Infinite Sustain on A BUDGET! (Joyo Guitar Sustainer Device Vs. Ebow)

As Nigel Tufnel said, "You can go have a bite... you'll still be hearing that one!"
Affordability Kings, Joyo, have finally provided some competition to the Ebow! It's less expensive but how well does it work? Let's find out.
For this demo / review, I am using the Harley Benton Fusion T!
Joyo Infinite Sustainer here: amzn.to/2S8skCR
Ebow here: amzn.to/2RWHlYb
Guitar here (USA): www.thomannmus...
Guitar here (Outside of USA): www.thomann.de...
Save 40% on my guitar instructional programs here: sellfy.com/p/f...
Social Media -
Patreon: / guitarmax
Facebook: / maxcarlislemusic
Twitter: / maxxxwellc
Instagram: / guitar_max_carlisle
www.guitarmaxmu...
Rubric: -5 points for Danzig references. -5 points for not reading the description. -5 points for not watching far enough into the video to answer your own question. -5 points for misquoting me in your comment. 20 points possible. Everyone starts with an A!

[@grumpycat6665]

How the heck are you not over 100k yet!? You’re easily one of the best guitar tech KZbinrs around .

[@lijkenkist1]

I was just gonna say this. How the fuck is Maxwell still getting under 10k views with this kind of quality content... Unfair world

[@akaiyui9300]

As of now, 3k to go.

[@leoncorbett4553]

121K now

[@cross3fire]

140k now

[@FenrirTheMenace]

174k as of 13Nov2022

[@mikefiore1058]

I have always wanted an Ebow and this was a nice comparison. I feel like the Ebow produces a better sound and cleaner sustain, but I think Joyo has the better harmonic mode; much cleaner and with a little delay before the harmonic kicks in. The Ebow harmonic mode kicks on right away and it's a but much. That being said, a $30 difference isn't all that much really and I'd rather spend it on the more tried and true product. I vote Ebow.

[@revjimbob]

I thought the Joyo sounded better than the Ebow in harmonic mode in the video.

[@claudevieaul1465]

Excellent comparison - but at least for those not in the US the price difference is quite a bit bigger: An Ebow costs €95 at Thomann, and at the Joyo just €55. I ordered the latter, and I am very pleased with it! Not just on guitar either - it sounds absolutely amazing on fretless bass.... The harmonic mode works really natural too: you can get great fifths and thirds harmonics depending on where you hold it, and I love how that sounds particularly on a clean guitar!

[@jasonjohnson4170]

Somebody needs to create one that straps onto the palm of your hand or one of your fingers so that you could be free to pick the string as well with a guitar pick. That way you can have the versatility that exists with an installed Fernandez or sustainiac

[@PooNinja]

That’s what I was thinking 👍🏽🤘🏽

[@zepp3lin]

Or just install a Sustainiac.

[@jasonjohnson4170]

@@zepp3lin yeah the point was kind of geared toward not having to modify the guitar we're spending a lot of money

[@MF9000]

For the demo, I would have liked to hear them both on a clean guitar sound just to hear the nuance of each. I know they typically aren't used on a clean sound, but I think it would be easier to hear any differences. Just my two cents.

[@JColt]

First note I hear.. my heart goes.. "Every Rose Has It's Thorn.."

[@MartinCraneRockbeast]

Mine goes "Heroes" by David Bowie.

[@AlienFrequency]

To me, the harmonic mode on the Joyo actually sounded nicer, less harsh and more pleasant to listen to. This was a very helpful video. Thanks, Danzig…

[@tomazloureiro]

Thanks, young John Travolta!

[@b3astlyify]

Fucking creepy how much he looks like him. Looks like he's about to ask you if you ever had mayonnaise on fries

[@Neil-Aspinall]

To my ears the Ebow was better especially in Harmonic mode. I have one so I know the sound very well.

[@SumoRabbitOfDoom]

I actually preferred the harmonic mode on the Joyo. It's not necessarily better, but certainly different. I've been using Fernandes Sustainers for around 20 years.

