PS3 Guitar Compatibility; Strum bars

[HMXJohnlok]

Hey all,

We've been working really hard this past week discussing the big issues, and have an update for all of you.

PS3 Guitar Compatibility:

Many of you have contacted us about the PS3 edition of Rock Band--from issues with guitar compatibility to frustration that stand-alone guitars and drums for Rock Band have not yet hit stores. Please know that these issues have our full attention. We are listening and we read everything that is posted here on our forums. We are committed to providing the best play experience possible and working hard to ensure that we solve these problems as soon as possible. We promise to keep you updated and, in the meantime, we thank you for your patience.

Rock Band Guitars:

Many of you have contacted us regarding your guitar controllers. As sometimes happens when new products first go into manufacturing, we discovered an imperfection with the strum bar in an early production run of guitars that were shipped at launch. We want to inform you that we have since identified and fixed the issue in all subsequent production runs of the guitars. If you are experiencing a problem with your guitar or any of your other Rock Band instruments, simply visit the customer support website (http://support.ea.com/rockband) and we will send a replacement immediately. Harmonix is dedicated to creating 100% customer satisfaction and to those of you who've encountered any hardware issues, we are sorry for the hassle.

I know many of you have questions about other issues that weren't covered here. Be patient, we are aware of the issues, and are working on plans to deal with your concerns.

Thanks again!

[Catalytic]

This is good news. Even if you haven't promised to get a patch to make the GH3 guitar compatible with RB, it is still good to get some word that you are looking into and searching for a resolution to the situation.

[Nate Finch]

Thank you very much for taking a look at our concerns. I know the product has only been out for a week, and I'm sure negotiations with another company for compatibility with their product can't be a speedy process.

I appreciate you taking the time to comment on it. I'd really love to be able to use my (admittedly inferior) PS3 GH3 guitar with rock band so I can get the full band experience. I'll probably buy another RB controller when they come out, since I love the nearly silent strum bar.

[SenRaq]

Are the new guitars being shipped now, or is the the bugged version still being sold? It seems like all the guitars coming out now will be new and improved.

[AVC808]

good to hear the problem for the guitars was pinpointed and resolved. im assuming all replacements are of the revised model.

is it possible to tell from the dated sticker on the box whether or not the guitar inside is the older model?

[SoulScreme]

This is a nice change of pace. I really appreciate the communication and hope that it continues to come at a steady pace. Being left in the dark for a full week on what I consider missing features was making me unhappy. So long as I know it's being worked on and progress is being made, I'm happy. Les Paul on PS3 would be a nice Christmas present. Hint, hint.

[J-Rock]

Hoping Activision gets a clue. They would be selling a lot of GHIII games to all the people who would like the Les Paul as an additionnal controller. If they do what's best for the customers, the customers in turn tend to stick with the company.

[Ventura]

Thanks so much for the update.

Those of us on the PS3 can expect a patch enabling compatibility with that Les Paul controller from GH3 then? There's got to be no denying that having all controllers working across all the games is better for just about everyone.

[jimschn]

lol would have been nice to know a week ago. i went and bought a 2nd bundle and sold the game with the drums and mic on ebay just so me and my roommate could do bwt with guitar and bass. (we both can do like med n drums and vox, but expert on guitar/bass)

[Eastwood]

Thanks John, anything official means a lot.

[keyrat]

keepin' the hope alive for the ps3 :D

[jedbeetle]

thank you for responding. it would be wonderful if a patch or system update brought us ps3 users full guitar compatibility across ps consoles and titles. not having to buy a new peripheral on top of the rb package would be a boon.

[impirius]

Thanks for the update; it's great to hear that you guys are listening. Please keep us posted on the Les Paul compatibility issue!

[botnic]

I just want to join the crowd and thank you guys for caring! I think that most of us were scared that you guys would just ignore us and this issue, essentially saying "oops". Even though you didn't exactly promise this issue would be resolved, I'm grateful you guys are looking into it!

[MixPlus]

As sometimes happens when new products first go into manufacturing, we discovered an imperfection with the strum bar in an early production run of guitars that were shipped at launch. We want to inform you that we have since identified and fixed the issue in all subsequent production runs of the guitars. If you are experiencing a problem with your guitar or any of your other Rock Band instruments, simply visit the customer support website (http://support.ea.com/rockband) and we will send a replacement immediately.

John - to avoid having every guitar produced to date sent back on warranty for fear of being part of the defective manufacturing run is there any way to tell if you have the "old" one or the "new" one? I for one just bought RB - question is, old run or new run?

