Customer Reviews

Logitech PS3 / PS2 Wireless Guitar Controller

5 star:		(28)
4 star:		(12)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Length:: 8:30 Mins

I made a video (8 minutes 30 seconds - I do not talk in the video):
- showing off the sexy guitar
- comparing the fret/strum bar to the original Activision World Tour Guitar [starts around 1:32]
- length comparison to the Rock Band Guitar also. [7:45]
- using the guitar with the game (to get a better idea of how the guitar really sounds). [2:32]
- a quick unboxing... [6:30]

There's no question about it -- this is one sleek guitar. (it's also a fingerprint magnet)

This makes all the original bundled guitars look like a 3-year-old's toy!
Really good weight to it, so this is definitely not for small kids.
The guitar is slightly longer than the original Activision guitar.

Although they advertise the strum bar being "quiet as a whisper", it's really not. It definitely doesn't have that "super cheap clicky sound" like on the original Activision World Tour guitar, but it's still definitely audible. However, some players probably prefer hearing some distinct sound, so that they know it's being triggered, than having that loose feel like it is on the Rock Band guitar.

Moreover, the frets may be metal UNDERNEATH, but the actual buttons that you see aren't REALLY metal - it's still plastic (although it's not the cheapest plastic I've ever seen like on the original guitar controllers, it's still plastic -- just a minor pet peeve). I was expecting that to be a shiny metal too. So technically, it's not really made out of all metal.

This is actually not documented anywhere on the included manual, but there's actually a switch on whammy bar to adjust the tension: if you have the switch to the left, the whammy has slightly more resistance/tighter; if you have it to the right, then it takes slightly less pressure/looser.

The directional button(with the PS button) is plastic (I think it kind of ruins the overall quality of the guitar) and feels somewhat flimsy and not as firm, so I actually prefer the directional buttons on the Activision's. I also don't know why they don't make the up/down buttons the other way around (it should be reversed) because when you're holding the guitar, it would feel more natural if the up directional is actually the down button and vice versa.

Besides the aesthetics being a clear winner by miles, this guitar makes it much easier to do those rapid notes, even if you hesitate than usual, since the frets are more responsive and feels slimmer -- unlike the STIFF fat buttons on the cheap guitars (once you hesitate on those, you're pretty much screwed).

The price is pretty steep... however, it is quite a step up -- both feel and look -- from the cheap controllers as well. I give it a 4.5/5 stars. It definitely makes the game more enjoyable/exciting and feel more realistic. Once you've been spoiled using this controller, it's hard to go back to the old cheap ones. It's a must-have for Guitar Hero/Rock Band fans (although it's designed for GH). I've also used the guitar with Rock Band 2. It's a no brainer if you're a hardcore fan, who frequently plays the game, and have the money. Overall, if you would like a better experience, you'll definitely want to try these out and put away the "baby toy" guitars.

This version is a vast improvement on the first edition (red). The physical manufacturing and styling have slightly different elements that add up to a much greater guitar.

I bought 6 of the red editions and didn't get one that was acceptable. The major problem was that the neck experienced a lot of stress during play. The new version corrects this problem by using a tongue and groove design. This one is built to last.

Additionally, the coloring is slightly different for this version. Obviously, the guitar is black. The faceplate is also black. And, not immediately noticeable, the neck is a darker wood. The overall effect is a much sleeker style.

As far as play goes, the guitar is a dream to hold and use. The buttons are solid, easy to find without looking, and fast. The strum bar is actually a light activated device - rather than mechanical. The lack of mechanical parts means it will last for a long time.

The guitar works fine with Rock Band 2. It lacks the wammy style selector - but, this is no great loss. The timing matches RB guitars - so no worries there if you mix guitars.

The guitar has a star-power button that I find works better than swinging the guitar up to activate special powers. The other buttons are hidden in the design and don't get hit on accident during play.

Many have complained about the lack of Bluetooth. Not a big deal to me. The included dongle works fine. The wireless is accurate and the batteries last a long time.

My only reservation with the guitar is the weight. It gets heavy after a few sets - just like a real guitar. So, younger players may have some trouble.

