Fender unveils Squier USB Stratocaster that talks to iOS, lends cred to iPad jam sessions (video)
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There's no shortage of instruments and peripherals to make GarageBand sing on iOS gear. Anyone jonesing for well-known instruments has had few options, however, which makes Fender's launch of a USB-capable Squier Stratocaster something of a watershed moment. While it can plug into any quarter-inch jack or a computer's full USB port, the extremely familiar electric guitar will strum its notes directly into any older iPad, iPhone or iPod touch through a pre-supplied 30-pin cable; yes, you'll need a pricey adapter to rock out on an iPad mini. All the familiar controls and outputs you'd anticipate are present, including a 3.5mm headphone jack for some quiet practice in the den. Fender's $200 price puts the USB Squier well within reach of mobile musicians -- we just wish other guitar makers would follow suit.
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SQUIER® BY FENDER® INTRODUCES STRAT® GUITAR WITH USB AND iOS CONNECTIVITY
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (November 12, 2012) – Squier is proud to introduce an innovative new Strat guitar model that can directly connect with and record to Apple iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Mac or Windows-based computers.
The Squier by Fender Strat Guitar with USB and iOS Connectivity features an onboard mini-USB connector that allows players to interface directly and easily with all these devices, with no additional hardware needed – including GarageBand and other music apps on iOS.
A mini-USB to USB as well as a mini-USB to 30-pin cable is included, and the guitar also features a convenient onboard stereo headphone jack with volume control for use in USB/iOS mode. Further, it's still a fully functional Stratocaster model that can be plugged into any instrument amplifier.
For more information, go to http://www.fender.com/features/usbstrat/.