Posts Tagged ‘keyboard’

Joystiq ran across some digital music experts over at CreateDigitalMusic.com who took the new Rock Band 3 keyboard peripheral for a spin. While the keyboard is obviously designed with Rock Band 3 in mind, the fact that it is also MIDI-out capable means that it may also be used in the actual creation of real digital music. Here’s a few excerpts from what the folks at Create Digital Music had to say.

I have to admit: I was very surprised by the quality of the keyboard. You could easily put this alongside so-called “pro” unweighted keyboards in the sub-$200 range and, blindfolded, no one would ever guess this was a game keyboard.

Bottom line is, this thing is a joy for controlling computer synths or hardware, and may have just become my portable keyboard of choice, just because it’s fun to strap on. Of course, if you don’t care about the “keytar” form factor, any number of inexpensive keyboards will give you real pitch and mod wheels and some knobs. But if you want to play a keytar, this game controller has become, bizarrely, a must-buy.

Make sure to head over to their reviews of the keyboard, because they give a VERY thorough review from a musician’s standpoint.

[CreateDigitalMusic.com via Joystiq]

As we all are aware of at this point, Rock Band 3 introduced a brand new instrument peripheral into the mix, the keyboard. While not as essential to the “rock formula” as say guitar or drums, it is a prevalent instrument nonetheless. Game Hunters (via USAToday) recently had a chance to talk with a keyboard player from one of the most iconic bands in rock music, the Doors’ Ray Manzarek, who has recently seen a whopping 13 songs added to the Rock Band library. Below are a few choice quotes from the interview, so be sure to head on over to USAToday to check out the rest of the interview.

Game Hunter: What’s it like to introduce a new generation to your music?

Ray Manzarek: It’s great. It’s a new way to approach Doors songs. Kids who might not know the Doors songs can eventually play along. And once they get the top 12 or so down — Love Her Madly, Love Me Two Times, Peace Frog, People Are Strange, Roadhouse Blues — there’s a whole bunch of other Doors songs to explore, and I think they’re gonna like them.

Game Hunter: What do you think of music-based games such as Rock Band?

Ray Manzarek: I think they’re great, because what it does is it takes somebody who may not be able to play an instrument and lets them fool around musically for the first time. Then, if you really enjoy it, you can actually move on from (the game) to playing a real instrument. I think it’s opening the doors of perception to playing a real instrument.

[USAToday]

Hello fellow Rock Band addicts!

I’ve arranged with Tommy to bring you all a number of articles detailing my ventures into the new Pro modes.  The audience I expect to have are those on the fence about picking up one of the new instruments (keyboard or Pro guitar), those that are just starting out on them and looking for tips or motivation or support throughout the learning process, or those that have no musical background and are wondering if the instrument(s) would be worth the cost of entry.  If that sounds like you, or if you’re just generally interested in the new Pro modes, feel free to keep reading!

Read the rest of this entry »

I didn’t know Dawson was a Rock Band fan…

I hadn’t heard about this issue until the announcement from @HMXHenry over on the forums, but looks like US PS3 Rock Band fans will no longer be offered a Rock Band 3 Keyboard Bundle? Say wha?! Apparently, pre-ordering options began disappearing from online retailers earlier this week, and due to a very odd agreement terms with MadCatz and MTV Games, the Rock Band 3 Keyboard Bundle no longer is an option for US PS3 players.

Here’s what @HMXHenry had to say to officially address what is going on:

You may have seen that retailers have taken down the Rock Band 3 keyboard/software bundle pre-orders for PlayStation 3. Unfortunately, this SKU will not be available in the U.S. due to the agreement terms for the region. However, Mad Catz and MTV Games are working with those retailers that accepted pre-orders to enable them, if they choose, to honor those pre-orders placed prior to this change as soft bundles (separate discs and keyboards), at pre-order pricing. These retailers will have more details shortly.

He did, however note the following…

- Moving forward, the keyboard and Rock Band 3 software will continue to be available as stand-alone products for PlayStation 3 in the US.
- This does not affect European customers as the Rock Band 3 keyboard/software PS3 bundles will still be available in Europe.
- The Xbox 360 and Nintendo Wii keyboard/software bundles are still available for pre-order.

Well that bites Sound off in the comments!

Prepare for “Harmonix hates the PS3″ in 3… 2… 1…

NOTE: The keyboard for ALL CONSOLES is CURRENTLY available (image via TheHypester at Fry’s today):

[RockBand.com via @bmaninc]

I still haven’t decided what instrument I’ll be playing first when I play through Rock Band 3 after launch, but I think I’ve narrowed it down to Keys or Pro-Guitar. While I normally play guitar in Rock Band, there’s something about the Keys that’s calling to me. Maybe this video preview prepared by Harmonix of keyboard gameplay will be able to explain it.

Hold on to your hats folks… here’s the first look at in-game footage of Rock Band 3.

For the keyBOARD (not keytar… although there is a handle), green, red, blue, yellow or orange keys flow on a “stream” representing the notes to be played on five corresponding keyboard keys. In a new authentic Pro mode meant to help players segue to actual instruments, all 25 keys are used; the streams shifts left and right to cover the correct keys. The keyboard also works as a MIDI keyboard that can be connected to a computer.

“This is a real instrument and a real device,” says senior designer Sylvain Dubrofsky.

In addition to the new keyboard controller, also due for the game’s release are two advanced guitar controllers that take advantage of the Pro mode, one a full-sized, fully functional Fender guitar (all sold separately, no prices yet).

Other Rock Band 3 advances: improved animations, refined gameplay features — players can drop in and out of games, or change instruments and difficulty settings on the fly without stopping songs — and a easier-to-use song menu.

Of the 83 song setlist, the songs CONFIRMED for Rock Band 3 already include:

• Dio – Rainbow in the Dark
• Huey Lewis and the News – The Power of Love
• Ida Maria – Oh My God
• Jane’s Addiction – Been Caught Stealing
• Jimi Hendrix – Crosstown Traffic
• Joan Jett – I Love Rock and Roll
• Juanes – Me Enamora
• Metric – Combat Baby
• Night Ranger – Sister Christian
• Ozzy Osbourne – Crazy Train
• Phoenix – Lasso
• Queen – Bohemian Rhapsody
• Rilo Kiley – Portions of Foxes
• Smash Mouth – Walkin’ on the Sun
• Spacehog – In the Meantime
• Stone Temple Pilots – Plush
• The Cure – Just Like Heaven
• The Doors – Break On Through
• The Vines – Get Free
• The White Stripes – The Hardest Button to Button
• Them Crooked Vultures – Dead End Friends
• Whitesnake – Here I Go Again

OK, now check out the video of Rock Band 3 in action…

And here’s the current setlist as announced for your listening pleasure:

[USAToday and USA Today]