Roland FR-5b manual

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A good user manual

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- informations concerning technical data of Roland FR-5b
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Table of contents for the manual

  • Page 1

    r® FR-7 /FR-5 Owner’s Manual[...]

  • Page 2

    CAUTION RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT OPEN ATTENTION : RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE NE PAS OUVRIR CAUTION : TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR BACK). NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL. IMPORTANT: THE WIRES IN THIS MAINS LEAD ARE COLOURED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE FOLLOWING CODE. BL[...]

  • Page 3

    r FR-7 /FR-5 Owner’s Manual ENGLISH ENGLISH ENGLISH ENGLISH Thank you for purchasing the Roland FR-7b/FR-5b V-Accordion. The FR-7b/FR-5b is an amazingly versatile electronic instrument that can emulate the sounds of a vast array of accordions. You may know that the term “accordion” refers to a portable musical instrument of the free reed fami[...]

  • Page 4

    | 4 r FR-7b/FR-5b V-Accordion[...]

  • Page 5

    V-Accordion r 5 1. Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 2. Important notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 3. Pa[...]

  • Page 6

    Features | Features 6 r FR-7b/FR-5b V-Accordion Stand-alone electronic instrument Though the FR-7b/FR-5b is a fully electronic instru- ment, you do not need to connect the FR-7b to an amplifier in order to produce sounds. Its onboard amplification system is powerful enough for small venues, restaurants, etc. (The FR-5b has no internal amplification[...]

  • Page 7

    Using the unit safely V-Accordion r 7 Using the unit safely • Before using this instrument, read the instructions below and the Owner’s Manual. ................................................................................................................................... • Connect the mains plug of this model to a mains outlet with a prot[...]

  • Page 8

    Features | Using the unit safely 8 r FR-7b/FR-5b V-Accordion • Do not force the FBC-7’s power cord to share an outlet with an unreasonable number of other devices. Be espe- cially careful when using extension cords—the total power used by all devices you have connected to the extension cord’s outlet must never exceed the power rat- ing (wat[...]

  • Page 9

    Important notes V-Accordion r 9 In addition to the items listed under “Using the unit safely” on p. 7, please read and observe the following: Power supply • Do not use this instrument on the same power circuit with any device that will generate line noise (such as an electric motor or variable lighting system). • Before connecting the FR-7b[...]

  • Page 10

    Important notes | Important notes 10 r FR-7b/FR-5b V-Accordion • Do not connect the battery directly to a power outlet or insert it into a cigarette lighter socket in a car . High voltage may cause excessive current flow, leakage of battery fluid, heat, bursting or fire. • If a newly purchased battery exhibits rust, generates heat or seems abno[...]

  • Page 11

    Panel descriptions V-Accordion r 11 Treble control panel A DATA/ENTER knob This knob allows you to enter values and to select menu entries or shortcuts by turning it. You can also press it (ENTER) to confirm a setting or to jump to another parameter in the display. It also allows you to start/stop an external MIDI device (see p. 74). B UP/DOWN butt[...]

  • Page 12

    Panel descriptions | Bass control panel 12 r FR-7b/FR-5b V-Accordion I POWER button Press this button to switch the V-Accordion on (the button lights) and off (button dark). Note: The FR-7b/FR-5b is automatically switched off after 10 minutes of inaction to save battery power. This can be changed, however (see p. 73). J SORDINA switch This ON/OFF s[...]

  • Page 13

    Display and master bar V-Accordion r 13 Display and master bar Connection panel T TO FBC-7 socket Use the supplied cable to connect this socket to the supplied FBC-7 power supply/footswitch unit/battery charger. This may be necessary in the following cases: • To power the FR-7b/FR-5b without using the sup- plied battery. In most instances, this m[...]

  • Page 14

    Panel descriptions | Connection panel of the FBC- 7 14 r FR-7b/FR-5b V-Accordion Connection panel of the FBC-7 A POWER ON switch Press it to switch the FBC-7 (but not the FR-7b/ FR-5b) on and off. B AC connector This is where you need to connect the supplied power cable. See also page 16. C MIDI THRU/OUT/IN sockets Use these sockets to connect the [...]

  • Page 15

    Setting up V-Accordion r 15 Connections The FR-7b can be used without any connections to either an amplification system or the FBC-7 power supply/battery charger unit. An FR-5b without an optional battery needs to be connected to the supplied FBC-7, however. Connecting the FR-7b/FR-5b to the supplied FBC-7 If you do not have a battery (FR-5b) or pr[...]

  • Page 16

    Setting up | Switching the power on and of f 16 r FR-7b/FR-5b V-Accordion Switching the power on and off The power-on procedure depends on whether you are using a battery or the FBC-7 Foot Pedal/DC Power/ Bat- tery Charger Unit. Note: Only use the battery that either came with your FR-7b or that you purchased from your Roland dealer. Using other ba[...]

  • Page 17

    Listening to the demo songs V-Accordion r 17 (6) Press the FR-7b/FR-5b’s [POWER] button (it lights) to switch it on. The icon in the display means that the FR-7b/ FR-5b is powered by the FBC-7. (7) Switch on the receiving audio device. (8) Start playing (see “First steps” on page 18). —To switch off you system— (9) Turn down the output vo[...]

