Built-In Wireless - Has it been tried?

[ogrossman]

I searched the threads and couldn't find anything about this idea. Why can't a wireless transmitter be built into a bass (or guitar for that matter)? I figure the 1/4 inch jack could double as a place to bring out the antenna and also serve as the power switch. I don't think the circuit board would have to be that big so there doesn't seem to be any major disadvantage.

[funkydanbass]

Stefan Lessard from DMB had the wireless transmitter mounted in the back of his bass.

[wemedge]

don't know the pros and cons of it, but Brad Gillis of Nightranger did that to this strat way back when.

I think there were a couple of commercially-made guitars available with wireless units back in the '80s too.

wemedge

[GreyBeard]

Wireless technology is and emerging thing. Wireless systems that were top shelf 10 yrs ago are old technology today. However a 10 yr old bass can hardly be considered old tech.

[cybersnyder]

I think Nady tried a line of guitars/basses that had wireless built in. But they were crap instruments and never sold well. It just too easy to attach it to your strap to justify adding the weight and complexity to an instrument.

[Stuggi]

Larry Graham had this in one of his Jazzes at a point, no specs though. :/

[Jumbotron]

My first electric guitar was a JB Player that had a wireless transmitter built in (stock). I never used it, since I didn't have the receiver, but the music store guys I talked to about it said the idea never really worked that well. Sometimes I'd put a battery in anyway, just to make a light turn red.

Seems to me that the more stuff you build into an instrument, the more trouble you're asking for, especially when it comes to upgrading, reliability, etc.

[DirtPoorRobins]

I thought a lot of pros had built in wireless? I know Leann Rimes' bassist does on all his basses that he tours with.