Also, can you be more specifc as to the "issue" found? Strum bar response? Trigger issue? Construction? Durabilitiy? All of the above? Something else?

Thanks in advance!

[TheVoiceOfReason]

This is a nice change of pace. I really appreciate the communication and hope that it continues to come at a steady pace. Being left in the dark for a full week on what I consider missing features was making me unhappy. So long as I know it's being worked on and progress is being made, I'm happy. Les Paul on PS3 would be a nice Christmas present. Hint, hint.

I agree that the communication is appreciated and key to keeping the anxiety of your customers down. A lot of people felt really cheated by some aspects of the initial release and I think statements like these will hold people over for a while. Just knowing that you are looking into ways to solve it (regardless of whos fault it is) is a good thing! Thanks!

[Damaged]

Please know that these issues have our full attention. We are listening and we read everything that is posted here on our forums.

We promise to keep you updated and, in the meantime, we thank you for your patience.


Awesome John, and thanks for posting this.

[Nate Finch]

John - to avoid having every guitar produced to date sent back on warranty for fear of being part of the defective manufacturing run is there any way to tell if you have the "old" one or the "new" one? I for one just bought RB - question is, old run or new run?

You should never return anything because you're afraid it might possibly break someday (at least for nonessential things like game controllers). If it ain't broke, please don't cost Harmonix or the rest of us money by returning it for absolutely no reason. If it breaks, return it then. Until then, be happy it's working and that you have such a great game to play.

There's no way they got a new production run into stores only a week after initial release, when the problems only became apparent some days into that week. You have an "old" one, just like everyone else. If it's not broken, don't worry about it. It's not like we're talking about an airplane engine here. If it breaks, you'll just have to play something else for 2 days while they airmail you a new one.

[lynx44]

You should never return anything because you're afraid it might possibly break someday (at least for nonessential things like game controllers). If it ain't broke, please don't cost Harmonix or the rest of us money by returning it for absolutely no reason. [...] If it breaks, you'll just have to play something else for 2 days while they airmail you a new one.

I agree, except the problem is that the warranty is only 60 days (I believe), and if my guitar breaks due to this same issue after 60 days, then I have something to be concerned about. Will the warranty be extended for this issue on these guitars? I'm not too concerned, just curious and I'm sure others would like to know.

I'd also like to thank Harmonix for the response. It sounds like you guys are making a solid effort to address the PS3 Les Paul issue. Feedback from you guys is really important and will help curb people's frustration.

[Desaevio]

Better late than never. Thanks for the update and good(ish?) news. Most of us are aware HMX isn't simply swimming in their Scrooge McDuck sized vault of moneys while we stand pathetically in front of our TVs, strumming futilely and pouting like a puppy left out in the rain.

[BathTub]

So it reads the same, what is the difference between this post and the one sean posted a little earlier?

[Ryder35]

If you are experiencing a problem with your guitar or any of your other Rock Band instruments, simply visit the customer support website (http://support.ea.com/rockband) and we will send a replacement immediately. Harmonix is dedicated to creating 100% customer satisfaction and to those of you who've encountered any hardware issues, we are sorry for the hassle.


Thanks again!

You will not hav 100% satisfaction unless you can offer to do something for those of us impatient enough to import the game to the UK and elsewhere. Just because we imported the game does not mean we should have to put up with products with design problems. Still good to hear things are being done.

[geo2n2]

John - to avoid having every guitar produced to date sent back on warranty for fear of being part of the defective manufacturing run is there any way to tell if you have the "old" one or the "new" one? I for one just bought RB - question is, old run or new run?

Also, can you be more specifc as to the "issue" found? Strum bar response? Trigger issue? Construction? Durabilitiy? All of the above? Something else?

Thanks in advance!


Harmonix, this really needs to be answered...for our sake and yours. :)

[AdamBomb629]

Harmonix, this really needs to be answered...for our sake and yours. :)

I really don't think they'll tell us specifically what's wrong... kind of like how Microsoft won't say what's causing the red lights.


EDIT: By the way, does the strum bar issue that JohnLok is saying is resolved apply to both PS3 and 360 controllers?

[MF-PO'd]

This, combined with Red Octane's "looking into it" statement is welcomed news. I can only hope progress is being made behind the scenes...

[DesiredFX]

I agree, except the problem is that the warranty is only 60 days (I believe), and if my guitar breaks due to this same issue after 60 days, then I have something to be concerned about.

If your guitar is going to break from this particular defect, it will happen fairly quickly. Many people reported failures within three hours of opening the box. In my case it took about twelve.

