At Premier Guitar, we’ve made it a point not to cover Guitar Hero and Rock Band—they aren’t real guitar, after all. But after talking to some friends, reading interviews with famous fans, and admitting to ourselves just how much we all actually enjoy playing the games, we decided it was time to look at the games through PG glasses. That’s right, focusing on the gear.
While the guitar decisions for rhythm games are generally made for you with a bundled controller, inevitably you’ll find yourself in the market for another axe. So whether you’re looking to upgrade from the original bundled controller, replace a broken one, or get into the games without buying a bundle, we have a guide to the most popular options out there. We spent time playing both Guitar Hero and Rock Band on Xbox 360 with all four of the major controllers from Guitar Hero II, III and World Tour, and from Rock Band. Then, we got our hands on one of Peavey’s full-scale models. Which one’s for you? Read on to find out…
Guitar Hero II Controller
Looks Like: Gibson Explorer
Bundled With: Guitar Hero II
New Price: $60
Additional Features: none
Though Guitar Hero II was the second in the franchise, it was really the game that catapulted the genre’s popularity. Therefore, the Guitar Hero II X-plorer controller is kind of a classic. Like many products that are early in development [think original POD], the X-plorer lacks any bells and whistles. However, its playability is up there with the best of them.
The strum bar and buttons all move with ease, and it’s small and very light, which make it ideal for children. The guitar’s size, however, is also one of its weaknesses for adults. Players with large hands might find the neck way too thin to be comfortable, and the small size certainly makes it feel like you’re playing with a cheap toy. Also, the “trem” bar is very loose, so you have to grab for it each time you want to use it. The biggest knock against the X-plorer is that it’s wired; while that wasn’t a big deal when the original game came out, with so many affordable wireless options, it seems more of a hindrance than it originally did.
More recent games have incorporated special buttons or pads that make solo passes easier. The X-plorer will be able to play these solos like normal, but some players might find the special features lacking.
The explosion in popularity that coincided with the release of this game, and the many controllers that have come out since, have produced a glut of used X-plorers on the market. Because of this, the X-plorer is a good, inexpensive option for people looking to get into the games for the first time.
Buy If…
You want to try Guitar Hero without committing a sizeable chunk of change
Skip If…
You’re looking for compatibility with special features in more recent games, or if wireless is a must
Rating…
Guitar Hero III Controller
Looks Like: Gibson Les Paul
Bundled With: Guitar Hero III, Guitar Hero Aerosmith
New Price: $50
Additional Features: Wireless, interchangeable faceplates
Guitar Hero III bears the subtitle, “Legends of Rock,” and prominently features Slash, so it’s no surprise that the guitar that came bundled with the game is Les Paul-shaped. The Les Paul controller is licensed by Gibson and has Gibson’s headstock and logo--no bootlegs here.
The Les Paul was the first official wireless controller. The playability is very similar to the X-plorer, with smooth buttons and strum bar, but the “trem” bar is tighter, which is a nice update. This might be the best-playing of the group we tried out. However, it also doesn’t have the special pads or buttons that recent games employ.
The Les Paul is actually fairly bulky. The batteries and wireless hardware give the controller a bit more weight, which I found more comfortable. The body has no contours, however, which makes it a little harder to hold than the others. Surprisingly, the battery life is pretty good, so you don’t have to worry about spending a fortune to get the benefit of wireless.
One of the perks of the Les Paul controller is that it has interchangeable faceplates. It’s the only one of our controllers that can be visually changed this easily, which makes it a good choice for creative types. There are a number of pre-made faceplates from groups like Alice Cooper, Kiss, and Motley Crüe, along with designs like Union Jack and wood grain. These can be found relatively inexpensively, and are easily customized.
Now that the Les Paul controller is a few generations back, many stores are looking to liquidate stock, so there are definitely deals out there [at press time, Best Buy was offering the controller for $20].
Buy If…
You want a wireless controller that plays great and can be found on the cheap
Skip If…
You need the solo buttons or slide bar of recent games, or you prize comfort over all else
Rating…
Guitar Hero World Tour Controller
Looks Like: N/A
Bundled With: Guitar Hero World Tour
New Price: $70
Additional Features: Wireless, Slide Pad
The guitar bundled with the most recent full Guitar Hero game is the only one of the guitars we looked at that doesn’t openly mimic an existing guitar shape. It also employs an additional slide section on the neck that is only found on this guitar.
The World Tour controller’s design tries to mimic a real guitar more than previous Guitar Hero models. The Xbox button is fashioned like a control knob, and the Start and Select buttons are at the “bridge.” The size is also a bit larger than the Les Paul and X-plorer models, with a longer neck. However, it is a bit more comfortable than the Les Paul due to a more contoured body. Like the Les Paul, the World Tour controller is wireless.