  • Page 18

    Setting up | First steps 18 r FR-7b/FR-5b V-Accordion First steps The sections of your FR-7b/FR-5b Before showing you how to use the FR-7b/FR-5b, let’s briefly look at the various “sections” of your instrument, as that will help you understand how your V-Accordion works. The FR-7b/FR-5b is a “virtual” accordion. That term was borrowed fro[...]

  • Page 19

    Selecting Easy or Full mode V-Accordion r 19 Selecting Easy or Full mode At first, the FR-7b/FR-5b is configured to start up in “Easy” mode. In that mode, only the main parameters can be selected. It has the advantage that you do not feel overwhelmed by the FR-7b/FR-5b’s possibilities. The downside, however, is that there are certain (albeit [...]

  • Page 20

    Setting up | First steps 20 r FR-7b/FR-5b V-Accordion About the Main page You may have realized by now that, with the exception of the display as well as the additional buttons and knobs, the FR-7b/FR-5b looks like a conventional accordion. The display contains important clues about the settings that are cur- rently in effect. What’s shown in the[...]

  • Page 21

    T ouring the FR-7b/FR- 5b’ s sections V-Accordion r 21 Touring the FR-7b/FR-5b’s sections It’s time we put the FR-7b/FR-5b through its paces, because that’s what you purchased it for. We’ll work section by sec- tion. Treble section The Treble section can be played using the 92 Treble buttons. The sound it produces is deter- mined by the r[...]

  • Page 22

    Setting up | T ouring the FR- 7b/FR-5b ’ s sections 22 r FR-7b/FR-5b V-Accordion (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 regi[...]

  • Page 23

    Bass section V-Accordion r 23 ■ Using the FR-7b/FR-5b’s digital effects While playing on the Treble buttons, you may have noticed that the accordion sounds were enhanced by effects (probably reverb). It may also have struck you that the effects change whenever you select a differ- ent Set. That’s because the effect settings are part of the pa[...]

  • Page 24

    Setting up | T ouring the FR- 7b/FR-5b ’ s sections 24 r FR-7b/FR-5b V-Accordion (3) Press another register 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 dire[...]

  • Page 25

    Using the orchestral sounds V-Accordion r 25 ■ Using the FR-7b/FR-5b’s digital effects While playing on the Bass keyboard, you may have noticed that the accordion sounds were enhanced by effects (probably reverb). It may also have struck you that the effects change whenever you select a differ- ent Set. The FR-7b/FR-5b contains 3 digital effect[...]

  • Page 26

    Setting up | Using the orchestral sounds 26 r FR-7b/FR-5b V-Accordion The 22 available orchestral sounds and associated registers are: The first nine registers allow you to select two sounds (“A” and “B”). To select a “B” sound, press the corre- sponding register again. If you select a “B” sound (5B “Pizzicato”, for example), th[...]

  • Page 27

    Orchestral sounds for the Treble section V-Accordion r 27 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 simultaneo[...]

  • Page 28

    Setting up | Using the orchestral sounds 28 r FR-7b/FR-5b V-Accordion (7) Press the [DOWN] button once. (8) Use the [DATA÷ENTER] knob to set the desired value. This is actually a balance parameter with a setting range of “Off”, –40~“Std”~+40. “Std” means that the Orchestra part uses its “normal” volume. Negative values (–) make[...]

  • Page 29

    Orchestral sounds for the Chord section V-Accordion r 29 ■ Setting the volume of the Bass Orchestra sound There may be times when the Orchestra Bass sound is too loud or too soft with respect to the Bass/Free Bass accordion sound. In that case, you can change its volume: (3) Press the [DOWN] button twice. The display now responds with: (4) Use th[...]

  • Page 30

    Setting up | Using the orchestral sounds 30 r FR-7b/FR-5b V-Accordion ■ Setting the volume of the ORCH CHORD sound There may be times when the orchestral chord sound is too loud or too soft with respect to the other avail- able sections. In that case, you can change its vol- ume: (3) Press the [DOWN] button three times. The display now responds w[...]

  • Page 31

    Orchestral sounds for the Free Bass section V-Accordion r 31 You can save the new value (and the remaining changes you make). See page 95. (6) Return to the Main page by pressing [EXIT÷JUMP] . ■ Switching off the ORCH FREE BS part (7) Press the three ORCH FREE BS registers again to return to the normal Free Bass mode. (Press them yet again to le[...]

  • Page 32

    Setting up | Other practical functions 32 r FR-7b/FR-5b V-Accordion Other practical functions Let us now have a look at the first “purely electronic” functions of your FR-7b/FR-5b. Your FR-7b/FR-5b is what we call a “virtual instrument”. Though its physical appearance is similar to that of its acoustic ancestor, it is based on an altogether[...]

  • Page 33

    Pitch-related functions V-Accordion r 33 (1) While the Main page is displayed, press the [UP] button twice. (2) Use the [DATA÷ENTER] knob to select the a differ- ent tuning for the Treble reeds. The possibilities are: Off (no detune), Dry, Classic, F- Folk, American L, American_H, North Eur, German L, D-Folk L, Italian L, German H, Alpine, Italian[...]