I also appreciate the attention Harmonix is paying this issue, and I've got to say the sooner the individual instruments are released, the better: barring the strum-bar difficulties, this is the very best guitar controller I've used, and I can't wait to get my hands on another.

As for the PS3 Les Paul compatibility, the heck with it. The controller was barely compatible with the game it was created for.

[MF-PO'd]

As for the PS3 Les Paul compatibility, the heck with it. The controller was barely compatible with the game it was created for.

Speak for yourself. Mine works just fine, and I'd really like to use it in Rock Band since there's nothing else for me available.

[glacier985]

I''m glad to hear something, even if its not really what I wanted to hear. If Harmonix can't get the Les Paul to work on PS3 Rockbands, why not just let us use are PS2 SG's. They can even sell an "Official" Rockband PS2 to USB adapter. I would buy it, I have two SG's that I could use and would use.

[DesiredFX]

Speak for yourself. Mine works just fine, and I'd really like to use it in Rock Band since there's nothing else for me available.

I thought I was speaking for myself.

The PS3 Les Paul is functional, but I've never had more issues with lag/calibration with any controller, and I had two of the Red Octane wireless controllers for my PS2.

Now, if it's a problem with the software (which wouldn't surprise me), then I'll happily use the Les Paul.

Truth is, the only reason I bought GH3 was because I understood the two to be compatible. I always preferred the Strat, but I wanted to be in a situation where four of us could play RB out of the box.

[lynx44]

If your guitar is going to break from this particular defect, it will happen fairly quickly. Many people reported failures within three hours of opening the box. In my case it took about twelve.

Thats probably true, but unless we know what exactly the defect is, its hard to determine for sure if nearly all guitars will break in a short period of time. I'm basically in agreement with you, I'm just not 100% convinced yet.

-Matt

[rwthib]

While not a solution for third party, it's nice to hear a "We Care" and "We are doing something".

[AdamWill]

as I've been harsh on this in other threads, just wanted to say for the record, this is a much better response and as good as RO's. Thanks for the bs-free, sensible response, HMX.

[HPLabonte]

HMX, you rock

[MaximusDM]

So wait; You are admitting the guitars you initially shipped out were defective?
Is there any way I can return my version of the guitar for the newer improved model though I have yet to have a problem with it besides my frets going haywire for about 30 seconds in a song. Or do i need to make sure there is a malfunction before I return it, I don't want to have problems with it down the line only to have it break out of warranty.

Same goes with the drums as well. My pedal is about to break in half soon; I see the stress marks and cracking. Can I get my new pedal/drums under warranty now, or do I need for it to break for me to get my new stuff.

it is nice to be so blunt and honest. But what happens to me when I am sitting with this defective equipment down the road. Will you extend the warranty on the initial batch going by serial number or what? I am in panic mode Harmonix, as I'm sure you are too with all these equipment complaints. Just tell me what to do!

[DesiredFX]

Thats probably true, but unless we know what exactly the defect is, its hard to determine for sure if nearly all guitars will break in a short period of time. I'm basically in agreement with you, I'm just not 100% convinced yet.

-Matt

I've heard of a few people cracking open their guitars and making one of two mods that fixes this. One has to do with sliding in a piece of cardboard to provide better support for the contacts, the other has to do with tightening a couple of screws.

If that's really all there is to it, I would think it's likely--though still not enough to convince you 100%--that the failures will come quickly if they're going to happen at all.

[MixPlus]

I've heard of a few people cracking open their guitars and making one of two mods that fixes this. One has to do with sliding in a piece of cardboard to provide better support for the contacts, the other has to do with tightening a couple of screws.

If that's really all there is to it, I would think it's likely--though still not enough to convince you 100%--that the failures will come quickly if they're going to happen at all.

With all due respect I am not cracking open anything nor am I going to rig the guitar to do what Harmonix told me it would do under normal usage. :mad:

At the end of the day Harmonix publishes a 60 day warranty and has now said essentially all our guitars are defective due to a failure in the production line. This is a problem for me because I don't think I will put 12 hours of play time on it before the 60 days is up - in other words I don't have the time for marathon playing to see if it will break "quickly".

Therefore, it seems to me if the guitar was in fact defective when it shipped (which they are saying) then either A) our warranty should be extended indefintely specific to this problem in the event this "issue" causes a failure in the future OR B) my guitar should be immediately recalled and replaced with one that has the fix. I personally don't really care which option they choose - just so long as I am covered in the event the thing fails due to a known defect in production.

