Rock Band 3's gear priced: keytar and Pro guitar sport MIDI out, adapter lets you use any keyboard / electronic drum set

Has your head cooled from all that rock news this morning? Nope? Well, we'd hate to rile you up again, but Mad Catz -- now the official provider of all Rock Band 3 equipment -- has priced its latest arsenal for the upcoming rhythm revival title. There's also a few new details on each instrument, so without further ado:

• Wireless Keyboard: That MIDI port many of you spotted is for output, letting you plug the two-octave (C3 to C5) velocity-sensitive keytar directly into MIDI sequencers for non-gaming use. It'll set you back $80, with an optional stand to be sold separately (no price given) alongside the game's launch. Buying the keyboard / game bundle will be $130, or about $10 off individual purchases. Oh, and if you want to feel a bit more techno, this puppy can be used as the guitar / bass input.
• MIDI PRO-Adapter: Want to use your own keyboard or electronic drum set? Here's the mediator you need, from MIDI to USB to console, and it sports the D-pad and other necessary gamepad buttons as well as velocity sensitivity adjustment controls. Asking price is $40.
• Pro Cymbals Expansion kit: three cymbals, apparently rejiggered from RB2's offerings for quieter play and a pre-defined 10 degree angle. It's $40 for this hi-hat, crash, and ride pack.
• Wireless Fender Mustang Pro Guitar Controller: Not the Squier hybrid we saw, this one actually sports a multitude of buttons for each string, spanning 17 frets (102 buttons in all). Actual strings are used for the plucking and strumming, and here's something interesting -- the axe has a MIDI output for software sequencers. This behemoth is $150, or approximately 1.5 Benjamins in your local currency.

Pictures of each instrument -- and the yet-to-be-priced Squier -- in the gallery below, as well as a few screen caps of Pro mode so you can get an idea how exactly it'll "correct you" on proper Bohemian Rhapsody finger picking.

Rock Band 3 hardware and screenshots

Show full PR text

Mad Catz® Announces New Range of Official Rock Band 3 Instruments and Accessories

Range to Include Wireless Keyboard Controller, Wireless Fender™ Mustang™ PRO-Guitar™ Controller, PRO-Cymbals™ Expansion Kit & MIDI PRO-Adapter™

San Diego, June 11. 2010

Mad Catz® Interactive, Inc. ("Mad Catz" or "the Company") (AMEX/TSX: MCZ), a leading third-party interactive entertainment accessory provider today announced a new range of official Rock Band™3 instruments and accessories.

Designed in conjunction with Harmonix, the world's premier music video game developer, and MTV Games, a part of Viacom's MTV Networks (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B), the new range of instruments and accessories are expected to ship in time for the launch of the forthcoming Rock Band 3 video game arriving holiday season 2010.

Darren Richardson, President and Chief Executive Officer of Mad Catz commented, "We believe that Rock Band 3 will prove to be a revolutionary title in the rhythm music game genre and are excited to be working with Harmonix and MTV Games to help bring the game to life with this new line of products. The accessories we are announcing today will allow gamers to interact with music games like never before and when used alongside Rock Band 3, we believe they will set a new standard in realism and authenticity."

Products expected to ship as part of the range include:

·Rock Band 3 Wireless Keyboard Controller – Xbox 360 / PlayStation 3 / Wii

Designed for use exclusively with Rock Band 3, the Wireless Keyboard Controller has been crafted to resemble classic professional keyboards and is playable on a secure flat surface or while strapped over the player's shoulder. Empowering gamers to take their enjoyment of rhythm music gaming to the next level, the Wireless Keyboard Controller also functions as a MIDI keyboard, boasting a two-octave (C3 to C5) range and non-weighted, velocity-sensitive key bed allowing gamers to take full advantage of the Rock Band Pro mode. The MIDI output connector provides compatibility with MIDI software sequencers and hardware devices while standard console-specific gaming controller buttons deliver seamless console integration and the Wireless Keyboard Controller can also be used to play the lead guitar or bass parts of the game. An optional Keyboard Stand will be sold separately and is expected to be available alongside the launch of Rock Band 3.
MSRP: $79.99

·Rock Band 3 Game & Wireless Keyboard Controller Bundle

Xbox 360 / PlayStation 3 / Wii

Ideal for gamers who wish to enjoy the holiday seasons hottest music title and latest instrument together, the bundle includes both the Rock Band 3 game and Wireless Keyboard Controller, representing a convenient and excellent value purchase for music fans everywhere.

