Wireless guitars are great, without cables to trip on the life expectancy of an energetic guitarist is greatly increased. However, they are expensive, way more expensive than wireless microphone systems. In fact, if you're like me, you might happen to come into a wireless microphone system for free. Using it for your guitar is a ultra-simple hack that almost anyone can do in less than an hour.

Step 1: Tools and Materials

Tools required:

Soldering iron
Wire strippers
Drill and 3/8" bit
1/2" wrench

Materials required:

1/4" guitar jack
Solder

Step 2: Disassemble

Before you rip into the mic, test that it works! It could save headaches later.

Most of these mics just screw together to allow for the occasional cleaning. Twist the top off and pull out the microphone-holding center piece. Cut the wires as long as you can so that there is enough slack that the wires don't break when the microphone is screwed back together. If there isn't enough you may need to extend them a few inches.

Step 3: Drilling the Top

Using the 3/8" drill, drill a hole in the top of the microphone, through the mesh. Using a drill press and vice is best for this, since it is likely to snag on the mesh. Do be careful.

Once the hole is drilled, apply some tape around the inside, on the top of the mesh, and beneath. Its likely that if the guitar jack makes electrical contact with the housing of the mic, it won't work properly. I had this problem and I solved it with tape.

Step 4: Wire the Jack

Strip the ends of the two old microphone wires and solder them to the lugs of the 1/4" guitar jack. I guessed that the red one was signal and green one was ground, but I don't think it matters. If there is an issue, try flipping the wires.

Step 5: Re-assembly

Push the jack up into the microphone head and attach using the included washer and nut. Tighten with the 1/2" wrench.

Screw the head of the mic back onto the body. Plug it in and test it out!

Step 6: Bonus Step: Belt Loop

If you've got some rubber, sheet metal or leather around, you can make a simple belt loop for the mic so that the antenna is exposed. It's likely it won't fit in your pocket very well.

Cut a 5" strip of rubber, punch two holes in the ends
Cut a strip of aluminum sheet metal
Drill a hole in it
Bend it over an edge into a tight U shape
Assemble with a screw and nut

A belt loop keeps the mic nearby for a short patch cable.

Step 7: Ready to Use!

Jack in, plug in the receiver, and hit the on switch, and your amp will roar to life with musical power. I found that I had to keep my guitar below about 3 on the volume knobs otherwise there was distortion, the pickups in a guitar create a more powerful passive signal than the microphone element must have.