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Rock Band is a most excellent video game available on all consoles. Created by Harmonix, who also made FreQuency, Amplitude and the Guitar Hero series, Rock Band allows up to four players to take part in a virtual band by singing, playing guitar, bass and drums. It’s a fantastic multiplayer game backed by an extensive track list, polished presentation, wicked peripherals and a constantly updating online music store. It’s pretty incredible and easily one of the greatest multiplayer games ever created. Ever.
Unfortunately, it’s also a game that has been incredibly delayed. Available in America since November 2007, Rock Band finally hit Australia stores a year later on November 7th, 2008. And $200 for the game/single guitar/mic/drum bundle, its pretty reasonably priced for what you're getting. I really can’t recommend this game highly enough. Please read this article before deciding to import Rock Band. An update to the article will be along shortly to provide a potential solution to this issue.
Hit the jump to rock/read on.
Contents:
* ROCK BAND 1 OR ROCK BAND 2?
- Differences between the games and the peripherals
- Importing Rock Band 1 songs
* DIFFERENCES BETWEEN CONSOLE VERSIONS
- On the Xbox 360
- On PlayStation 3
- On the Wii & PlayStation 2
* IMPORTING ROCK BAND
- How to import
- The best way to import
- The cheapest way to import
* IMPORTING A PLAYSTATION 3
* BUYING SONGS ONLINE
- For the PlayStation 3
- For the Xbox 360
* FIXING ROCK BAND 1 INSTRUMENTS
- The guitar
- The drums
* IN CLOSING
- Last words
- Acknowledgements
- Updates
* ROCK BAND 1 OR ROCK BAND 2?
- Differences between the games and the peripheralsRock Band 1 was an incredible game and the sequel just expands on the strength of the original. There are a number of new features, but I’m just going to write on what’s relevant. Most intriguing is that fact that if you bought Rock band, you can import nearly all of your songs from Rock Band 1 into Rock Band 2 for just $USD5. This means you can just keep Rock Band 2 inside your console and not have to swap discs when you want to play a song from Rock Band 1…almost. Unfortunately, Harmonix hasn’t been able to re-license three very awesome songs: Paranoid by Black Sabbath, Enter The Sandman by Metallica and Run To The Hills by Iron Maiden. The other noteworthy feature of Rock Band 2 is that there are now updated drum and guitar peripherals. But of course, you can still use your Rock Band 1 peripherals to play Rock Band 2. In fact, Harmonix are reporting that you can also use Guitar Hero World Tour peripherals (and some of the other Guitar Hero peripherals) to play Rock Band 2. The shiny new peripherals for Rock Band 2 look even more awesome and have fixed a number of flaws with the original designs. The Rock Band 1 guitars had a wonderfully springy strum bar – but it also had a habit of losing responsiveness, requiring you to open up the casing and tighten a screw. That problem is gone with the Rock Band 2 guitar. Likewise, the Rock Band 1 drums were a bit loud and the bass drum pedal was prone to breaking. Now the Rock Band 2 drums come with softer drum pads and the bass drum pedal has metal reinforcing plate – rendering it virtually unbreakable. - Importing Rock Band 1 songsAs mentioned, you can import your Rock Band 1 songs into Rock Band 2, thus meaning you won’t have to change between Rock Band discs. Unless you want to play Run To The Hills…and you probably will. If you don’t already own Rock Band 1, you can just rent or borrow Rock Band 1 to import the songs into Rock Band 2. In summary:- For $USD5 you can import all but three Rock Band 1 songs into Rock Band 2 - The Rock Band games and peripherals are all compatible with one another - Rock Band 2 will also work with Guitar Hero World Tour peripherals - The Rock Band 2 guitars and drums fix all the flaws of the original designs - You can rent or borrow Rock Band 1 to import the songs into Rock Band 2  * DIFFERENCES BETWEEN CONSOLE VERSIONS
On the Xbox 360
Rock Band 1 and 2 both have achievements and the Rock Band 1 peripherals are all wired. But the Rock Band 2 guitars and drums are wireless. Because of those wired peripherals, the Rock Band 1 Special Edition comes with a 4 port USB hub that also plugs into a power point. Playing Rock Band 2 still requires a USB hub – but you won’t need a power point if you have the wireless, battery powered peripherals. Also, you can play Rock Band 1 with your Guitar Hero 3 guitar controller on the Xbox 360. Most important though, is the Xbox 360 has this arbitrary region system, where most of its games are region locked – but some of them aren’t. Rock Band is not one of those, so we’ll be importing from the UK. Because Rock Band 2 isn’t out in the UK just yet, we can only import Rock Band 1 for now. (See here for details on how to import Rock Band for the Xbox 360.)