MSRP: $129.99

·Rock Band 3 Wireless Fender Mustang PRO-Guitar Controller

Xbox 360 / PlayStation 3 / Wii

Introducing a new level of realism to the rhythm music genre, the Wireless Fender Mustang PRO-GuitarController is designed for use exclusively with Rock Band 3, allowing gamers to accurately replicate a real guitar when playing Rock Band Pro mode in the game. Featuring 17 frets along a button-based neck, the Fender Mustang PRO-Guitar includes a 6-string strumming area which allows for discrete picking of each string and a touch-sensitive string box which allows players to mute or 'cut-off' notes when pressed. In addition, the Fender Mustang PRO-Guitar operates as a fully functional MIDI guitar, with the MIDI output connector providing compatibility with MIDI software sequencers and hardware devices while standard console-specific gaming controller buttons deliver seamless console integration and navigation of the game menus. The Fender Mustang PRO-Guitar allows for left or right handed use and can also be used to play either lead or bass parts of the game in Rock Band Pro and standard game modes.

MSRP: $149.99

·Rock Band 3 Wireless PRO-Cymbals Expansion Kit – Universal

Compatible with all wireless Rock Band drum kits, the Wireless PRO-Cymbals Expansion Kit features three newly designed Rock Band 3 cymbals which have been re-engineered for quiet operation. Fully supporting the Rock Band Pro mode where the cymbals represent Hi-Hat, Crash and Ride, the cymbals can also be used in standard game modes for all Rock Band software. Improved from the Rock Band™ 2 cymbals, the new PRO-Cymbals boast quieter sound with noise-dampening rubber covering the full surface area of the cymbal. The PRO-Cymbals also feature enhanced responsiveness, essential when playing in Rock Band Pro mode. In addition, the redesigned Rock Band 3 cymbals now permanently rest at a pre-defined 10° angle, better positioned for accurate play. The PRO-Cymbals are also available as part of the Rock Band 3 Wireless Drum and Cymbal Kit (sold separately).

MSRP: $39.99

· Rock Band 3 MIDI PRO-Adapter – Xbox 360 / PlayStation 3 / Wii

Designed for use exclusively with Rock Band 3, theMIDI PRO-Adapter allows musicians to use their real MIDI keyboards or MIDI drum sets to play Rock Band 3. Plugging directly into the console via USB, the MIDI PRO-Adapter works as an interface between the console and MIDI instrument, converting the MIDI messages into console controller data which the game translates into on screen action. The MIDI PRO-Adapter features a velocity sensitive adjustment for MIDI drums designed to reduce cross-talk during play. A full D-Pad and standard gaming controller buttons are located on the PRO-Adapter to deliver seamless console integration and navigation of the game menus. Ships with a removable clip, allowing MIDI PRO-Adapter to be attached to a belt, or rest on a table top or similar flat surface.

MSRP: $39.99

To be formally announced in due course, Mad Catz will be offering updated versions of the guitar and drum peripherals from prior versions of Rock Band, as well as improved microphones in support of the Rock Band 3 vocal harmony feature.

Featuring an incredible 83-song setlist and access to far more music than any other music video game, as well as innovative new gameplay modes and instruments, Rock Band 3 will change the way fans think about and play music games. This next iteration in the Rock Band platform has something new for everyone and also supports traditional Rock Band gameplay with players' existing instruments. Developed by Harmonix, the world's premier music videogame company, published by MTV Games, and distributed by distribution partner Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: ERTS), Rock Band 3 will ship simultaneously worldwide this Holiday 2010 in North America, Europe, Australia, New Zealand and other territories for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system, Wii™ home videogame console from Nintendo, and Nintendo DS. Rock Band 3 will be compatible with all Rock Band and The Beatles: Rock Band peripherals, as well as most third-party instrument and microphone controllers. Mad Catz is the official peripheral manufacturer and distributor for Rock Band 3 game controllers.

For more information on Rock Band 3, art and video assets, please visit http://www.rockband.com/press.

[macserv Posted Jun 11th 2010 10:47PM]

Guitar works a lot like a Yamaha EZ-EG.

[FinalRpg Posted Jun 12th 2010 5:21AM]

@macserv

if only my iPad let me use any keyboard :(

[DeFlanko Posted Jun 13th 2010 12:46PM]

@macserv

If this is what its going to look like this is going to force a lot of kids to learn the actual notes... I wonder how it will show up on the screen... Sheet music? Tablature?

