Roland V-Accordion FR-7X User manual

www.roland.com
FLEXABILITY
DIGITAL FLEXIBILITY
FOR YOUR MUSIC ABILITY
FR-7x
FR-3x
FR-1x
FR-7xb
FR-3xb
FR-1xb
FR-18d

INDEX
. 04
. 05
. 06
. 08
. 10
. 12
. 14
. 16
. 18
. 20
. 22
. 24
. 26
. 28
. 30
. 32
. 34
History
The technology
Piano-type
V-Accordion line-up piano-type
FR-7x
FR-3x
FR-1x
Button-type
V-Accordion line-up button-type
FR-7xb
FR-3xb
FR-1xb
Diatonic
V-Accordion line-up diatonic
FR-18d
V-Accordion sound expansion
Specications

HISTORY
in the Marche region.This
factory in Italy belongs to the
Roland Corporation group,
whose headquarters
is located in Japan.
The production of
V-Accordions is quite a
long, accurate and precisely
arranged working process
resulting from a strong
passion to create high-quality
and appealing products.
V-Accordion |4
After several years of
research, in 2004 the dream
of Roland’s founder,
Mr. Ikutaro Kakehashi, came
true: Roland developed the
V-Accordion, the rst digital
accordion based on a new
technology called “Physical
Behaviour Modelling”.
TheV-Accordion models
are made in Italy, by Roland
Europe in Acquaviva Picena,

THE TECHNOLOGY
PBM (Physical Behaviour Modelling)
At the heart of the V-Accordion is Roland’s new, proprietary
PBM sound engine and modelling technology. Physical
Behaviour Modelling uses complex algorithms to accurately
recreate an acoustic accordion’s sound characteristics.The
result is a faithful simulation of the actual physical behaviour
and expressive nuances of an acoustic instrument.
Bellows Movement Modelling
PVA (Pressure Variant Amplier)
This function controls the dynamics of each reed sound, based
on the high-resolution bellows pressure sensor. Starting and
stopping, hysteresis threshold, inertia, expression curve, and
volume are all individually programmed to reproduce a true
free-reed sound.
PVF (Pressure Variant Filter)
The tone colour of each reed sound is also shaped in
real-time by the dedicated DSP (Digital Signal Processor),
responding accurately to each expressive playing nuance
applied by the bellows.
PVP (Pressure Variant Pitch)
The pitch of each simulated reed is varied individually.
As the bellows is pushed
or pulled more forcefully,
the sound becomes fatter
and richer, because each
simulated reed exhibits a
“natural” tendency to go out
of tune.
Musette Tuning
Based on extensive research of the different tuning types
used throughout the world the V-Accordion’s note-by-note
micro-tuning feature allows aV-Accordion to authentically
reproduce many different accordion types for various genres
of music.
Off
On
Reed Inertia
BELLOWS PRESSURE
VOLUME
Hysteresis Thresholds Expression Curve
VOLUME
BELLOWS PRESSURE
16’
8’
2’ 2/3
Hz
In Tune
BELLOWS PRESSURE
16’
8’
2’ 2/3
V-Accordion |5

PIANO-TYPE
V-Accordion |6

V-Accordion |7

The RolandV-Accordion series of piano type instruments
comprises 3 models and 3 colour variations: FR-7x (black, red),
FR-7x WHITE, FR-3x (black), FR-3x WHITE, FR-1x (white).The
agship, the FR-7x, provides 41velocity-sensitive piano-type
keys with aftertouch, 120 bass buttons, 80 Accordion sets and
a Master bar. The lightweight and portable FR-3x is tted with
37 velocity-sensitive keys, 120 bass buttons. How about treating
yourself to something exclusive? WithWHITE version you
are sure to stand out from the crowd: the elegant pearl-white
cabinet and gorgeously decorated bellows are complemented
with highly attractive accessories (shoulder straps, bass
strap, back pad and bellows clips ) made of real leather and
Alcantara®. The lightweight and exible FR-1x is ideal for young
students and stage performers.Thanks to their sound quality,
small size, attractive price, they set a new standard in learning
and live performance.TheV-Accordion offers selectable Bass &
Chord modes (7 modes: 2 Bass Rows, 3 Bass Rows A7th,
3 Bass Rows A5dim, 3 Bass Rows B7th, 3 Bass Rows
B5dim, 3 Bs Rows Bx 7th 3,Bass Rows Belgium) and Free Bass
modes (5 modes: Minor 3rd, Bajan, Fifth, N.Europe, Finnish).
V-ACCORDION LINE-UP
PIANO-TYPE
V-Accordion |8
Alcantara®is a registered trademark of Alcantara Spa, Italy.

