Roland FR-3X V-Accordion User Manual

A first look at your FR-3x
V-Accordion r
11
3. A first look at your FR-3x
Let us first take a look at how the FR-3x is organized and how it is operated.
The sections of your FR-3x
Let’s briefly look at the various “sections” of your
instrument, 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.
The FR-3x’s treble section is velocity sensitive.
■ Bass and chord section
This section is normally used to play the accompani-
ment. There are two general categories: one is called
“Stradella”, and the other “Free Bass”. The FR-3x
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 single bass notes.
The FR-3x’s bass and chord section is velocity sensi-
tive.
■ 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
regulator and air button.
Bellows resistance regulator
Your FR-3x is equipped with a bellows resistance regu-
lator and air button that allows you to specify the bel-
lows’ 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
remaining air from the bellows without producing
sound).
•Press the wheel and rotate it clockwise to select a
stronger inertia.
•Press the wheel and rotate it counterclockwise to
select a lighter inertia.
•Press the air button to purge the remaining air from
the bellows after closing it.
Treble section
Bass and chord
section
Bellows
Bellows resistance regulator. Press
and turn to select the bellows’
resistance.
Air button. Press to purge
remaining air after playing.
FR-3x GB.book Page 11 Thursday, March 18, 2010 6:37 PM

Roland FR-3X V-Accordion Specifications

General

Brand	Roland
Model	FR-3X V-Accordion
Category	Musical Instrument
Language	English

Summary

USING THE UNIT SAFELY

Warning and Caution Symbol Meanings

Explains the meaning of warning and caution symbols used in the manual.

General Safety Precautions

Provides crucial safety instructions regarding power, environment, handling, and maintenance.

2. Important notes

Power Supply and Placement

Details AC adaptor use, battery recommendations, and suitable placement conditions.

4. Panel Descriptions

Treble Control Panel Overview

Details the buttons and knobs on the treble control panel and their functions.

Bass Control Panel Overview

Describes the bass registers, bass and chord buttons, bellows control, and display.

5. Before you start playing

Initial Setup: Power and AC Adapter Connection

Guides on connecting the AC adapter and preparing for initial power-up.

Battery Installation and Removal

Guides on how to install and remove the 10 AA-type Ni-MH batteries.

Connecting External Amplifiers and Headphones

Details connecting to amplifiers, mixers, and using headphones.

Powering On/Off and Using Headphones

Guides on safe power operation and headphone usage.

Adjusting Volume, Balance, and Effects

Explains how to adjust volume, balance, and chorus/reverb effects.

8. Selecting and playing sounds

Treble Section Sound Selection

Explains selecting accordion, orchestral, and organ sounds for the treble section.

Octave Transposition and Bass-to-Treble Mode

Details octave transposition and using right hand for bass parts.

Left-Hand Section: Bass, Chord, and Drum Sounds

Guides on selecting bass, chord, and drum sounds for the left hand.

Free Bass Mode Operation

Details activating Free Bass mode and selecting orchestral sounds within it.

9. Using the FR-3x's audio player

Audio File Management and Connection

Instructions for copying files to USB, naming, and connecting USB memory.

Audio File Playback and Selection

Details on starting, pausing, selecting, and returning to audio files.

10. Highlighting some practical functions

Metronome and Transpose Functions

11. Saving your settings (User Program)

Saving Current Settings to User Program

Guides on how to save the current FR-3x settings to a User Program memory.

Recalling and Editing User Programs

Explains how to load, modify, and overwrite existing User Programs.

12. Data management via the FR-3x's USB port

Saving and Loading User Programs via USB

Instructions to archive and load User Program settings to/from USB.

Loading User Sets and New Sounds from USB

13. Other settings

Parameter Overview and Groupings

PARAM LIST Parameter Details (1)

PARAM LIST Parameter Details (2)

PARAM LIST Parameter Details (3)

PARAM LIST Parameter Details (4)

14. Connecting to MIDI devices

MIDI Basics and Device Connection

MIDI Parameter List Overview

Selecting and Saving MIDI Parameters

MIDI Parameter Details (1)

MIDI Parameter Details (2)

15. Restoring the factory defaults

16. Troubleshooting

Sound and Connection Troubleshooting

Covers no sound, amplifier, keyboard, and power issues.

MIDI and USB Memory Troubleshooting

Addresses MIDI communication problems and USB memory compatibility.

17. Error messages

Error Code Explanations and Actions

Lists error codes (E01-E07) with their meanings and recommended actions.

MIDI implementation

Received MIDI Data

Transmitted MIDI Data

Program Change Message Details

MIDI Implementation Chart