- On PlayStation 3
The Rock Band 1 guitars are wireless, but the drums are still wired. The Rock Band 2 guitars and drums are all wireless. Unfortunately, you cannot play Rock Band 1 with your Guitar Hero 3 guitar controller. Also, there are no trophies for Rock Band 1, but there are trophies for Rock Band 2. Thanks to the PlayStation 3 having all its games being region free, you can import both Rock Band 1 and Rock Band 2 without hassle.
- On the Wii & PlayStation 2
Both the Wii and the PlayStation 2 do not have access to the online store, but you can add to the song list by buying expansions discs with selections of the songs otherwise available as downloadable content. But really, if you’re spending money on Rock Band and the peripherals, you really do want to buy it for PlayStation 3 or Xbox 360 – otherwise you’re missing out all of the songs available for purchase online. Like the Xbox 360, the PlayStation 2 and Wii can play games only from their region, so we’ll be importing from the UK. Again, the UK only has Rock Band 1. You’re just going to have to wait for Rock Band 2 to come out in Australia or the UK to play it on the Wii, PlayStation 2 or the Xbox 360.Also, the PlayStation 2 peripherals are completely compatible with the PlayStation 3 peripherals.
* IMPORTING ROCK BAND
- How to import
You can import Rock Band 2 for the PlayStation 3 no worries as that is the only console which has no region restrictions on its games. Play Consoles have also just made the PAL version of Rock Band 2 available on the Xbox 360. Note also that the Rock Band peripherals are the same for the PlayStation 2 and PlayStation 3. Meanwhile, when buying for the Wii, PlayStation 2 or Xbox 360 you’ll have to be sure you’re buying the PAL version of the game. The instruments however, work fine regardless of region – so it’s quite possible to import the Rock Band 2 instruments from America and import the Rock Band 1 game from the UK. In fact, that’s what I’d recommend doing.
This part of the guide breaks down the consoles and components and Rock Band and gives you links to where you can buy what you need. Keep in mind that there are five components to Rock Band: the game itself, the drums, the microphone and two guitars. All prices listed include shipping and are either in American or British currency. You can use this converter when calculating how much it will cost in Australian dollars. Prices listed are current as of writing this article.
Microphone
Curiously, the official Rock Band microphone is only available in the Special Edition bundles. But you can find some selling for about $AU40 on eBay or you can buy a third party microphone from Play Consoles for $USD40. But really, any USB microphone should work.
Actually it’s odd to call it a third party microphone, seeing as it I believe Logitech make the official Rock Band microphone – so it may well be that the difference is having the Rock Band logo or Logitech logo on the side.
Second guitar
The Special Edition bundle is a pretty good package and saves you a bit of money. However, it only comes with one guitar. To get the full band playing with bass and guitar you’ll have to purchase a second guitar separately.
USB hub
If your console doesn't have four USB ports (and only certain models of the PlayStation 3 do) you'll need to pick up a four port USB2.0 hub if you're not buying a bundle that comes with a hub. These can be purchased for about $AU20 to $40 from most electronics stores such as JB Hi-Fi. Or you can get them even cheaper from eBay. Note that the Xbox 360 version of the Rock Band 1 peripherals require a powered USB hub (and one comes in the Special Edition bundle).