V-ACCORDION LINE-UP
PIANO-TYPE
Sergio Scappini teaches accordion at the “GiuseppeVerdi”
music academy in Milan.
He won a lot of national and international competitions,
among them the XXIV “Trophée Mondial de la C.M.A.”
(Confédération Mondiale de l’Accordéon).
Roland Europe invited him to collaborate with itsV-Accordion
project, the rst digital accordion in the world, which he
later showcased in Italy, Germany, Japan, China, South Korea,
Switzerland, Canada, Usa, Croatia,Australia and Spain.
He’s currently actively involved in the promotional activities
of Roland’sV-Accordion instruments aimed at unconditionally
spreading the value of the accordion instrument worldwide.
On November 2010 he received the “HAMAMATSU
ELECTRONIC ARTS AWARD” which is certainly one of the
most fascinating awards received from the corporation.
Sergio Scappini
V-Accordion |9

FR-7x TOP CLASS
Fast response and high sensitivity
Thanks to Roland’s newly-developed sound generator, which is
optimized for Accordion performance, the FR-7x will satisfy the
most demanding accordion players. You will be impressed by the
fast response of the keys/buttons, the higher sensitivity and precision,
and the detection of bellows opening/closing with new bellows
pressure-sensor circuitry. Thanks to this new technology,
accordionists can feel perfectly at ease when playing their music,
especially once they have experienced the enhanced response of this
instrument. The exclusive, special edition,pearl-white FR-7x piano-
type is the star of the piano-keyboardV-Accordion series. Lightweight,
compact, the“WHITE” model looks gorgeous, with a beautifully
decorated bellows and genuine leather andAlcantara®straps.
LCD display Bellows Resistance Regulator Shoulder straps:
leather/Alcantara®
Alcantara®is a registered trademark ofAlcantara Spa, Italy.
V-Accordion |10

Super Realistic Accordion Simulations
The FR-7x has 41 keys (with velocity and aftertouch), 120
velocity-sensitive bass buttons (6 bass & chord modes and 5 free
bass modes to suit your playing style) and can simulate up to 80
different accordion instruments each including 14 treble registers,
26 orchestral sounds,7 bass & chord registers, 7 free bass
registers,7 orchestral free bass, 7 orchestral bass registers, and
7 orchestral chord registers.Thanks to the Bass toTreble mode
the FR-7x can be used like a “BassoonAccordion”.
In this mode the bass part is played with the right hand (the bass
and chord buttons are inactive). Moreover the programmable
Drum function allows you to play percussion sounds with the
Bass & Chord buttons.There’s even a unique Bellows Resistance
Regulator that can be set to match the player’s strength or
preference. Increasing or decreasing the bellow’s inertia is simply
a matter of selecting one of four positions on a conveniently
located wheel.
…and organ simulations
Thanks to theVirtualTone Wheel sound engine, the FR-7x
allows you to play amazing organ sounds, by using Treble (upper),
Chord/Free Bass (lower) and Bass (pedal) sections.
Virtual Tone Wheel controls will allow you to personalize your
organ sounds to satisfy every musical genre.
USB host port onboard
Easy data storage, handy customization of V-Accordion
sound-sets to satisfy special accordion/orchestra demands
from different countries, and easy to upload software versions,
thanks to the USB Flash Memory.What’s more, you can manage
MP3 and Wav les and even record your performances in Wav
format on the optional USB Flash Memory. Playback and record
functions are perfect for educational use, and enhance live
performance too.
Battery-powered instrument with built-in speakers
Though the FR-7x is a fully digital instrument, it’s also an all-
in-one instrument, i.e. you do not need to connect it to any
amplier to produce sounds. Its onboard amplication system
is powerful enough for small venues, restaurants, pubs…
Furthermore, the FR-7x comes with a rechargeable battery, so
that you do not need to connect it to a power outlet. It goes far
beyond the control possibilities of a MIDI keyboard with optional
performance functions.
COLOURS
V-Accordion |11