[Graphical Mind Posted Jun 11th 2010 10:48PM]

cant wait to get it, Korg M50 in the gameplay :P

[1 Infinite Loop Cupertino CA Posted Jun 11th 2010 10:51PM]

Nothing attracts the ladies like a keytar.

[Olwood Posted Jun 11th 2010 10:54PM]

@1 Infinite Loop Cupertino CA
Maybe when played for real...

[tylersmyler Posted Jun 12th 2010 8:38AM]

@1 Infinite Loop Cupertino CA

I"ll buy a Keytar for 80 bucks (and use the MIDI)
hell, you can't even get Keytars anymore. shitty about only having 2 octaves though.. this is what makes it only a toy..

[millertime Posted Jun 11th 2010 10:53PM]

Eventually, it will become cheaper to buy real instruments, and join a real band.

[Chaosdivine Posted Jun 11th 2010 11:31PM]

@millertime
Trust me, you get laid way more often when you can REALLY play a guitar...

I have never understood the Rock Band phenomenon and being a musician, I probably never will.

[blland Posted Jun 12th 2010 12:22AM]

@Chaosdivine incorrect.

You will still get laid the same in terms of frequency, but if you purchase real instruments, you will get laid by your preferred sex (and vice versa)

[EL MAESTRO Posted Jun 12th 2010 12:41AM]

@Chaosdivine Dude I'm not a musician and I still don't get. If so much effort and money is put into learning how to play these crappy plastic toys, why not take the same money and dedication to learn it for real. This is like Learnin how to drive with an RC.

[Chaosdivine Posted Jun 12th 2010 12:42AM]

@blland
I'm not exactly undertstanding your point. Girls dig guys who play real instruments - not fake plastic ones attached to video games. Girls also tend to cheat on their plastic guitar playing boyfriends with guys who play real guitars. I see it all the time...

[iDamien Posted Jun 12th 2010 1:20AM]

@Chaosdivine

I'm a musician. I've been in the band since 5th grade; I've played at two different universities; marched in high school AND one of the universities I attended; I play Euphonium, Trumpet, and electric guitar.

And i have three words for you: get over yourselves.

This is A GAME.

PERIOD.

No one, and I mean NO ONE, is really equating to playing a RB/GH as doing the real thing.

Wanna know why people do it? Because it's fucking fun that's why.

Pick any song from RB2's extensive track list. Wanna play some Disturbed? Sure. How 'bout some Paragon? You got it. Hell, maybe even some Foo Fighters? You betcha.

You don't have to be a musician; you don't have to know music; you just pick up, play, and possible jam the fuck out and have a good time.

Sure, there are people that take it seriously. I play RB/GH on Expert, and I kept up with top players such as PreistMLH, wulFe, IBiteprettyhardSH, and Azuritereaction. I've even uploaded to some scores to ScoreHero. But we all do this FOR FUN.

IT'S FUN to see who could FC'd (Full Combo'd - or getting a perfect run) on Jordan when GH2 came out; it's FUN to see who could FC Through The Fire and Flames when GH3 came out; it was FUN to see who was able to FC the drum part of Perfect Drug by NIN.

We're having fun, dude. We're not here to replace the real thing because we're too much of pussies to do it (Granted,there are people like this, but they're the slim minority)

[Zhukov Posted Jun 12th 2010 5:05AM]

@iDamien

This.

I cannot This any harder than I am right now.

[tylersmyler Posted Jun 12th 2010 8:32AM]

@iDamien


this.

[Jetblac Posted Jun 12th 2010 11:53AM]

@EL MAESTRO
Why comment on a rockband post and hate on the instruments you hater

[Arminas1781 Posted Jun 13th 2010 12:20AM]

@iDamien

Thank you man. Only reason people think that people who play rb/gh are losers, cuz they themselves suck at the game and wanna make themselves feel better, so they poke fun at people who are good at it. I understand if they are saying that someone who plays rb/gh 24hrs/7 or close to that, to get get a life, its true they do, but for us who dont, people who only play every now and then, they need to back off. Its a game, like your Modern Warefare, or Madden, or w/e u like. Its fun and thats what video games are for, to have fun and entertain us.