By the way, same goes for the drum pads and kick drum pedals. Guaranteed there is an "announcement" coming on those as well. :eek:

The rest of the rhetoric is all B.S. IMHO...Wake up Harmonix. This is a business...do the right thing... :)

[MF-PO'd]

I thought I was speaking for myself.

The PS3 Les Paul is functional, but I've never had more issues with lag/calibration with any controller, and I had two of the Red Octane wireless controllers for my PS2.

Now, if it's a problem with the software (which wouldn't surprise me), then I'll happily use the Les Paul.

Truth is, the only reason I bought GH3 was because I understood the two to be compatible. I always preferred the Strat, but I wanted to be in a situation where four of us could play RB out of the box.

Fair enough. :) I just wanted to clarify that because I think you're in the minority, especially among Les Paul owners. It's still probably worthwhile for them to fix it, and then you could at least try it in Rock Band to see if it still has issues for you.

[vipeness]

Hey all,

We've been working really hard this past week discussing the big issues, and have an update for all of you.

PS3 Guitar Compatibility:

Many of you have contacted us about the PS3 edition of Rock Band--from issues with guitar compatibility to frustration that stand-alone guitars and drums for Rock Band have not yet hit stores. Please know that these issues have our full attention. We are listening and we read everything that is posted here on our forums. We are committed to providing the best play experience possible and working hard to ensure that we solve these problems as soon as possible. We promise to keep you updated and, in the meantime, we thank you for your patience.

Rock Band Guitars:

Many of you have contacted us regarding your guitar controllers. As sometimes happens when new products first go into manufacturing, we discovered an imperfection with the strum bar in an early production run of guitars that were shipped at launch. We want to inform you that we have since identified and fixed the issue in all subsequent production runs of the guitars. If you are experiencing a problem with your guitar or any of your other Rock Band instruments, simply visit the customer support website (http://support.ea.com/rockband) and we will send a replacement immediately. Harmonix is dedicated to creating 100% customer satisfaction and to those of you who've encountered any hardware issues, we are sorry for the hassle.

I know many of you have questions about other issues that weren't covered here. Be patient, we are aware of the issues, and are working on plans to deal with your concerns.

Thanks again!

really sorry to hear that about the ps3 guitars not working right... the x360, both gh2 and gh3 wireless works great. im still waiting to send in my guitar which is not working anymore.

[DesiredFX]

With all due respect I am not cracking open anything nor am I going to rig the guitar to do what Harmonix told me it would do under normal usage. :mad:


Poor phrasing on my part. I was trying to say that people had done it and that what they discovered while doing it seemed to indicate that you would either get a quick failure, or no failure at all. I have not cracked my own controller open, nor would I suggest that anyone else do the same.

[DesiredFX]

Fair enough. :) I just wanted to clarify that because I think you're in the minority, especially among Les Paul owners. It's still probably worthwhile for them to fix it, and then you could at least try it in Rock Band to see if it still has issues for you.

Well, as I said, I prefer the Strat. It feels a lot more natural to me. If they were to make the Les Paul compatible, I'd certainly use it rather than buy another Strat (unless they come out with a rechargeable Bluetooth model), but right now, I feel pretty cheated by GH3 as an experience. Compatibility would do a lot to rectify that...though if Harmonix never gets around to that, I'm just as happy.

In other words, I've taken the position of holding this against Activision/Red Octane, not EA/Harmonix.

[geo2n2]

I agree that there is a huge issue w/ Harmonix/EA knowing the whole initial run has a manufacturing fault, but not doing anything about it unless someone calls them on it in 60 days. Whether or not it gets enough use for it to break by then is irrelevant.

Otherwise, they know we're all sitting on time bombs and are just biding time until they can wash their hands of the 60 day warranty guarantee. Kinda un-classy if that's the case. I'm not saying they're necessarily doing this, yet. This is probably a huge mess for them right and and they're likely still sorting it out. Admitting the issue is a classy first step. However, a recall or something needs to be put in place to take away the 60 day restriction for all those who bought 1st-run merchandise known to be defective...especially if there are also the drum issues and/or other issues w/ the equipment we don't know about.

Hopefully they show their love for the people who bought the platform and supported them out of the gate, and do something preemptive!

[JackBNimble]

So it reads the same, what is the difference between this post and the one sean posted a little earlier?

The difference is that they broke their silence,they claim to have identified the problem with the Strats strum, and hopefully are doing what they can about the LP.