Overall, it is a great addition to your playing experience. I recommend this version over the original.

I learned to play guitar many years ago and find Guitar Hero and Rock Band to be a strange concept. Additionally the controllers included in the kits are cheap plastic toys which distract from the gaming experience. I just don't get it, but my other half apparently does. Intrigued by the description and out of curiosity, I opted to try the Logitech wireless guitar controller.

Logitech has designed this controller to improve the gaming experience. According to Logitech, improvements over the kit controller includes the use of authentic materials, a virtually silent strum bar, long battery life, and a 30 foot wireless range while providing all the buttons and pads to take advantage of all the games features in an easy to set up controller.

When Logitech states this guitar is "virtually silent" they apparently mean noisy. By no stretch of the imagination is this controller "quiet as a whisper." Logitech's controller isn't as loud as the kit controller, but the keys and strum bar still make noticeable clacking sounds. The shiny black lacquered face of the guitar with the black plastic shield surrounding the strum bar easily attracts fingerprints and smudges. These aren't obvious from a short distance, but occasional polishing is needed. Additionally the controller requires the use of a USB dongle. Limited USB ports on the PS3 may require purchasing a USB hub when using multiple USB devices. Considering the price of this guitar, Bluetooth capabilities should have been built into the controller.

For all Logitech's wireless guitar short comings, this controller delivers on improving the gaming experience in a big way. The realistic construction and attention to the fine details is impressive. Weighing 6.2 pounds combined with details like fret bars and movable tuning pegs, there is no doubt this controller feels like the real deal. Set-up is simple as well, install the batteries, plug in the USB dongle, and pair the guitar. The only additional set-up is installing the neck strap. The range is excessive, ensuring uninterrupted game play. I was able to leave the game room, walk past the dining room, through a short hallway, then into the office and still affect the PS3.

Now I see the appeal of Guitar Hero and Rock Band, and just how much the toy controller distracts from the gaming experience. While Logitech has room to improve on the design, don't let this luxury guitar controller's short comings prevent its purchase. While I wouldn't purchase this controller for little children, for older teens and adults this wireless guitar significantly adds to the Guitar Hero gaming experience.

PROS:
Makes less noise than the kit guitar
Simple set-up
Realistic look and feel
Improves gaming experience
Excessively long range

CONS:
Not "quiet as a whisper"
USB - not blue tooth
Attracts fingerprints

I just purchased this PS3 Guitar controller, very nice hardware. I use a PS3 Slim and play Rock Band.

My only substaintial complaint is that the slidder function does not work. I contacted Logitech support, and they informed me that the slidder funcion is not avialable with Rock Band games; this is a Guitar Hero function. Not owning Guitar Hero, I cannot personally verify this, but the assistant at Logitech claimed first hand knowledge of this (claims to play the game).

Also note that the slidder on this guitar is in place of the "solo" buttons (the narrow set of fret buttons that are near the guitar body) that are on the Rock Band stock guitar. This means that during a Solo (in Rock Band Games) you will need to keep strumming.

I have played for several hours now, and note the following:

The fret buttons are in a tighter cluster than on the Rock Band 2 Guitar, making it easier to stretch across the five notes, though this also means that there is a bit of getting used to this after playing the stock guitar. The fret buttons are also smaller than the Rock Band Guitar (they do not reach entirely across the neck) so I had to eliminate my habbit of fingering the very edge of the neck, like I did on my stock Rock band guitar. It also seems that it is important to finger the buttons squarely in order to prevent missed notes, though even when pressing the edge of the button, it will regiseter most of the time.

Guitar is heavy as others noted, but I play mostly sitting down, so makes no difference to my palying.

The neck is quite fat (compared to most real guitars), which was unexpected. But it is barely more fat than the stock plastic one.

Overall this is a great guitar, full size, more comfortable for me as an adult, extermely nice upgrade from the plastic one. It is unclear if this will have any influence on making me a better player, though the fret buttons being closer together should help here.