  • Page 34

    Setting up | Other practical functions 34 r FR-7b/FR-5b V-Accordion (1) While the Main page is displayed, press the [UP] button four times. (2) Press the [DATA÷ENTER] knob to select either “Valve Level” or “Button Level”, depending on which parameter you want to set. (3) Turn the [DATA÷ENTER] knob (or use the [UP] / [DOWN] buttons) to sel[...]

  • Page 35

    About the FBC- 7 V-Accordion r 35 Your FR-7b/FR-5b comes with an FBC-7 footswitch unit that doubles as power supply for your V-Accordion and also allows you to recharge a battery. If you purchased an FR-5b, you must connect it to the FBC-7 (or purchase an optional battery). FR-7b users, on the other hand, can also play their instrument without conn[...]

  • Page 36

    About the FBC- 7 | Charging the battery 36 r FR-7b/FR-5b V-Accordion The reason why the Treble and Bass sections do not respond to this pedal is that you can control their vol- ume via the strength with which you press and pull the bellows (like on any accordion). The expression pedal can be used to fade the Orchestra part in and out, which is prob[...]

  • Page 37

    Recharging the battery on the FBC- 7 V-Accordion r 37 (1) Connect the FR-7b/FR-5b to the FBC-7 using the supplied 19-pin cable. (2) Connect the FBC-7 to a suitable wall outlet. (3) Switch on the FBC-7 by pressing its [POWER¥ON] button (its red POWER ON indicator lights). (4) Press the [BATTERY¥CHARGER] button on the FBC-7. The [BATTERY¥CHARGER] [...]

  • Page 38

    About the FBC- 7 | Charging the battery 38 r FR-7b/FR-5b V-Accordion That portion on the FBC-7 now looks as follows (note the connector): (8) Connect the battery’s cable to the charger’s socket. (9) Slide the battery into the holder on the FBC-7. (10) Connect the FBC-7 to a suitable wall outlet. (11) Switch on the FBC-7 by pressing its [POWER¥[...]

  • Page 39

    Editing sounds V-Accordion r 39 Almost all sound aspects of your FR-7b/FR-5b can be changed (“edited”) to your liking. On p. 32 we already showed you how to quickly edit the most important aspects of a sound. All changes you make are temporary. If you want to preserve them, you need to use the WRITE function. Selecting parameters Selecting para[...]

  • Page 40

    Editing sounds | Selecting parameters 40 r FR-7b/FR-5b V-Accordion (5) Press a register [1] ~ [14] to specify a parameter within the selected group. See the table on page 41. Press the [ORCHESTRA] register to select parameter “15” (only available for groups “2” and “10”). You can only select sections that are active (and thus sound when[...]

  • Page 41

    Setting parameter values V-Accordion r 41 (6) Press the [EXIT÷JUMP] button once to return to the function group (“TUNING” in our example) and again to return to the Main page. Setting parameter values (1) Select the parameter you wish to edit (see above). (2) Press the [DATA÷ENTER] knob to activate that parameter for editing. Notice how the d[...]

  • Page 42

    Editing sounds | 1. TUNING parameters 42 r FR-7b/FR-5b V-Accordion 1. TUNING parameters The parameters of the TUNING group apply to the entire FR-7b/FR-5b and are not saved to a Set. You can save most of them to the FR-7b/FR-5b’s Global memory, however. See pages 39 and 41 for how to select and adjust the parameters. Press [UP] and [DOWN] simulta[...]

  • Page 43

    1.5 Scale Assign V-Accordion r 43 • Use the [DATA÷ENTER] knob or the [UP] / [DOWN] but- tons to select the User memory that should contain your customized tuning system. • Press [MENU÷WRITE] again to jump to the following page. (–64~63, Default setting: 0 for all notes) These parameters allow you to stray away from the usual semitone-interv[...]

  • Page 44

    Editing sounds | 2. TREBLE EDIT parameters 44 r FR-7b/FR-5b V-Accordion 2. TREBLE EDIT parameters The parameters of the TREBLE EDIT group apply to the Treble section and are saved to the selected Set. They allow you to build your own (virtual) accordion. After setting these parameters, you probably also need to adjust the BASS EDIT or FREE BS EDIT [...]

  • Page 45

    2.1 Reed T ype V-Accordion r 45 • To insert a space before the currently selected char- acter and push all subsequent characters one posi- tion to the right, select the character that should fol- low the space, then press and hold [UP] . Example: To insert a space before the “s” in “Celeste” (creating the name “Cele ste”), position th[...]

  • Page 46

    Editing sounds | 2. TREBLE EDIT parameters 46 r FR-7b/FR-5b V-Accordion 2.2 Register The parameters on this page are used in combination with the settings above. Here, you decide which feet should be audible and how they should be played. It is therefore on this page that you specify whether the sounds you selected above will indeed be used. Here c[...]

  • Page 47

    2.7 Bellows Detune V-Accordion r 47 2.7 Bellows Detune (Off, Low, Standard, High, Default setting: Standard) This parameter further adds to the realism of the sounds emulated by your FR-7b/FR-5b. Here, you can specify how strongly the pitch of the simulated Treble reed(s) changes when you open or close the bel- lows faster than usual. If the “Sta[...]

  • Page 48

    Editing sounds | 2. TREBLE EDIT parameters 48 r FR-7b/FR-5b V-Accordion 2.13 Orchestra Link This function allows you to associate an orchestral sound with the Treble register you are currently editing and to specify which mode should be used. See also “Selecting the Orchestra mode” on p. 26 for an explanation of the available modes. The options[...]

