Rock Band 3 Wireless Fender Mustang PRO-Guitar Controller for Wii

There are really two uses for this controller, as a Rock Band 3 controller and as a MIDI controller. The latter is by far the more entertaining of the two. It's also why this is a 5 star rating instead of a 3. Physical: It obviously plastic, it's quite light, the strings make a dull thud as you strum them, the fret buttons are fairly soft to the touch, the screw holes on the back of the neck are right in the middle where your thumb is going to slide over them, and the scale is quite short (seems about like a 3/4 length.) Overall though, it feels sturdy enough and has a "good enough" feel to it. It's not great, but it's not terrible. The worst part, for me, are the screw holes in the back of the neck. I also don't think the neck feels quite like a real guitar either. The relative softness of the fret buttons also makes it easy have accidental button presses (until you get used to it.) As a Rock Band 3 controller: I'd say this is going to be very much hit-or-miss for many people. The controller itself works well, tracks presses fast enough and with enough lax to take into account transitions between chords. The game play basically tries to keep the scrolling to you type interface with mounds with numbers describing the fingering positions. For instance, an A5 on the 6th string will give a number 5 and a low mound on the 6th string and a larger mound on the 5th string that you have to basically interpret/judge that it's not going to be fret 6, but fret 7. On chords it will often also give the chord name too. So the learning curve for the interface alone is going to be fairly steep. I think the thing that most people don't realize with this controller, is that most songs are going to need to be learned at the higher levels. This basically means going into practice mode on the songs and learning all the parts of the song. Better guitar players than myself may be able to play many of the songs without the need to do this, but I doubt many would be able to play all. For a total novice, this may be more work than they're willing to put in. Additionally, there really isn't much that says this is the (more-or-less) required path to play the songs. It can easily come across as too difficult even at the easier levels. There's also a gotcha here for people trying to learn guitar and using even the practice method in game. This will not teach someone everything they need to know to play a real guitar. Most songs, even played very well on the controller will sound odd on a real guitar without proper technique. There will be many gaps that will have to be filled in later (reading sheet music and/or tabs, bends, hammer ons, pull offs, dynamics, etc.) In other words, someone can potentially learn the fingering for some songs, but not how to play the songs. As a MIDI controller: I'm really surprised this feature isn't played up more by people. To me, this was the main reason to buy this controller. Once that I purchased a good MIDI-to-USB adapter, it did not disappoint. To clarify this with a real example, I bought a cheap < $10 adapter (HDE USB to MIDI cable, really any of the clear cable cords with a black oval center) and it did not work. The MIDI showed up as usable but the controller would not register any input to the MIDI monitor. I even got a replacement sent because I thought it was the adapter, but it didn't help. I upgraded to a Creative EMU XMIDI 1x1 and it worked perfectly. I've now spent many hours playing with various sounds, tap mode, strum mode, effects, octave changes, etc. It's a fun MIDI controller if you don't know piano. It's also much cheaper than the You Rock Guitar. Overall, I've had a lot of fun with this and was not in the least bit disappointed. I bought this product with realistic expectations of what it was going to be. It's not a real guitar, it's a MIDI controller that can also be used to play a semi-realistic rhythm game. It has limitations as a learning tool, but that's dwarfed in comparison to the other great things that can be done with it. I would absolutely recommend this to people who already know how to play the guitar and are interested in electronic music. If you have little to no desire in synth music, it may not be worth it. If you're expecting to learn guitar with this, curb your expectations and be prepared to spend a lot of time in practice mode of the songs. In addition, be ready to spend a lot of time with a real guitar learning what the game can't teach you.

