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by Ben Silverman
WATCH ROCK BAND VIDEOS
Hang on, Sloopy - just because your gear is working doesn't mean it works. Before you get too cozy with your rickety set up, consider these beyond the box options:
Second Guitar
Unless your biggest Rock Band aspiration is to sound like the White Stripes, score another guitar controller pronto. In addition to enabling the four-player simultaneous gameplay Rock Band was built for, another axe will come in handy if you want to play some competitive multiplayer. The good news is that Rock Band supports third-party guitar controllers, so if you own a Guitar Hero controller already, you're a golden god.
Drum Throne
Everyone will want a turn or three on the drums. Save your sofa from permanent butt indentations by picking up a cheap drum throne on Craigslist or, if you're a music snob, at Guitar Center (any dedicated chair will do, really.) You might want to move the drum kit around, so the more mobile the seat, the better.
Mic Stand
Not only will you need it for those awesome James Brown twirls and spins, but a stand is the only way you'll be able to try playing guitar and singing at the same time. Or for those Phil Collins wannabes (yeah, both of you), drumming and singing. And don't forget to steal a few of your grandma's scarves to decorate it, Aerosmith-style.
Extension Cord (Xbox 360/PS2)
While PS3 players can literally rock around the house thanks to the wireless guitar controller and enough built-in USB ports to handle the other instruments, 360 and PS2 owners have to plug in the USB hub if they want to get four folks rocking at once. Unfortunately, the hub requires a separate power source, so unless you've got an open outlet a few feet from your console, you'll probably need some extra length.
Posted: 15 Nov 2007
