A few guitar compatibility questions answered.

[Feigned]

A lot of people have been talking about whether or not the Les Paul will work with Rock Band. It's obvious that we won't get a clear answer until one of us actually gets the opportunity to test it out ourselves. However, I've got a good working theory.

We know that the X-Plorer will work with Rock Band, as Harmonix already confirmed this. If the X-Plorer also works with GH3, then it stands to reason that the Les Paul should work with Rock Band. I tracked down one of my contacts at Red Octane and he was cool enough to answer a few questions. The full story is here (http://www.slashgear.com/guitar-hero-iii-legends-of-rock-controller-compatibility-questions-answered-117930.php). However, I'll post the good part below. Hopefully this answers a few questions.



Feigned: A lot of people have been asking if the X-Plorer is going to work on GH3
Red Octane: Yes, the 360 X-Plorer guitar will indeed work on Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock.

Feigned: Would it stand to reason that the Les Paul is wired the same as the X-Plorer? ie, would the Les Paul work with say GH2 for the 360
Red Octane: The GHIII guitars are fully backwards compatible and will work on GHII 360.

Feigned: Naturally people are wondering if they would work for Rock Band, though I’m pretty sure you guys wouldn’t have any information on that
Red Octane: Unless we had their software to test it on (which we do not), then we don’t know if it’s compatible.

Feigned: Assuming that Harmonix went with a similar controller configuration to that used in Guitar Hero 2, they would in theory be compatible, no?
Red Octane: We don’t have any information on this.

Yes, I fully expected the "no comment" answers for the Rock Band questions, but I figured if I was talking to the guy I should at least ask.

It is good to note that he states the Les Paul is fully backwards compatible. If Harmonix designs Rock Band to accept the same standard control scheme as was used in the original Guitar Hero games, there shouldn't be any problems using the Fender on Guitar Hero or the Les Paul on Rock Band.

[Xzyliac]

Because the code for GHIII is entirely new and that of RB is built off of the original GH scheme I wonder just what the chances are that the two are compatible.

[IErrantVentureI]

I hope they work together.

[Feigned]

Because the code for GHIII is entirely new and that of RB is built off of the original GH scheme I wonder just what the chances are that the two are compatible.

At this point I'd almost be surprised if they weren't compatible. Essentially it comes down to the fact that they are just controllers, so based on the facts we have, I'd say there's a decent chance that they will work.

[Eman311]

If GH3 controllers are wired the same as GH2 ones, then they both will work on rock band. Which makes sense, because Harmonix has been saying this all along.

What we really want to know, is if rock band controllers will work with guitar hero.

[milkman4591]

We know that the X-Plorer will work with Rock Band, as Harmonix already confirmed this. If the X-Plorer also works with GH3, then it stands to reason that the Les Paul should work with Rock Band.

*****ing use of the transitive property there. :D

[Feigned]

*****ing use of the transitive property there. :D

lol, that's what I get for being a professional writer. Even when I'm posting something casually on the forums it comes out sounding way too professional. I think I need to practice the proper use of poor grammar, double-negatives and 1337 speak. :p

[milkman4591]

lol, that's what I get for being a professional writer. Even when I'm posting something casually on the forums it comes out sounding way too professional. I think I need to practice the proper use of poor grammar, double-negatives and 1337 speak. :p

I don't no what ur not sayin, |<339 17 |23/-\17_ (if you are able to decode that, your doing fine :p)

[parastroke7]

I don't no what ur not sayin, |<339 17 |23/-\17_ (if you are able to decode that, your doing fine :p)

Keep...it...what's that last part? Real? Keep it real? Did I get it right, teacher?

[masterx1918]

considering the software of the Les Paul and the X-Plorer are the same, i'd imagine the les paul would work on Rock Band because of this. Whether or not the strat will work with GH3 is a different topic.

[Jimmik]

Keep...it...what's that last part? Real? Keep it real? Did I get it right, teacher?

I think he wrote "keep it realz" :P

[Feigned]

I think he wrote "keep it realz" :P

lol, I think you're right, I was stumped on the "z" lol

[milkman4591]

Keep...it...what's that last part? Real? Keep it real? Did I get it right, teacher?