The big thing was that we needed to hear something ,anything about the situation.It would be wise to keep us updated, at least to keep the peace around here.

[allegate]

You will not hav 100% satisfaction unless you can offer to do something for those of us impatient enough to import the game to the UK and elsewhere. Just because we imported the game does not mean we should have to put up with products with design problems. Still good to hear things are being done.

yes it does. Just because you imported doesn't make you special.

where is this Red Octane announcement everyone is talking about?

also: GH3 already got most of the sales from people who wanted the guitar in RB so I don't think sales would spike significantly for them otherwise. :/

[jedbeetle]

The difference is that they broke their silence,they claim to have identified the problem with the Strats strum, and hopefully are doing what they can about the LP.

The big thing was that we needed to hear something ,anything about the situation.It would be wise to keep us updated, at least to keep the peace around here.

it's good to let us feel like we have some leverage, even better to know that we actually do have some leverage.

to see what i mean, check out previous threads on this subject and figure out why they were locked....

[sweett310]

Gotta say, I'm pretty upset that something this major (STRUM BAR LIFE!?!) could go overlooked during an initial launch, but I am extremely impressed with how it is being handled and appreciate the work that Harmonix and EA are putting into this damage control. On the other hand, if I don't get my new guitar in a couple months and I'm still twittling my thumbs waiting for it, expect a much angrier post. :)

[stickshady2007]

Thankyou for looking at the communties concerns.I know that things cant be addressed overnight. But you guys and gals did a great job overall on this game. It already has provided many hours of family entertainment. :)

[DesiredFX]

I agree that there is a huge issue w/ Harmonix/EA knowing the whole initial run has a manufacturing fault, but not doing anything about it unless someone calls them on it in 60 days.

Where did you get the impression they somehow knew about it before they shipped? The defect is showing up after several hours of play, minimum, so it's entirely possible that the real issue is that that their QC didn't take enough units off the line and test them for long enough. It's entirely possible that EA and Harmonix didn't know about the defect until they started getting reports from end users.

[jaxxs81]

Will people from canada who bought rock band from the states get the replacement guitars? Or is it only restricted to usa residents at this time until the offical canada release date.

[bmore007]

I'm happy that HMX has full attention on these issues. I would just like to remind them that when dealing with the ps3 guitar compatibility to please not forget about the ps2 sgs with adapters for the ps3. Please make those babies work.

[foxbag]

I am just a little bummed out because I didnt really want to buy guitar hero 3 for ps3 because the linear single player mode doesnt exite me. I spent $100 just to have an extra guitar for rock band because I knew stand alone guitars would not be available until next year and reps from Rock Band said the guitar would work. I invited 3 of my friends over the night the game came out so the four of us could rock out. I was so disappointed. Please fix this soon, I am boycotting buying any additiional songs on the playstation network until Rock Band figures a patch out. I recommend eveyone else to do the same, we already paid $170 for the game, so hit them were it hurts, in the wallet as much as we can now.

[icspeedracer]

Good the hear the news that EA found out about the problem and has fixed it (hopefully) in the subsequent runs of RB guitars. Sucked big time for early purchasers like myself that they would let the defective models get to retail over a holiday weekend where there would be a lot of playtime available and a few days before staff would be back to work to address the situation of getting replacements (which mine still seems not to have shipped btw).

On the issue of guitar compatibility, they better get the situation resolved quick with a patch to support the GH3 LP guitar. It's not only about saving money not having to purchase a separate guitar for bass play, but it's also some players just prefer the GH3 LP and PS3 owner shouldn't get screwed while Xbox 360 owners are able to use all the guitars on their system form other titles.

[txskeets]

While I appreciate that you say if we go to the website about guitar issues you "will send a replacement immediately", I have to disagree. I put in my RMA through that website last Wednesday and have an RMA number and to this day it has STILL not shipped to me (though it has a UPS tracking number which has shows "Billing information Received" as its status for a week now). I even used the express option where I gave my credit card to they would send me the guitar and here, 1 week later, still nothing. VERY frustrating that I'm having to play Rock Band with the GH III guitar since thats the only one I have that works.

Frustrated in Texas!

[SoberScott]

What about the drums? Are we still ignoring that issue? I with the poster above me. A week still no drums and just a run around from EA awesome can't wait to return the product and never purchase another EA product again. Or RB or RB 2 whenever that comes out. It is amazing how excitement can turn into brooding hate so quickly.

