G4TV

Finally, we're getting some 3rd party instruments for our Rock Band. A while back, Mad Catz was given the official thumbs up from Harmonix to become a licensed manufacturer of 3rd party Rock Band accessories.

Up first is the Fender Bass controller with a recommended list price at $69.99. This beauty comes with a split strum bar so you can pluck as you would a real bass. The 360 version will be out June 22, PS3 on July 15, and Wii on August 1.

Hit the jump for new drums, guitars, and mics!!!

Here are the features on the Fender Bass:

- Licensed Fender Precision bass styling

- Comfortable thumb rest

- Custom finishes for enhanced realism

- Whammy effect via volume knob

- Split strum bar for fast finger action

- Oversized tuning keys

- Durable plastic construction

- Wired USB connectivity



The Mad Catz mic controller integrates the buttons on the mic body so it's easier to select things in between songs although we're hoping this doesn't create accidental pausing and false commands during the songs. The 360 version is out but not in a lot of stores yet. The PS3 version is out July 15 and no Wii version has been announced.

Mic features:

- Built-in controller

- High quality soft-touch finish

- High profile pop / wind screen

- Convenient lock/unlock button

- Wired USB connection


A beautiful Telecaster officially licensed by Fender will soon be available for $79.99. So far it has only been listed for the 360 but you've gotta figure they're just working out details to make this a reality across platforms.


Telecaster features:

- Licensed Fender Telecaster styling

- Perfectly scaled with high detail

- Built for speed with new and improved strum bar and quick response fret buttons

- Programmable strum

- Telecaster Bridge Plate used for Whammy

- Smooth Hot-Rod Red finish

- Wired USB connection



Mad Catz is also releasing two new drum sets, one a much smaller portable pad system and another premium set with cymbals and lots of business.

The portable set, marked at $49.99, will be out July 15 for the 360 and August 15 for the PS3 and Wii. Customizable 4mm thick pads can be placed on any hard surface making it truly portable. It also comes with padded drumsticks to further dampen atonal thudding issues inherent on the Harmonix edition.



The premium set includes more than is needed or can be processed by the game currently, so we're thinking this is a hint at what might be in store for Rock Band 2. I mean, cymbals are cool, but they're kind of useless right now. 360 and PS3 versions will be out August 1, with Wii versions out August 15. The price is set at $149.99.

Premium Drumkit features:
- High hat (w/ foot pedal)
- Crash cymbal
- Individually adjustable drum heads



rockbandmods.net: Mad Catz Rock Band Instruments Releasing Next Week