Oh, sorry so close. Keep It Realz. Good try though :p

[Bakkster]

If GH3 controllers are wired the same as GH2 ones, then they both will work on rock band. Which makes sense, because Harmonix has been saying this all along.

What we really want to know, is if rock band controllers will work with guitar hero.

Yeah, the LP should work in RB, now that we know it's totally BC with GH2. Of course, I don't care. I want to have 2 strats and use them to play GH3. While it's looking a bit more likely this is the case, I'm still not totally convinced.

[kaiserkreb]

the LP should work in RB, now that we know it's totally BC with GH2

It is??? I thought I read somewhere it wasn't...

[Bakkster]

It is??? I thought I read somewhere it wasn't...


Feigned: Would it stand to reason that the Les Paul is wired the same as the X-Plorer? ie, would the Les Paul work with say GH2 for the 360
Red Octane: The GHIII guitars are fully backwards compatible and will work on GHII 360.

First post. Read it. Trust Feigned.

[Yordakin]

I know I'll be heavily criticized, but I personally did not enjoy your article. I felt it was biased. There are some obvious compatibility questions that many, many PS3 owners would like answers to. However, the opportunity was not taken to ask any questions concerning someone who may not own an Xbox360.

[DasBoot]

It would be nice if there was just a calibrate controller option where you could manually input the buttons - ie "PRESS GREEN BUTTON" "STRUM UP" etcetera like we had to do with joysticks in the long long time ago. Since the Les Paul is at heart a fancy pants Xbox controller all we'd need to do is go and and press through the buttons and off we go.

[Feigned]

I know I'll be heavily criticized, but I personally did not enjoy your article. I felt it was biased. There are some obvious compatibility questions that many, many PS3 owners would like answers to. However, the opportunity was not taken to ask any questions concerning someone who may not own an Xbox360.

I'm not sure which PS3 questions you would have liked me to ask that had not already been answered, or were relevant to Rock Band. I felt it pertinent to ask the questions about the 360 as there is already a Guitar Hero title available on it, whereas the PS3 does not.

If you have some other questions that you'd like answered, I'd be happy to ask them. I don't want to stray too much into Guitar Hero territory on the boards though, for fear of the mighty wrath that might be brought down upon me. :p

[revert]

Wikipedia says:


Harmonix has confirmed Guitar Hero guitar controllers and additional third-party controllers will be compatible with the game.

So I checked out the citation and after endless linkage it came up with this:


"For some reason, IGN posted that Rock Band will not be compatible with Guitar Hero guitars. I thought I'd drop in and let you know that this is not correct."

Sweet, delicious vaugeness.

Source: http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/03/rock-band-will-be-compatible-with-guitar-hero-controllers/

[Yordakin]

I'm not sure which PS3 questions you would have liked me to ask that had not already been answered, or were relevant to Rock Band. I felt it pertinent to ask the questions about the 360 as there is already a Guitar Hero title available on it, whereas the PS3 does not.

If you have some other questions that you'd like answered, I'd be happy to ask them. I don't want to stray too much into Guitar Hero territory on the boards though, for fear of the mighty wrath that might be brought down upon me. :p

My questions, specifically are..
1. Why does GH3 require a dongle on the PS3, when the PS3 has a bluetooth aboard? I'd appreciate an answer more specific than "we found it technically unfeasible at this time".
2. My PS3 is completely backward compatible, why won't my GH3 Les Paul work with PS2 GH titles? Again, I'd like an answer more direct than I've heard before.

Your comment confused me by the way. "I don't want to stray too much into Guitar Hero territory on the boards though...". I'm confused because the article was about GH3, nothing else, it did not mention RockBand. We're already firmly in GH Territory on this thread :)

Thank you very much for answering, and possibly addressing my concerns by the way. It is much appreciated.

[Feigned]

My questions, specifically are..
1. Why does GH3 require a dongle on the PS3, when the PS3 has a bluetooth aboard? I'd appreciate an answer more specific than "we found it technically unfeasible at this time".
2. My PS3 is completely backward compatible, why won't my GH3 Les Paul work with PS2 GH titles? Again, I'd like an answer more direct than I've heard before.

