Joyo BanTamP Zombie 20-Watt Guitar Amp Head

89
GEARANK

89 out of 100. Incorporating 550+ ratings and reviews.

Street Price: 

$150
Joyo BanTamP Zombie

Gearank Recommendation

This was on our recommended list for Guitar Amp Heads Under $200 from August 2020 until April 2022 when we replaced it with the Joyo BanTamP xL Zombie II because it had a higher rating.

Overview

Known for their affordable guitar pedals, Joyo has expanded successfully into the portable amp head market with their BanTamP series.

The BanTamP Zombie has been well received, with its combination of old school 12AX7 preamp tube, a solid state poweramp section and modern Bluetooth compatibility. It also helps that it does not look as cheap as it actually costs.

Compared to others in its category, this amp gives you a bit more in terms of features, and lets you switch between clean and distortion channel.

The distortion channel is tweaked for high gain metal tones, and as the name and color scheme suggests, it is meant to appeal to rock and metal style guitarists.

Although it has good high-gain tones, some owners recommend adding Tube Screamer type pedals to improve its distortion channel further.

Other features include an effects loop, and as mentioned above, it has Bluetooth compatibility as its aux input, a convenience that you normally won't find in affordable amps that come with genuine tube preamps.

If you're into high-gain style tones and want an affordable and portable amp head, then this could be for you.

Specifications

  • Power Rating: 20-Watts
  • Speaker Out: 1/4" (8/16 ohms)
  • Channels: 2 (Clean/OD)
  • Tubes: 12AX7 Preamp
  • Controls: Clean/OD, Bluetooth, Gain, Tone, Volume
  • Effects: None
  • Amp Models: None
  • Inputs/Outputs: 1 x 1/4", 2 x 1/4" (Send/Return), 1 x 1/4" (Headphones), Bluetooth Aux, 1 x 1/4" (Footswitch)
  • Dimensions: 6.42" x 4.33" x 5.51"
  • Weight: 2.91 lbs

Demo

About the Author

Alexander BrionesAlexander Briones

I have been writing about and researching music gear for many years, all while serving as a music director at my local church. I engage in guitar playing and singer-songwriter stints, in addition to mentoring young musicians and teaching guitar and bass.