Rock Band Picks Up A Fender Stratocaster News

Combating Activison and Red Octane's Guitar Hero partnership with Gibson, EA and MTV today confirmed an agreement with the equally iconic guitar maker, Fender, for the forthcoming Xbox 360/PS3 title Rock Band.

As a result of the agreement, the guitar peripheral will be closely modelled after the legendary Fender Stratocaster, whilst additional Fender guitar, basses and amps will also feature in the game. Additionally, the companies have confirmed an agreement with Roland Corporation and BOSS, to have their brands featured in the game and other co-marketing opportunities.

"Fender is pleased to be part of Rock Band and the exciting opportunity it offers passionate music fans and gamers," said Bill Mendello, CEO of Fender Musical Instruments Corporation. "Our friends at Harmonix have done an amazing job of capturing the power and style of legendary Fender products within the virtual gaming experience and delivering it all in the spirit of rock 'n' roll."

"Like the Fender Stratocaster, BOSS effects pedals have a long distinguished history," states BOSS U.S. President Paul Youngblood. "We've worked with Fender on many projects in the past and we're honored to be sharing this experience with them. Having the Strat in Rock Band is going to take the virtual world by storm and when it does, we'll be proud to have the BOSS name and pedals right there with it."

"The Stratocaster has been the weapon of choice for many of the world's legendary guitarists. Giving players the opportunity to rock out using a guitar peripheral modeled after the Strat really adds to the authenticity of the experience," said Alex Rigopulos, president and co-founder of Harmonix. "Many of the staff here at Harmonix play Fender and Roland instruments and use BOSS effects pedals in their own bands, so we are thrilled to be able to work with these companies."