[@tohtorizorro]

To me, the first part (B-string with normal mode) sounds better with the original E-bow, but there is also a clear volume difference between the gadgets on the video which seems to propose that Joyo makes the string vibrate more and thus the gain and distortion of the amplifier (and maybe the recording microphone) might affect the sound too. The funny guy with the awesome silky hair doesn't use the original one on the wound strings but the harmonic mode sounds better by the Joyo in my opinion. So, ideally you'd own both of them I guess. I haven't reached a section of the video that discusses ergonomics but having played with only with the original E-bow, I'd be very interested in trying out the Joyo sustainer. The dude is awesome, I subscribed right away after the remark of him spending the money on shampoo and conditioner and thought to myself: youtubers should not remind watchers in every video to subscribe, people will do that when they see something that they really like. Few seconds later the dude fires the sales pitch, dang. The dude's still pretty awesome.

[@PolishHammer]

lol extra shampoo and conditioner, priceless

[@floriankubes2267]

Your self-deprecating humor is spot on funny. Thanks for not taking yourself too seriously.

[@DragonofLimerick]

The e-bow was nicer to hear, but I don't have money for either. Love the video!

[@Dano-uf8ys]

Why hasn't someone created a 6 string eBow sustain? That's what I want.

[@gtrdrumsplayerduarte]

Fernandes Sustainer Pickup? Or the sustainiac.

[@Cam_B]

Freeze pedal

[@TheBaconWizard]

@@Cam_B Is nothing whatsoever like an ebow, in any way.

[@Cam_B]

@@TheBaconWizardok, 5 months later…except it sustains as does an ebow. Try one.

[@TheBaconWizard]

@@Cam_B I own one. It's not even close.

[@the92project]

1:04 saves 30 dollars, counts 40 dollars :)

[@coronelsakura2841]

You are good counting but not understanding english

[@martinsander7112]

-5 for Danzig reference. JOYO is such a great company. Have many of their products, all quality on a budget. That HB is an AMAZING guitar!!!! Love love love mine!!! (HT EB)

[@t871]

I think the ebow had a better tone on the harmonics setting.

[@stuartpierce121]

Hey! Max! I love you your videos, so helpful and informative! Thank you for your generosity! I think the elbow did seem to have a bit of a softer tone maybe a little "silkier " sound thank you and stay safe!

[@shma1israel]

Robert Fripp on David Bowie's 'Heroes'. Nuff said.

[@hisroyalpimpnesssirisaacal7044]

You put a lot of Ebow grease into that intro!

[@abradolfhonkler9287]

I feel pretty bad about having lol'd at that, tbh.

[@74dartman13]

Cool! I like that all this stuff is coming down to prices that I can afford. I've had a couple of Joyo pedals now for about a year and they're holding up nicely! Thanks for the review!👍😎🎸🎶

[@blastofo]

This looks like it would be perfect for drone type music too. And I heard it works for bass too.

[@maineguitarists]

You arte not only talented at guitar and improvising but have cool hair too! I love how you give real opinions on cheap guitars and expensive ones. This is a great video also. I decided to go with the Ebow because of this as i'm using it on a magnatone varsity lap steel guitar. I did think the joyo was thinner and although very cool, ebow is the show. Fatter, warmer. I'm an old dude now so i guess i need that during the cold Winters in Maine. MT

[@sammathis]

I appreciate how you focus on affordable gear. Thanks for what you do.

[@scottbembry5255]

If you ever see BOC do Don’t Fear the Reaper live, Bloom sneaks in with the Ebow at the end Buck’s solo for big sustained note. Buck goes back to intro/verse riff. A cowbell is always there of course. In demo the Ebow had a more clean and mellow sound

[@DenEz_TV]

Boards Of Canada?

[@BushBumperBaker]

I've heard several people say the Joyo has higher attack, so I don't think it's your imagination.

[@manco828]

Nigel Tufnel approves.

[@thegrimreefer3300]

There's also the TC Electronic AEON. Amazon has if for $70 as well. I know that EBow users have said that it's harder to use. But I don't know if that's because it's different and they are used to the EBow, or if it's actually harder to use. I haven't used either, so I don't know.

[@Authorityoneverything]

The problem usually is that the shape isn't a comfortable thing to hold player in a guitar I bought one I broke on purpose because it was so frustrating trying to get sustain going from string to string it would buzz the string and fuck there goes that take recording. Ebow looks the most comfortable to hold playing a guitar.

