Xbox 360 Rock Band Wireless Fender Precision Bass Replica – Hot Rod Red

5 Responses to “Xbox 360 Rock Band Wireless Fender Precision Bass Replica – Hot Rod Red”

1. wyrmburner
   November 22, 2009 at 5:32 pm

   Let me preface this by saying I was very excited in purchasing this product. Based on the reviews, the design with bassists in mind…I was pumped. So, keep this in mind that I might’ve been hoping for the moon.

   I do play (real) bass, although I’d rate my skill as about a 3 out of 10. I thought getting this controller would help strengthen my fingerwork, even when I want to relax and just play a game.

   For starters, the overall design is nice. It is longer, much more “bass-like” than the Rock Band controller. However, it feels a bit cheap, in my opinion. The tuning pegs are quite weak (not like you need to twist them to play, but it goes with the feel of the controller) and the pegs for the strap are pretty loose.

   Like other reviewers, I did like the omission of the strum bar. The buttons are actually more responsive for hammer-on’s and pull-off’s, which is nice as well. And, probably best of all, there is a black plastic piece for you to rest your thumb on while you strum like mad…

   But the strumming is the largest limitation. It strums significantly louder than the original Rock Band guitar (which is an issue for me when I jam late at night and have to crank up my TV even louder to drown out the click-click-click-click). It also takes more force to strum. An issue for me, maybe not all bassists, was my tendency to catch my finger on the inside edge of the strum bar I wasn’t intending to hit. It didn’t happen often, but frequently enough to frustrate me and ruin some good note streaks. I generally keep my fingers close together when I play, which is what would lead to the accidental clipping of the other bar.

   Another critique, albeit minor, is that you will not get an “Authentic Strummer” achievement while using this controller. For some reason the strum bars work in opposite directions, one is up and the other is down. This can also be a bit confusing when going through menus, trying to send a message, etc. And although it does work for both Rock Band 1 and 2, there is a switch on the back you have to flip to choose which game you are playing. This makes me wonder if it will be compatible with future Rock Band games or Guitar Hero even (which I did not test). Also, when I turned off the controller, my Xbox wouldn’t let me turn on another controller as controller one.

   Taking all of this into account, I decided to return this controller and go back to what I had been doing: playing the game by strumming the original Rock Band guitar like a bass, alternating fingers. I really couldn’t justify the $100 if I’m playing worse with louder strumming. I’d suggest you try the same before purchasing this product.
   Rating: 2 / 5
2. Albatross76
   November 22, 2009 at 6:21 pm

   I love this Precision Bass replica. I play as the bassist in a weekend Rock Band/Guitar Hero group, and let me tell you the jaws dropped when I walked in with this thing. It’s big, it feels great, and the P-Bass is a perfect addition to the game(s). One thing people don’t mention is that the front strummer is inverted, and so when you strum both up one is down (better gameplay). No, I don’t play real instruments, but with this thing and a few beers (like a previous reviewer mentioned- what goes better?) I feel like I could be Michael Anthony, or Sting, or Cliff Burton. Worth every penny they charge for it… to the point I may buy another.
   Rating: 5 / 5
3. L. Fishburne
   November 22, 2009 at 7:38 pm

   My son has always liked rock band but found it frustrating because there was no wireless bass. He is an electric and upright bass player and finds this replica enjoyable and realistic.
   Rating: 5 / 5
4. Guy Amleman
   November 22, 2009 at 9:20 pm

   I had the same bass replica but wired and the wire was really annoying especially when there were too many people around. The new wirelss bass is giving me the freedom I was lacking with the other product. This product is excellent, my wife really enjoys the game with it and it is beautiful. The finition of the product makes the bass looks real. Amazon delivered this product very quickly and there was a small scratch on the front of the instrument but I was able to remove it with specialized products and now it is perfect. I highly recommend this bass, it plays wonderfully. So far, the products I orderd from MADCATZ seem of excellent quality, I am waiting for the fender replica at 300$ and I look forward to see the quality of this product. The only annoying thing for me with these products is that they are difficult to acquire in Canada, for the bass I had to have the product shipped to my friend’s home and to pick it up there (a 10 hours drive), I hope that they will correct this situation.
   Rating: 5 / 5
5. Miguel Sanchez
   November 22, 2009 at 11:56 pm

   having used the wired p-bass for a while, i must say this is worth the extra 20-30 dollars.

   1. back of the fretboard has a matte texture instead of gloss, much easier to slide between G and O.
   
   2. strum bar has less of a click, so “strumming” it bass style isn’t as tiring.
   
   3. no wires! i thought 10 feet would be enough but when it’s poking from the xbox it’s really only a coffee table away.
   
   4. hitting o/d was perfect, with the wired i would have to have a seizure to switch on o/d sometimes.

   definite must for rock band enthusiasts. highly recommended for casual players.
   
   can’t wait for the player’s guitar now.
   Rating: 5 / 5