Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)This is hands down the best RB/GH Guitar Controller my family has tried. And we have tried many on multiple systems for both Rock Band I and II as well as the various Guitar Hero versions.
The guitar is full sized with the look, weight and feel of a real guitar. Probably too large and heavy for smaller children, but not a problem for older children, teenagers and adults. The neck is full length, but the fret buttons are well placed for smaller players.
The included strap stays on, but is a little short for taller players or those who like to wear the guitar below the waist. So if that is you, then you might want to pick up a full sized strap.
The fret buttons do not detract from the "real guitar" look. The neck and body finish is beautiful and truly makes this controller stand out from the rest. The high gloss finish is a fingerprint magnet, but so is any guality, high gloss guitar finish.
Now how does it play? Wonderfully! First let me say that it does work on both the PS2 and PS3 for both game lines. You can connect it either wired or wireless and it comes with the necessary adapters and cable. A soft blue light by the strum bar lets you know you're connected.
Now, no one provides everything. So a quick word about connecting. When playing on a PS2, the controller uses a USB Port for full functionality with Rock Band I/II. But it uses a Controller Port if you're playing a flavor of Guitar Hero. So if you're out of controller or USB ports, you may want to pick up either a small USB hub or MultiTap (Multiport) adapter or both. If you're playing on the PS3, the controller uses the USB connection for all games.
The reslistic size and weight make controlling and using this guitar solid and in my opinion easier. Especially if you like to move around when you play. Just remember it's solid wood, not plastic. So be careful to watch out for family, friends, furniture and the family pet if you really like to jump around.
The action on all the buttons and controls is smooth and sure. The strum bar has that distinct click so you know you hit the note. It is also very accurate and did take a little getting used to. But once you do, you'll never want to go back. The whammy bar control is well placed and more sturdy than the others we've used.
Strummers sometimes complain the Overdrive button is difficult to hit. Now, I typically play bass and when strumming up with two fingers the button is placed perfectly. Except possibly during the most intense riffs. Still, in either case, you can always tip the guitar using the accurate internal tilt switch instead. And no contortions are necessary. Raising the neck about 45 degrees will do.
The Start and Select buttons are well placed, out of the way and recessed to eliminate accidental hits during even the most frenzied strumming. In addition, their design and placement adds to the "real guitar" look. The controller does lack a directional button, but this has not been an issue for me. You can always use a controller with this if you need to. So far I haven't. The 5 position switch is smooth while at the same time stiff enough to let you know the position has changed and it is in the correct place.
Due to the power save feature, you may find yourself "Out of control" on a regular basis while waiting on someone else to "get ready". But a quick light tap on the start button and you're instantly back in business (no delays with wireless reconnections) and as a result, battery life thus far is great. We've been using this several hours a day for a week and are still on the first set (3 AAA) of batteries.
Now, according to news reports, a certain retailer (Circuit City) recently filed for Bankruptcy protection. As a result, the Peak website states that Peak will not honor the warranty if you purchased your controller from that retailer. One must assume Peak is one of the creditors waiting on the outcome of the Bankruptcy filing to receive money owed them.
Regardless, I also purchased a defective controller from that retailer. So I called the good folks at Peak, and after returning the defective controller to the place of purchase for a full refund, Peak sold me the same controller for the same price and shipped it to me for free. They were wonderful to deal with and extremely understanding and responsive to my dilema.
Was it a hassle? Of course, but no more so than buying a defective product from anywhere else. That's never enjoyable, especially when it's something you're really looking forward to having/using. But as a result of their excellent customer service, Peak has earned my ongoing support and I will definately be purchasing their products in the future.
Well, I guess there's nothging left to say except, forget the others, buy this and "Rock On Dudes" or "Dudettes", whichever the case may be....
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Product Description:
Full Guitar Hero & Rockband Functionality / Speed Star Power/Overdrive Button / Whammy Bar / 10 fret buttons / Strum Bar / Wired & wireless capabilities.Rock out in Guitar Hero or Rockband with the first PS2 / PS3 Guitar controller that looks and feels like an actual guitar. Starpex is a full-size, wood instrument with a high-gloss lacquered finish. Its hardwood body, neck, and headstock are handcrafted by a leading guitar manufacturer giving the authentic guitar experience that you crave. Compatible with both PS2 and PS3 to let you experience game play features in both Guitar Hero and Rockband.Speed Star Power / Overdrive Button provides the most accurate access to Star Power and Overdrive.Optimized Whammy Bar provides better feel, reduces fatigue and provides a higher level of durability.Ten Fret Button Design features optimal button travel for enhanced feel, reduced fatigue, and higher score.Enhanced Strum Bar gives the perfect balance of tactile and Audible feedback to maximize enjoyment and scoring.Dual wired / wireless capabilities with a 15' wired cable or a 2.4 GHz connection.Forward-Thinking Compatibility - Easily separate the electronic components from the body of the guitar.NOT COMPATIBLE with PS3 Slim.
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