I was on the hunt for a guitar controller to use for Clone Hero, so initially I was looking at a bunch of used guitars from old guitar hero games, but always got skeptical buying any because of quality concern or if they even worked properly, and then any of the like-new to brand new ones I would find were way too expensive to justify buying them, and even further more I know that there’s custom modding for guitar hero guitars but I just wasn’t ready to make that type of investment, because those are the most expensive of all….then after awhile I stumbled upon this thing.
It’s very good for what it is, but there’s some pros and cons that I’m about to list to help you make your decision.
Pros:
• The build quality is very nice. You can tell that PDP made sure this thing is gonna last you a while.
• It’s wireless, and also has a rechargeable battery. Super convenient for my set up.
• The buttons feel good and smooth and the same for the strum bar.
• It’s got a small analog stick on the back of the neck to use on the Xbox for the Fortnite guitar hero-like game mode they created to navigate menus so that’s a plus.
• It’s also foldable which is very nice for storage
• It’s brand new! No need to worry about a broken guitar.
Cons:
• For me this is more neutral but I can see this as a con for a lot of people, but this guitar is a Rockband guitar. It has the exact soft sort of mushy feel, and button/strum bar style as a traditional Rockband guitar so if those aren’t your thing then you probably aren’t going to like this one, but for me I don’t mind at all.
• If you’re buying the Xbox version like I did (I have a Series X so it made sense) then in order for you to use this on PC it is not plug and play like the PlayStation version is. You need to install 2 pieces of software: ViGEmBus, and RB4Instrument mapper in order for Clone Hero to detect the guitar. (at least right now at the time of this review). The only thing to note is that if you choose the PlayStation version, it does not have tilt function or whammy function according to other people’s reviews but the Xbox one does after setting up the pieces of software.
• It isn’t the cheapest thing in the world, but to me it’s worth an investment because it plays very well and will last a long time since it’s new.
• If you're someone that does those extreme tap shredding CH charts like the ones the streamer Açaí does, this guitar isn’t exactly set up for that kind of thing so it probably wouldn’t be ideal for you. I’m sure it’s possible but I’ve heard from many people that Rockband guitars just aren’t ideal for that style of playing.
All in all, this thing is extremely solid for regular people that came from Guitar Hero that wanna play some of their favorite songs and more custom ones with ease. 9.5/10 guitar controller that I think most people will love.
PDP RIFFMASTER Wireless Guitar Controller for PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4, PS5/PS4, Rock Band 4, Fortnite Festival, Audio
4.2 | 764 ratings
Price: 108.99
Last update: 01-20-2025
About this item
Compatible with Fortnite Festival and Rock Band 4
Officially licensed by Sony for PlayStation
30-foot low latency wireless connection with built-in, rechargeable battery for up to 36-hours of play time per charge allows you to play comfortably on the couch
Unique design that is suitable for both left and right handed players
Turn it up to 11 with the 3.5mm audio jack, and adjust volume on-the-fly with the audio controls located on the D-pad
Includes a built-in, patented pending, guitar analog stick, shoulder strap for elevated comfort, and guitar is collapsible for easy storage
The PlayStation guitar is not designed or tested for PC compatibility
Officially licensed by Sony for PlayStation
30-foot low latency wireless connection with built-in, rechargeable battery for up to 36-hours of play time per charge allows you to play comfortably on the couch
Unique design that is suitable for both left and right handed players
Turn it up to 11 with the 3.5mm audio jack, and adjust volume on-the-fly with the audio controls located on the D-pad
Includes a built-in, patented pending, guitar analog stick, shoulder strap for elevated comfort, and guitar is collapsible for easy storage
The PlayStation guitar is not designed or tested for PC compatibility
Product information
| ASIN | B0CWS8WKS5 |
|---|---|
| Release date | April 23, 2024 |
| Customer Reviews |
4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars
764 ratings
4.4 out of 5 stars |
| Product Dimensions | 3.23 x 21.38 x 10.51 inches; 3.46 Pounds |
| Type of item | Video Game |
| Language | English |
| Item model number | 052-024-BK |
| Item Weight | 3.46 pounds |
| Manufacturer | PDP |
| Batteries | 1 Lithium Polymer batteries required. (included) |
| Date First Available | March 21, 2024 |
Top reviews from the United States
JarodVery solid guitar to use for Clone hero if that’s what you want it for
Nikki CainIt actually works
Nikki Cain
Reviewed in the United States on December 5, 2024
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The PDP RIFFMASTER Wireless Guitar Controller is a fantastic addition for any music gaming enthusiast, particularly if you play on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, or Windows 10/11 PC. Officially licensed by Microsoft, this controller boasts compatibility with popular games like Rock Band 4 and even the rhythm-centric Fortnite Festival, making it a versatile choice for gamers.
Design and Build Quality:
The first thing that struck me about the RIFFMASTER is its sleek black design, which not only looks stylish but also feels solid and well-constructed. The fret buttons are responsive, and the strum bar provides satisfying feedback, enhancing the overall playing experience. The inclusion of an audio jack is a thoughtful touch, allowing for a seamless connection to headphones for immersive sound while playing.
Wireless Connectivity:
The wireless feature is a major advantage, offering freedom of movement without the hassle of cables. I found the pairing process to be straightforward, connecting easily to both my Xbox and PC. Switching between the two platforms is effortless, which is a huge plus for someone who enjoys playing on different devices.
Performance:
In terms of gameplay, the RIFFMASTER excels. I had a blast playing Rock Band 4 and was pleasantly surprised at how well it performed with Clone Hero. The latency is minimal, making for an enjoyable experience as I rocked out to my favorite tracks without any noticeable lag. The rechargeable battery is another highlight; it lasts a long time, ensuring that I won’t have to worry about changing batteries mid-session.
Versatility:
One of the standout features of the RIFFMASTER is its versatility. Being able to switch between consoles and PC without any issues is a game-changer for me. Whether I’m in the mood for a solo session on Clone Hero or a group jam on Rock Band 4, this controller adapts to my needs seamlessly.
Final Thoughts:
Overall, the PDP RIFFMASTER Wireless Guitar Controller is an excellent choice for anyone looking to elevate their gaming experience. Its combination of stylish design, solid performance, and versatility makes it a worthy investment. The only reason I didn’t give it a full five stars is that I would love to see more customizable features in future iterations, such as programmable buttons. However, for what it offers, this controller is hard to beat!
If you're a fan of music games, the RIFFMASTER is definitely worth considering. Rock on!
Images in this review
Frances JohnsonDurability and Performance
ElliotIt's good if you really want it but has it's issues
AngelThis is the one
Angel
Reviewed in the United States on August 25, 2024
Also tried it in pc with pcsx2, dolphin, and clone hero and it also works well once mapped!
I’ve owned guitar hero instruments and also the older rock band ones and boy lemme tell you this is a different one, very comfortable with long lasting battery, as silent as a ghost with the button clicks and strum bar.
I can’t believe how happy I am with this product, I highly recommend it if you really miss the thrill of these games
Images in this review
