Electronic Arts and Harmonix have previously hinted at a whole gaggle of new musical peripherals for their upcoming rythm game, Rock Band. Now both companies can confirm that renowned instrument producers Fender Musical Instruments Corporation, Roland Corporation and BOSS will be lending their brand names for Rock Band's assortment of themed controllers. Fender will naturally be lending its name for a Rock Band guitar peripheral modeled after the Fender Stratocaster, and Roland and BOSS have agreed to provide their branding for additional electronic equipment peripherals like guitar effects pedals.

"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."

"Part of Roland's mission is to bring people closer to the music they love. Rock Band certainly fulfills that goal by bringing a deeply interactive music experience to the world, and having Roland featured in the game is a great honor," stated Dennis Houlihan, President and CEO of Roland Corporation U.S.

"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."

Wolfwood via harmonixmusic.com »