Fake Guitars Gone Real

Logitech Premium Guitar

Logitech’s announcement today that they are bringing an “authentic” guitar controller for use with the PS2/PS3 versions of Guitar Hero: World Tour gives us two of these Wanna Be Real Guitarist fake guitars out there. Initially Mad Catz had announced a Fender Squire Stratocaster retrofitted with all the controlling mechanisms for use with Rock Band, alongside a replica bass controller. Of the two, only the replica bass is currently available. It can be found here.

Along with all the previously noted peripherals is one I just found recently. Peak has come out with a line of Starpex Premium Guitar Controllers for PS2 and PS3. No word yet but I’ll assume for now that they’ll come to the 360 as soon as they decide whether or not they’re going to spring for the wireless capabilities.

Peak Starpex Guitar

For a price tag anywhere from 60 to 200 dollars these guitars are not cheap. Cheap in price, or in quality. The precision bass has dual strum bars allowing for quicker upstrums using two fingers, along with a larger more lifelike size. The full sized replicas? Well, they’re big. They’re also super durable. At least thats the word on the street.

This is my question: Is it worth it?

I’m a proud owner of the ION Drum Rocker premium drum set. It has been a great way to get used to playing cymbals and pads during the course of a song. I have already started beginning my transition into the REAL drumming world with it. These guitars on the other hand, give you no bridge to the authentic playing world. They simply look real. So I decided to break it down using the Pro & Con list format.

Pros:

• Look SO GOOD
• Should last forever given the high quality of materials used
• Excellent way to make fellow gamers jealous
• In the case of the precision bass, lets you play quicker upstrums (which is the only way to play bass and keep it interesting)
• A star power button underneath the strummer on both the Peak and Logitech guitars for those who are frightened by the tilt

Cons:

• Quite expensive
• not real guitars, so you may catch some flak from real guitar playing friends and family

Looking at that list it seems like my initial reaction was about right. If you have the money, go for it. They are all attractive and you’ll be sure to impress everyone at your next Rock Band party. Unless you are a bass fanatic I’d wait until they come out with the wireless version of the precision bass, those should be out earlier next year.

For those arguing against my judgement, keep this in mind. The greatest thing about Rock Band, Guitar Hero, and all the other “wish we could do it that well” rythm games popping up is that they cultivate a better appreciation for music among people who might never have experienced some of the tunes in the game. I would bet more people have picked up a real instrument because of these games than you could imagine, and it is my opinion that anything that further promotes the playing of these games is a great thing for gaming and an even greater one for music!