Performing with the Keyboard

What Are “Feet?”

Historically, the “feet” (“ ' “ symbol) indications of the harmonic bars originate in the length of the pipes of a pipe organ. The length of pipe used to produce the reference pitch (the fundamental) for the keyboard is eight feet. Reducing the pipe to half its length produces a pitch one octave higher; conversely, doubling the pipe length creates a pitch one octave lower. Therefore, a pipe producing a pitch one octave below that of the reference of 8' (eight feet) would be 16'; for one octave above the reference, the pipe would be 4', and to take the pitch up yet another octave it would be shortened to 2'.

On tone wheel organs, the pitch relationship shown in the diagram does not hold true in a certain region of the keyboard (p. 34). In the high range of the keyboard, high-pitched feet are “wrapped around” one octave down. High footages will be “folded back” for high notes, while low footages will be folded back for low notes. Folding back the high-frequency portion prevents the high-frequency sounds from being unpleasantly shrill, and folding back the low-frequency portion prevents the sound from becoming “muddy.” On the VR-760 faithfully simulates this characteristic.

As you can see from the relation of the pitches, the 5-1/3' pitch is unique in that it is not arranged in order of pitch. The reason is that the 5-1/3' sound blends not with the 8' (fundamental), but with the 16' pitch. Acoustic instruments produce sound consisting of frequencies at integer multiples of the fundamental frequency; double, triple, and so on. These are called “integer harmonics.” Relative to the 8' pitch that is the basic pitch of an organ, the 5-1/3' pitch is not an integer multiple, and does not blend.

However, relative to the 16' pitch (which is one octave lower), 5-1/3' is an integer multiple and therefore does blend. (Starting at 16', the 5-1/3' pitch is three times higher.) Because 5-1/3' blends with 16', these two harmonic bars are colored differently than the other harmonic bars, and are placed together.

■[H-Bar Manual] button

When this function is used, the harmonic bar settings will change from the settings of the registration to the positions (settings) of the harmonic bars on the panel.

fig.04-10b

Performing

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Roland VR-760 owner manual Bar Manual button, Performing with the Keyboard What Are Feet?
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VR-760 specifications

The Roland VR-760 is a versatile stage keyboard designed to cater to the requirements of both live performers and studio musicians. With a blend of organ sounds, electric pianos, and synthesizer textures, the VR-760 stands out for its exceptional sound quality and user-friendly interface.

One of the standout features of the VR-760 is its extensive collection of sounds optimized for live performance. It comes equipped with a sophisticated organ section that offers a range of vintage and modern tones. Musicians can achieve classic rotary speaker effects, which are essential for creating an authentic organ sound. The keybed is designed for expressiveness, ensuring that all nuances are captured, making it ideal for dynamic playing.

Additionally, the VR-760 features high-quality electric pianos that replicate the sounds of legendary models. With an expansive library of piano sounds, the keyboard allows for seamless transitions between soft ballads and powerful driving riffs, catering to various genres. The layered sound functionality enables users to combine multiple sounds for a richer audio experience.

The synthesizer section of the VR-760 includes extensive waveform options and modulation capabilities. Users can explore a wide range of synthesis styles, allowing them to manipulate sounds in real-time during performances. The advanced sound engine ensures that the sounds generated remain rich and full, even when heavily modulated.

Another key highlight of the VR-760 is its built-in effects processing, which includes reverb, delay, and chorus settings. These effects can be easily applied to enhance the overall sound output, providing a higher level of polish without the need for external equipment. The intuitive interface allows performers to adjust these effects quickly, ensuring seamless transitions between different sounds and styles during a live show.

Portability is also a major benefit of the Roland VR-760. Weighing in at a manageable size, it is suitable for gigging musicians who travel frequently. The robust construction ensures that it can withstand the rigors of the road while delivering reliable performance night after night.

Lastly, the VR-760 offers seamless connectivity options, including MIDI and USB ports. This makes it easy to integrate with other devices, such as computers or external sound modules, enhancing its versatility in both performance and recording setups.

In summary, the Roland VR-760 combines powerful sounds, user-friendly controls, and portable design, making it a standout choice for musicians seeking a high-quality stage keyboard that does not compromise on performance.
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