By Ruben Mookerjee // Director of Product Marketing, Gaming Business Unit on October 23, 2008
46 Comments
+ 13 Replies
Filed: Gaming
“The pleasure is to play, makes no difference what you say.”
- Ace of Spades by Motorhead
A few weeks ago, I had the surreal pleasure of taking my 14 year old son to see one of my boyhood rock heroes perform on stage: Lemmy Kilmister. Lemmy and his band, Motorhead, have not changed much since I first saw them in 1980, and I’ve spend most of the intervening 28 years regarding my enthusiasm for loud, heavy rock as a secret, guilty pleasure.
However, thanks to those insightful people at Harmonix and Red Octane and their 2005 video game Guitar Hero, both I and my battered LP collection can come out of the metaphorical (and non-metaphorical) closet. I find myself once more at the leading edge of popular culture, and a “wow” at teenage parties. And that’s why we’ve had so much fun working with Red Octane on the new Logitech Wireless Guitar Controller for PLAYSTATION 3.
I’ve been playing guitar in rock bands since I was 15, so helping create a new guitar design has been a dream come true. Having grown up idolizing such axe wielders as Eddie Van Halen, Randy Rhoads, Steve Vai and Joe Satriani, we had a crystal-clear inspiration for our design direction: a single-pick-up, no-nonsense “Superstrat” – the same influences that created the Ibanez RG-Series, the Jackson “Dinky” and the Kramer Baretta.
Although visual authenticity was extremely important, that was really secondary to building a better “playing” guitar controller. We wanted to keep the feel and relative spacing of the fret buttons and slider of the original Guitar Hero controller so that the hours invested in gaining proficiency aren’t wasted. That’s why our guitar has a slightly shorter neck length than a typical guitar – we chose the length that consistently gave us the best game scores.
And, by paying special attention to the buttons and the mechanism of the strum bar and trem, we’ve created a much quieter and higher-precision action that rewards a good player with higher scores in the game. In fact, it was most noticeable that our scores improved dramatically when we used using our prototype on the Rock Band game, which is generally less technically challenging than any of the Guitar Hero series (and comes with a standard guitar controller that is less accurately made – albeit attractive looking).
I hope you all have as much fun with the new Logitech Guitar controller as we did making it.
Related Reads:
* Logitech Premiere Edition Guitar Is Such, Such Guitar Hero Overkill
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* The Logitech Premiere Edition Wireless Guitar Hero controller is ready to rock!
* Logitech’s Unveils $250 Guitar Hero Controller
* Logitech’s Wireless Guitar Controller Premier Edition Keeping The Fake Real
* Logitech’s ‘Premiere’ wireless guitar isn’t fake enough
* Logitech Premiere Edition Wireless Guitar controller for Guitar Hero
* Logitech unveils Guitar Hero wireless controller
* Logitech Premiere Edition Wireless Guitar controller
Tags: guitar hero, playstation, ps3, wirelessguitar
(Average: 4.13 out of 5)
46 Comments + 13 Replies Add your own comment >>
Mike | October 23rd, 2008 at 6:30 am
Here’s the $10k question: Will it play GH1, GH2 and GH80’s on a PS3? If so, count me in for 2.
Fred from France | October 23rd, 2008 at 8:08 am
Two questions :
- Usable with Rock Band 1 and/or 2 ?
- European release, if any ?
Michael | October 23rd, 2008 at 11:18 am
I really like the look and feel of a real guitar, so I think I’d love to get one of these, but I guess my real $10k question would be if there is a planned 360 model in the works, what with microsoft’s proprietary wireless technology.
If there’s one coming for 360, I’d definitely get it!
Ruben Mookerjee | October 24th, 2008 at 3:12 pm
@Mike – I guess it’s more a $498 question The problem is actually outside Logitech’s (and Red Octane’s) control – it’s to do with the PS2 emulator that’s built into the PS3. The emulator cannot “see” the USB port, so our guitar controller (and also the Red Octane PS3 USB-dongle controllers for GHIII or GHWT) can’t operate the game. Funnily enough, I was talking to Sony about exactly this subject yesterday afternoon, and I know that this is something they would like to enable, but I am not sure whether they can technically do it. I wish I had better news, but like millions of GH fans around the world, I’m bummed about it as well.
