
Ever feel like you can’t leap around onstage like EVH, while hitting that climactic bend, because you feel anchored by a spider web of cords?
Fortunately, nowadays there are wireless guitar systems, which actually do work pretty well, while being affordable more affordable than the past.
Though, you’re probably wondering, is it a good choice to use a wireless guitar system, and if so what are the main factors to consider when choosing one?
That’s precisely what this guide will seek to cover. While we’re at that, we’ll also show you a few popular options to get you started with your research of what’s out there. Curious to find out more? Then keep scrolling!
The Pros & Cons of Wireless Guitar Systems
To really ensure that wireless guitar systems are the right choice for you, you’ll want to inform yourself with the advantages and disadvantages they bring. If you see great stage potential (or even just at-home convenience) of these systems, and you’re okay with any cons that may come about, you can feel much more confident about making a lasting addition to your rig.
Pros
If you’re reading this, you probably already know the pros which wireless guitar systems offer; namely, they allow you to dash about onstage, unshackled to your amplifier. It’s all about the freedom of mobility, much like having wireless headphones instead of wired headphones; you don’t realize how much you love it until you try it.
With that freedom, you can undoubtedly increase your stage prescence by reacting spontaneously with the music, while feeling less anxiety about tripping hazards, getting tangled, or perhaps your guitar cable catching on something and unplugging at crucial musical moments.
Also, there are other benefits which might be personal to you. For example, owners of dogs might actually unexpectedly like these wireless guitar systems for home use, in case their puppies chew on the cables. Or, if you’d simply like to walk around the house with your guitar “plugged-in”, but still be able to make walk to the kitche, making yourself a coffee with your guitar still slung on your shoulder, these systems can offer you that freedom of mobility.
Cons
Really, the main con of wireless guitar systems is that it creates another layer of complexity to your guitar rig. If you’re okay with sacrificing extra complexity for the beautiful convenience they offer, then you might be a good candidate to try them out.
For example, as long as you’re cable doesn’t fray at its ends, you can feel pretty confident that it’ll always work, no matter how long it’s sat in your closet. However, with wireless guitar systems, the electronics can break, or even just run out of batteries at a crucial time.
In fact, battery life is probably the main caveat of purchasing these systems these days. In the past, signal range, radio reliability, and latency were points of concern, but these days most good systems cover those bases quite well. Generally, know that especially with wireless guitar systems you get what you pay for.
Types of Wireless Guitar Systems
There are essentially 3 types of wireless guitar systems on the market. The main difference between them being the actual type of connection they use to communicate.
VHF systems
These were one of the first ones to appear. These systems use frequencies ranging from 30 MHz to 300MHz, which is the same range that TV and radio devices use.
As this technology is a bit outdated, they tend to be less expensive than the other types. However, they are much more susceptible to interference, mainly because the frequency range they use is pretty crowded with other devices.
UHF systems
These utilize the 300MHz to 3GHz frequency range. Because of this, there is still a slight possibility of interference, but at a much lower level than the UHF ones.
Generally speaking, they aren’t necessarily pricey and offer a pretty good experience.
Digital systems
Digital systems use technology similar to WiFi routers.
However, this doesn’t mean that they can pick up interference from WiFi-enabled devices that easily. In terms of lack of interference and overall experience, they tend to be your best bet.
So, what’s the bottom line?
Well, if you’re looking for the best wireless guitar system for the money, UHF and digital ones are your best choice, depending on how much money you’re willing to spend.
What are the Most Important Features to Watch Out For?
Depending on your specific needs, you may find some features as more important than others.
Range
The range is definitely important unless you plan on using a wireless system for jamming with your friends in a garage.
Depending on the size of the venue you’re most commonly playing in, you’re going to want to get a system that offers a big enough range.
However, if you need a 50-foot range, don’t go for a system that lists exactly that as the maximum specs.
Going slightly over that number means that the system will operate at an optimal level at all times. You want your signal as strong and consistent as possible
Setup Process
An easy setup process can greatly reduce the time needed for you and your band to set up on stage.
While using a cable is as simple as popping it into your guitar and amp, a wireless system needs to be properly set up, especially if other bandmates use one.
So, take your time, studying each model you’re thinking about buying and get yourself something simple yet effective enough for your own particular needs.
Battery Life
This is perhaps the most essential feature, for example if you have long set lists to cover during shows.
Different models use different options, either rechargeable cells, or your standard AAA batteries.
Personally, I prefer devices that have their own rechargeable battery, but you can still go for an AAA battery charger alongside rechargeable batteries of that kind, and always have spare ones in your guitar case.
Automatic frequency selection
This is a very handy feature which, as the name might suggest, automatically chooses the nearest frequency that’s not being used, and locks in at that channel.
This allows you to simply press a button, and not worry about finding a good enough frequency and establishing a strong connection.
Reviews of the Best Wireless Guitar Systems for the Money
Alright! Now that you’re better equipped to both decide if buying a wireless guitar system would be a smart choice for your situation, and which factors to look out for when purchasing one, here are a few suggested products we have to help get things started for your research and final decisions. Hope this helps!