[@WalterSawan]

I live in Canada. I just ordered the joyo version on Amazon for $80 CAD. The Ebow is $230 CAD where I am. So, definitely a considerable savings!

[@357bullfrog9]

I've played for over 50 years and all my life playing I've had a sound in my head that sounds like a human voice. Not singing words but a sound of a voice. I don't know if this makes sense or not but it's like a backup singer doing a melody without saying the words. I've chased that sound a these years

[@jorgevallentine]

I accidentally got this beautiful “singing” sound recently that you might like! It ended up happening when I played a friend’s baritone guitar through my pedalboard and then boss acoustic guitar amp. When I strummed it sounds like a heavenly chorus of almost human voices singing and the main things that seemed to give it that overall sound were the slow decay on my tc electronic flashback delay pedal, a reverb pedal, the reverb and chorus on the amp itself, and (I think more than anything else) the built in harmony setting in the amp set to “unison” with the volume of the harmony all the way up. Because it’s meant for mimicking vocal harmonies, I think that particular effect gave it a more voice like quality that really surprised me! If you’re interested, I could try to get a short video sometime to share what it sounds like on my acoustic guitar.

[@jorgevallentine]

Maybe finding a way to run guitar through a good vocal harmony pedal would get you closer to what you’re thinking?

[@ramzesrama8391]

down the drain joke made me laugh more than it should 😅

[@theobserver8881]

he does have fabulous hair.

[@ranota1010]

Holy moly. What an awesome intro!!!!

[@mandiferrer]

Brian May was the one who first used the E-bow on "Love of My Life" in 1975

[@JimWitschey]

Thanks for the comparison, appreciate it!

[@GuitarMAXMusic]

Thanks for watching!

[@MinivanMegafun100]

First video I've watched of yours. I got a couple laughs ("I'm just going to spend it on shampoo and conditioner.") Good video. I did think the Ebow sounded a bit softer on standard mode than the Joyo.

[@mehmetaliislamturk254]

Joyo I will buy.

[@michaelmattson3515]

Thanks for the show. I have two Ebow’s. One black no over harmonic a grey one with over harmonic dual switch. Plus a Fernandes sustainer guitar. Now I’m looking at the Freqout pedal made by Digitech.

[@Ronbob59]

I think the Ebow sounded better. Smoother tones, easier on the ears. The other seemed harsh.... Ron

[@BrianMason1000]

Yes the EBOW is way better

[@larssmith6780]

also it’s 100$ more in my country...

[@jrandallmoore]

I total agree Ronbob59!

[@rudstar64]

@@larssmith6780yeah 😬

[@longsnapper5381]

Ordered an eBow last night on Amazon and woke up today to your video. Thanks KZbin. I was able to get the eBow for $39 using rewards due on a credit card or I would've cancelled the eBow for the Joyo in a heartbeat. Thanks for making pertinent videos for us. You have a new subscriber.

[@RocktCityTim]

Still have my original eBow from the early 80s. Take a look at Big Country's "In a Big Country" for some of the first use of the eBow.

[@johnhanover2229]

Still experimenting with my ebow, I have external jacks and smaller pickups on ukuleles. Using magnetic tape and magnets themselves to bounce that signal. I have three pedals from Joyo they are awesome.

[@TheMegrims]

I actually liked the Joyo better, the Ebow has the mellow, soft violin tone that it’s famous for but I liked the cicada tone on the Joyo, I also think you could get the same mellow sound by wheeling back on your tone knob or positioning the Joyo further away from the top of the pickup. I think it’ll be a great addition for anyone that owns a Ravish Sitar pedal and is into Indian ragas and drones.

[@Steven-u5w]

I think I would prefer to stick with ebow I truly wished I'd never given mine away. It was when I was in the position not playing guitar for personally unable to stay with ebow I would love to cry through chorus. Stacked compressors and the touch of reverb etc. And there's other effects to I can think of Wow, enjoyed the video. Keep up the nice nice work. It's wonderful. Thanks for the inspiration. I must get myself an ebow

[@yaegtr]

Man… This is the best video of E-Bow

[@borjaavila2497]

They both sound very similar but I found ebow smoother than the joyo…The question is why did not nobody create a multi sustainer for the six strings of the guitar at the same time and with the option of muting by clicking on a tiny button?

