Third-party Rock Band and Guitar Hero instruments revealed

by Ashley Coomer - 2008/04/14 12:19pm

Earlier today, third-party peripherals provider The Ant Commandos announced its range of wireless instruments that will be available this spring. These instruments will be completely compatible with Rock Band and Guitar Hero games on both the PS2 and PS3.

First of all we have the Double Range Guitar. Retailing for $49.99 later this month, it will be available in flame red, electric blue and jet black. The guitar is special because, like the Rock Band Stratocaster, it has an extra five buttons lower down the neck for solos (compatible with those found in the game). It also has a five-way switch that utilizes the sound effects in Rock Band, and the FreedomClip, a belt that removes the strap from play.

Next is the Widow Maker Bass Guitar. This is a welcome addition what with the lack of bass guitars on the market, and it carries a price tag of $59.99. Finally – at least in terms of the instruments – is the BreakFree Wireless Microphone. First is the Dual Pack costing $49.99 (coming with one flame red and one electric blue microphone), which contains two wireless antennas and one wireless receiver unit… this is compatible with SingStar, Boogie, High School Musical and even karaoke machines. The frequency response of 100 to 10,000Hz will deliver a ‘wide spectrum of rich sound’.

The last thing coming from The Ant Commandos at the current time is the PS2 to PS3 Adaptor. As you’ve probably correctly assumed, this allows you to use controllers from the PS2 versions of Rock Band and Guitar Hero on the PS3 versions. This will be great if you’ve got a guitar controller lying around as you’ll now be able to use it in co-operative.

“The music genre in the videogames industry has grown so much in recent years, we have seen the demand for products that deliver high quality, high value musical experiences also grow,” said Raymond Yow, Director of Marketing for The Ant Commandos. “All of our guitar controllers are designed to prove 100 percent four-in-one compatibility, even down to the most minute features, with Guitar Hero 1, 2 and 3 and Rock Band for both the PS2 and PS3 platforms”. Later introductions will include illuminated drumsticks and a universal guitar controller bag.