Since the launch of Guitar Hero III this past October, I have heard one too many tales of college students and parents upset over the need to repurchase the entire Wii bundle just for a second guitar. Heck, I would have been in the same boat if I wasn’t so busy with my self-induced arthritis and carpal tunnel syndrome.

Today, Guitar Hero and Rock Band enthusiasts can finally rejoice. Starting in March, standalone Les Paul controllers will be available in stores across the US. The Wii Les Paul will carry the hefty price of $59, while the 360 and PS3 versions will set you back $69.

Good news, but these guitars are ridiculously overpriced. If I needed a guitar, I would buy the Wii bundle for $90, take out the guitar, then turn around and sell the sealed copy of Guitar Hero III on half.com. Even if I sold the game for only $40, I’m still getting a better deal than if I went the standalone route.

Or maybe I’m just stingy when it comes to my guitar peripherals.

Primo Tech