This is very nicely looking all plastic game controller. If you want your kids to have a lot of fun, and probably even learn a few things - buy it (it is relatively cheap now days), but make sure you have Rock Band 3 CD disk for your Wii (everything you need to play Rock Band 3 except CD disk comes with the controller). Now, lets assume you also want to use it yourself to play something, or to use it as midi controller, and if so, you many want to know a few things first: Pros: 1. Relatively cheap to purchase 2. Looks nice 3. It is plug and play - very easy to connect (assuming you have all the cables) 4. Easy to use Cons: 1. It is a plastic toy for kids with some midi features, it does not feel like a guitar at all (other than shape) 2. Buttons work fine, but feel strange and unusual, takes time to get used to them 3. Strings are too soft and too sensitive 4. Again, it is a plastic toy, not a professional midi device or guitar, so do not anticipate much from both quality and features. 5. Does not work wirelessly, requires additional cables I was using it with iPad, but I guess you can use it with whatever you want. Here is a list of items you need for the thing to start making sounds: 1. MIDI to USB cable 2. USB Power Hub, since iPad does not provide enough power through its USB port. I was using D-Link DUB-H4, but you can use whatever hub, as long as it is AC-powered. 3. USB to USB-c cable or USB cable and USB to USB-c adapter in order to connect to iPad 4. You will need some kind of midi app. I was using both Synthesia and GuitarCapo+, but you can use whatever you like. Here is how to connect everything: 1. Plug midi cable using MIDI IN interface to Guitar Controller 2. Plug USB interface of MIDI cable to USB Power Hub 3. Connect USB Power Hub with iPad using USB to USB-c cable 4. Turn on power on the Guitar controller 5. Open Synthesia app, go to Settings/Music Devices. Guitar controller should be identified already there. So, select that USB MIDI Controller as input device, and follow the instructions to complete the setup. Once you are done, you should be able to play the Guitar controller and hear sounds. 6. Download online manual on how to use the Guitar Controller as MIDI device to find explanation of buttons, etc. That manual does not come with the controller, you need to search google for: rock band 3 guitar controller midi manual pdf My conclusion: If your primary goal is to let your kid having fun, play the game and learn something about guitars - this controller is an excellent choice. Besides, the MIDI features will allow you to enjoy the thing yourself. However if you are a professional musician and need MIDI controller or MIDI Guitar for work - do not buy this toy, look elsewhere.

the cheapest guitar controler I could find, it only works with one game on one console but it's an amazing experience for anyone who wants to start learning guitar in a fun creative way.

This guitar is a 5 star product. It is the cheapest midi guitar I know of and it does the job, particularly in game. I encourage all beginners to trash their multi-coloured fake guitars in true Rock 'N Roll fury and use this product as it is the stepping stone to a real guitar. The game is incredibly fun to play and it's a genuine learning tool. The only argument I would use against it is that there is a real fender squier controller guitar coming with fret sensing technology for the Rock Band 3 game, too, so that would be even closer to playing the real thing. If you are waiting that out, it isn't bad to to drop a measly $140 to practice now, though. What the other reviewers have said about the device being difficult to really know where you are because the strings and buttons have no differing gauge is absolutely true. That being said, it isn't worth giving 3 stars to, though, because you're having initial trouble with the device. If anything, having this taken away from you allows you to develop positional sense that you had not required to before. So, if a beginner is reading the reviews and a seasoned shredder points out that he was unable to take over the world (and expert mode) instantly, because of this problem, yes it is true, no it is not worth 3 stars. It's just something you'll have to get used to. Let's not forget just how cheap this product is. On the plus side, it's not going to be HARDER to make a transition to real guitar, in this regard you will find it easier to play a normal guitar. Now, from a practical sense, I'll talk about something that does concern me. I have seen the midi data this guitar provides (in strum mode - the game mode) and I assure you, if you strum the guitar, particularly with alternate picking, the nature of the string capturing produces some double notes, at times. What this means for the game, I'm not sure, because the game may be able to reject these notes, but just bare in mind, if you're doing your head in trying to get a particular point nailed and you're not sure why you're getting dodgy notes, you may be being betrayed by the guitar. The Yamaha EZ-EG, a very similar midi guitar has the exact same problem with basically the same string assembly. Incidentally, the EZ-EG does have different gauge buttons and it is much easier to play, so the reviewer is right, something is definitely missing.

I have followed the instructions to the letter and even installed two sets of batteries but the guitar refuses to sync with my Wii U. The manufacturers website is useless for help as it does not allow for the creation of a an account when registering (It keeps returning to the create account page). Their FAQs do NOT cover if the process of syncing fails. One consumer site suggested it might be the USB dongle as the culprit but now I have to pack up and ship back a Christmas present for a piece of junk dongle. I am fed up with electronics that simply do not work and companies that do not provide adequate support for them. Please, avoid products from Mad Katz

OMGoodness!! This guitar is awesome! Totally intimidating; completely challenging! Coordination and skill will take a minute to develop if you don't play guitar for real because this is extremely close to the real deal. At first glance it looks like it has strings, but upon closer examination you realize what you're seeing is really a series of thin, horizontal buttons laid out along the neck in the correct fret and six string positions. For the novice, the Pro Guitar tutorials of Rock Band 3 are essential. If you've been wanting to learn to play guitar then this is a great way to get an understanding of the basics while learning the fingerings and moving from string to string. In fact, with this guitar, you're going to learn whether you want to or not, unless you brought it just to look at it. Me? I'm playing mine!

great product, just shoddy gameplay really. doesnt work like a real guitar but its close, and very very hard to use.

