Fender Squier current status & availability - IMPORTANT INFO - HMX update to OP 6/27

[McCREE]

nm

[msmarti58]

I think that HMX has developed some good connections in the music business and I'm sure they can team up with another guitar manufacturer. I would think, however, that they'd wait until a RB 4 was in developement before doing so. Who knows? It may lead to a better or maybe even cheaper model. Having the Fender name on it raised the price all by itself. It could end up being a great thing that this happened if a different manufacturer is able to produce a lower priced model. The price, IMHO, has always been a major hurdle to the success of pro mode and ultimately RB 3 itself. If, assuming there is a RB4, the new peripheral's price dropped enough mom and dad and joe casual gamer would be more inclined to impulse buy it. $300 for the current model (with the MPA) is one hell of an impulse buy. All just conjecture, of course. In the mean time there is still the Mustang, so Pro isn't dead by any means.

But when you think about it, if you want to learn to play a real guitar, the logical next step up from just playing plastic "toys," you aren't going to be able to pick up a much cheaper electric guitar, so, really, the price of the instrument isn't all that much at all for a combined guitar/controller.

[bjyaritz]

I broke down and bought a Squier last night because of all of this news. The pro mode is awesome! It is the first time I ever played guitar and am having a blast with it. This cannot go away, it's just to damn educational.

[twilight klaas]

It'd be a shame if they completely discontinued this type of guitar, its a brilliant invention, that makes learning songs easier and more fun. I think it is absolutely worth $300, and am confused about fender stopping production on such an innovative device that is still in demand around the globe.

The world had 3 months to learn about and experience this invention, and that's it?? really?
That's not really giving it a chance is it.

Buying a guitar is not really an impulse purchase, you have to wanna learn to play, its a bit of an investment and for what Rockband offers 300 isn't much at all. It may not be the best sounding, but for what it does in game, its exactly what I always wanted right when I heard about guitar hero.

I'm a bit disappointed HMX doesn't even know what's going on with Fender, as they are telling customers sorry and refunding money.

Its what rockband has been building to all these years, and I just don't understand why fender would pull the plug so soon on a product that works so well and is groundbreaking...

Hope to hear from HMX Henry or Alex or someone soon.

[msmarti58]

I broke down and bought a Squier last night because of all of this news. The pro mode is awesome! It is the first time I ever played guitar and am having a blast with it. This cannot go away, it's just to damn educational.

Word.

[mikeyts]

...you aren't going to be able to pick up a much cheaper electric guitar, so, really, the price of the instrument isn't all that much at all for a combined guitar/controller.

I don't know what you call "much cheaper", but from all reports this is not a very good guitar, as guitars go. Its plastic fretboard makes it difficult to properly set the entonation and the semi-hollow neck is flexible when it shouldn't. It has a single pickup and no tone controls. When you remove the game controller from consideration, it's a really substandard beginner level electric guitar and there are many superior choices at that price and below, including the Squier Standard Strat ($230) and Squier Affinity Strat ($180). You can get Fender's "Stop Dreaming, Start Playing" packages with the Affinity or SE Special Strat for less than this guitar-and-controller costs; the packages contain the guitar, a practice amp, an electronic tuner, a strap, cheap gig bag, replacement strings, lesson DVDs and other accessories.

I'm not knocking the Squier--knowing full well its limitations and the problems some people have had with it, I just bought one. But there are many quite significantly cheaper instruments that are superior guitars.

[mikeyts]

This cannot go away, it's just to damn educational.

Even if the Squier is going away, pro guitar isn't. The vast majority of people who are playing pro guitar and bass are playing it with the Mustang.

[Seraphixla]

I broke down and bought a Squier last night because of all of this news. The pro mode is awesome! It is the first time I ever played guitar and am having a blast with it. This cannot go away, it's just to damn educational.

Looks like I'm the only forum-going Schick winner that's still waiting then.

[Maghook]

This is very disappointing.

I was alarmingly interested in buying this guitar, not only for Rock Band, but because I'm also an avid sound designer and would've loved the MIDI aspect if it could work with programs such as Ableton and ProTools.

I placed an order two or so months back, I hope it will be filled...

[emkajeej]

pretty painful how HMX apparently didnt know about this