Features
| Features
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FR-3s/FR-3/FR-3sb/FR-3b
V-Accordion
1. Features
Stand-alone electronic instrument
Though the FR-3 is a fully electronic instrument, you do
not need to connect the FR-3s/FR-3sb to an amplifier in
order to produce sounds. Its onboard amplification sys-
tem is powerful enough for small venues, restaurants,
etc. (The FR-3/FR-3b has no internal amplification.)
Sophisticated MIDI control
The FR-3 is the most versatile and “musical” MIDI con-
troller to date, going far beyond the control possibilities
of a MIDI keyboard with optional performance func-
tions or of MIDIfied wind instruments.
PBM (Physical Behavior Modeling)
The FR-3 V-Accordion is based on Roland’s sound gen-
eration technology called “PBM” (Physical Behavior
Modeling) whose sonic result is very close to the sound
of traditional accordions.
Super realistic accordion simulations
The FR-3 provides 10 memories called “Sets”, with 10
treble registers, 7 bass & chord registers, and 7 Free
Bass registers. All sounds it produces were obtained by
sampling popular traditional acoustic accordions. Dif-
ferent tuning systems are also available.
This V-Accordion allows you to switch from an Italian
jazz accordion to German folk, French musette or a his-
toric bandoneon sound – without changing your tech-
nique.
Orchestral sounds
10 orchestral sounds can be used in combination with
traditional accordion sounds – complete with full bel-
lows articulation (something like breath control for
accordions, but much more refined) and unique key-
board modes (Solo, Dual, High and Low).
Orchestral bass and chord sounds
The FR-3 also provides 7 orchestral bass and chord
sounds for the Bass and Chord sections as well as the
Free Bass section.
The digital advantage
The V-Accordion includes all functions and sounds of a
traditional accordion, thus conveying a truly natural
feel and sound. Yet it also provides the advantages only
an electronic musical instrument can give you:
• reduced overall weight;
• possibility to choose among a wide variety of sounds;
• tuning stability over time and wear resistance of all
mechanical parts;
• you can sound in a different key than the one you are
playing in (transpose function);
• you can play with headphones, i.e. without disturbing
your neighbors or family.
Superb performance flexibility
The V-Accordion allows you to control external MIDI-
compatible instruments. The Treble keyboard and
chord/bass buttons are velocity-sensitive, while the bel-
lows controller provides more articulation possibilities
than any other MIDI keyboard, MIDI wind instrument,
etc., you may know.
In High or Low mode (see p. 25), you can control up to
4 parts simultaneously (two sounds in the right hand/
two sounds in the left).
Useful accessory
The FR-3 has a compartment for optional AA-type bat-
teries. Consider purchasing such batteries (you will
need 10) when performing on stage, or to use the
FR-3s/FR-3sb as a stand-alone instrument (taking
advantage of its internal speakers).
• All product names mentioned in this document are trademarks or
registered trademarks of their respective owners.
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