  • Page 49

    2.15 T reble MIDI TX V-Accordion r 49 to “Bass 6”. This means that “FBS-Flute” is no longer supported (because it’s a Free Bass orchestral sound that is not available in Bass mode). The FR-7b/FR-5b therefore changes “2.14 Orchestra Chord Link” to “No Link”. For this reason, we recommend that you first set 2.12 Bass Link “BASS”[...]

  • Page 50

    Editing sounds | 3. BASS EDIT parameters 50 r FR-7b/FR-5b V-Accordion 3. BASS EDIT parameters The parameters of the BASS EDIT group apply to the Bass section (bass and chord notes) and are saved to the selected Set. They allow you to build your own (virtual) accordion. After setting these parame- ters, you probably also need to adjust the TREBLE ED[...]

  • Page 51

    3.1 Reed T ype V-Accordion r 51 (10) Press the [MENU÷WRITE] button to save your changes. The display briefly shows a confirmation: (11) Press the [EXIT÷JUMP] button to return to the Main page. Note: See pages 39 and 41 for how to select and adjust the parameters below. 3.1 Reed Type This parameter allows you to transform the selected register int[...]

  • Page 52

    Editing sounds | 3. BASS EDIT parameters 52 r FR-7b/FR-5b V-Accordion Use the LEVEL parameter to specify how prominent the noise should be (“Off”, –40~“Std”~40, Default setting: Std). Note: Whenever you select “ALL” for “Reed Type” and set a differ- ent reed type, this noise setting is automatically adapted to the reed type. It wo[...]

  • Page 53

    4. FREE BASS EDIT parameters V-Accordion r 53 4. FREE BASS EDIT parameters The parameters of the FREE BS EDIT group apply to the Bass section when it is used in Free Bass mode (see p. 24) and are saved to the selected Set. They allow you to build your own (virtual) accordion. After setting these parameters, you probably also need to adjust the TREB[...]

  • Page 54

    Editing sounds | 4. FREE BASS EDIT parameters 54 r FR-7b/FR-5b V-Accordion (10) Press the [MENU÷WRITE] button to save your changes. The display briefly shows a confirmation: (11) Press the [EXIT÷JUMP] button to return to the Main page. Note: See pages 39 and 41 for how to select and adjust the parameters below. 4.1 Reed Type This parameter allows[...]

  • Page 55

    4.6 Bellows Detune V-Accordion r 55 • If necessary, press the [DATA÷ENTER] knob to select the “TYPE” parameter, then rotate the [DATA÷ENTER] knob to select one of the available instrument types: Bandoneon, I-Folk, I-Folk2, Classic, Cajun, Jazz, F-Folk, D-Folk, Organetto, F-Folk2, Classic2, Studio, Tradition, Steierische, Trikitixa • Press[...]

  • Page 56

    Editing sounds | 5. ORC BASS EDIT parameters 56 r FR-7b/FR-5b V-Accordion 5. ORC BASS EDIT parameters The parameters of the ORC.BASS EDIT group allow you to edit the Orchestra Bass section. See page 28 for details about the Orchestra Bass section. See pages 39 and 41 for how to select and adjust the parameters. Press [UP] and [DOWN] simultaneously [...]

  • Page 57

    5.2 Orc Bass Release Time V-Accordion r 57 on the button keyboard, it will be sounded one octave above the corresponding pitch – and sound natural. Here is an example: The Orchestra Bass sound therefore sometimes changes octaves. For some songs, the default setting (E 28) may yield odd results, especially if you need to play walking bass lines, e[...]

  • Page 58

    Editing sounds | 6. ORCH. EDIT parameters 58 r FR-7b/FR-5b V-Accordion 6. ORCH. EDIT parameters The parameters of the ORCH. EDIT group apply to the Treble Orchestra section. See page 25 for details about the Orchestra section. You may remember that it contains 22 sounds (because some registers provide access to an “A” and a “B” sound). See [...]

  • Page 59

    6.3 Bellows Detune V-Accordion r 59 6.3 Bellows Detune (Off, Low, Standard, High, Default setting: Standard) This parameter allows you to specify how strongly the orchestral sound’s pitch should be influ- enced by opening and closing the bellows faster than usual. This may further add to the realism of sounds like 1A~4B, 6A, 6B and 10~12. If the [...]

  • Page 60

    Editing sounds | 7. ORC CHD EDIT parameters 60 r FR-7b/FR-5b V-Accordion 7. ORC CHD EDIT parameters The parameters of the ORC CHORD EDIT group apply to the chord button rows of the Bass section. As stated earlier, the FR-7b/FR-5b allows you to play and accordion sound with the bass rows and an orchestral sound with the chord rows of the bass keyboa[...]

  • Page 61

    7.2 Reverb Send, 7.3 Chorus Send, 7.4 Delay Send V-Accordion r 61 7.2 Reverb Send, 7.3 Chorus Send, 7.4 Delay Send (0~127 for all three) Use these parameters to set the Reverb, Chorus or Delay send level (how much effect should be applied to the Orchestra Chord section). The higher the value you set, the more the Orchestra sec- tion will be process[...]