Seriously, if you've been beating your brains out, like I did, searching for the BEST aftermarket guitar to use for both Guitar Hero AND Rock Band, you can relax now, this is the one you want. One of the very few products in my adult life that I liked so much, I bought another one a few months after my first one. I intend to purchase one more to save for backup purposes. This guitar is so well made, so beautiful that I leave it in its stand to display it all the time, when I'm not using it to shred in either of these games. The best!!!

No question about it, this should replace the cheap plastic guitar. Heft of a real electric. The GH and RB games are upgraded by using this guitar and the price is right. I have no cons. The fingerprint thing is not a problem, it is that way with glossy instruments and they require care and TLC to keep in shape. This Logitech controller is off the hook!

The guitar is larger and heavier than the standard guitar controller. One thing I immediately noticed was that the action on the strum bar was more stiff. The guitar was excellent, however, the strum bar broke approximately 4 months after I purchased it. I play 2-3 times weekly, for 1-2 hrs each time. The store I bought it at no longer carried it and would not replace it. Logitech customer service was not very useful in helping me replace it.

Pros:
*Works for PS2 & PS3, also PS3 Slim
*Nice weight, not too heavy and very realistic
*Buttons are slightly smaller but slightly farther apart than on the GH 5 guitar, making them easier to manage for smaller (adult/teenage) hands
*Great battery life
*Has Slider
*STRUM BAR IS EXTREMELY QUIET!!
*Very responsive
*Whammy bar is much more comfortable

Cons:
>Star power button is stiff and clunky :(
>Start button is in a slightly awkward place

All in all, I'd still purchase again; Just wish the star power button wasn't so stiff

I can't consider myself a huge fan of either Guitar Hero or Rock Band. I bought the first Guitar Hero when it came out and enjoyed it immensely -- but immediately became dismayed by the onslaught of new game and controller releases. Compatibility also became an issue after awhile.

That said, I'll explain that I'm a game collector -- however -- I prefer to own the best of peripherals rather than a huge swatch of them. I don't need 4 guitars and drums and all of that. One really nice guitar that is built well and will last is what would best suit my needs. This Logitech seems to fit the bill nicely.

When I originally did my research -- I was disappointed that this guitar wasn't full-size. This almost kept me from buying it. After some consideration I decided I didn't really need something that large taking up so much space.

As for the guitar itself -- my only complaint is a cosmetic one. The fret buttons are an eyesore. When you think about the lengths that Logitech went to in order to make a nice "mini" guitar -- you can't help but think that it would have been nice if it looked a tad more realistic. The brown plastic on the neck used for both the buttons and the slider bar cheapens the overall look. This isn't a major complaint -- like I said it's purely cosmetic -- but it makes this guitar more toy-like, which is too bad.

When it came to gameplay -- I scored significantly better with this controller. There were songs on Guitar Hero Metallica I could never get through before -- but this controller feels a lot more comfortable to me. The wood neck fits nicely in my palm -- making those fret buttons easy to get to. And the strum bar is so silent that sometimes I thought I was missing notes! Gone are the days of having to shake the controller to invoke Star Power, too. I liked having all of the hardware right where I could get to it.

All in all -- this is a great controller. If pricepoint is your concern -- wait for a sale -- but this is definitely worth picking up.

Wov! Wov! Wov! This guitar is awesome.

The build quality and packaging is great. The materials used are in fact really solid, polished and excellent worksmanship.There is good quality plastic, wood and metal like materials used.

Apart from cosmetic looks, the actual styling has been paid attention to so that it feels like real guitar and would be great to hold ergonomically as well as would last for years.

There are not moving pieces or weak strings etc. Thought has been paid to design so that the guitar can be even handled by my 13 month old daughter who has a blast enjoying it. The guitar plays wonderful and she claps and dances. Obviously she plays with it with me holding the guitar, as this guitar is bit heavy, which is ok cause
the build quailty is top notch.

Please keep in mind there is no bluetooth, but there is dongle for wifi (wireless acccess). That works for me, although it would have been nice to add that 10 dollar chip in it.

This was my first step into the Guitar gaming world, and is surely a pleasure to start with.

I use PS3. And this guitar has indeed made our evenings more enjoyable in the living room. Fun for my family.