Touring the FR-7/FR-5’s sections, Treble section

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Touring the FR-7/FR-5’s sections

It’s time we put the FR-7/FR-5 through its paces, because that’s what you purchased it for. We’ll work section by section.

Treble section

The Treble section can be played using the 41-key “piano” key- board.

The sound it produces is deter- mined by the register (1~14) you pressed last. This section can be used as “accordion”, to play an orchestral sound or both.

Note: By pressing and holding any reg- ister, you can switch off the Treble sec- tion. (Even in that case, the Treble sec- tion continues to send MIDI commands.) Press another register to switch it back on.

Black dots mean that the Cassotto function (see p. 45) is off, hollow dots mean that the Cassotto function is on. Here is what the registers and display indications mean (bear in mind that the dots can either be black or white):

Treble registers

1	Bassoon	8	Master
2	Bandon	9	Musette
3	Cello	10	Celeste
4	Harmon	11	Tremolo

(1)Connect the FR-7/FR-5 (if necessary) and switch it on. See pages 15 and 16.

(2)Grab the FR-7/FR-5, press a Treble register and start playing on the “piano” keyboard.

Though the FR-7/FR-5 is an electronic musical instru- ment, it only produces sound if you move the bel- lows. As long as you don’t move the bellows, you hear nothing at all (like on an acoustic accordion).

Note: When the FR-7/FR-5 is controlled via MIDI, there is no need to move the bellows.

(3)Press one of the registers to change the sound. The display briefly confirms your setting and indi- cates which footage you selected.

These indications refer to the octaves (vertical direc- tion, ) and the number of slightly detuned reeds that are used (horizontal direction, ). The detuned reeds are only available for the central register (8’).

8–' 4' 22/3 ' 51/3 '

5	Organ	12	Clarinet
6	Accord	13	Oboe
7	Violin	14	Piccolo

On the Main page, the number of the selected regis- ter appears in the TREBLE field:

(4)If you think the sound is too loud or too soft, you can change the setting of the [VOLUME] knob.

(5)If you still can’t hear the Treble notes, set the [BALANCE] knob to the center position.

This knob is used to set the balance between the Tre- ble and Bass registers. When it is turned all the way to BASS, the Treble section is inaudible. When you change the Balance setting, the display briefly con- firms your setting:

8' 16' 8+'

FR-7, FR-5 specifications

The Roland FR-5 and FR-7 are part of Roland's acclaimed line of digital accordions, known for their innovative technologies and exceptional sound quality. These instruments have been designed to provide musicians with a versatile and rich playing experience, fusing traditional accordion elements with modern digital functionality.

One of the most significant features of both the FR-5 and FR-7 is their advanced digital sound engine. This technology offers a wide array of sounds, including a variety of accordion types, reeds, and orchestral instruments. The sound quality is remarkable, with a high level of fidelity that captures the essence of authentic acoustic instruments. Musicians can easily switch between different instrument sounds, making these accordions perfect for various musical styles and genres.

Both models feature a lightweight and ergonomic design, making them comfortable to play for extended periods. The FR-5 and FR-7 have built-in speakers that provide excellent sound projection, allowing performers to play without the need for external amplification. Furthermore, the onboard effects, such as reverb and chorus, enhance the musical experience, enabling players to add depth and character to their performances.

The user interface on both models is intuitive, with easily accessible controls that allow for quick adjustments while performing. The FR-7 takes it a notch higher with its extensive customizable settings and user memory options, which can store a variety of configurations and preferences for different playing situations.

A standout feature of the FR-7 is its capability for MIDI connectivity, enabling musicians to connect to computers and other digital devices. This opens up a world of possibilities for recording and live performance setups, allowing users to integrate their accordion with software instruments and digital audio workstations.

In terms of playability, the FR-5 and FR-7 offer responsive keyboard action and a range of registers that mimic the sound of traditional accordions. The bellows response is finely tuned, ensuring that players can achieve dynamic expression through their playing style.

Overall, the Roland FR-5 and FR-7 digital accordions represent a perfect blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern technology, catering to both hobbyists and professional musicians. With their exceptional sound, lightweight design, and cutting-edge features, these instruments are redefining the possibilities of accordion music in contemporary settings. Whether one is performing on stage or practicing at home, the FR-5 and FR-7 deliver an unparalleled playing experience that inspires creativity and passion for music.