Touring the FR-3’s sections
V-Accordion
r
21
Touring the FR-3’s sections
It’s time we put the FR-3 through its paces, because that’s what you purchased it for. We’ll work section by section.

Bellows resistance regulator

Your FR-3 is equipped with a bellows resistance regula-
tor knob that allows you to specify the bellows’ 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), it can be set to one of four positions, each one
corresponding to a lighter or stronger inertia. Choose
the setting that feels most comfortable for you.

Bass strap

The FR-3’s bass strap (used
to move the bellows in
and out) is made of fabric
and fitted with a velcro
strip that allows you to
adjust its slack:

Treble section

The Treble section can be played
using the 37-key “piano” keyboard
(FR-3s and FR-3) or the 92 treble
buttons (FR-3sb and FR-3b).
The sound it produces is deter-
mined by the register (1~0) you
pressed last. This section can be
used as “accordion”, to play an
orchestral sound or both.
(1) Connect the FR-3 (if neces-
sary) and switch it on.
See pages 14 and 16.
(2) Grab the FR-3, press a Treble register and start
playing on the keyboard.
Though the FR-3 is an electronic musical instrument,
it only produces sound when you move the bellows.
As long as you don’t move the bellows, you hear
nothing at all (like on an acoustic accordion).
Note: If you want to play the FR-3 without moving the bel-
lows, you need to set the “bLC” parameter (see p. 43) to “2”
(you can also select “1” or “3”).
Note: When the FR-3 is controlled via MIDI, there is no need
to move the bellows.
(3) Press the [SET] register.
The “St” message starts flashing to signal that you
need to press a register.
The “Roland” logo now flashes in blue.
(4) Press one of the registers [1]~[0] to select a Set
memory.
The “Roland” logo changes color and stops flashing.
(5) Play a few notes to audition the sound.
Bellows resistance regulator. Turn
to select the bellows’ resistance.
Air button. Press to purge
remaining air after playing.
BASS
ORCHESTRA
FREE BS
CHORD/
TREBLE
St1