or price shock—it’s an easy recommendation.
Get the Joyo Narcissus at the best price –>
Other Joyo Gear You Might Like
If you enjoyed checking out this Joyo pedal, here are more Joyo products worth exploring — all tested and reviewed here on BassGearReviews:
- Joyo Scylla Compressor – Smooth compression for consistent, punchy bass tone.
- Joyo Tidal Wave – Vintage preamp based on the Sansamp circuit.
- Joyo Monomyth Bass Preamp – Versatile preamp with EQ shaping and DI output.
- Joyo Double Thruster – Dual-drive section for layered grit and boost.
