Physical Behavior Modeling (PBM)
At the heart of the FR-7 is Roland's new, proprietary PBM (Physical Behavior Modeling) sound engine and sound modeling technologies. Physical Behavior Modeling uses complex algorithms (as opposed to sampled sounds) to accurately model an acoustic accordion's sound characteristics. The result is a faithful recreation of the actual physical behavior and expressive nuances of an acoustic instrument.
Unique, All-in-One Portable Instrument
Lightweight and portable, the FR-7 uses an onboard digital amplifier with rechargeable Ni-MH battery pack to power a pair of neodymium woofers and tweeters for a consistent, full range low-end to high-end output. The right and left hand velocity sensitive keyboards integrate with the high-resolution bellows pressure sensor to deliver an amazing level of expressiveness and playability.
Super Realistic Accordion Simulations
The FR-7 can simulate up to 30 different accordion sound sets, each including 14 Treble Registers, 7 Bass & Chord Registers and 7 Free Bass Registers. To create these high quality sounds, Roland engineers sampled scores of popular traditional acoustic accordions, resulting in a single instrument that can faithfully reproduce various models of traditional accordions, including their different tuning characteristics. As a result, the V-Accordion can switch instantly from an Italian Jazz to a German Folk, French Musette, or historic Bandoneon.
Variety of Orchestral Sounds Combined with Traditional Accordion Sounds
Along with stellar onboard accordion sounds, the FR-7 incorporates Roland's acclaimed orchestral sounds. Traditional and orchestral sound combinations can be easily created and played back, complete with full bellows articulation and unique keyboard modes such as Solo, Dual and High/Low. Seven high quality bass sounds can be played separately by the left hand, including: Acoustic Bass, Bowed Bass, Fingered Bass, Picked Bass, Fretless Bass, Bariton Tuba, Bariton Tuba + E.Bass.
Version 2
The FR-7 is evolved into Version 2 adding extra value to the V-Accordion. The Bass section has been expanded to include control of Orchestral sounds via the Orchestral Chord and Orchestral Free Bass sections. Moreover the FR-7 expands MIDI compatibility and it can be used to control external arranger/sounds modules.
Digital Advantages
The FR-7 faithfully combines the familiar sounds and nuances of a traditional accordion with the versatility of a modern digital musical instrument. You can instantly select and switch between a wide range of sounds and/or types of accordions, or customize your own unique timbres. Because it doesn't depend on moving parts for sound generation, the V-Accordion is always in tune and both keyboards can be transposed to play within a wide range of octaves. For sound output, you can plug directly into a sound system, recording device or plug in a pair of headphones for silent practice.
Exploring the Possibilities
The V-Accordion combines velocity sensitive keyboards, and a high resolution bellows pressure sensor to create a whole new world of expressive possibilities. Using the High/Low Mode feature, you can control up to 4 parts simultaneously in real time from just one V-Accordion. Onboard MIDI functionality allows you to expand the range of performance options to sound modules, arranger keyboards or an external sequencer. The more you experiment with the V-Accordion's capabilities, the more possibilities you'll find!
An Appeal to Everyone
The FR-7 V-Accordion appeals to a wide range of musicians, including professional entertainers who play in environments where mobility is essential, traditional accordionists, and those players who simply desire to stretch the limits of the traditional instrument. Additionally, the V-Accordion's headphone practicing feature and portability appeal to students, amateurs and any musician who desires greater flexibility and increased performance options in practice and performance environments.