[Kasui]

Some news is better than no news. Is there anyway we will be able to tell the old defective stratocasters from the new and improved ones? (other than having it break again). I don't advise leaving us in the dark for too long most of us were pretty pissed off about that. Also did anyone see mad money I heard exec of GH3 totally bashed Rock Band and it's fan base. Can't wait to see the look on his face when he sees how Rock Band completely pwns GH3 in sales.

[bklynpnk]

Saying something, and DOING something are 2 COMPLETELY Different things.

While its nice you SAID you are doing something.

I'd rather you start DOING. Rather then saying you are looking into it. if you really wanted the ps3 problem FIXED. it would have been fixed by now. Heck, It would have never happened.

How much work would it have been to plug in a different guitar to the ps3 to see if it would have worked? an hour at most if you did not own guitar hero 3. if you did, all of what 2 mins to start the game up?

The fact some people here are so appeased with you just saying you'll look into it... is sickening to me.

Looking into it, is a brush of statment with absolutely NO meaning. Your not even saying you'll fix the problem. You can look at it for a mintue. say you looked into it. And say though beans. All those that bought the software are screwed becasue they cannot get their money back, and cannot play the game.

Yet you can go home now and sleep better because you said you looked into it. I hope the EA blood money keeps you warm at night.

It must be nice to come from a magic land where everything happens instantaneous, with a snap of the fingers, but here in the real world things like this need development and work in order to be successful. I cannot believe this statement. After dealing with the current issues, all the complaints of rushed guitars and rushed bass pedals...and someone comments that they need to speed things up? Being upset over the controllers not working is understandable. But this is just drama for the sake of causing drama. I mean, Blood Money? You must not even know what that term means because you certainly did not use it right at all, unless I missed the news reports of all the people who have died for this game to make it to shelves. It is a pile of plastic, not African Diamonds. Someone watches too much TV.

[Ridiculust]

Yes, this ps3 business needs to be fixed, and fast. When I got my bundle home on launch day, I was pleased to find my guitar DOA. I didn't even have the chance to have the strum bar crap out on me. I called EA that evening and got my RMA number. Wait three days, no shipping number. Called EA later that week, got an "oops, here's your shipping number". I called today and they said it's still in the warehouse. I know this is restating the obvious, but without ps3 support and a DOA controller, what's a guy to do? Sorry for rehashing what has already been said, but needed to vent. While I do appreciate some measure of response from HMX, I still don't feel sure on what their plans are at all. I have bought everyone of their games from the beginning (frequency, amplitude, etc...) and am sorely disappointed. I have to say that until a good solid yes or no is handed down, I will have to boycott any additional goods from EA or HMX. This includes DLC. I hate to have to do it, but I have as if I've been screwed by about three companies here.

[drno830]

While I appreciate that you say if we go to the website about guitar issues you "will send a replacement immediately", I have to disagree. I put in my RMA through that website last Wednesday and have an RMA number and to this day it has STILL not shipped to me (though it has a UPS tracking number which has shows "Billing information Received" as its status for a week now). I even used the express option where I gave my credit card to they would send me the guitar and here, 1 week later, still nothing. VERY frustrating that I'm having to play Rock Band with the GH III guitar since thats the only one I have that works.

Frustrated in Texas!

Did you ever think of Thanksgiving weekend? UPS didn't ship all weekend.

[icantwaitforrockband]

Yes, this ps3 business needs to be fixed, and fast. When I got my bundle home on launch day, I was pleased to find my guitar DOA. I didn't even have the chance to have the strum bar crap out on me. I called EA that evening and got my RMA number. Wait three days, no shipping number. Called EA later that week, got an "oops, here's your shipping number". I called today and they said it's still in the warehouse. I know this is restating the obvious, but without ps3 support and a DOA controller, what's a guy to do? Sorry for rehashing what has already been said, but needed to vent. While I do appreciate some measure of response from HMX, I still don't feel sure on what their plans are at all. I have bought everyone of their games from the beginning (frequency, amplitude, etc...) and am sorely disappointed. I have to say that until a good solid yes or no is handed down, I will have to boycott any additional goods from EA or HMX. This includes DLC. I hate to have to do it, but I have as if I've been screwed by about three companies here.

you're the only one losing out by boycotting. I understand it sucks that the RB controller doesn't work. But you WILL receive a replacement. Have to wait 2 weeks? It's called life buddy, sh!t happens. As for the GH3 controller, I still don't understand why it is EA/HMX fault that someone else's guitar doesn't work! RO and Activision have openly stated they only want their guitars to work on only their games. Because of the uproar, hopefully they are changing their tune.