  • Page 62

    Editing sounds | 8. ORC FBS EDIT parameters 62 r FR-7b/FR-5b V-Accordion 8. ORC FBS EDIT parameters The parameters of the ORC FBS EDIT group apply to the Bass buttons while Free Bass mode is active. See page 30 for details about the Orchestra Free Bass section. This section is not available while Bass mode is active. See pages 39 and 41 for how to [...]

  • Page 63

    8.5 Orc FreeBs MIDI TX V-Accordion r 63 The effects themselves can be edited on separate pages (see p. 65). 8.5 Orc FreeBs MIDI TX This page contains a series of MIDI parameters for the Orches- tra section you need to set one by one. See page 89 for details about the MIDI parameters. These parameters are saved along with all other Set parameters, w[...]

  • Page 64

    Editing sounds | 9. SET COMMON parameters 64 r FR-7b/FR-5b V-Accordion 9. SET COMMON parameters The SET COMMON group contains parameters that apply to all sections, but only within the framework of the currently selected Set, most notably the parameters that specify the sound/character of the Reverb, Chorus and Delay effects. Never switch off the F[...]

  • Page 65

    9.2 Reverb Parameters V-Accordion r 65 The available options are: Note: Seeing that a delay effect usually only works for one part, we recommend using the dedicated Delay processor for echo effects. That way, the reverb effect can be used to “deepen” the sound field. (2) Press the [DATA÷ENTER] knob to select the “LEVEL” parameter, then rot[...]

  • Page 66

    Editing sounds | 9. SET COMMON parameters 66 r FR-7b/FR-5b V-Accordion Note: Seeing that a delay effect usually only works for one part, we recommend using the dedicated Delay processor for echo effects. That way, the chorus effect can be used to widen the stereo image. (2) Press the [DATA÷ENTER] knob to select the “LEVEL” parameter, then rota[...]

  • Page 67

    9.5 Delay Macro T ype V-Accordion r 67 9.5 Delay Macro Type A delay effect creates echoes. It can also broaden a sound by adding a slightly delayed copy to the original sound (a tech- nique often used for rock-’n’- roll songs and in Karaoke bars). The “Macro” label still does what its name implies. Be aware, however, that there is no “Cha[...]

  • Page 68

    Editing sounds | 10. SYSTEM parameters 68 r FR-7b/FR-5b V-Accordion 9.7 Name This function allows you to name the selected Set (8 char- acters). It would be a good idea to use the name of the instru- ment you “built” using the TRE- BLE, BASS, FREE BASS, etc., group parameters – or the name of the Song you wish to use this Set for. (1) Select [...]

  • Page 69

    10.1 LCD Contrast V-Accordion r 69 10.1 LCD Contrast (1~7, Default setting: 5) The information in the LCD display may be difficult to view after turning on your FR-7b/FR-5b or after extended use. Your view- ing angle and the current lighting conditions can also affect the appearance of the display. In such cases, use this parameter to adjust the co[...]

  • Page 70

    Editing sounds | 10. SYSTEM parameters 70 r FR-7b/FR-5b V-Accordion ■ Orch Bs Sust— The footswitch can be used to hold the orchestral notes of the Bass section that are transmitted via MIDI. This is for MIDI control only. ■ OrchFB Sust— The footswitch can be used to hold the orchestral notes of the Free Bass section that are transmit- ted v[...]

  • Page 71

    10.6 Free Bass Mode V-Accordion r 71 10.6 Free Bass Mode (Default setting: Minor 3rd) This parameter allows you to choose the note system used in Free Bass mode. We already men- tioned that there are a vast number of accordion varieties. The same is true of Free Bass systems. Your FR-7b/FR-5b contains the 5 most popular ones (see the illustration).[...]

  • Page 72

    Editing sounds | 10. SYSTEM parameters 72 r FR-7b/FR-5b V-Accordion ORCH CHORD ORCH FREE BS ORCH CHORD ORCH FREE BS ORCH CHORD ORCH FREE BS ORCH CHORD ORCH FREE BS ORCH CHORD ORCH FREE BS FREE BASS ORCH BASS FREE BASS ORCH BASS FREE BASS ORCH BASS FREE BASS ORCH BASS FREE BASS ORCH BASS Finnish Fifth Ab2 Eb2 Bb2 F2 C3 G2 D3 A2 E2 B2 F#2 C#3 Ab2 Eb2[...]

  • Page 73

    10.7 Stereo Width V-Accordion r 73 10.7 Stereo Width (–1~–63, Full, Default setting: –15) As stated on p. 15, much care has been taken to provide a natural stereo image for the accordion sounds. If you think the stereo image is too wide for comfort (or if you pre- fer to set the Pan controls on your mixing console dif- ferently), you can use [...]

  • Page 74

    Editing sounds | 10. SYSTEM parameters 74 r FR-7b/FR-5b V-Accordion 10.12 Orch. Bs&Ch Touch (Fixed Low, Fixed Med., Fixed High, Low, Medium, High, Fixed L+Bellows, Fixed M+Bellows. Fixed H+Bellows, Bellows, Default setting: Medium) This parameter allows you to specify the velocity sensitivity of the bass and chord buttons when they are used to [...]