Your comment confused me by the way. "I don't want to stray too much into Guitar Hero territory on the boards though...". I'm confused because the article was about GH3, nothing else, it did not mention RockBand. We're already firmly in GH Territory on this thread :)

Thank you very much for answering, and possibly addressing my concerns by the way. It is much appreciated.

You aren't going to get a more specific answer on to your first question. Their official response is "time constraints forced RedOctane to go with the dongle route on the PS3, but he hopes to eventually replace the controller with a dongle-free version after the holiday season."

http://www.gamespot.com/xbox360/puzzle/guitarheroiii/news.html?sid=6180440&tag=news;title

I will attempt to get the answer to your second question.

As for my comment, In my post I was discussing how the answers to these questions would lead us to believe that the controllers might be cross-compatible between games. Actually in both my post on here and in the original article you'll note the mention of Rock Band ;)

[kelmino]

I'm glad all the guitars seem compatible with each other. But my concern now is doesn't the rock band guitar have 5 extra buttons at the bottom of the neck? how will the guitar hero guitars work for rock band at that point? or will they possibly only work for the Bass?

[Quastor]

I'm glad all the guitars seem compatible with each other. But my concern now is doesn't the rock band guitar have 5 extra buttons at the bottom of the neck? how will the guitar hero guitars work for rock band at that point? or will they possibly only work for the Bass?

The bottom five buttons are the same as the top 5 for the majority of the game. The only time they change function is during specific solos, where then you can play the solo without having to strum, simply finger-tapping the right buttons. If you don't have the RB Strat, then you have to play the solo just as you would any other solo in the GH series.

[Finncognito]

We know that the X-Plorer will work with Rock Band, as Harmonix already confirmed this. If the X-Plorer also works with GH3, then it stands to reason that the Les Paul should work with Rock Band.

Actually that's not necessarily true (if both games are coded to have support for the X-Plorer but have different solutions for their own guitars). However, if the Les Paul works with GH2, then it should work with Rock Band.

[Thommie]

I'd be insterested to know if the ps3 guitar hero3 controller is going to be compatible with rock band. Sure, we know the xbox one is, but theres no info on the ps3 version.
I know I'm goingot buy rock ban when it comes out, but I live in scotland so have to wait until 2008 for it, whereas GH3 comes out next month. What I need to know is do I buy GH3 on ths ps2 as I already have the guitars for that or do I buy the PS3 version and hope the controller works with rock band.

[TheRocker]

Was is that guy stupid. He did not even ask about Backwards Compatibility with Ps3..

[JackBNimble]

I'd be insterested to know if the ps3 guitar hero3 controller is going to be compatible with rock band. Sure, we know the xbox one is, but theres no info on the ps3 version.
I know I'm goingot buy rock ban when it comes out, but I live in scotland so have to wait until 2008 for it, whereas GH3 comes out next month. What I need to know is do I buy GH3 on ths ps2 as I already have the guitars for that or do I buy the PS3 version and hope the controller works with rock band.

I believe the Les Paul will work for RB.Neversoft/redoctane are saying the Les Paul wont work for the other GH games on the PS3.There just covering there a$$es. From what I have read {cant remember the site}you can play the older gh games with the Les Paul BUT it will not FUNCTION PROPERLY i.e. ho/po activating star power and problems with the whammy bar.I believe this is all due to a hardware issue between the 2 consoles.PS3 is technically backwards compatable with PS2 games, but there are still issues with certain games.I believe even the RB controller will have the same problems when playing GH1,2 ,80's on the PS3.There is NO way around it.The resone the 360 does not have these issues is because there only dealing with 1 console.So keep your PS2 if you wanna play the old GH games.

[ThePaska]

Thats cool feigned, nice interview. That gives me a little more confidence that the GH III guitar will work with Rock Band. I would be surprised if it didn't and a bit disappointed because I would need to buy another guitar.

[king23]

Nice interview.