[SoberScott]

Did you ever think of Thanksgiving weekend? UPS didn't ship all weekend.

yes they did.

[MF-PO'd]

where is this Red Octane announcement everyone is talking about?



When you e-mail Red Octane about the Les Paul not working in Rock Band, you receive this response:

Hello,

Thank you for writing us.

We are aware of the issue at hand and are looking into it. It was not something purposely designed for, but a situation that has arisen since the release of RockBand. Please have patience.

Regards,

RedOctane Customer Support

www.RedOctane.com

[BathTub]

The difference is that they broke their silence,they claim to have identified the problem with the Strats strum, and hopefully are doing what they can about the LP.

The big thing was that we needed to hear something ,anything about the situation.It would be wise to keep us updated, at least to keep the peace around here.

Sean posted this message earlier, it got deleted then Jon reposted it. That was my question.

[youngphoenix]

Have to wait 2 weeks? It's called life buddy, sh!t happens. As for the GH3 controller, I still don't understand why it is EA/HMX fault that someone else's guitar doesn't work! RO and Activision have openly stated they only want their guitars to work on only their games.

Yes, we should all just take whatever "sh!t" EA, HMX, or whoever else gives us and quit acting like babies! The guy your responding to with your post even mentions numerous problems with getting his replacement (in a non-offensive way no less) but hey, that's life right?

Now, I'm not saying EA/HMX is dishing out loads of "sh!t" to its customers, who would know that besides them? But to be fair, when a business doesn't deliver the goods, I think that a little pressure and frustration should be let out on em. Why let it go and act all "grown up" about it? If the cronies are selling junk to consumers like some peeps here speculate, then they deserve it, and if it was really just an honest overlooked defect then it'll be fixed soon enough right? Besides, all the uproar just goes to show how much people want to play the game without any hiccups and the sooner that happens the better off we all are.

About the PS3 LP... Who really cares what Activision/RO says about their guitars...it's a useless point in my opinion. Hypothetical example....If Apple says "yes you can run windows on Macs now" and Microsoft says "our software was not designed for it" then when I buy a Mac....you best believe I'm going to demand that Windows run on a Mac at apples expense.

The only question left to ask in my opinion is...did EA/HMX say that it (GH3 LP) would work? Everything I've found from them (previews of the game) "suggests" that it will, but doesn't say so explicitly...too bad all the jokers working at Gamestops around the country told people it would....Kind of like a Rock Band Mad Lib. Please fill in the sentence..

(Previews for the game)
Rock Band WILL WORK WITH L____ P_____ Guitars.

(Release day correction)
Rock Band WILL WORK WITH Lots of Peripheral Guitars!

[Senkoy]

This announcement has appeased some of my anger. I just hope it's not only the strum bar they fixed but the Overdrive sensor as well. A lot of people are having problems with it and i really have to shake the thing like crazy to get it to work and i cant keep it from activating on its own even when not moving it at all.

I hope they also realize that the mic lag problem isnt our sound systems but the game not processing our voice fast enough.

[Ryder35]

yes it does. Just because you imported doesn't make you special.

where is this Red Octane announcement everyone is talking about?

also: GH3 already got most of the sales from people who wanted the guitar in RB so I don't think sales would spike significantly for them otherwise. :/

Never said it made me special, but I am still part of the 100% that makes up their customer base, therefore the statement still stands. You seem to be a bit sensetive about this, don't know why. I was not complaining: just stating a fact.

[txskeets]

Did you ever think of Thanksgiving weekend? UPS didn't ship all weekend.

Of course I thought of that. That dosent explain why people who ordered replacement guitars on SATURDAY (2 full days after I did) received their replacements on Wednesday of this week.

[youngphoenix]

HMX Was lazy, and made an ASSumption that things would work. So yes they should speed things up.

This looking into it statment does nothing for people that gave up 60 bucks of their money for a game that DOES NOT WORK. Can they play the game? No. IMHO some of those testers in the credits should be FIRED, along with anyone that worked on the PS3 team. All their butts on the street, because none of them even cared to look into the problem.


Yes, let's fire as many people as possible for this because of your own ASSUMPTION that they were:
1- Lazy (HMX)
2- Didn't care to look into the problem (Testers, PS3 Team)

Who knows what exactly happened to lead to these problems we're all having? We only know that they're happening, not HOW they happenend. For all we know, these could have been KNOWN issues but do you think a tester is the one making business decisions here? I doubt it. EA is running the show as the publisher so maybe the problem is really only thiers....who knows....it's all speculation and will most likely remain that way.