  • Page 75

    10.15 T reble Mode V-Accordion r 75 (You can, however, unscrew the buttons and install the in the right places so as to make the white and black buttons correspond to the notes being played.) The FR-7b/FR-5b is supplied with additional white and black buttons that may come in handy. The white but- tons come in two varieties: normal buttons and knur[...]

  • Page 76

    Editing sounds | 11. UTILITY parameters 76 r FR-7b/FR-5b V-Accordion 11. UTILITY parameters The UTILITY group contains three kinds of parameters: those that keep you informed (to check the bat- tery status), several parameters that allow you to copy settings and three parameters for archiving your settings via MIDI. See pages 39 and 41 for how to s[...]

  • Page 77

    11.2 Copy ALL Effects V-Accordion r 77 This message means that the bat- tery is being recharged by the FBC-7. This is not performed auto- matically. You need to connect the FR-7b/FR-5b’s “TO FBC-7” socket to the “TO FR-7/ FR-5 V-ACCORDION” socket on the FBC-7 and press the BATTERY CHARGER button (so that it lights). The battery icon indic[...]

  • Page 78

    Editing sounds | 11. UTILITY parameters 78 r FR-7b/FR-5b V-Accordion (1) On the page shown above, press the [DATA÷ENTER] button. The display now changes to: (2) Press the [DATA÷ENTER] knob to select the “FROM” parameter, then turn it to select the Set whose set- tings you wish to copy. By default, the FR-7b/FR-5b selects the number of the Set[...]

  • Page 79

    11.11 Bass Reg. on current Set V-Accordion r 79 Note: The “Vol” values you set here directly affect the volume parameters of the respective edit modes. In other words: selecting “5” here means that the corresponding reeds’ volume is set to “5”. (4) Press the [DATA÷ENTER] knob to select “VALUE”, then rotate the [DATA÷ENTER] knob [...]

  • Page 80

    Editing sounds | 11. UTILITY parameters 80 r FR-7b/FR-5b V-Accordion The possibilities depend on the choice you made in step (3) above. Note: Reeds that are currently off (see “3.2 Register” on p. 51) adopt the new setting but are not switched on by this opera- tion. (5) Press [EXIT÷JUMP] to return to the Main page and try out all 7 Bass regis[...]

  • Page 81

    11.12 FreeBass Reg. on current Set V-Accordion r 81 The possibilities depend on the choice you made in step (3) above. Note: Reeds that are currently off (see “4.2 Register” on p. 54) adopt the new setting but are not switched on by this opera- tion. (5) Press [EXIT÷JUMP] to return to the Main page and try out all 7 Free Bass registers. Note: [...]

  • Page 82

    MIDI functions | MIDI functions 82 r FR-7b/FR-5b V-Accordion Your FR-7b/FR-5b also transmits and receives MIDI data. In this chapter we’ll look at what MIDI is and does and which MIDI functions are available on the FR-7b/FR-5b. IMPORTANT REMARK : To take advantage of the FR-7b/FR-5b’s MIDI functions, you must connect it to the supplied FBC-7, b[...]

  • Page 83

    Working with a sequencer and other tone generators V-Accordion r 83 The FR-7b/FR-5b’s sections use the following MIDI channels: As you see, there are separate channels for the chord and bass buttons, even though they both belong to the Bass section. That separation may look distracting at first, but it actually makes sense. It allows you to use t[...]

  • Page 84

    MIDI functions | Global MIDI parameters 84 r FR-7b/FR-5b V-Accordion You also need a software program that allows you to record and play back your music. Such programs are available from companies like Cakewalk. Please ask your Roland dealer for details. And finally, you may need to install applications called “drivers” on your computer to ensu[...]

  • Page 85

    Preventing sections from sending MIDI data V-Accordion r 85 (1) Press and hold the [EXIT÷JUMP] button until the display looks as follows: (2) Press register [12] to specify the function group. The MIDI channels can be set via a parameter of the “MIDI” group, which is why you need to select that group. (3) Press register [1] to select the follo[...]

  • Page 86

    MIDI functions | Global MIDI parameters 86 r FR-7b/FR-5b V-Accordion (1) Press and hold the [EXIT÷JUMP] button until the display looks as follows: (2) Press register [12] to specify the function group. The “Ext. Seq. Playback” parameters can be set via a parameter of the “MIDI” group, which is why you need to select that group. (3) Press r[...]

  • Page 87

    Sending program change messages when necessary V-Accordion r 87 The [10] register acts as “0” here. To enter “502”, for example, press registers [5] , [10] , and [2] . (5) If necessary, press the [EXIT÷JUMP] button to erase the last entry you made. If you entered “55”, for example, while the second figure should have been a “2”, pr[...]

  • Page 88

    MIDI functions | Global MIDI parameters 88 r FR-7b/FR-5b V-Accordion Solving MIDI buffer problems (12.3 Bellows TX Resolution) This parameter allows you to specify how many data the FR-7b/FR-5b’s bellows may transmit for expression purposes (see also “Expression” on p. 91). As long as the external sequencer you work with does not display a ?[...]

  • Page 89

    MIDI parameters for the various sections/parts V-Accordion r 89 MIDI parameters for the various sections/parts The MIDI parameters discussed below belong to separate groups and are saved for the corresponding sections. This means that each Set can use different MIDI settings and thus control external MIDI devices in various ways. If you are serious[...]