[milkman4591]

Just got the new OXM (official xbox magazine for n00bz :p) for the GH3 demo (which is fantastic btw) and noticed this little nugget of info and I quote: "GH3's new wireless Les Paul controller kicks major ass. The reshaped buttons - curved at the lower edge, like the PS2 edition's - have a luxuriously springy feel, and thanks to a locking latch, the controller goes to pieces for easy transport. If the included stickers aren't enough, you can trick out your glossy black beauty with swappable faceplates. (At press time, the pricing on these were still being determined.) Our review sample worked great with GH3 as well, and we're pretty sure the Les Paul will work with Rock Band, too." Haha, all that typing for that little blurb at the end, but here's hoping since it has been suggested that the GH3 controller > all others (at least in terms of durability and playability, the strat still looks > all).

[Orgophlax]

I'm sure someone's pointed this out already, but Harmonix has already stated that they're going to allow all third party guitar peripherals to work, so there really shouldn't be any doubt that GH3's Les Paul will work with Rock Band. The big question is if the Rock Band guitar will work with GH3. With Activision being Activision though, I'm sure if there's a way to lock out third party guitars, they'll do so.

[milkman4591]

I'm sure someone's pointed this out already, but Harmonix has already stated that they're going to allow all third party guitar peripherals to work, so there really shouldn't be any doubt that GH3's Les Paul will work with Rock Band. The big question is if the Rock Band guitar will work with GH3. With Activision being Activision though, I'm sure if there's a way to lock out third party guitars, they'll do so.

No there's no honest way you could know that because Red Octane might do something to the circuits in their guitars making them so they cannot be interchanged (I know it's possible but not how.)

[jq71586]

I'm sure someone's pointed this out already, but Harmonix has already stated that they're going to allow all third party guitar peripherals to work, so there really shouldn't be any doubt that GH3's Les Paul will work with Rock Band. The big question is if the Rock Band guitar will work with GH3. With Activision being Activision though, I'm sure if there's a way to lock out third party guitars, they'll do so.


Ok...just because Rock Band will allow it doesn't mean that Activision and Red Octane will let them. So there still is doubt.

EDIT: Appreciate the update Milkman, it might be a small glimmer of hope, but it's something lol.

[JackBNimble]

Can you imagine It Activision/Redoctane made the Les Paul not compatable? All over broken hearts because HMX left! I think that they already know that would be a very bad decision.We already know what HMX/MTVgames have said ,so it's all up to activision/redoctane now to follow suit. I dont think Sony or Microsoft would put up with two 3rd party games making their consumers pay over controller issues because of a feud between these two companies.I could be wrong ,but that's bad bussines for Sony and Microsoft....I'm sure that there will not be compatability issues at all,accept for GH1,2,80's on the PS3 and thoughs are completly different issues altogether.

[Tendoza]

I really want compatability cleared up. Becuase not being able to play 4-player on my PS3 until 08 is going to suck.

Also if the les paul doesn't work with Rock Band, I have no intention of picking GHIII up.

[tf5_bassist]

I really want compatability cleared up. Becuase not being able to play 4-player on my PS3 until 08 is going to suck.

Also if the les paul doesn't work with Rock Band, I have no intention of picking GHIII up.

same here. except on the 360. I'll wait until i have money extra on top of everything else rock band-related to buy gh3 if that's the case.

[JackBNimble]

It would be nice to get real offical answers form RB amd GHIII. I have no doubt about it personaly.

[Feigned]

It would be nice to get real offical answers form RB amd GHIII. I have no doubt about it personaly.

While we likely won't get any official word, I'm sure we'll hear news trickling in very shortly. GHIII is launching in a week, and some people should have their hands on the game as early as this week. Surely someone at Harmonix will get their hands on a Les Paul and try it out.


Harmonix: I'll have my Les Paul very shortly, I'd gladly hook one of you guys up with it for testing purposes ;)

[HeXcoda]

But isn't there a GH3 demo already out on the Tony Hawk's Proving Ground disc? Someone at HMX could test an RB guitar on it, and then post confirmation.

Of course, there could be legal liability reasons (or just PR reasons) why they don't want to talk about competitor's products -- remember that it's not just our favorite crazed music game developer in the mix here, it's also the behemoth EA and media bastard MTV. They may not want ANY discussion of GH products beyond "We maintain an open platform, and cannot comment on anything else".