• From: Amsterdam
  • Registered: 2007-10-06
  • Posts: 5,249

Topic: Wireless (?)

I think this is my first (and probably last) ever topic in this forum and I apologize in advance for intruding into an area I know nothing about. wink

My question is both general and specific: why would a guitarist (performer) have a preference for wireless or not? Specifically to Joe: why have you switched to wireless now, this year? What were your considerations for changing?

As a layman, it seems obvious to me that any guitarist would prefer the freedom of movement afforded by being wireless. As far as I am aware, wireless technology has been around for decades already, and I presume that there is no loss of quality, which makes me wonder why Joe hasn't used it before (to my knowledge). I'm going by my live experiences seeing Joe over the last couple of years as well as all the clips I've seen, and I don't recall seeing Joe wireless before.

Just wondering. wink

RIP Iron Man

Rock On and keep the Faith

2 Reply by JBSRV (edited by JBSRV 2009-03-30 03:26:19)

  • JBSRV
  • JBSRV
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  • From: Colorado Springs-Colorado
  • Registered: 2008-07-04
  • Posts: 1,047

Re: Wireless (?)

Well I don't know too much about this (except that my cables always get tangled and it's ANNOYING big_smile)

I do know that Buddy Guy uses wireless because he likes to walk out into the crowd during a song or two and play in with the fans. The one problem when I saw him was as he got further away from the stage, a guy would have to hold out a big antenna to pick up the signal and from time to time it would get lost and the solo would cut out. Other than that it sounded the same to me.

As to Joe, he is moving around more on stage so I would guess that's why he uses it now. It works fine for him smile.

I would imagine that going the wireless route would cause a few more grey hairs. Maybe it's unreliable when traveling across the country and world. That's why I would guess more people don't use wireless.

Sorry I can't help more.

-Eric

"It makes it sound like the amp is about ready to explode, that's because it IS about ready to explode." -Joe

"I've come all the way from Colorado... Long way from my home. Give me the hammer that killed John Henry..." The Ballad Of John Henry

3 Reply by NPB_EST.1979 (edited by NPB_EST.1979 2009-03-30 15:39:26)

  • From: Detroit
  • Registered: 2006-06-02
  • Posts: 5,807

Re: Wireless (?)

Let's see... where to begin.

I'd say Joe used cables because they were more dependable and got a better signal. No batteries. Also, Joe was playing smaller venues. I also remember Joe used to use Planet Waves cables and they were constantly getting worn out and replaced. I don't know what cables he was using since HTCT.

I think bigger places, I'd want to go wireless too. Plus I believe that every year that goes by wireless companies are building better and better stuff. And the tangles do suck. I'll continue to use 20 foot cables live until there's a place I cannot reach on stage with it! lol...

- Nic from Detroit... posting on JB's Forum since 6-2-2006
Ask me about my handwound Great Lakes Guitar Pickups
Since 2010, Bonamassa fans have taken advantage of my JB friend discount = my cost + shipping. cool
  • Registered: 2008-11-01
  • Posts: 103

Re: Wireless (?)

We can't speak for Joe but I agree with NPB, when you're on larger stages having a good wireless system makes moving around much easier as well as changing guitars quickly.
High end wireless systems accept a number signal packs without popping or other noises, have good range and the signal is very close to that of a guitar cord.
That being said, there is some signal loss compared to a chord but with today's systems, especially the new digital systems, wireless units have made large bounds in signal quality.
Going by some of the digital units available today I'm guessing that within another year or two the quality will be so good that chords won't be missed on larger venues and with today's long lasting rechargeable batteries and battery packs it'll make things a lot easier for a lot of touring performers.
I'm talking about high end systems though. On the lower end 300-400 analog systems tone really seems to be affected on a number of systems. The biggest problems I've found on those is some degradation of high end signal and some sustain issues with some units. I've used 4 or 5 different consumer priced wireless sets over the years and always went back to cords because you do notice the difference.