[loismustdie Posted Jun 13th 2010 4:22PM]

@iDamien But the point they are trying to drive home is that their peripherals are the same price or more expensive than the actual instrument. I enjoy Rock Band and real guitar, but I draw the line at $150 peripherals.

[maythetechbewithyou Posted Aug 8th 2010 7:18PM]

@iDamien

It seems in this iteration, with the ability to use an actual stringed instrument to play the game, it has the capacity to teach you, tabulature based playing of songs. I am interested to see what comes of it. I enjoyed the first two rock band games as games, but this version could be a teaching tool.

[Peytral Posted Jun 11th 2010 10:54PM]

"This behemoth is $150, or approximately 1.5 Benjamins in your local currency."

I don't have this "Benjamin" guy in my local currency (Canada).

[MrFluffyThing Posted Jun 12th 2010 12:45AM]

@Peytral Thus the term of "local". I do believe you just quoted the part where it was explained to you.

[Brainy142 Posted Jun 12th 2010 1:32AM]

@Peytral OOOO, we have a local here I am also Canadian :D.
ps. I want it all to work on my computer w/o drivers k thx

[tylersmyler Posted Jun 12th 2010 8:36AM]

@Peytral

ya, and 150 loonies sounds lame to people I think lol

sigh.

[Colours Posted Jun 11th 2010 10:56PM]

It would probably be cheaper to form an actual band.

[Tiptup300 Posted Jun 12th 2010 1:41PM]

@Colours

If you were starting a band you have to buy probably quality instruments, so lets see here about.

500 for a midrange guitar + 500 for quality amp
600 for drums (I'm not a drummer, guess)
500 for a second midrange guitar + 500 for quality amp
500 for a midrange bass + 550 for quality amp
100 for a mic + 300 for mixer

About $4050 for a band. Not to mention EACH member needs to be experienced in the instrument. So it takes about 2-4 years to get a solid grip on the instrument depending on time and what instrument, so is it really better to just do the real thing?

[AJ4367 Posted Jun 13th 2010 11:46AM]

@Tiptup300 With all that equipment you would have a pretty good band setup. I bet if you found 4 people who have invested their money into Rock band, they would have at least $400 each. At $250 each for beginner guitar and bass setups that include amps, $400 starting for drum sets, and $50 for a mic and $200 for a mixer, everyone would still have $350 left combined. So its not that much to START a band. I know i bought RB1 special and GHWT special edition, plus GH2,3,5,and metallica. plus rock band 2 with $100 RB2 drum set. Thats about $900. multiply that by 4 and its a lot.

[gracefulspammer Posted Jun 11th 2010 10:56PM]

The Keyboard and Guitar looks great but I'm interested in the DRUMMING improvements. I want to be able to use my ION ROCKER http://www.epinions.com/content_497702768260 and I want to be able to choose between circles and rectangles for notes. I have Guitar Hero Metallica and World Tour and I'm used to circles rather than rectangles.

[Lando Calrissian Posted Jun 11th 2010 11:02PM]

@gracefulspammer

What's the big deal? It didn't take any getting use to for me, you just hit it when it goes over the line.

[gracefulspammer Posted Jun 11th 2010 11:10PM]

@Lando Calrissian

circles just make more sense. The pads are what shape? CIRCLES !

Furthermore, I hope they fix that Guitar Hero incompatibility issue with Rock Band peripherals so I can use all three of my symbols.

[Devin Posted Jun 11th 2010 11:46PM]

@gracefulspammer The Rockband rectangles looks sleeker than the Guitar Hero circles, IMO.

[finnith Posted Jun 12th 2010 12:07AM]

I can't believe you're making such a big deal over what the notes look like.

[WAldenIV Posted Jun 12th 2010 12:13AM]

@gracefulspammer

If you use the cymbal pack for RB3, the game differentiates between toms and cymbals by using circles for cymbals and bars for toms.

[infinitii Posted Jun 11th 2010 10:58PM]

102 buttons? I'm thinking it would be easier and infinitely more badass to actually learn to play a guitar.

[HurricaneDC Posted Jun 11th 2010 11:07PM]

@infinitii yes but this probably makes it a lot easier to learn. I recall the Harmonix devs saying something about how they want to make RB3 not just a rhythm game but also a game that can teach you how to play an instrument.

[reallynotnick Posted Jun 11th 2010 11:10PM]

@infinitii
It will teach you to play guitar, and if you really want you can get the Squier hybrid which can be used in the game or as a real guitar. Think of this as mario teaches typing for guitars, but even more fun.