The slide area is an interesting, but not crucial, addition. The slide function in the songs is new to the game, and appears like notes strung together. You run your finger on the touch pad from note to note. It’s difficult to master, because the touch pad is very sensitive. The same notes can be played using the buttons without strumming, and it’s arguably more fun that way.
The buttons on the World Tour controller are stiffer than the Les Paul and X-plorer, making it a bit more difficult to play. This, combined with the size, makes this controller less than ideal for younger children.
Buy if…
You’re purchasing the game for the first time and want to buy a bundle, or if looks and comfort are a big deal.
Skip if…
You want something more kid-friendly or easier to play
Rating…
Rock Band Controller
Looks Like: Fender Strat
Bundled With: Rock Band, Rock Band II
New Price: $60
Additional Features: Solo buttons, wireless (Rock Band II controller)
Rock Band was the first rhythm game to include singing and drums. While the game changed the entire genre, eventually leading to Guitar Hero adopting the same format, the first peripherals had a slew of durability and performance issues. The model we reviewed was from the first shipment, and the strum bar eventually broke (a common complaint with this guitar). Subsequent versions (like those that shipped with Rock Band 2) have this fixed.
The Rock Band Strat is different from the rest of the controllers reviewed in a lot of ways. The buttons are in-line with the fretboard instead of raised, and there’s an additional set of five buttons higher on the neck for soloing. The in-line design and a glossier plastic material make the Rock Band guitar a bit harder to play; when moving quickly between buttons, it’s harder to differentiate where one button ends and the next begins. The motion sensor seemed less sensitive than other guitars, as activating Star Power was more difficult, and the Strat’s strum bar is a little stiffer than the others as well.
The solo buttons are more useful than the slide pad on the World Tour guitar. During solos, the buttons can be used without strumming. However, the real draw of the buttons is that younger children can use them to play the whole time, which makes the guitar one of the more versatile controllers for the family.
The look of the Strat is probably the most “accurate,” with a pickguard, Start and Select buttons in the place of knobs, the wires styled to look plugged into a jack, a pickup selector switch that doesn’t serve much of a purpose, and a licensed headstock with Fender Stratocaster decal. The Rock Band II guitar goes even further with a rosewood-colored “fingerboard” and sunburst finish.
If you’re looking to get one of these, the Rock Band II version is more expensive, but is wireless and is more durable.
Buy if…
You want a guitar that kind of looks like a Strat from afar, and need something the whole family can play.
Skip if…
You’re used to playing other controllers and aren’t great at adapting.
Rating…
Peavey Rockmaster Custom
Looks Like: Peavey HP
Bundled With: purchased separately
New Price: $199 ($399 with custom graphics)
Additional Features: Full-scale, wood guitar
Example of custom graphics pictured. Review model was white.
Peavey’s Rockmaster Custom is the only non-official controller that we tried. Unlike aftermarket products from third parties like Mad Catz, Peavey doesn’t make a cheap copy to make a quick buck—they have a completely different product you can’t get elsewhere.
Peavey’s controller is a full-scale, wood guitar with Guitar Hero electronics inside. The buttons start at the third fret. You can order custom graphics from the Peavey Custom Shop, otherwise the guitars come in white, red and black. The controller is wireless and syncs up like other controllers with a button on the back of the guitar.
The controller doesn’t have any of the extras that the more recent official controllers have, but once you strap it on, it doesn’t really matter. The real draw of the Rockmaster Custom is having the heft and size of a guitar. Instead of the thin, plastic necks, the Rockmaster Custom has a surprisingly wide U-shaped neck. Due to its size, everything is spread a bit further apart. The buttons are slightly further apart than on other models, and the “trem” bar is a bit of a reach. This is actually a plus for adults with large hands, but might be challenging for kids or people with small hands.
Because the buttons are slightly further apart, I had to retrain my muscles that were used to the standard width of the other buttons. This was challenging, but not frustrating, and people who have played the game extensively might like the added challenge.
People who don’t play guitar might find the size and weight exhausting, particularly when they’re used to controllers that are less than half the weight. However, if they can get used to it for Guitar Hero, it might make them more likely to want to pick up the real thing—certainly more so than a small, plastic one would.
The biggest issue I found with Peavey’s Rockmaster Custom was that the batteries were located in a cavity in the back that’s screwed on; as often as batteries run out in wireless controllers, I could see this becoming a bit of a hassle in the future.
Buy if…
Money is not an issue and you want the coolest-feeling experience available.
Skip if…
You’re buying for a child with small hands and a weak back.
Rating…