Doing Things Wrong

KMise Wireless Transmitter

Transmitter, the receiver is almost identical.

First, I am bound to state that I received this item at no cost for review. Having gotten that out of the way …

I always wanted to try a wireless transmitter, so when lotmusic offered me this one for review, naturally I accepted. The design is simple. An internal battery in each piece is charged by USB, Y-cable provided. A mechanical on/off switch conserves power.

Wireless transmission is on the ubiquitous 2.4 GHz band, the same as many other things including Bluetooth, Wifi, and microwave ovens. This makes it prone to interference, at least in theory. In practice, I have not had any issues, nor needed to change the wireless channel.

The sound is clear and strong, with no noise, as you would expect from a digital connection. Sounds fine with both guitar and bass. Also, and perhaps most important, there is no discernable delay, as you often get with Bluetooth audio.

The only drawback is the lack of a hinge on the plug. Depending on your guitar, this leaves the sender unit jutting out at an awkward angle where it really looks like it is in harm's way. Probably not good for wild stage antics. Also not so good for seated playing. However, units with such a hinge cost considerably more, and if you just want something for bedroom use, this is fine. You could also use a short extension cord and put it in your pocket.

Finally, it does fit a recessed Strat jack. So if you are on a budget and can be a little careful with it, recommended. Buy on Amazon:

https://amazon.com/gp/product/B0875VMN6L?ref=ppx_pt2_dt_b_prod_image


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In addition to my alternative marker dots, I'm also looking for 'non-luthier' alternatives to side markers, and here is one. These are bits of 3/32" brass rod, set in a piece of scrap maple as a test. Foot-long lengths of 3/32" and 1/16" rod are available from hobby shops for around a buck; they are used by model builders. I pre-drilled the holes, tapped the rod in like a nail, and cut it off slightly proud. Working the brass is just like dressing fret ends, in fact, you could do it at the same time. I also found some aluminum rods on eBay. At the size of a dot, aluminum should come out looking just like pearl. This is like Danelectro used to do back in the '60s. Steel would be much harder to work, and also prone to corrosion, so I wouldn't use ordinary nails, but small brass ones would work. Always pre-drill hardwoods. I pushed in a dimple with a pointed scribe, then deepened it with a spring punch before drilling. Chuck the drill bit so just a 1/4" protrudes. That will keep it from flexing, which can be a problem at these sizes.

Printed from luthierylabs.com