FR-3x COMPACT CLASS
The perfect combination of the familiar sounds and nuances of a
traditional accordion combined with the advantages of a versatile
digital instrument.Thanks to the new bellows pressure sensing
circuitry, the FR-3x grants faster response and higher sensitivity and
precision plus detection of bellows opening/closing.The USB host
allows to customize orchestra and accordion sounds and to save/
load user program data,while the bellows resistance regulator allows
to control the handiness of the bellows. Lightweight and portable
the FR-3x is perfect for students,accordion hobbyists, but also stage
performers. Lightweight and compact, the“WHITE” model looks
gorgeous, with a beautifully decorated bellows and genuine leather
and Alcantara®straps.
LCD display Compartment for optional
AA-type batteries (rechargeable) Two-toned bellows: white/purple red
Alcantara®is a registered trademark ofAlcantara Spa, Italy.
V-Accordion |12

• Faster response and higher sensitivity of the bellows thanks to
the new bellows sensor.
• Bellow Resistance Regulator to adjust the bellows‘inertia.
• USB Flash Memory connector to store/upload your settings
and manage MP3 and Wav les.
• Powerful onboard amplication system.
• Super realistic accordion simulations.
• Drum parts to be played with your left hand.
• MIDI external control.
• It can be powered using 10 commercially available rechargeable
Ni-MH batteries.
Sophisticated bellows response
Faster response and higher sensitivity and precision plus detection
of bellows opening/closing with new bellows pressure sensing
circuitry. A bellows resistance regulator knob allows you to adjust
the bellows’ inertia to your preference.
Super realistic accordion simulations
All sounds the FR-3x produces were obtained by sampling
popular traditional acoustic accordions.ThisV-Accordion allows
you to switch from an Italian jazz accordion to German folk,
French musette or Russian bajan sound – without changing your
technique.Also theVirtual Tone Wheel is available to play amazing
organ sounds in almost the same way as an organ player using the
treble section. You can add a rotary effect (slow/fast). Besides enjoy
using the FR-3x to play simply drum parts with your left hand (bass
and chord sections).
Stand-alone electronic instrument
Though the FR-3x is a fully electronic instrument, you do not need
to connect it to an amplier in order to produce sounds.
Its onboard amplication system is for small venues, restaurants,
etc.The FR-3x can also be powered using 10 commercially available
rechargeable Ni-MH batteries,so that you don’t need to connect it
to a wall outlet.
Save your settings to a USB storage device
You can save your settings by connecting an optional USB
memory to the FR-3x’s USB port.Also the USB host allows you
to customize orchestra and accordion sounds and to save/load the
user program data. What’s more, you can play MP3 and Wav les
Superb performance exibility
The FR-3x allows you to control external MIDI-compatible
instruments.TheTreble keyboard and chord/bass buttons are
velocity-sensitive, while the bellows controller provides more
articulation possibilities than any other MIDI keyboard, MIDI wind
instrument, etc., you may know.
COLOURS
V-Accordion |13

FR-1x JUNIOR CLASS
Small Size and Big Performance
The FR-1x is the smallest model in theV-Accordion series.
Thanks to its on board speakers, 3 characters display (LED),
Standard and Free Bass modes, the FR-1x sets a new powerful
standard in educational activities at a friendly price;it is
extraordinarily light and has a long battery life.
Compared with small sized acoustic accordions, the FR-1x
has no sound limit and is fully compatible with the whole
V-Accordion range. It is provided with a 26-note piano-type
treble keyboard and 72 velocity-sensitive bass buttons
(6 bass & chord modes to suit your playing style).
Built-in speakers and
battery-powered instrument
USB memory port and USB
computer port on board
V-Accordion |14

Thanks to its headphone socket, users can practice at night,
whenever and wherever they like.
The Bass toTreble function allows users to integrate the FR-1x
in ensemble accordion orchestras while its Percussion sounds
allow you to easily play basic percussion accompaniments by Bass
& Chord button.
Built-in speakers and battery-powered instrument
The FR-1x is an all-in-one instrument. Its onboard amplication
system is powerful enough for classrooms, small venues and
street performances.With 8 AA-type rechargeable Ni-MH
optional batteries, the FR-1x does not need to be connected to a
wall outlet, while granting:
• 8-hour operation in speaker OFF mode;
• 5-hour operation in speaker ON mode.
USB memory port and USB Computer port on board
The USB memory port allows you to easily store data such as
User Program,and to upload new sounds, thanks to the USB
Flash Memory. Moreover you can manage MP3 and Wave les
using the optional USB Flash Memory.
Their playback is a good educational application and can enhance
live performances too.
The USB computer port is dedicated to MIDI computer
applications, such as sequencer software programs.
Faster response and higher sensitivity
Thanks to Roland’s sound generator that is optimized for
Accordion performance, the FR-1x will satisfy even the most
demanding accordion player.
Thanks to this new technology accordionists can feel perfectly
at ease when playing their music especially once they have
experienced the enhanced response of this instrument.
Set Editor software
A dedicated software program allows you to create a dedicated
User Set for the FR-1x with access to all Orchestra,Orchestra
Bass and Orchestra Chord sounds. It is available on the
RolandWeb site as a free download.Thanks to the USB port, it
will be easy to load user sets into the FR-1x.
COLOURS
V-Accordion |15

