FR-7/FR-5V-Accordion

Setting up Using the orchestral sounds

The display briefly confirms your selection and shows both the name of the sound you selected and the number of the register you pressed:

(3)Play a few notes on the Treble keyboard.

The Treble keyboard is velocity sensitive. The volume and timbre of the notes played by the Orchestra part depend on how hard/fast you press the treble keys (for sounds 11, 12 or 13).

Note: The Treble accordion does not respond to velocity infor- mation generated by the keyboard. You can, however, vary its volume and timbre by pressing/pulling the bellows harder and softer (like on a “real” accordion).

The Treble keyboard also generates aftertouch mes- sages. “Aftertouch” refers to the fact that you press a key even further down after playing a note. For some orchestral sounds (guitar, flute, etc.) as well as for the Treble accordion section, this effect allows you to bend the pitch down (temporarily lower the note). If you select an organ sound, aftertouch can be used to switch between the fast and slow Rotary effect speeds.

Note: This aftertouch effect applies to all notes that are sounding simultaneously. If you play a chord and then only press down one key of the chord’s constituent notes, all notes are bent by the same amount. (MIDI buffs call this “channel aftertouch”.)

■About the ‘HighLand’ and ‘Zampogna’ sounds Your FR-7/FR-5 contains two bagpipe-instrument sounds, one called “HighLand”, the other called “Zampogna”. The instruments on which those sounds are based use one or several drone notes over which the melody is played.

To recreate the same sensation on the FR-7/FR-5, the lowest octave on the Treble keyboard is assigned to the drone notes when you select one of these sounds:

Can be used to play the melody.

 

Sound the drone notes.

r

Here is how the drone function works:

• If you press a single gray key (see the illustration),

 

 

only that note is held. You can release the key imme-

 

diately after playing the note – it will be held indefi-

 

nitely.

 

• If you press two (or more) keys simultaneously, those

 

notes are held (the drone function is polyphonic).

•To switch off the currently sounding drone note(s), either press another key in the gray area (switch to another drone note) or press the key(s) of the sound- ing drone notes again to stop the drone.

■Selecting the Orchestra mode

Depending on the settings of the Set you selected, the Orchestra part may sound together with the Tre- ble accordion section. That’s because there are four ways in which the Orchestra section can be combined with the Treble accordion section.

If the Orchestra part is off (set to CANCEL), the Mas- ter bar always recalls the Treble register selected with “Master Bar Recall” (page 67).

After selecting one of the modes (DUAL, HIGH, LOW, or SOLO) and switching on the Orchestra part (CAN- CEL off), the Master bar allows you to switch the Orchestra part on and off. In SOLO mode, this means that you alternate between the Treble and Orchestra parts.

SOLO [14]: When you switch on the Orchestra section (see step (2) above), you only hear the orchestral instrument sound. Press [CANCEL] to return to the Treble accordion sound.

DUAL [13]: The orchestral sound is added to the Treble accordion, so that each note you play sounds like an accor- dion, with the selected instru- ment playing in unison.

Just as a reminder: here, both the ORCH and TREBLE fields contain a keyboard icon to indicate that they sound simultaneously.

HIGH [12]: Now it becomes a little more complicated

–but very interesting indeed. If you select this mode and play just one note, it is sounded by the orchestral sound. If you keep holding that key while pressing another (lower) key to its left, the upper note is played by the orchestral sound. Lower notes, how- ever, are played by the Treble accordion sound. This is perfect for situations where you need to play chords and a solo line using different sounds. Something like this:

Played by the Orchestra sound

Played by the accordion

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Roland FR-7, FR-5 owner manual Here is how the drone function works, Nitely, Selecting the Orchestra mode
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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.
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