Drum extras
The Rock Band 2 drums have ports on the back that allow you to attach two extra cymbals. These operate just the same way as the yellow and green pads and just give you the option of hitting them for the extra realism. These cost $USD60 from GameStop. If you want to take the drums to a ridiculous new level, you can purchase a Rock Band compatible electronic drum kit called the Ion Drum Rocker. But it'll cost you $USD456 (including shipping) from Play Consoles.
- The best way to import
Given that all of that the three band video games (Rock Band, Guitar Hero World Tour and Rock Revolution) are all touting cross-compatible instruments, you now have a bit of choice when it comes to what game you play and what you play it with. But the best way to import Rock Band is to import it with the Rock Band 2 peripherals. The Rock Band 2 drums are sturdy, have a metal bass pedals, are wireless, have four soft drum pads, have ports for two extra cymbals and looks the sleekest of all the drums. Likewise, the Rock Band 2 guitars are modeled after the Fender Stratocaster and it look awesome. In addition the Rock Band 2 guitar fixes all the flaws of the Rock Band 1 guitar, has solo frets, slightly springy (but less springy than the Rock Band 1 guitar) and non-clicky strum bar, smooth fret buttons, an effects switch and is a decent size and comfortable peripheral. With the Australian dollar so weak against the American importing the Rock Band 2 peripherals is going to cost $AU550 for the Special Edition bundle and a second guitar. But if you have the money I’d say it’s worth it.
- The cheapest way to import
Just pick up the Rock Band game/drums/microphone/single guitar bundle for $200 and import the Rock Band 2 game on its own. However, then you may end up having to deal with buying soft drum pads and fixing guitars and such. Or you could purchase Guitar Hero World Tour ($300 for the bundle) and import Rock Band 2 - though you may want to read this article all about drum compatability. Either way works fine though. 
If you were thinking of buying a PlayStation 3, you may want to consider importing one. In Australia we sell the 40GB PlayStation 3 for $699, but it’s actually cheaper to buy the console from another country. I recommend buying through Play Asia, where they have a big range, so you can choose different models, colours and bundles.
There are four different models of the PlayStation 3: the 20GB, 40GB, 60GB and 80GB models. Note that while all the other models have four USB ports, the 40GB PlayStation 3 model only has two USB ports. This means that in order to be able to plug in all four instruments you’ll need to buy a USB hub. Yes, the PS3 guitars are wireless, but have they connect to dongles that plug into the USB ports. You can buy yourself a USB hub very cheaply off eBay. Any USB 2.0 hub that has four port will suffice. So it’s up to you whether you want to spend the extra money on a bigger hard drive model.
Lastly, if you do end up importing your PlayStation 3 you’ll need to buy a power cable that works with Australian power sockets. When you import, the console will with come with a power cable with a foreign plug. But while the plug that goes into the socket may be foreign, the end that goes into the PlayStation 3 is universal and fairly common. I had one of these lying around, so I can’t tell you where to buy one these. But I assume that places like JB Hi-Fi, Harvey Norman, Scorpion Technology or someplace similar would stock the right cable. So what you’re looking for here is a male IEC power cable that plugs into a power socket. And no need to worry about foreign power input. The PlayStation 3 has a built in converter will adjust to the Australian voltage. This image illustrates the differences and similarities between an Australian and Japanese IEC power cable.
Note however that while the PlayStation 3 games are region free, it's not region free for PlayStation 1 and PlayStation 2 games, (note that the 40GB model isn't backwatds compatible anyway) DVDs or blu-ray movies.