[@Impenetrable_Walls_of_Heaven]

Maybe you should make one ? Haha good idea

[@podoz]

i've read many of your comments and everyone is avoiding the most important question, which shampoo and conditioner do you use?

[@muchachogrande2019]

Does Phil Collen use an actual e-bow? I always thought he used a built in sustainer system, or I know he has one in more than a few of his guitars at least.

[@GuitarMAXMusic]

I believe he used an E-bow on the original recordings but now he uses a sustainer system for live playing.

[@muchachogrande2019]

@@GuitarMAXMusic aaaw that'd make sense for sure. I love Phil's journey with gear over the years and how different it is compared to other guys as they've aged. Like he seems to prefer hotter and hotter pickups the older he gets, hasn't moved away from his ridiculous heavy strings, and then he's like hey I'm gonna start using sheet metal guitar picks 😆.

[@andershine]

Okay, Danzig. Great vid!

[@zepp3lin]

I don't need an e bow or the joyo version, just a hassle when you need it. I used a sustainiac and it sounded way awesome and convenient.

[@ethancheng1595]

keep in mind though, we have been hearing music made with the ebow for decades. in many ways we've been conditioned or "taught" to prefer the ebow sound. For me, as long as it's not functionally broken like the tc electronics aeon, a player can make music with the Joyo with a different set of aesthetics that's not necessary identical with the ebow.

[@jonathanaspinall736]

Good point

[@sebjulien3]

When JOYO release this device, I commented on the same day that it was 20$ more than the real thing and asking them what are they now smoking (because even their amp are a lot more expensive now). It seem they adjusted the price of this one at least.

[@soxaboo]

I got the joyo and found it to be great (I tried both) and as you said, £30 better in my pocket 😊😊

[@robertbuck7186]

I like the ebow sound you could tell that their was a difference in the let's say smoothness of it...

[@AlekVila]

Great video! Can you tell us about the construction? Does the battery compartment and door differ significantly?

[@gabrielferrazdesantana8333]

Danzig! -5 lol

[@OHomemQueSonha]

Dude, nice video. Tanx for sharing such knowledge

[@danepaulstewart8464]

I had to listen three times to be sure... I was surprised to find that I prefer the Joyo by a good margin. It all depends on the sound you’re after.

[@goodtunes9574]

You have a great sense of humor. I have an eBow from the 80’s, a very cool device. The Joyo seems legit.

[@hoosierdaddy2308]

Great video. I'm loving that HB guitar too.. killer looking tele copy.. Here in Indiana the sustainer is made. Used to be called Maniac music I believe. The original sustainer in the Kramer guitars back in the day. Still in Indianapolis

[@theelodgeovkeku]

that intro ❤

[@rcameron4091]

Thanks for the vid . Subscribed . Hair looks good . LOL

[@sumitsolomon6877]

You had me at the Shampoo and conditioner. 😀

[@MedalionDS9]

Can hear the U2 influence in the playing... some Love is Blindness

[@markfanelli5293]

I was really hoping to like the Joyo better as im on the budget. But I don't think anything beats the tone of the EBow Harmonic Mode

[@scotty1time]

Ebow seemed a tiny bit smoother. I'll stick with my Sustainiac though.

[@Brokeninc]

I have a Sound Stone and I can't tell if it's crap or if I'm crap... lol So I'm looking into others to see. Thank you for making this vid.

[@ashikurrahamankhan5688]

It'll sound super emotional on a fretless guitar playing some slide stuffs.thank u man❤

[@micPfleAmig]

This is really cool...nice for ambience tune...

[@riffdigger2133]

Would have liked to hear the melody of the eBow played thru a Wah Wah pedal just for fun. I like the appearance of my pewter eBow although it is a bit heavy. Is it worth $30 more? Probably not. I was impressed that they did include a double set of batteries and a black velvet purse. I'm glad there is brand competition.

[@Vengeance0117]

Can you do a video on your gym routine and hair washing routine? Low key we wanna see Max.

[@vikingmetaldragon]

I've had an ebow for about 15 years. Fun to tamper with, always felt very restrictive. I couldn't stand isolating to one string in order to hold the vibration sustain effect.

[@kevone-eo6pq]

you can switch strings with practice.

