Boss WL-50chat_bubble_outlineFrom real comments

Multiple users report the WL-50 does not work properly with active pickups (EMG, Seymour Duncan actives, Baggs Anthem), producing pulsing noise or no sound at all. Commenters feel Boss doesn't adequately warn buyers, forcing costly workarounds.

@briansage3824

These don't work with active pick up's, Boss know this but just seem to be ignoring it instead of addressing the issue - BE WARNED!launch

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December 14, 2024

@mikesgarageandmore

Hi , I’ve used the wl50 for a few years. My bass player wants one but has active pickups. Do you think he could buy a wl 20l and wl50 and combine them to make it work?launch

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November 16, 2024

@zoomzoom3950

I use guitars and basses with passive and active pickups; the WL-20 should have an active/passive switch instead of two different models.\n\nWhile I'm at it, how about a smaller GK pickup too?\n\nc'mon Boss.launch

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March 6, 2022

@bruceciccarelli6118

Thanks soooo much for this video. I just bought the 20L and tried it tonight at practice and got that “pulsing” sound with my Godin A6. I tried it in my Godin A12 and got NO sound .... both have active pickups. I will try the adapter that you mentioned tomorrow - thanks againlaunch

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May 22, 2019

Several users report severe cutting out due to home WiFi or other 2.4GHz devices, with one calling the unit useless even close to the receiver, and another reporting on-going dropouts prompting them to switch to a pricier Shure system.

@KelsterVonShredster

I have the WL-50 and only use it at home and have had nothing but on-going drop outs and really sick of it.....going to upgrade to the Shure system that costs almost double and hopefully actually works.launch

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December 16, 2025

@iancurrie8844

These are trash. I recently tried the WL-50 and, thinking it was defective, returned it for a WL-20. Neither would work even 2ft from each other. Tried an amazon \"new bee\" no name thing and it works perfectly fine. I love Boss but these are garbage.launch

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November 4, 2023

@iancurrie8844

I recently got one of these and it’s useless. Breaks up from 3 feet away. I ended up with an amazon no name Chinese one for $30 and it works perfectly fine at the same 2.4ghz.launch

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October 22, 2023

@adam05270

My wife bought me one for an early Father’s Day present. Unfortunately I have WiFi in my house and so do my neighbors. WiFi renders the WL-50 completely useless. It cuts in and out constantly no matter how far I place the receiver from the router. Even when I turn my WiFi off this system starts cutting out as soon as I go to another room, even with line of sight. I’m probably going to have her return it if I can’t make it work properly. I feel bad because it was a gift but if it doesn’t work then I would rather my wife get her money back.launch

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May 29, 2019

The transmitter protrudes noticeably from the guitar, which commenters worry invites breakage, looks bad on certain guitar bodies, and may not fit recessed jacks like some Telecasters or specific Ibanez models without modification.

@macbeth4701

Hi, i have an ibanez Az Series, the Boss WL20 wont fit in the guitar jack. How do i solve this problem?launch

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May 3, 2019

@669rd

The transmitter that’s hanging out from the bottom of the guitar seems like an invitation for breakage. And I don’t think you can play it sitting down with the guitar upright.launch

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August 11, 2018

@ninocaruncho

Will this work on a the recessed plug of a telecaster? I have something similar by another brand and it won't fully go in a telecaster plug.launch

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August 2, 2018

@PaulMeUnder

I have no doubt this will be a market leading project as when Boss does it, they do it so damn well (pedal board friendly receiver...brilliant!) But my issue with all these wireless units coming out is the bulky transmitter. I still prefer something attached to my strap at the back with a lead to the guitar where its out of sight and and not impacting on the aesthetic of the guitar or getting in the way if the jack input is on the front of the guitar. They look terrible on a 335 :( Come on Matt, have a word with the designers and make this another option then you will have all bases covered.launch

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June 14, 2018

When the internal battery degrades, replacement requires special tools and soldering skills, and a full replacement transmitter costs over $200, making long-term ownership costly for non-technical users.

@mojorisen74

I really like mine, My wife has one as well. The only thing that's disappointing is battery replacement (when the time comes) is quite a job. The rechargeable battery is no longer available in the US, there is a similar battery that should work but just the replacement is going to be a pain, it involves having a special screwdriver to take the transmitter apart, then you have to unplug and unsolder the circuit board from the battery. The replacement transmitter is over $200.00 and the batteries are around $20.00 so if you're handy with a soldering gun it would be the best optionlaunch

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January 4, 2026

@jeffheslop55

less than 3years, and it holds a charge for 20mins if lucky. Can't find anywhere in the UK that sell battery to fit. In the BIN it goes.\nback to AKG that use AAA battery.launch

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February 6, 2024

The transmitter needs 320mA to charge, which exceeds the output capacity of some common pedalboard power supplies, forcing users to buy a dedicated higher-capacity supply or use an extra 9V adapter.

@sus6472

I think your voodoo lab's maximum draw is 250ma with output 5 or 6 if you got the pp2, and i've seen in the manual that wl 50 needs 320ma for charging. That's the reason why it doesn't charged i think...launch

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November 5, 2018

@minitom74

what i'm curious about , is my pedal power is already designated to certain pedals with certain requirements. the wL50 is a 60ma draw for transmission, and a 320ma draw when charging. i'd likely have to spend the dough to get a dedicated 500ma power supply just to be a able to run the unit and charge the transmitter without having to have the separate 9v adapter powering the unit. cos face it, another adapter cable running to my pedal board is just something else to fail, or be forgotten when setting up.launch

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August 5, 2018

Users criticize the continued use of Micro-USB instead of USB-C, noting the newer connector is cheap to implement, more durable, and reversible.

@PeterUrbanec

Time to update to USB-C, just like everyone else making devices that use a USB connector. Micro-USB is a show stopper here.launch

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July 1, 2025

@5urg3x

MicroUSB is kind of a crappy connector. Should've done USB type-C. Type-C only costs a few cents more per connector for manufacturers, but will last MUCH longer, also it's a double sided connector, meaning there's no wrong way to plug it in.launch

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December 15, 2018

A user bought the WL-50 for an electro-acoustic instrument only to find it incompatible with built-in preamps, and swapping to the WL-20L didn't solve it either, leaving them without a working solution.

@Cederuiter

I bought this for my electro-acoustic bass ukulele. Unfortunately it is not compatible with an instrument with a pre-amp... I am so disappointed! I spent a lot of money and now I am left with nothing. At the shop where I bought the set, they could exchange it for the WL20 L, but that didn't work either. Now I will have to drag my 3 meter long heavy wire. I couldn't find any support on the Boss website and it took the guys at the shop to find out this is not compatible with an instrument with a pre-amp. Please Boss, warn buyers about this!launch

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December 15, 2023