So in summary:
- Play Asia sells the full range of PlayStation 3s for decent prices
- You’ll also have to buy a USB 4 port hub if you purchase the 40GB model
- And if you import you’ll need an IEC power cable
- The PS3 is region free for PS3 games only
* BUYING SONGS ONLINE
In addition to Rock Band 1 having 58 songs and Rock Band 2 coming with 84, you can add to this by purchasing additional songs or even entire albums from the online music store. Prices range from $USD0.99 to $USD1.99 per song – not including tax. Note that only the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 version of Rock Band allow you to purchase additional songs. Important: Unfortunately, I have to report that the Rock Band store is region locked - even on the PlayStation 3. That means that if you imported Rock Band from America you can only purchase songs from the American store. If imported the game and try to purchase from the Australian store the songs will not load. This sucks, as it means those who imported will have to pay extra for downloadable content thanks to the crappy exchange rate between Australian and American dollars. If you have already purchased DLC, it is reported that you can contact Sony and be able to get a refund. - For the PlayStation 3
Step 1: American PSN Account
The first step is to create yourself an American PSN account. Boot up your PlayStation 3 and go to the user section of the cross media bar and select ‘create new user.’ Now just fill in all the details as you wish – but when it comes to the address, just give them an American address. Just do a Google search for addresses in America and pick one you like. I chose a gun store, for that extra bit of American flavour. So that’s it. Just create a new user and give an American address and when you’re logged in as this user you’ll be able to go sign into the American online store. At this point, you may want to go right ahead and download Still Alive from Portal – because it’s awesome and it’s free.
Step 2: American Virtual Credit Card
So that’s step one. At this stage, you can access the American store – but you still need to add some money to your account. To do this, you’re first going to need an Australian credit card. Right now, you won’t be able to use this card, because it won’t accept your Australian billing address – but you’ll still need your credit card all the same.
We’re going to make use of an internet service called Entropay. What you do is register yourself an account - with an American address, of course. With your virtual credit card created, the next step is to add a funding source – which is another credit card. One you’ve entered the details of your tangible, Australian credit card, you’re able to transfer funds from your credit card over to your Entropay card. Just to clarify, your Entropay virtual credit card doesn’t automatically take funds from your actual credit card – you load a set amount of money onto the card yourself. Entropay does take 5% of what you deposit, but it’s still a cheap and easy (and possible the only) way of getting to those downloadable Rock Band songs.
I should state that this isn’t an entirely honest method. That said, Entropay will still take the 5% of what you deposit and make their money. Harmonix and all the companies and musicians associated with the extra song content will still make their money. You’re not depriving anyone of any revenue and doing no damage. That said, Entropay does expect you to provide truthful details when registering. So while I won’t official endorse this questionable (but harmless) method of accessing the PSN store and buying more Rock Band songs…here’s how to do it anyway. Important: You can no longer use Entropay on the PlayStation Network. If you've already hooked up Entropay with your PSN it'll work fine as usual, but new users won't be able to use this method. The last step is simply to log onto your PlayStation 3 with your American account. Just go into your account settings and add some funds to your PlayStation 3 account using your Entropay card details. Then you’ll finally have some money to spend on some Rock Band songs. Just go onto the online store, then go to disk-based content and follow the links and you’ll find a swathe of awesome songs to add to your game. Pricing for the songs is usually $US1.99 for a single song or $US5.49 for a three song pack. Enjoy!
The whole thing can be done in about fifteen minutes.
In summary:
- Create a new user on your PS3 with an American address
- You’ll need an Australian credit card
- Register on Entropay to create a virtual American credit card
- Add funds from your Australian card to your Entropay card
- Then move the fund from your Entropay card to your PSN account
- After that, you can finally go buy and play some more Rock Band songs
- For the Xbox 360
Step 1: Creating an American profile
First, go register yourself with a Windows Live ID, giving an American address – again we’ll use Google to find an American address that we'll say is our address. Once that’s set up, go to your Xbox 360 and create a new profile. Use the Windows Live ID you just made and say that you’re from America. Once you’ve filled in everything you should have shiny new profile that will give you access to the American store. Again, go download Still Alive if you can’t wait.
Step 2: Buying American Microsoft Points
So you’ve finished playing Still Alive. Awesome, no? Now the next step is to get yourself some Microsoft points on your account so you can buy some songs. Using this website here you can buy Microsoft points and have the code emailed to you. Then just enter in the code and you’re set to buy and download some more songs for Rock Band.