  • Page 90

    MIDI functions | MIDI parameters for the various sections/parts 90 r FR-7b/FR-5b V-Accordion ■ Note (On, Off, Default setting: On) The MIDI standard translates almost all actions performed on a musical instrument into commands that can be sent to another instrument. The result of such a transmission is that your actions are either recorded by a s[...]

  • Page 91

    Parameters V-Accordion r 91 Note: When you set the “12.2 Ext. Seq. Playback” parameter to “On”, the FR-7b/FR-5b’s registers no longer transmit the sound selection clusters you have programmed here. Instead, they transmit their “Std” values. This will return to normal operation when you set “12.2 Ext. Seq. Playback” back to “Off?[...]

  • Page 92

    MIDI functions | Archiving your settings via MIDI (Bulk Dump) 92 r FR-7b/FR-5b V-Accordion ■ AfterT (only for the Treble and Orchestra sections) The Master bar generates aftertouch messages. After- touch is usually used for temporary changes to a sound’s volume, timbre or pitch (this needs to be set on the receiving instrument). Used right, it [...]

  • Page 93

    Sending Bulk data (back) to the FR- 7b/FR-5b V-Accordion r 93 The display now responds with: Press [EXIT÷JUMP] if you do not want to transmit your settings after all. (11) Wait until the following message appears, then stop recording on your sequencer. (12) Name the “song” (it may only contain data so far) and save it to hard or floppy disk. S[...]

  • Page 94

    MIDI functions | Archiving your settings via MIDI (Bulk Dump) 94 r FR-7b/FR-5b V-Accordion Press [EXIT÷JUMP] to return to the Main page, reduce the speed at which the data are transmitted by your sequencer, and try again. If that does not help, check the data file you are transmitting.[...]

  • Page 95

    Miscellaneous functions V-Accordion r 95 Saving settings using the WRITE function All WRITE functions are discussed where it makes sense to mention them. That’s why we’ll stick to some general remarks here. 8. Miscellaneous functions Rotate [DATA÷ENTER] to select a register . Press and hold [MENU÷WRITE] Rotate [DATA÷ENTER] Press [DATA÷ENTER[...]

  • Page 96

    Miscellaneous functions | Saving settings using the WRITE function 96 r FR-7b/FR-5b V-Accordion (1) Press and hold the [MENU÷WRITE] button until the following page appears: Sections whose settings you changed without saving them are flagged with an “EDIT” message. Note: If there is no “EDIT” message, there is nothing that needs to be saved[...]

  • Page 97

    Restoring the factory defaults V-Accordion r 97 Restoring the factory defaults You can reset the FR-7b/FR-5b to its factory settings, which means that your own Sets and Global settings are replaced by the settings the FR-7b/FR-5b contained when you first got it. You may wish to archive your settings before initializing the FR-7b/FR-5b (see p. 92). [...]

  • Page 98

    Miscellaneous functions | T roubleshooting 98 r FR-7b/FR-5b V-Accordion Troubleshooting This section provides an overview of points to check and actions to take when the FR-7b/FR-5b does not function as you expect. Feel free to contact your Roland dealer if your issue remains unsolved after reading through this section. The screen is difficult or i[...]

  • Page 99

    The screen is difficult or impossible to read V-Accordion r 99 Why does the Orchestra mode change when I press a given Treble register? Because you established a Link with the Treble sec- tion and also specified a mode using the “MODE” entry of the “2.13 Orchestra Link” parameter. Set it to “---” (page 48). My settings have changed ■[...]

  • Page 100

    Miscellaneous functions | T roubleshooting 100 r FR-7b/FR-5b V-Accordion At power-on, the FR-7b/FR-5b displays the fol- lowing message The FR-7b/FR-5b was switched off while it was saving data (possibly because the battery was depleted, or because of a power failure). When you switch it on again, it attempts to recover everything it can. It may, ho[...]

  • Page 101

    Specifications V-Accordion r 101 Specifications ■ Keyboards Right hand: 92 buttons, with velocity (aftertouch via Mas- ter bar) Left hand: 120 velocity-sensitive bass buttons, Modes: Standard, Free Bass, Orch.Bass, Orch.Chord, Orch. Free Bass Treble button modes: C-Griff Europe, C-Griff 2, B-Griff Bajan, B-Griff Fin, D-Griff 1, D-Griff 2 Free Ba[...]

  • Page 102

    Miscellaneous functions | Parameter list 102 r FR-7b/FR-5b V-Accordion Parameter list VOLUME AND EFFECT BALANCE The default value corresponds to the current physical position of potentiometer. The central position is 0. The values range from 0 to 64 regardless of whether the arrow symbol indicates BASS or TREBLE. REVERB The default value correspond[...]

  • Page 103

    Parameter list V-Accordion r 103 3. BASS EDIT 3.1 Reed Type Foot ALL, 16', 8', 8'-4', 4', 2' Type Bandoneon, I-Folk, I-Folk2, Classic, Cajun, Jazz, F-Folk, D-Folk, Organetto, F-Folk2, Classic2, Studio, Tradition, Steierische, Trikitixa 3.2 Register Foot 16', 8', 8'-4', 4', 2' Status Off, B[...]