I would have given this device 5 stars, but the buttons sit a bit too high for serious musical performance (at least for my playing style). That said, the height is ideal for gaming.I am genuinely impressed with the unit and believe the core concept has tremendous potential. A musician-specific version—with a whammy bar for pitch bend and an XY pad—would make it an outstanding MIDI controller.For context, I am a professional composer and performer who has owned and gigged with the Roland GR-1 (released in 1992 and now retired), the GR-55, and the Fishman TriplePlay. I am very familiar with guitar-synth technology and am always seeking the next advancement.This device is solidly built for both composition and live playing. The ability to assign a separate virtual instrument to each string—or treat all strings as a single instrument—is particularly impressive. The dedicated octave button and the option to play using the strings and fretboard together or the fretboard alone add real flexibility. Latency is impressively low, and the plastic strings perform reliably at slow tempos, handle medium picking technique well, and support clean lead lines.The standout advantage is the complete absence of MIDI gibberish or ghost notes that plague traditional guitar synths. The only inaccuracies I encounter are the result of my own technique while adapting to the keyswitches and string response. Unlike wood-based systems, this unit delivers consistently clean, stable notes with excellent low-latency performance. Whether I play leads without the strings or incorporate them fully, the device feels like a professional-grade tool.I have watched numerous YouTube performances that demonstrate just how expressive and musical this controller can be in the right hands. Overall, it is a strong, forward-thinking product that I would recommend to anyone exploring new ways to create and perform with MIDI guitar technology.

Looking forward to learning how to properly use this and get better at Rock Band! Great purchase.

Wir haben uns Rockband 3 für unsere Wii gekauft und zuerst immer nur gesungen, aber der Kauf dieser Pro-Guitar hat sich echt gelohnt! Ich habe sie meinem Mann zum Geburtstag geschenkt, der es bereut, als Kind niemals ein Instrument erlernt zu haben. Allerdings hat er nur wenig Freizeit um das Gitarrelernen nachzuholen. Da ist die Pro-Guitar von Fender ein sehr guter Kompromiss. Wenn er mal ein Stündchen Zeit findet, kann er von Grund auf mit dem Spiel Rockband 3 unter "Training" das Gitarrespielen erlernen. Auch bietet die Pro-Guitar vier Schwierigkeitsgrade. Möchte man die schwerste Stufe "Experte" einmal testen, dann stellt man fest, dass man als Anfänger noch sehr, sehr viel Übung braucht, um die verschiedenen Griffe (Akkorde) zu meistern. Einziger Wehrmutstropfen: Alle Songs, die man bei Nintendo einkauft, stellen erstmal keine Funktion für die Pro-Guitar bereit, man muss ein Pro-Guitar-Upgrade für jeden Song dazukaufen. Allerdings kann man die Pro-Guitar auch für die einfachen Gitarrenversionen nutzen (Blau-,Gelb-,Rot-,Grün-Tasten), sowie für den einfachen Bass und Pro-Bass. Fazit: Für Leute, die wenig Zeit haben und trotzdem gern musizieren würden, ist die Pro-Guitar mit dem Spiel Rockband 3 sehr gut geeignet. Außerdem macht es viel Spaß.

Buena calidad ynorecio

Firstly as an interface for Rock Band this responds faster than I can play- so killer solos are possible and real guitar playing skills can be developed. Secondly as a MIDI controller you can plug it into the MIDI IN port on say a keyboard and play guitar for a fraction of the cost of a dedicated guitar controller. The only downside is that a few more frets would have made it even more versatile, but the octave shifting button does let you go higher (for budding Van Halens) and lower to let it act as a bass.

mi aspettavo qualcosa di diverso. Forse qualcosa di più serio e più funzionale. il corso con la wii non è quello che cercavo