BUTTON-TYPE
V-Accordion |16

BUTTON-TYPE
V-Accordion |17

V-ACCORDION LINE-UP
BUTTON-TYPE
The RolandV-Accordion series of button type instruments
comprises 3 models and 3 colour variations: FR-7x (black, red),
FR-7x WHITE, FR-3x (black), FR-3x WHITE, FR-1x (white).
The agship, the FR-7x, provides 92 button velocity-sensitive
button type keyboard, 120 bass buttons, 80 Accordion sets, and
a Master bar. The lightweight and portable FR-3x is tted with
92 button velocity-sensitive button-type keyboard. How about
treating yourself to something exclusive? With WHITE, you
are sure to stand out from the crowd: the elegant pearl-white
cabinet and gorgeously decorated bellows are complemented
with highly attractive accessories (shoulder straps, bass strap,
back pad and bellows clips) made of real leather and
Alcantara®. The lightweight and exible FR-1x button type is
ideal for young students and stage performers.With their sound
quality, small size, attractive price, they set a new standard in
learning and live performance.The treble-button modes (C-Griff
Europe, C-Griff 2, B-Griff Bajan, B-Griff Fin, D-Griff1, D-Griff 2)
allow players to use the system they have grown accustomed
to. After all, the button keyboard layouts of acoustic accordions
are as divers as the sounds themselves.TheV-Accordion offers
selectable Bass & Chord modes (7 modes: 2 Bass Rows, 3 Bass
Rows A7th, 3 Bass Rows A5dim, 3 Bass Rows B7th, 3 Bass Rows
B5dim, 3 Bass Rows Belgium) and Free Bass modes (5 modes:
Minor 3rd, Bajan, Fifth, N.Europe, Finnish).
Alcantara®is a registered trademark of Alcantara Spa, Italy.
V-Accordion |18

V-ACCORDION LINE-UP
BUTTON-TYPE
Born in 1978, Ludovic Beier learned the accordion from his
father and benets from being part of a musical family. He
was brought up in the French tradition of the instrument and
turned to jazz a few years ago. At only 25 years old, he was
playing on the French, European and American scene with
some of the top players of the Jazz style including Angelo
Debarre, Paquito D’Rivera, James Carter and even Toots
Thielemans at Carnegie Hall in New York City. He also had
the great chance to play at top festivals and places around the
world such as: Birdland (NYC), Olympia, Salle Pleyel (Paris),
Blue Note (Milano), Festival de Jazz de Montreal (Canada), San
Francisco Jazz Festival (US), Phoenix Hall (Osaka) etc. At 33
years old, he certainly is giving the accordion a new name as his
ngers go across the keys in an almost unbelievable way, both
swinging and amazingly creative in his improvisation. Along with
his virtuoso playing, he’s a creative rewarded composer and
arranger in many different elds: Roland V-Accordion Festivals
in Roma since 2008, TV, Movies and talented artist’s projects.
He recorded several albums with his own name. “Pop, Swing
and Fire”, the last one was released in May 2011.
In 2004 he joined Roland family as a testimonial in the
promotional activities of Roland’s V-Accordion instruments,
bringing the FR7x to some famous stages sharing notes with
well known artists.
Ludovic Beier
V-Accordion |19

FR-7x TOP CLASS
Fast response and high sensitivity
Thanks to Roland’s newly-developed sound generator, which is
optimized for Accordion performance, the FR-7x will satisfy the
most demanding accordion players. You will be impressed by the fast
response of the keys/buttons, the higher sensitivity and precision, and
the detection of bellows opening/closing with new bellows pressure-
sensor circuitry.Thanks to this new technology, accordionists can
feel perfectly at ease when playing their music, especially once they
have experienced the enhanced response of this instrument.The
exclusive, special edition,pearl-white FR-7x button-type is the star of
the button-keyboardV-Accordion series. Lightweight and compact,
the “WHITE” model looks gorgeous, with a beautifully decorated
bellows and genuine leather andAlcantara®straps.
LCD display Bellows Resistance Regulator Shoulder straps:
leather/Alcantara®
Alcantara®is a registered trademark ofAlcantara Spa, Italy.
V-Accordion |20