Usually, I do not care about anything Rock Band or Guitar Hero related. This is because if there is anything new, it is probably just more song tracks for download. Even when Harmonix announced Rock Band 2, I was totally not interested. However, Rock Band 3 is slightly different and it is all thanks to the instruments.

Harmonix has added a new instrument to the game, and it is a keytar. Apart from that, they have changed the existing instruments a little. As you can see below, both the guitar and base guitar have actual strings instead of a piece of plastic that moves up and down. The drums will have additional cymbals. There is also something called MIDI PRO-Adapter. I have a general idea of what it does, but here is 1Up’s explanation in case I mess up:

Lastly, MadCatz will also release a MIDI PRO-Adapter that’ll allow players to use their real MIDI keyboards or MIDI drum sets with Rock Band 3 if they happen to already own any. That’ll cost $39.99 USD.

I personally like what Harmonix is doing here, trying to bring realism to their game. I have always wanted to learn how to play an actual guitar, but I just do not have time for such things. Now with Rock Band 3 taking rhythm music games to the next stage, I have higher hopes of learning it.

Here are the prices taken from 1Up’s article ($USD):

Wireless Cymbal Attachment – $39.99
Keytar – $79.99
Keytar + Game bundle – $129.99
Fender Mustang PRO-Guitar Controller – $149.99
MIDI PRO-Adapter – $39.99

Fender Squier Stratocaster Guitar – UNKNOWN

Rock Band 3 is set to be released for this holiday season on the PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Nintendo Wii and Nintendo DS.