Review of Xbox 360 Rock Band Wireless Fender Precision Bass Replica - White

Customer Ratings:

This is a great controller for all of us wannabe bass players. I held out for the wireless version and it's excellent. It connected quickly with my console and I was up and running in a couple of minutes. The only real drawbacks are that the sides of the keys are not protected so the can be depressed by your hand if you have large hands, and there is no clearly felt ridge on the yellow key to help quickly reorient yourself when playing a fast full range riff in Hard/Expert. The black inlay is very slightly raised but not enough to easily feel, especially if you have calloused fingertips. As a tall adult, I found the strap about 2 inches short of where I would like it to fall and the neck is a bit narrow; but as it was made for all ages and is one size fits all that's not a really major issue. I've seen some reviewers of the wired version say they dislike the use of a knob instead of a whammy bar; I don't really see the need for it with bass anyway, but the knob works fine and there are plenty of opportunities during long notes to use it. Just like playing the split strum bar it takes a little getting used to. All in all, after a solid day of use, I'd say this is an excellent piece of gear. Playing 2-fingered 5-string bass on Guitar Hero and Rock Band is much more fun and a real challenge. Oh, yeah, did I mention that it works for both Rock Band and Guitar Hero? I tried it with Rock Band and GH World Tour and it did fine. For RB2 there's a switch on the back. Bottom line, if you want to really get the Bass experience and don't want to worry about a wire, this is for you.

UPDATE after a few months of use:

I purchased the wireless XBOX 360 Rock Band Fender bass because I really wanted more of a 'bass' feel while playing RB and GH (it works on both). I must say it was better than I expected and I have much more fun and have improved much faster than I would have playing bass with the standard non-split strum bar of the guitars or the McCartney fiddle head bass (too bad they didn't do split strum bar there!). The action is excellent but takes some getting used to. I would give this 5 stars except for the following (which have nothing really to do with game enjoyment, but can be annoying):

1) The unit doesn't like to turn itself on. Even with fresh batteries you have to play with the button to get it on much of the time.

2) It burns through batteries like crazy. I bought rechargables primarily for this controller and I seem to have to change out almost every time I play (about 1 2 hours of use).

3) The headset plug in doesn't work PERIOD. The input plug receiver is a larger size than the standard headset plug and the adapter recommended in the accompanying paperwork (which isn't very helpful) doesn't fit either. I took a headset with a straight pin plug and put an adapter that fit the bass' input and it still didn't work. You have to use a handset controller to have a headset work while playing on XBOX LIVE.

4) The whammy knob is really not a good idea. It's difficult to use as is the "start" knob which takes a good hard twist to get it to work.

So, with all the problems I noted, why did I give this 4 stars? Because it's absolutely the best bass controller available and for simply playing bass in the game it's FANTASTIC!

Oh yeah, get the ABBEY ROAD add on for "The BEATLES" some great tunes and excellent bass parts.

Gamer tag: Katkillr

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If you are a BASS player like me, get this controller. Almost exact size of precision bass. On RB1 setting it plays with all the guitar hero games. Played out of the box spot on for notes. Split strum bar gives true two finger bass playing. best of all no cables.

Best Deals for Xbox 360 Rock Band Wireless Fender Precision Bass Replica - White

Let me preface this by saying I was very excited in purchasing this product. Based on the reviews, the design with bassists in mind...I was pumped. So, keep this in mind that I might've been hoping for the moon.

I do play (real) bass, although I'd rate my skill as about a 3 out of 10. I thought getting this controller would help strengthen my fingerwork, even when I want to relax and just play a game.

For starters, the overall design is nice. It is longer, much more "bass-like" than the Rock Band controller. However, it feels a bit cheap, in my opinion. The tuning pegs are quite weak (not like you need to twist them to play, but it goes with the feel of the controller) and the pegs for the strap are pretty loose.

Like other reviewers, I did like the omission of the strum bar. The buttons are actually more responsive for hammer-on's and pull-off's, which is nice as well. And, probably best of all, there is a black plastic piece for you to rest your thumb on while you strum like mad...

But the strumming is the largest limitation. It strums significantly louder than the original Rock Band guitar (which is an issue for me when I jam late at night and have to crank up my TV even louder to drown out the click-click-click-click). It also takes more force to strum. An issue for me, maybe not all bassists, was my tendency to catch my finger on the inside edge of the strum bar I wasn't intending to hit. It didn't happen often, but frequently enough to frustrate me and ruin some good note streaks. I generally keep my fingers close together when I play, which is what would lead to the accidental clipping of the other bar.

Another critique, albeit minor, is that you will not get an "Authentic Strummer" achievement while using this controller. For some reason the strum bars work in opposite directions, one is up and the other is down. This can also be a bit confusing when going through menus, trying to send a message, etc. And although it does work for both Rock Band 1 and 2, there is a switch on the back you have to flip to choose which game you are playing. This makes me wonder if it will be compatible with future Rock Band games or Guitar Hero even (which I did not test). Also, when I turned off the controller, my Xbox wouldn't let me turn on another controller as controller one.

Taking all of this into account, I decided to return this controller and go back to what I had been doing: playing the game by strumming the original Rock Band guitar like a bass, alternating fingers. I really couldn't justify the $100 if I'm playing worse with louder strumming. I'd suggest you try the same before purchasing this product.

Honest reviews on Xbox 360 Rock Band Wireless Fender Precision Bass Replica - White

I've been a bass player for over 15 years, and I, like many of you, was looking forward to this controller. I honestly find it harder to play the game with than the guitar controllers, mainly for 2 reasons.

While playing i constantly feel like i'm going to break the neck off, it feels very shoddy and just bends while I play.

Also the split strum bar almost works right, I have found that if you are holding one strum bar up and strum the second it will not register the strum, taking away a very realistic feel for me.

But when I keep these two in mind its a great addition to a very fun set of games!

I rate it 3 stars because of those two issues

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having used the wired p-bass for a while, i must say this is worth the extra 20-30 dollars.

1. back of the fretboard has a matte texture instead of gloss, much easier to slide between G and O.

2. strum bar has less of a click, so "strumming" it bass style isn't as tiring.

3. no wires! i thought 10 feet would be enough but when it's poking from the xbox it's really only a coffee table away.

4. hitting o/d was perfect, with the wired i would have to have a seizure to switch on o/d sometimes.

definite must for rock band enthusiasts. highly recommended for casual players.

can't wait for the player's guitar now.