In summary:
- Register with a new Windows Live ID and create a new Xbox 360 profile
- Use this website to order American Microsoft points 
* FIXING ROCK BAND 1 INSTRUMENTS
If you aren’t using the Rock Band 2 instruments you may encounter the flaws of the otherwise awesome Rock Band 1 instruments. Apparently Harmonix has addressed some of these issues in the Rock Band 1 instruments made after the initial launch – so you may not have these problems. But then again, you might. Luckily, for every problem there is a solution. Plus, Rock Band such an awesome game that it’s worth the hassle.
- The guitar
I like the strummer on the Rock Band guitar. It has a nice spring to it and makes very little noise. However, it’s also quite fallible and has the tendency to lose responsiveness. Thankfully, Ben Sones has already written this excellent guide to opening up the guitar case and fixing the problem. This happens quite a bit to me, so I have made the extra investment of buying an electric screwdriver so that opening up the case is a fast and easy job. Additionally, if you’re still having trouble, take a cotton swab and put a few drops of ethanol on the end and clean the contacts. Or else you could get some strong tape and cut up small, thin pieces. Stick these on the plastic strum bar on the point where it hits the “hammer” of the contact. Edit: don't do put tape or anything on the contacts. That will fix it short term but eventually bend the contacts out of place.
- The drums
There are three problems with the drums. First, they’re a bit noisy when you hit them. This is easily fixed for by purchasing some pads. I bought mine from this website, but you can get them a bit cheaper on eBay – or cheaper still if you make them yourself. The next problem with the drums is the kick pedal. It has the problem of snapping in two. For $40 you can purchase these sexy metal plates to either fix or reinforce your pedal. The last problem with the drums is losing responsiveness in the drum pad. The way I fixed this is by taking off the problematic drum head. It’s only held in place by four rubber nubs, so you just flip the drums upside down and pop the offending drum head off. Underneath the drum head is a small piece which houses a spring that rests against a pressure sensor. Just unscrew the plastic piece holding the spring in place and then insert a very small object underneath the spring to slightly increase the tension. A sliced tip of a cotton swab is good - but a bit of blu-tack is even better. You’ll want to go into practice mode to fiddle with this so you get the sensitivity just right.
Yes, it sounds like a bit of work. But it is worth it. Just think of it as Roadie Hero. Also, I imported Rock Band just after it launched and had these problems. A friend of mine imported recently and hasn’t had a single issue so far – so it may well be that these problems have been fixed now. Of course, you shouldn’t have any problems with the Rock Band 2 instruments.
In summary:
- The guitar strummer can lose responsiveness
- Using tweezers, a screwdriver and a jewellers screwdriver, you can fix this
- You may want to buy or make drum pads to keep the noise down
- Bass pedals can be fixed/reinforced with a metal plate
- Non-responsive drum heads can be fixed with a screwdriver and a small piece of…well, anything really
- Maybe you should get the Rock Band 2 instruments?
* IN CLOSING
- Last Words
Without a doubt the worst thing about the economy kerfuffle is how much it impairs Australian’s from importing. But it’s still often worth importing – especially for Rock Band 2. Whatever you decide to do, I hope this guide has been of help to you.
Rock Band is a ridiculously good game and my friends and I have been enjoying it since it came out and it’s constantly awesome fun. You want my advice? Buy this game. Or buy an actual instrument. Or both. Both are excellent investments.
- Acknowledgements
With thanks to Luke and Pete. \m/
Oh, and Barry and Yug too.
And also also thanks to Logan, Azmodean and Dallas .
Many thanks to Lloyd , RabbidPuppy, Jebus and all who contributed on this Xbox forum thread.
And of course, with thanks to every single awesome individual at Harmonix and the many bands and people involved with Rock Band!
- Updates
Version 2.0: Re-wrote most of the original article and added in section on fixing instruments and buying songs
Version 2.1: Changed where to buy the PS3 console and Rock Band from. Barnes & Noble have awesome prices.
Version 2.2: Added in GameStop and Play Consoles to the list of places you can import the PS3 and Rock Band from for a good price. Also added new sections on importing for the Xbox 360. Added in note about perhaps waiting and buying Rock Band 2 instruments.
Version 2.3: Re-structured the article, added in sections covering Rock Band 2 and updated anything that was out of date.
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