Filter
Top Products
Basic operation of the FR-7x
V-Accordion
r
21
Let us first take a look at how the FR-7x is organized and how it is operated. The FR-7x is far more powerful than even the
finest accordion collection, yet the Roland engineers have done their utmost to allow even casual musicians to take
advantage of its power.
The sections of your FR-7x
Let’s briefly look at the various “sections” of your instru-
ment, as that will help you understand how your
V-Accordion works.
■ Treble section (right-hand manual)
This section is normally used for playing the melody.
There are two keyboard types: a piano keyboard and a
button type.
The FR-7x’s treble section is velocity sensitive and
also provides aftertouch.
Note: On the button-type model, aftertouch messages are
generated with the Master bar.
■ Bass section
This section is normally used to play the accompani-
ment. It always uses buttons. There are two general
categories: one is called “Stradella”, and the other
“Free Bass”. The FR-7x allows you to use either type.
The “Stradella” system, also called the “standard bass
system” uses the first 2 (or 3) button rows to play
bass notes. The remaining button rows are used to
play chords.
If you select the “Free Bass” system, all buttons are
used to play chords.
The FR-7x’s bass section is velocity sensitive.
■ Bellows
The bellows is an important part of the accordion.
The movement of the bellows indeed lends expres-
sion and dynamics to the sound. Several techniques
are available, one of which is called “bellows shake”
(rapid opening and closing movements).
The bellows’ inertia can be set with the resistance
regulation and air button.
■ Master bar
On a traditional accordion, the Master bar recalls the
“Master” register. The FR-7x allows you to use the
Master bar more flexibly:
•In accordion mode, it recalls a treble register of your
choice (see “9.8 Master Bar Recall” on p. 86).
•In orchestra mode, it switches the ORCHESTRA part
on and off.
Only for the button-type model:
The FR-7x’s Master bar has two functions:
•Pressing it gently allows you to set aftertouch values
(on the piano-type model, aftertouch is generated by
the keyboard).
•Press it more forcefully (at the end of the stroke) to
use it in the same way as on the piano-type model
(see above).
Practical information
Bellows resistance regulator
Your FR-7x is equipped with a bellows resistance regula-
tor and air button that allows you to specify the bellows’
inertia (the force needed to push and pull it).
Located next to one of the bellows clips and mounted
onto the air button (which allows you to release remain-
ing air from the bellows without producing sound). Each
position corresponds to a lighter (turn towards “MAX”)
or stronger (turn towards “MIN”) inertia. Press the wheel
and rotate it to choose the setting that feels most com-
fortable for you.
The air button allows you to purge the remaining air
from the bellows after closing it (pressing it in).
6. Basic operation of the FR-7x
Master bar
Registers of the bass, chord and orches-
tral bass/chord sections
Treble section
Bass section
Bellows
Bellows resistance regulator. Press
and turn to select the bellows’
resistance.
Air button. Press to purge
remaining air after playing.
FR-7x GB.book Page 21 Tuesday, August 25, 2009 10:58 AM