Mad Catz Interactive, Inc. has announced the shipping of the Rock Band Wireless Wooden Fender Stratocaster replica guitar for use with the Microsoft Xbox 360 videogame console.

Compatible with Rock Band, Rock Band 2, the up coming The Beatles: Rock Band game, alongside other music and rhythm games, the Rock Band Wireless Wooden Fender Stratocaster guitar controller is a true 1:1 replica of the famous guitar. The body, neck, and headstock are made from genuine Stratocaster wooden blanks, while the Tuning Keys and Bridge are built using genuine metal parts and fittings.

Available in a hand-painted Three-Tone Sunburst design, the highly buffed gloss finish on each model is applied over an eight day period in the same manner as a genuine Stratocaster electric guitar and assembled at a Fender’ manufacturing facility. The guitar neck sports a high-resolution ‘Rosewood’ finish decal, concealing two sets of premium Fret Buttons.

The Rock Band Wireless Wooden Fender Stratocaster guitar controller utilizes the same secure wireless technology featured in the official wireless Microsoft Xbox 360 controller. Connecting directly to the Xbox 360, it does not require an external dongle or adaptor to operate. The premium Fret Buttons and Strum Bar deliver quiet operation and reliable game play, and have been have been extensively play tested to ensure that it is possible to achieve a 100% score in ‘Expert Mode’ should the players ability be up to the challenge.

On the front of the guitar, the Fender Stratocaster Whammy Bar sits alongside the Start and Back Buttons, disguised as Volume and Tune controls. Furthermore, the Stratocaster features the traditional ¼ inch output jack which will connect to the Rock Band Electro-Harmonix Overdrive Pedal (sold separately), allowing for authentic activation of ‘Overdrive’ during game play. It includes three AA batteries and official Fender guitar strap. Finally, the rear of the guitar features a headset socket for online play and communicating with friends.

Darren Richardson, President and Chief Executive Officer of Mad Catz commented, “As our latest premium product and flagship guitar, the Wireless Wooden Fender Stratocaster guitar controller brings the authenticity and realism of a full-size genuine Stratocaster to Rock Band, guitar enthusiasts, and music fans alike. The guitar is another example of our strategy to expand our portfolio of premium products.”

The Rock Band Wireless Wooden Fender Stratocaster guitar controller for Xbox 360 is available at Mad Catz online Rock Band Store (http://rockband.gameshark.com) and shipping now across North America in early September 2009. It will retail for an MSRP of $299.99.