@Fred – Yes, thanks to Sony, all PS3 Guitar games going forward should be usable with all Sony-licensed guitar controllers like ours. So you can play Rock Band 1 & 2 (as well as Konami’s forthcoming Rock Revolution) with the Logitech guitar. Some game-specific features might not be compatible (like the GH WT slider “frets” won’t register on Rock Band) but the game is still fully playable.
The European release date and pricing have yet to be announced.
@Michael – Stay tuned for news about additional platform support…
Grace | October 27th, 2008 at 4:51 am
will there be a wii model?
Vladenv | October 28th, 2008 at 9:46 am
Hi, the guitar is gorgeous, but i have the same question that @Grace
Will there be a version for WII?
And
When the guitar arrived to Mexico?
Thanks
Ruben Mookerjee | October 28th, 2008 at 10:58 am
Grace/Vladenv – As you probably know, we are a long term licensed partner of Nintendo, and we have a number of other Wii peripherals either recently announced or in development. As with the Xbox version of the guitar, I hope we can make an announcement on a Guitar Hero for Wii version soon…
In terms of availability in Mexico, we don’t have anything to announce right now.
Bolkar | October 28th, 2008 at 8:04 pm
How about a PC version?
You guys have been producing top of the line products for PC for a long time. I would love to see a PC compatible USB version.
JOHN | November 12th, 2008 at 11:21 am
Please let me know, if or when the xbox 360 version is confirmed.
SAMY | November 14th, 2008 at 4:38 pm
Why isn’t this guitar compatible with the Wii or the Xbox? That would be very cool for all the people who doesn’t own a PS3!
Martin | November 17th, 2008 at 8:48 pm
will there be a left handed version of this please
Shane | December 6th, 2008 at 6:42 pm
This looks excellent. If you guys included solo buttons on the bottom (like the RB solo buttons which actually strum during solos) as well as an effects switch for RB while keeping the slide bar for World Tour, I’d be all over it. It’s lack of color options and one available body style are also disappointing.
Incidentally, how big is this thing (I didn’t see in it’s description anywhere about it’s size, might be a good selling point if it’s full-sized)? I may be more inclined if it were a full-sized guitar.
josh | December 18th, 2008 at 5:25 pm
but the G25 Racing Wheel does not work for the Xbox360?
Ruben Mookerjee | December 19th, 2008 at 10:53 am
Hi Josh,
That\’s correct — the G25 wheel is compatible with PS2 and PS3 and PC (but not the XBox 360 or Wii).
-Ruben
Redlineryan | December 20th, 2008 at 11:29 am
It really stinks that it’s PS3 only. I guess Logitech doesn’t like money. I’ll be playing Rock Band on my Xbox 360 with an extra $250.00 in my pocket.
Rick Vestal | December 31st, 2008 at 2:43 pm
I’ve seen differing reports on the release date. From December 15th on Amazon to February 2009. Can someone shed some light on when the actual release is slated?
Ben | January 2nd, 2009 at 12:19 pm
Any idea when the drums will be announced? That’s all I really care about. It’s taking everything I have NOT to go out and get the ION Drum Rocker set. Please someone tell me when this will be available!!!
Thanks.
David Rammel | January 6th, 2009 at 1:45 pm
Will there be a drum-kit for GH:WT also?
Because i’m really frustrated with the RedOctane kit(like millions of others,i think)!
Ben | January 7th, 2009 at 12:13 pm
The Drum kit being release is for GH:WT. Although is should be cross compatable with RB2.
I wanted a date because I’m sooooooo close to buying the Drum Rocker set but I’d rather have a drum set which GH:WT would recognize the cymbals.
David Rammel | January 7th, 2009 at 1:57 pm
YEAH RIGHT!!!!GIVE US A RELEASE-DATE FOR THE KIT!!!!!!
Rik | January 18th, 2009 at 5:13 am
We REALLY need a x360 version of this beauty !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
John | January 22nd, 2009 at 4:52 am
I was wondering how the strum bar mechanism in the Logitech guitar is different to the original redoctane GH:WT guitar. The problem with the original guitar is the strum bar starts to wear out and lose it’s tactile feel within 1 – 2 months of playing. How have you improved on the original strum bar?
Ruben Mookerjee | January 22nd, 2009 at 3:41 pm
Hi John,
Many guitars, including the original GT:WT model, use microswitches behind the strum bar. These microswitches can be a bit noisy as well as wear down overtime. Logitech has developed a proprietary technology that, when used in conjunction with rubber domes behind the strum bar, will not wear down over time while still delivering , positive, tactile feedback and a quieter experience (less clicky button noise to distract you from the game).
