There are various reasons why people and companies are shifting wireless, and the electric guitar industry hasn’t been left behind.
That’s why electric guitars can be wireless.
It means the guitarists don’t have to worry about the guitar wires, and that’s one less thing to worry about, thus enhancing comfort.
The guitarists can say goodbye to tripping over the electric guitar cables during performances, which calls for a celebration.
Most importantly, that doesn’t mean you won’t be connecting the guitar to an amp since it is no secret that its significance in determining its sound output is indisputable.
So, how do these connections occur, and how good or bad is the idea of a wireless electric guitar?
There’s only one way to find out hence the need to keep reading.
How to Play Electric Guitar Without the Wire
You can liken a wireless guitar system to a wireless mic.
So, the transmitter is the major component that ensures you play an electric guitar without the cable.
The majority of guitarists often attach this bodypack transmitter to the strap of the electric guitar.
It comes with a short cable of about a quarter of an inch that the guitar player plugs into the guitar.
The plugging concept doesn’t differ from how one plugs in the typical guitar cable.
Following the relevant connection, the transmitter can transmit the electric guitar signal to its amp receiver or even a PA system if that’s what you are using to amplify it.
What is the Cost of a Wireless Electric Guitar
Regarding wireless electric guitars, expect it to come at a cost.
It is no secret that cabled electric guitars are way cheaper than their wireless counterparts.
Whereas some can be cheaper than that, although they won’t guarantee high quality, the average price of a guitar wireless system is about $60.
That said, don’t be surprised to find a relatively expensive wireless guitar system costing $1200 and above, but these are high-end.
So, should you go for cheap wireless guitar systems or expensive ones?
The main determinant when making such a choice is your budget since you can’t buy what you can’t afford.
However, that’s not the only thing to consider since your needs also matter when choosing your wireless guitar system.
For instance, whereas the cheaper ones are suitable for practicing, you may want to consider an expensive system if you intend to use it as a band and for various live performances.
Lastly, the brand you settle for will also determine the money you spend on a wireless electric guitar system.
What Are the Advantages of a Wireless Electric Guitar?
One has several reasons to go wireless regarding electric guitars, including the following;
Flexibility
Since a wireless electric guitar doesn’t use cables, you rarely trip over wires.
Besides, you can move around without worrying about the cable getting stuck or being pulled too much.
Excellent Range
Unlike wired electric guitars with a range of 20 to 30 feet, an electric one has a superior one.
The range is usually between 50 and 200 feet, thus enhancing the player’s freedom of movement further.
What Are the Disadvantages of a Wireless Electric Guitar?
As you consider shifting to a wireless electric guitar, consider the following setbacks;
Incompatibility With Active Pickups
It is no secret that active pickups’ output is higher than passive pickups.
Consequently, almost every guitarist playing heavy music genres will settle for them.
However, the pickups often need battery power and hardly go well with the transmitter of a wireless guitar system due to signal interference.
It explains why you must choose a wireless electric guitar wisely to avoid these incompatibility problems.
Short Battery Life
Unlike their cabled counterpart, wireless electric guitars rely on batteries as their power source.
Therefore, a wireless electric guitar doesn’t get a continuous power supply.
Equally important, the batteries don’t last long hence unsuitable for long performances.
Alternatively, one can have spare batteries and replace those that drain out of charge to avoid interruptions.
Latency Issues
Delays usually arise due to a noticeable lag between when a guitarist stums the wireless guitar strings and when its amplifier receives that signal.
It may not be an issue during solo performances, but the case is different if you play as a band.
After all, it will be noticeable as its timing may contradict the other instruments the rest of the band members play during a performance.
Interference
Equally important, wireless electric guitars are prone to interfere since they use radio frequencies.
It often occurs between the transmitter and the wireless receiver, but the good news is that it is avoidable too.
How Do You Choose a Wireless Guitar System?
When choosing a wireless guitar system, consider the following;
Select the Most Suitable Wireless Guitar System Transmission Mode.
The choice is usually between the digital and the analog wireless guitar systems.
Analog systems use a wireless frequency band for transmission, which is popular for reliability and straightforwardness.
However, these systems have issues revolving around range and interference.
On the other side, digital systems are designed to fix their analog counterparts’ issues.
Choose what’s best for you, and never overlook compatibility.
Identify Your Budget.
Based on your budget, choose the wireless guitar that you can afford.
The price can be as low as $40, but the average systems cost up to $200 depending on features and brand.
Expect others to cost thousands of dollars.
Consider Other Features.
Besides the transmission and budget, other factors, including battery life, range, and frequency, make a huge difference.
For instance, the battery life can be between 5 and 12 hours.
The range can be as small as 50 feet and as big as 200 feet, but others offer more as long as it is in the line of sight.
Most wireless frequencies range from -2.4 GHz to 5.8 GHz; whereas the former is overcrowded, its range is better.
With all those considerations, expect to settle for a great wireless guitar system.
References
https://sandymusiclab.com/can-electric-guitars-be-wireless/
https://rockshopguitars.com/learning-guides/can-electric-guitars-be-wireless/
