Newbie Rock Band Questions

[Space Paranoids]

Howdy!
I just got back from 2 years living abroad and so haven't quite caught up with all that's happened in the world of gaming. I saw hype about the new Beatles Rock Band and it looks really sweet. I'd only played Guitar Hero before I left, and so I have a few entry level questions about Rock Band, the Beatles version on the Wii to be specific.
1. What instrument peripherals do I need for the Wii?
I know that there are guitars, drums and a microphone. How do each of these interface with the Wii? Do remotes plug into them like in Wii Guitar Hero? And I heard something about the microphone being USB. Is that only for XBox and Playstation? Does any microphone work?
2. How many of each do I need?
It sounds like you need 2 guitars, a set of drum pads, and 3 microphones for this Beatles version. Is that right?
3. How can I get everything for a decent price?
I had heard that Rock Band was really expensive, so I expected the bundle for the Beatles Rock Band to be around $100. I was shocked to see the pricetag at $250! (If I had that much money to spend on one game, I'd get on eBay and get a copy of Panzer Dragoon Saga or Radiant Silvergun!) Is there some way to get what I need to play the game for cheaper than that? And if I try to get the instruments used on eBay, what do I need to know in order to avoid a bad deal? (Are some versions better than others, how can I spot broken units, etc.)

[MrPopo]

You're in luck. I've been playing RB PS3 for two years, and one of my coworkers just got Rock Band Wii.

The base Rock Band Wii bundle comes with one guitar, one microphone, and one set of drums. I believe that Beatles will come with the same. Unlike Guitar Hero, the Rock Band instruments do not need the Wiimotes to plug in to them. Each peripheral can be purchased separately, but for a first time buyer it is cheaper to buy the bundle and an extra guitar.

You can get Wii Rock Band 2 for $100 off Amazon right now, which would give you guitar, drums, mic. Then throw in the Beatles Rock Band software and you're up to $160, which is far cheaper than the $250 initial price of the Beatles kit. Adding an extra guitar will cost $55 for a first party (Harmonix) guitar, or $100 for a Beatles guitar. You might be able to get a third party guitar for cheaper. The Beatles stuff is more expensive because of licensing.

[corn619]

I guess you REALLY need to like The Beatles before plunking down $250.00 on the full kit. I happen to be one of those people and I can't wait. Whats weird, but cool is 9/9/09 is my wedding date as well. How should I mention to her that we need take a quick detour to pick up The Beatles Rock Band on the way to the reception?

[Budsmoka]

I would spend $250 towards a new guitar.