Tim | January 22nd, 2009 at 7:14 pm
When will this be available in Australia?
Ruben Mookerjee | January 27th, 2009 at 2:47 pm
Tim,
We have not announced available in Australia yet but stay tuned.
Cliff | January 23rd, 2009 at 12:32 am
Hello, could you advise how much this product weights and what the approximate size is of the shipping box?
Ruben Mookerjee | January 27th, 2009 at 2:50 pm
Cliff,
The Guitar itself weighs around 8.5 pounds and the dimensions of the box are 35.98 inches (L), 11.81 inches (W) and 3.15 inches (H)
Andrew | January 23rd, 2009 at 9:21 am
Is this guitar shipping in the US yet? If not, when? haven’t found any reviews yet.
Ruben Mookerjee | January 23rd, 2009 at 1:16 pm
Hi Andrew,
The product is now shipping in the U.S. Check GameStop or you can order directly from Logitech.com. There are even a few customer reviews on Logitech.com today.
Mark Anderson | January 25th, 2009 at 11:15 pm
Could you please post a photo of the bonus gig bag?
Ben | January 26th, 2009 at 8:27 am
Nice to see all the answers about the guitar. Anyone got an answer on the drums or do you want us to go out and buy rock band peripherals?
Ruben Mookerjee | January 26th, 2009 at 4:27 pm
Unfortunately, we cannot comment on future products, but please stay tuned for future product announcements…
Ben | January 27th, 2009 at 7:05 am
Well…at least it’s an answer.
scrooge | January 28th, 2009 at 1:34 am
i could not see from any of your replies. Is logitech making a guitar like this for pc? it will be really sad if you had to say NO.
thanks
Dave C | January 31st, 2009 at 3:41 am
Do you have a rough timeframe for an Australian release date? Can you narrow it down at all? Thinking I might import this from the US, but I’d rather wait for it locally if I had any idea when it might be released.
Lisa Roberts | February 1st, 2009 at 7:33 pm
Hello,
When will this guitar be on sale in Australia?
Thanks!
Ruben Mookerjee | February 2nd, 2009 at 11:00 am
Hi Lisa and Dave,
Re: availability in Australia — at this point, the guitar is only available in the U.S. and U.K. Unfortunately, we don’t have a target release date for Australia, so I recommend that you buy it from a U.S. or U.K distributor.
All the best,
Kate
Lisa Roberts | February 3rd, 2009 at 12:29 am
Hello again,
Could you list where this product is available in the US besides Logitech.com and Gamestop.com, and where in the UK?
Thanks.
Ruben Mookerjee | February 5th, 2009 at 10:59 am
Hi Lisa,
The premiere edition guitar is available at some Gamestop stores in the U.S. You can check store availability on Gamestop.com, but the best bet is to call your local store to confirm that it is in stock.
In the U.K., your best bet is amazon.co.uk.
Cheers, Ruben
Ben G | February 3rd, 2009 at 9:27 am
Hey, Three things,
1. On wii??
2. In UK??
3. Drums, please don’t make them to expensive and confusing!!!! (I’m running out of cash)
Ruben Mookerjee | February 3rd, 2009 at 3:42 pm
Hi Ben,
1. No availability on the Wii right now.
2. Yes, it’s available in the U.K.
3. No comment on future or products or potential products.
Cheers, Ruben
Jose, from Canada | February 6th, 2009 at 6:59 pm
This guitar controller is absolutely beautiful at first sight, and as a gamer playing Expert, and still enjoying the GH and Rockband games, I would definately consider buying one, seeing the quality of it.
A question though. I recently had problems with the new GH:WT controller; at first, for a defective strum bar, and after receiving a replacement, the tilt sensor for the Star Power was also defective, where SP was unleashed if the guitar is at more than 10 degrees of inclination.
Is this guitar equipped with a similar “tilt sensor”, and how sensitive is it? Is the sensitivity customizable? I like to move with my guitar quite a lot while playing (I do play real guitar also), and I really dislike the SP to be unleashed to easily.
I’ll stay tuned for the answer! Cheers, Jose
Rob | February 15th, 2009 at 2:39 am
http://www.amazon.com is now shipping this guitar internationnally, including to Australia as some posters have eqnuired about.
