Editor's Note: This feature was first published on October 17, 2008. Since then new gear has popped up and we have added entries in the appropriate sections. This update features entries on the Mad Catz Wireless Fender Precision Bass, the Official Rock Band 2 Cymbal Expansion Kit, and the Rock Band 2 Electro-Harmonix Overdive Pedal.

Since Rock Band hit the scene last year, gaggle of instrument controllers in tow, it has done its best to offer as many compatibility options as possible. With the full Rock Band 2 bundle right around the corner, those compatibility choices only deepen. Should you stick with the Rock Band set or upgrade to the Rock Band 2 instruments? What about that Guitar Hero 3 controller you still have floating around to say nothing of 3rd party controllers? Fear not dear reader, for GameShark is here to wade through mountains of plastic and give you the skinny on the choices that await you as you head out on tour.

Guitars

1. The Rock Band wired Fender Stratocaster

Pros: If you bought the original RB bundle, you already have it; no need for batteries; probably has already been repaired

Cons: Wired, first generation of guitars had some problems; mushy strum bar

Cost: Pretty much impossible to find at retail

The Rock Band Fender Stratocaster controller was quite the change from the Gibson controllers shipped with the Guitar Hero games. For one it was a bit longer, bringing the size of the controller more in line with the size of a real guitar. Second, it added solo fret buttons placed lower down on the guitar neck. These buttons are usable any time—howeve when used during a solo they don't need to be accompanied by strumming, allowing for faster play. The controller worked, but like most pieces of first generation equipment had some problems with a mushy strum bar and loud fret buttons. While certainly workable if you still have it, those rocking the original axe may want to consider upgrading to get the most out of their time on the road.

2. The Rock Band wireless Fender Stratocaster

Pros: Wireless; more responsive strum bar and tilt sensor

Cons: Swapping out batteries is a pain; strum bar still not the greatest

Cost: Approximately $49.99 at retail

Once Rock Band was released out into the wild, it wasn't long until the clamoring of the wire hating horde was silenced with the release of a wireless controller. Some of the original faults of the wired controller were addressed with this controller, namely the flaky tilt sensor and the mushy strum bar. The strum bar still lacks the authoritative click of the Guitar Hero controllers, however it is a definite improvement over the wired controller. This guitar is one of the cheaper alternatives for a second controller, widely available at around 50 bucks, a good 20 bucks cheaper than our next option.

3. The Rock Band 2 wireless Fender Stratocaster

Pros: Wireless; better strum bar; pretty finish; sensors for autocalibrating your A/V system

Cons: Additions over the RB1 wireless guitar may not justify the increase in price

Cost: Approximately $69.99 at retail

Make no mistake, the wireless Rock Band 2 guitar is the best first party Rock Band controller. The autocalibration option is a dream, the burnished wood look is gorgeous and all of the improvements from the original wireless guitar carry over, including an even better strum bar. The question is whether or not the improvements are worth the additional money over what you'd spend for a Rock Band wireless guitar. If you find that you're constantly bringing your gear from place to place, and calibrating the system is a hassle, then the 20 bucks for the autocalibration is money well spent. If you mostly stick to home, and have your calibration dialed in, you'd be ok saving the cash and sticking to the original wireless guitar although no one would blame you for wanting that sexy wood finish.