The Beatles: Rock Band Wireless Guitar Controller

by MTV Games

Product Features

• Authentic whammy bar with chrome tip
• Fast, accurate strum bar
• Five-way toggle switch
• Auto-calibration sensor to make syncing up with any TV a breeze
• As played by John Lennon

Product Details

• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S. and to APO/FPO addresses. For APO/FPO shipments, please check with the manufacturer regarding warranty and support issues.
• ASIN: B0028N13NA
• Product Dimensions: 29.7 x 12.9 x 2.6 inches ; 4 pounds
• Media: Video Game
• Release Date: September 9, 2009
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #10,378 in Video Games (See Top 100 in Video Games)
  • #39 in Video Games > Wii > Rhythm > Musical Instruments

Product Description

Platform: Nintendo Wii | Edition: Rickenbacker 325

As played by John Lennon, The Beatles: Rock Band Wireless Rickenbacker 325 Guitar Controller will feature an authentic whammy bar with chrome tip, a fast, accurate strum bar, five-way toggle switch, and auto-calibration sensor to make syncing up with any TV a breeze.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

29 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Rickenbacker Rattle and Roll, October 2, 2009

By 

J. Axelrod - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

= Fun:4.0 out of 5 stars 

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Beatles: Rock Band Wii Wireless Rickenbacker 325 Guitar Controller (Video Game)

This is a cool piece of plastic!

However, buyers should be aware that many of the Rickenbacker and Gretsch guitars make a "twangy" noise when moved due to the metal balls inside the body used for the tilt overdrive sensor. According to a Rep @ EA not all the guitars have that issue but most do. It doesn't affect gameplay.

When I received my shipment I was unaware of this and so, thinking it was defective I ordered a replacement from Amazon (which arrived three days later - thanks Amazon!) Of course the replacement also had the "twangy" noise so back it went.

My previous guitar is a GH3. I realize there have been a lot of improvements with the GHWT guitar but with the GH3 the strum bar clicks too much. The Rickenbacker's strum bar is silent and smoother.

I seem to be in the minority of preferring the RB frets over the GH frets. On the Rickenbacker the frets are more realistic, not raised like on the GH guitar. For me, the Rickenbacker is a more realistic gaming experience. Playing the GH3 guitar feels cheap.

The Rickenbacker is also 4 inches longer than the GH3 so it looks and feels like a real guitar. Unlike the GH controller, the Rickenbacker (and all RB guitars) do not need a Wiimote. The guitar comes with a dongle that is plugged into the USB port on the back of the Wii which recognizes the guitar once the guitar is turned on. That explains the slightly higher price of RB guitars vs GH guitars. Without needing to insert a Wiimote into the body, the Rickenbacker is a lighter guitar and easier to hold. A Wiimote is still needed to begin the game but once it is running all menus can be accessed via the RB guitar.

Manually set the calibration to "0" for both audio and video. Syncing automatically produced less than favorable results.

There is a 5 way toggle switch on the Rickenbacker supposedly useful in producing special effects in solo mode but not used in TBRB.

Unfortunately the RB guitars do not work with GH software whereas GH guitars work with RB software so take that into consideration.

Overall I like the Rickenbacker a lot - a leather strap rather than included nylon one would have been a nice touch. If you have the $$ buy the Rickenbacker. Or save your dough for the DLC.

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beatles for Ever, November 18, 2009

By 

Richard J. Emery (Australia) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

= Fun:5.0 out of 5 stars 

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Beatles: Rock Band Wii Wireless Rickenbacker 325 Guitar Controller (Video Game)

I now have all three guitar controllers for Beatles Rock Band. All are so much better presented than the regular guitars associated with Rock Band / Guitar Hero.
I especially like the additional playing keys down the neck to get that real guitar solo feeling, great for While My Guitar Gently Weeps !!!!!

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars So Cool!, December 4, 2009

By 

L. Gildart (Somerville, MA USA) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

= Fun:5.0 out of 5 stars 

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Beatles: Rock Band Wii Wireless Rickenbacker 325 Guitar Controller (Video Game)

I love the Beatles. I grew up loving the Beatles and have listened to their music all my life. But I was surprised, even as big a fan as I am, that it was important to me to have the premium instruments. I mean, they're wii controllers. I barely was able to get myself to break loose for the new motion sensors.

But this was an awesome purchase. It's a beautifully made wii controller, with some heft and good action on the frets, strummer, and bar thing.

The wireless works great, no dropping out. I couldn't be happier.

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