Wiimote guitar effects control

[Rob Morris] sent us this video of his Wiimote based guitar effects. Similar to our post yesterday about using the Wiimote to control a synth, he is using changes in orientation to effect the sound. He starts off with simple pitch modulation, but later in the video he’s doing, uh, we’re not sure but its kind of cool.
Source hackaday.

Activision giving away free guitar with World Tour preorders

Even though we regard Activision as greedy for its approach to downloadable content and subscription models, we have to confess we're impressed by Guitar Hero World Tour's preorder gift of a totally free guitar.

The company just announced the scheme, but don't get too excited, because there are a couple of disclaimers to this. One: as far as we can tell, this is currently a UK-only offer (one that includes all online and high street retailers). Two: you do have to buy the full band set, which is currently going for around £150 at most online stores; still, this does allow you to have a bass player in your band from the get-go. Here, Activision, have some props from us.
Source Nintendo wii fanboy.

Rock Band 2 Wireless Guitar and Drums Hardware Review

Gizmodo have reviewed the instruments for the new Rock Band 2.

"Just like the actual Rock Band 2 game, the new Rock Band 2 peripherals work more at refining the experience than redefining it. The wireless guitar and wireless drum kit add a bit of freedom from tripping and crashing into coffee tables, as well as minor design decisions that only improve your fake rocking out. The improvements aren't different or better enough for Rock Band 1 owners to throw out their current gear and buy these versions, but they are a great bonus for people who are buying the Rock Band 2 set."

Read more at Gizmodo.

Rock Band 2, standalone instruments coming next week

Harmonix has announced that the Xbox 360 version of Rock Bad 2 has officially shipped to retailers in time for its September 14 release date. The standalone wireless drums and guitar are also shipping sometime next week for $90 and $70, respectively. Also shipping next week are Mad Catz's "Fender P-Bass" wireless guitar controller ($70) and the ION Drum Rocker set (wired; $300).

The press release also reminded us that the RB Music Store had recently surpassed 21 million song downloads since its launch in late November. That's 15 million more since we last heard about it in March and an average of 2.3 million per month.
Source Joystiq.

ezJam Combo Guitar for Wii plays neutral in the battle of the (virtual) bands

Living room arenas around the world will soon become even more cluttered with toy instruments thanks to Rock Band 2 and Guitar Hero: World Tour. Axes for the two respective franchises haven't gotten along on the Wii, and while we're still not sure whether the next generation will cooperate ezGear is hoping to bring some peace (and eliminate some clutter) for current Nintendo rockers with its ezJam Combo Guitar. Inside its baby-blue Strat-esque styling there's port to plug in your Wiimote when playing Guitar Hero III as well as an integrated wireless transmitter for Rock Band. At $70 it's a little more expensive than other third-parties like the Nyko Frontman, but playing lead in two bands instead of one is totally worth it.
Source Engadget

Datel Wii Max Vii Guitar Controller reviewed.

Dcemu uk has a new review of the max vii guitar controller.
"Guitar games are currently the hottest property on the current generation of consoles, and Nintendo’s Wii is no exception. Trouble is, some of the guitar controllers out there just don’t look the part. Thankfully, with a Wii Max Vii Guitar around your neck, you look every inch the budding rock star, but do you have what it takes to beat the best in Guitar Hero III?

Boasting an exciting ‘flying V’ design, Wii Max Vii Guitar is a wireless controller, so there are no cables to tangle up as you play. It’s powered by the Wiimote that snaps into the body of the guitar, so you need no batteries either. It has five contoured fret buttons, a responsive strum bar and a working whammy bar. The neck of the guitar is detachable from its body, so it’s easy to transport, and the supplied strap fits either side of the fret board, so you can play left-handed as well as right-handed. It’s the perfect control solution for your Wii guitar games."

For the full review go here.