[@shawnshipstad8883]

I agree- they are the same. I remember Ebow from the 70s. . It beats a pedal. Great job-Good luck!!

[@helcat3567]

Hi Max that's an interesting little device. Forgive my ignorance but I have never seen them befor. I think it's cool. for me the white one sounded better than the gray one. take care from your pal Helcat in Australia.

[@waylong25]

...That's -5 points for the Danzig reference. C'mon, getcha head in the game! Just messin Max, this is a sweet device!

[@davidcharles-williams8575]

Bang on excellent review.

[@ethnicalbert]

The ebow has more bass? is what it sounds like? I prefer it

[@vortex4344]

Love your content man keep the content coming ❤

[@IgorHatesEverything]

Subscribed. This is the first time I've come across your reviews, and you do very good work. Good playing, no pointless talking, no stupid jokes. Just a succinct and useful review.

[@dmatzo]

I have an ebow. I'd say I got it new in the 90's. It has no "harmonic" switch/option. I've always wondered about this a little. I doubt I'm missing much...

[@hartleyroadmusic]

Love my Ebow! Doesn't get much use, but it's a cool device when you need that infinite sustain effect. I used it on my Linkin Park Iridescent acoustic cover. Check it out!

[@cowboyjr9257]

You should review the Fender lt-25 modeling amplifier

[@johnlopez3996]

The Edge used a guitar with an infinite sustain for "With of Without You". Michael Brook designed it.

[@DaisyHollowBooks]

I think I liked the Joyo better. Seemed brighter? Could be my imagination...

[@benheaver4332]

Shout out to Danzig ,, great playing ,,🤘great demo

[@Xalikus]

What if I use more than one string on my guitar

[@patricelecanu6150]

hello buddy thank you for your work your are a great musician

[@Konnichiwa80]

Simon HInkler from The Mission uses one for most of their songs

[@stefanhansen5882]

How about battery life? Thanks!

[@toddplymale5359]

Hi Max, You must be reading my mind, because, 5 seconds before you made the comment about the money you saved would be going down the drain on shampoo and conditioner, I was thinking man he must be using a ton of conditioner on his hair, I kid you not, man that's spooky! I live in a man cave and don't get out much, because I've never heard of any of those devices, Joyo or Ebow! You know that is kind of cool! But if I had one, and with the money I'll saved, I would build a bracket to hold it in place, so I could hold my beer with my free hand! No, but really that is kind of cool, but I think I would rather have a guitar from Schecter's that has the Sustainiac. Humm.. I'm not sure, let me see, Joyo $70 or Sustainiac $1,329 I don't know.... Thanks Max great video, keep up the good work! I love your channel your the best! Great hair by the way, and I wasn't kidding about the conditioner! That's Spooky man! Todd P./USA

[@bradleestone5344]

😄 👻

[@In-Ear-Studio]

Nice review! I’ve been searching and I can’t find, how can i have a guitar chord sound infinite or stable just with a single strumming. What do you suggest? This is just for a single string it seems :)

[@GuitarMAXMusic]

Yes, this really only works on single strings, for chords you need something like a Sustainiac pickup, but that has to be installed into the guitar.

[@keithpadden8684]

I thought the original elbow had a more smooth tone and the joyo a slight metallic tone however would this show in the mix with a full band ?

[@craigkierulff]

Shampoo and conditioner 🤣🤣 well played sir....

[@Glamosapien]

Im a shredy boy but over the last year or so ive been vibing with ambient style . Which is great i can experiment and fuck around with a clean sound in a totally different and ethereal way. But damn why the ebows gotta be so spensive xD ill have one at some point but at least i have a volume pedal

[@ZakarooNetwork]

Are you Used Brand New Batteries from the same Package for Both?

[@charlesrubitschung7592]

They both sound the same but Joyo did make their Sustainer sound so good it works great

[@dkehrerproductions]

Ebows are cool .I had one back in the 90s ,I could not put it down .

[@kurtphipps7823]

Cool sounds

[@DrCristaras]

Minus 5 points for the Danzig reference. Still laughed though :P

[@ubmastering]

Honestly could not make heads or tails due to the delay and reverb effects. I would have rather seen a demo using a clean non effected sound. Then maybe a lead effected example at the end for some flair.