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Just read this
MTV GAMES, HARMONIX AND EA UNVEIL REPLICA RICKENBACKER AND GRETSCH GUITAR INSTRUMENT CONTROLLERS FOR THE BEATLES™: ROCK BAND™


Harmonix Music Systems, the leading developer of music-based games, and MTV Games, a part of Viacom’s MTV Networks (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B), along with distribution partner Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: ERTS), announced today that replica Rickenbacker 325 and Gretsch Duo Jet™ guitars will be made available as standalone music peripheral controllers for The Beatles: Rock Band. In addition, The Beatles: Rock Band Pre-Order Club also goes live today in the U.S. and Canada giving fans exclusive news and access to exclusive game elements from the eagerly awaited game set for release worldwide on 9/9/09.

The Rickenbacker 325 and Gretsch Duo Jet guitars are hailed as two of the signature, most celebrated instruments played by John Lennon and George Harrison throughout their careers, respectively. They will be made available for MSRP $99.99 in the U.S. and in continental Europe for MSRP €99.99 and for MSRP £89.99 in the UK. These wireless instrument controllers join the previously announced Höfner bass controller, a large-scale replica of the bass famously used by Sir Paul McCartney, and the Ringo Starr inspired and Ludwig-branded Rock Band 2 drums, with a classic pearl finish and vintage replica Beatles kick drum head. All controllers will be available for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PLAYSTATION® 3, Wii™ and will be compatible with all Rock Band titles.

Also announced, The Beatles: Rock Band Pre-Order Club officially goes live today. North American and European fans who pre-order any version of the The Beatles: Rock Band at a participating retailer will be given an access code to officially join the Pre-Order Club. After entry of the code, consumers will gain access to breaking news and exclusive behind the scenes elements . For a list of participating retailers or to learn more about The Beatles: Rock Band Pre-Order Club, please visit http://www.thebeatlesrockband.com.

The Beatles: Rock Band will allow fans to pick up the guitar, bass, mic or drums and experience The Beatles’ extraordinary catalogue of music through gameplay that takes players on a journey through the legacy and evolution of the band’s legendary career. Available simultaneously worldwide in North America, Europe, Australia, New Zealand and other territories for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system and Wii™ system from Nintendo on Sept. 9, 2009, the game will be compatible with all Rock Band instrument controllers, as well as most Guitar Hero® and other third party music video game peripherals and microphones.

For The Beatles: Rock Band standalone guitar front of box art, please visit http://www.mtvpress.com.

I can't wait for this

That's surprising that they used the Duo Jet, since George stopped visibly using that by '63.

I also like the Accent/Kauffman combo bridge on the 325

Should be an interesting game, though!

That shouldn't be too surprising, given that the Gretsches that George is most visibly associated with are now licensed "Chet Atkins" models.

If a standard 325 neck is similar to that of a Strat Guitar Hero controller "neck", how will the 325 controller "neck" be?

Cheapest new Rick price ever! Sure hope the delivery pipeline is greased.... Did RIC hold out for these to be made in the USA?

They got the dots wrong...

More like a 355 Liverpool, actually.

Cheap to do the DJ...I'm guessing they just used their LP mold.

I'm wondering if a well-known Rick lover and former toymaker among us was in on any part of the 325 controller gig.

wj350 wrote:Cheap to do the DJ...I'm guessing they just used their LP mold.

Huh?!?! The body of an LP and that of a Duo Jet have absolutely nothing in common, other than that they're both single cutaways.

It's a toy, and thew profiles are quite similar, so it's theoretically possible.

I suppose that the digital files for one could have been tweaked to do the other.

Possible, but not actual.

I wonder what the wait time is on one of the Ric's?

ataritoobin wrote:That's surprising that they used the Duo Jet, since George stopped visibly using that by '63.

That's because the everyone thinks the instruments they played on the Ed Sullivan show were the only instruments they ever played. I was shocked to read in "Beatles Gear" how quickly they gave those guitars up. That's how iconic that first US appearance was.

doesitmatter wrote:

ataritoobin wrote:That's surprising that they used the Duo Jet, since George stopped visibly using that by '63.

That's because the everyone thinks the instruments they played on the Ed Sullivan show were the only instruments they ever played. I was shocked to read in "Beatles Gear" how quickly they gave those guitars up. That's how iconic that first US appearance was. Although by then George had moved to the Country Gentleman.

So maybe I have no point.