[rickz0rz Posted Jun 11th 2010 11:13PM]

@infinitii

What?! It's a midi guitar. So like.. you /are/ learning to play guitar. You will be able to hook this up to your computer and actually play tunes on them and record/edit in a sequencer. Crazy shit incoming!

[infinitii Posted Jun 11th 2010 11:21PM]

@rickz0rz Bahahahah! Midi guitar! You have only reinforced my infinitely more badass statement. As for this teaching you to play, I'm kinda skeptical. Not dismissing it totally, It just seems to me learning to play a guitar would translate into awesome GH gameplay and not t'other way 'round.

[rickz0rz Posted Jun 12th 2010 12:15AM]

@infinitii

Go ahead and tell me what points I reinforced, because I don't see anything. It is basically that--a 'guitar' that sends MIDI (or MIDI-like) data, and with a MIDI din-style output. I'd believe a majority of the 102 buttons themselves are on the fret board (102 - various other buttons all over 6 rows), which doesn't really make this 'harder' to play than the real deal since the fingering is going to be exacty the same (in before 'that's what she said'), but with the same basic principles. I'd like to think you made a half-pompous comment and mistook my response as an err in data or information and I only feel the need to correct this misinterpretation. :)

[jaxim Posted Jun 11th 2010 11:12PM]

How does the RB3 guitar compare to the guitar of Power Gig's Rise of the Six String game?

http://www.gamespot.com/xbox360/sim/powergigriseofthesixstring/news.html?sid=6253186&mode=previews

[miki4242 Posted Jun 11th 2010 11:14PM]

Wahoow, like it!

Nice development. I hate it when lots of games sucker players into paying for everlasting subscriptions or endless streams of booster packs and upgrades, but Rock Band has a refreshingly different take: lure people with a musical game, then motivate them to go on to actually _making_ music. Great!

[jivetrky Posted Jun 11th 2010 11:18PM]

I realize that being the internets, there HAS to be an Apple vs. Windows debate on every Apple post and apparently there also has to be Rockband vs. real instruments debate as well...Can't we just accept that what's good for some may not be good for others? Anyway...

I'm excited to see the string-ish styled guitar in RB3. Also being able to use MIDI instruments is really awesome. And I'm just getting into Expert on guitar with RB2, now it looks like I'll have to learn to play all over again!

I was interested to notice that there also looks to be backup singing, which would be cool for my family because they are always fighting over the mic.

And the other really awesome feature is the ability to jump in and out on the fly. Which is really nice instead of having to quit and rebuild a set list if someone has to go home, etc.

[cocopuffs Posted Jun 11th 2010 11:31PM]

I think guitar hero is better but it sick that rock band thought of that but rock band is too easy any really good guitar hero player can play a really hard song on gh (ex. Freebird,six, that buckethead song (don't remember the name lol) and the dragon force song or any of those will find the hardest song on rock band easy)

it's still smart they did that I might use that

[TheGZeus Posted Jun 12th 2010 12:17AM]

@cocopuffs
See these :;'.,?
Use them, please.

[Yankee Posted Jun 11th 2010 11:41PM]

Wait a minute, is the guitar controller an actual 1:1 simulation of a real guitar? I mean obviously the strings are 5 inches long and the places where you're supposed to press on the strings are replaced by buttons, but is it an accurate simulation?

[Raffi256 Posted Jun 11th 2010 11:59PM]

@Yankee

Supposed to be. There's also a hybrid guitar that isn't priced here that you can use as a real guitar as well as the game controller.

[Vone Posted Jun 12th 2010 12:09AM]

@Yankee You will be playing things in their correct pitch, and the loss of 4 frets isnt so bad when you can just play those notes in a different octave.

[Zynon Posted Jun 11th 2010 11:47PM]

I just want to know if you'll be able to customize the MIDI inputs. My drumset is not standard and I have to translate.

[Booksmart Devil Posted Jun 12th 2010 12:02AM]

Sheesh, I really am excited by the "real" guitar they're developing... but you could get a Squier Strat for those prices.

[SilentStryk09 Posted Jun 12th 2010 1:12AM]

@Booksmart Devil

there is also a squier strat which works with the game you can buy (as in a real guitar which can also be used with the game)

[Vone Posted Jun 12th 2010 12:14AM]

if 150 is the asking price for the Mustang, I dont wanna know how much the squier is going to be.