[TheGlow]

Who said the Les Paul was supposed to work?
And I like how they said theyll ship out a replacement immediately.
Ups 2nd day air. sounds good to me.
Nice to know im still waiting since thurs morning for replacement drums and havent even had the ups tracking # or the ea support site update this.
the guitar replacement i requested on monday has more info, says parts are packed and ready to ship. ups still no update

[soundboy4]

PS3 Guitar Compatibility:

Many of you have contacted us about the PS3 edition of Rock Band--from issues with guitar compatibility to frustration that stand-alone guitars and drums for Rock Band have not yet hit stores. Please know that these issues have our full attention. We are listening and we read everything that is posted here on our forums. We are committed to providing the best play experience possible and working hard to ensure that we solve these problems as soon as possible. We promise to keep you updated and, in the meantime, we thank you for your patience.

I just took the time to register just to say THANK YOU! It's great to hear HMX is at least working on the compatibility issues. I'm hoping it gets resolved soon, keep us posted!

[Nekura20x6]

I'm upset by the shipping lag (people who asked for a replacement on the 26th got theirs yesterday but I'm still waiting with a shipping request from 11/20), but can understand the PS3 issue.

There is no guarantee that one company will support the products produced by another. Red Octane has been going out of their way to make their game very unfriendly to Rock Band. (The fact that you can't use the Strat in GH is proof of that.) It's pretty ironic since they made their name by making unofficial third-party products for a number of games.

[hankchill]

Harmonix is dedicated to creating 100% customer satisfaction and to those of you who've encountered any hardware issues, we are sorry for the hassle.

It's a shame that this is aimed only at the US customers.

I'm a Canadian Rock Band owner, and my strum bar was broken out of the box. It's been sitting in the corner for 5 days now, and all EA says is "Sorry, you're outta luck".

I feel a 0% customer satisfaction from Harmonix/EA, and it's a shame that we aren't even considered. To be honest, I wouldn't mind paying any customs fees/import taxes to get a replacement, as long as the issues have been FIXED and it WORKS.

[DesiredFX]

I feel a 0% customer satisfaction from Harmonix/EA, and it's a shame that we aren't even considered.

You're not considered because the game hasn't officially been released in your country, so EA/Harmonix aren't yet positioned for support in your country. You took a chance by importing it, and this--I'm sad to say--is what taking a chance got you.

I'm not trying to beat up on you or laugh at you...this is a result--and I don't mean this to be cruel--of your own impatience. The game is not officially out in your country, so the manufacturer doesn't yet have to provide support in your country.

On the other hand, it seems to me that your warranty shouldn't start until December 20th if they're going to make you wait to support you.

[weezer17]

i preordered my game at gamestop and due to work couldnt get it until wednesday beofre Thanksgiving. Got home and tried it, the guitar won't even power on. Requested a new one on 11/23 and still nothing. Im extremely frustrated with this whole situation.

[Everman]

Thank you for the update, as the PS3 LP issue is my highest priority. I do have a replacement shipping speed issue as well, as my order has been "billing information received" for almost a week now.

If you are indeed reading replies, LP issue is the highest priority, proper warranty coverage would be second.

Thanks for you attention in this matter.

[AcousticCitsuoa]

what's the main problem here?

i got a PS3 guitar and it works except that the strum bar is really tight and causes me to miss notes that are in quick succession.

is this a problem that has been fixed with the new guitars?

[DesiredFX]

what other conclusion can you reach?

1) selling a stand alone game that no one can play

2) selling a product that until the day of shipping/release everyone was lead to belive would work with the other guitar.

3) selling a sub-par quality product with all the guitar faliures.

On the PS3 side, #1 is something of an issue. Not so on the 360, where the stand-alone version can be played with existing guitar controllers. But even on the PS3 side, it works with any USB mic, so you can play it.

The problem with #2 is that EA/Harmonix never said the other guitar would work. They repeatedly said that any guitar that followed the controller standards would work. If you took that to mean the Les Paul would work, that's on you, not Harmonix. Personally, I blame the likes of IGN and GameSpot who said unreservedly that the Les Paul worked with RB but never pointed out that they only tested it with the 360.

And #3 is at issue because the particular failure involved with the guitar is not something that would show up in a normal QC session. Units would have to be taken from the production line and played for hours in order to create the common failure. The shortest interval before failure I've heard was three hours, with most people experiencing their failures between ten and twenty hours. How long is QC supposed to test a single unit to determine if the failure rate is out of line?

Have a little patience and stop assuming that the entire purpose here was to screw people.