Ben Sp | February 17th, 2009 at 7:30 am
Ok so I’m having trouble with this statement from Ruben…
“No comment on future or products or potential products”
I have an issue with this because you can go out and google this stuff and find it on thousands of sites.
Games publisher Activision has teamed up with Logitech to develop and market premium instrument controllers for the latest instalment of Guitar Hero.
Guitar Hero World Tour ships this autumn for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 2 and 3 and Nintendo Wii.
Logitech said that it plans to offer premium instruments for each of the platforms, the first of which will be available later this year.
Logitech’s products will be compatible with Guitar Hero World Tour’s advanced feature set, allowing players to elevate Guitar Hero jam sessions to fully-fledged rock concerts.
So why can’t Ruben or someone just say “Yep we’re making a great set of drums for you guys so stay tuned.”
The responses on this blog are making it sound like they may be making the drums and they may not be making them.
I’m not really looking for a response. Just vening my frustration while I wonder around the interwebs all day looking at videos of people enjoying their ION drum rocker and redoctane drum sets…I wanna be having fun like those people…
Reto | February 17th, 2009 at 12:28 pm
Hi guys. I’m sorry to come back to the release dates. I learned that the people from U.S. and the UK have some possibilities to buy this masterpiece of controller. But what about the rest of europe? My distributor in Switzerland confirmed delivery end of february. So, for now, it’s set to unknown state… Are there special issues about, and if yes, what? There’s no problem to wait…. but to know why and until when would be very interesting.
Buzzer | February 20th, 2009 at 6:16 am
Anything new on the xbox 360 version in europe?
The market definitly needs an alternative to the red octane instruments!
PAkiha | March 10th, 2009 at 10:47 am
I’m just putting in my request for the Wii version, I found this last week and several friends are very interested, and one has it for his PS2.
Jeff | March 14th, 2009 at 12:57 pm
Any update if a 360 version is coming anytime soon?
Thanks,
Jeff
scrooge | April 2nd, 2009 at 1:32 am
You know thats just the thing…. all the best games are out on PS3 and Wii WITH FULL SUPPORT (the equipment that goes with the game, not to mention better than any equipment for the xbox). why with microsoft being such a huge part of technology do they not have better equipment for the XBOX 360 W H Y?????
Drum Kits with Cymbals | June 21st, 2009 at 1:13 pm
Very well written post however, I would recommend that you turn the No Follow off in your comment section.
Keep up the good work.
Scott | August 17th, 2009 at 1:02 am
Is there any new’s to if or when a Wii version of the Guitar will be released?
Many thank for all the other great thing’s…
Randy | August 20th, 2009 at 2:04 pm
I’m wanting to buy this guitar, but i have just 1 question?
How long does it take for the strum bar to hit the edges. Does it hit the edges earlier than the world tour guitar when you strum both ways? Or does it take longer? Just asking because the more early it hits the edges, the better you can alternative strum really fast parts.
Ruben Mookerjee | August 24th, 2009 at 1:24 pm
Hi Randy,
Based on our measurements, the Logitech Wireless Guitar does \’hit the edges\’ sooner, allowing you to strum faster.
Cheers, Ruben
Scott | October 2nd, 2009 at 2:37 pm
Hi Ruben,
Is it coming out on the WII?
Ruben Mookerjee | October 2nd, 2009 at 2:53 pm
Hi Scott,
We announced a Wii version on September 9.
Cheers, Ruben
Danny | November 4th, 2009 at 12:55 am
How Much Is The Guitar In The UK In Wolverhampton (Just the Guitar Nothing Else) And Is It Compatible With The Beatles Rock Band
Ruben Mookerjee | November 9th, 2009 at 12:06 am
Hi Danny,
The wireless guitar is available in the UK for GBP 179.00. And yes, it will work with The Beatles Rock Band.
Cheers,
Ruben
Marcel Ribas | November 9th, 2009 at 6:38 pm
Loving it in the PS3, but I could not make it work in the PS2. Is there any trick? The dongle does not light up when I connect it to the PS2. Thanks!
Ruben Mookerjee | November 19th, 2009 at 5:35 pm
Hi Marcel,
Any games that support USB guitars on PS2 support the Logitech Wireless Guitar Controller. These include Guitar Hero World Tour and later games (GHWT, GH5, GH Metallica, GH Smash Hits, Band Hero). If you’re having connection issues with these games, please contact customer support for further assistance.
Cheers,
Ruben