  • Page 104

    Miscellaneous functions | Parameter list 104 r FR-7b/FR-5b V-Accordion 5.7 Orc Bass MIDI TX Message & value Note [On, Off], Octave [-3~0~3], CC 00 [Std, Off, 0~127], CC32 [Std, Off, 0~127], PC [Std, Off, 1~128], Volume [Off, 0~127], Panpot [Off, 0~127], Reverb [Off, 0~127], Chorus [Off, 0~127], Velocity [On, 1~127], Express [Off, Bellows, Pedal[...]

  • Page 105

    Parameter list V-Accordion r 105 10.5 Bass & Chord Mode* Type 2 Bs Rows, 3 Bs Rows A-7th, 3 Bs Rows A-5dim, 3 Bs Rows B-7th, 3 Bs Rows B-5dim 3 Bs Rows Bx 10.6 Free Bass Mode* Type Minor 3rd, Bajan, Fifth, N.Europe, Finnish 10.7 Stereo Width* Type -63~-1, Full 10.8 Auto Power OFF* Type Disabled, 10 min., 15 min., 20 min. 10.9 Startup* Type Set [...]

  • Page 106

    Miscellaneous functions | Factory Sets 106 r FR-7b/FR-5b V-Accordion Factory Sets Demo Songs 11.12 FreeBass Reg. on current Set Type Reed ALL, Reed 16’, Reed 8’, Vol ALL, Vol 16’, Vol 8’, Noise, Noise Vol, Reed Growl, Growl Vol Value Reed Bandoneon, I-Folk, I-Folk2, Classic, Cajun, Jazz, F-Folk, D-Folk, Organetto, F-Folk2, Classic2, Studio,[...]

  • Page 107

    Demo Songs V-Accordion r 107 15 MUSETTE Rêve d’amour by L. Bruti Luigi Bruti 16 CAJUN Sugar cane by L. Bruti Luigi Bruti 17 DiatFOLK To my beloved teacher by S. Scappini Sergio Scappini 18 El Paso Dancing in the courtyard by L. Beier Ludovic Beier 19 Bal Musette Sotto i ponti della Senna Ludovic Beier 20 Mr Gus Sunny Grasslands by L. Beier Ludov[...]

  • Page 108

    MIDI implementation | MIDI implementation 108 r FR-7b/FR-5b V-Accordion 1. Received data ■ Channel Voice Messages ● Note off ● Note on ● Control Change • The value specified by a Control Change message is not reset by a Program Change, etc. ❍ Bank Select (Controller number 0, 32) • Only for Free Bass. ❍ Expression (Controller number[...]

  • Page 109

    MIDI implementation V-Accordion r 109 ❍ Pan (Controller number 10) ❍ Expression (Controller number 11) • This adjusts the volume of a Part. Expression messages are used for musical ex- pression within a performance, e.g., expression pedal movements, crescendo and decrescendo. ❍ Hold 1 (Controller number 64) ❍ Effect 1 (Reverb Send Level) [...]

  • Page 110

    MIDI implementation | Program change messages 110 r FR-7b/FR-5b V-Accordion FREE BASS REGISTER RX 011 l o w 0 1 2 high 0 1 3 low+high 0 1 4 lw+hglow 0 1 5 lwlow+hi 0 1 6 highlw+h 0 1 7 lowhigh ORCH BASS REGISTER RX -- -- 1 Acoustic -- -- 2 Bowed -- -- 3 Fingered -- -- 4 Fretless -- -- 5 Picked -- -- 6 Tuba -- -- 7 Tuba Mix ORCH CHORD REGISTER RX --[...]

  • Page 111

    MIDI Implementation Chart V-Accordion r 111 MIDI Implementation Chart [V-Accordion] Date: November 2005 Model: FR-7b/FR-5b Version: 1.00 Function... T ransmitted Recognized Remarks Basic Channel Default Changed 1~16 1~16, Off 1~16 1~16, Off 7 Parts: 1= T reble, 2= Bass/F ree Bass, 3= Chord, 5= Orchestra Bass, 4= Orchestra, 6= Orchestra Chord, 7= Or[...]

  • Page 112

    Information | Information 112 r FR-7b/FR-5b V-Accordion When you need repair service, call your nearest Roland Service Center or authorized Roland distributor in your country as shown below. 10. Information As of April 1, 2006 (ROLAND) EGYPT Al Fanny Trading Office 9, EBN Hagar A1 Askalany Street, ARD E1 Golf, Heliopolis, Cairo 11341, EGYPT TEL: 20[...]

  • Page 113

    V-Accordion r 113 Numerics 2 Bass Rows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70 3 Bass Rows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70 A AfterT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92 Aftertouch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 PitchDown . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 , 59 Alp[...]

  • Page 114

    Index | 114 r FR-7b/FR-5b V-Accordion Lowest Note . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 M Macro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64 , 65 , 67 Main page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Master bar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Master Bar Recall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6[...]

  • Page 115

    V-Accordion r 115 Tuning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 , 42 Tuning system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 , 45 Reed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 , 54 U User 1~3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 V Valve [...]

  • Page 116

    Index | 116 r FR-7b/FR-5b V-Accordion[...]

  • Page 117

    NOTICE AVIS FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION RADIO FREQUENCY INTERFERENCE STATEMENT This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipm[...]

  • Page 118

    R® 602.00.0111.01 RES 538-06 FR-7b/FR-5b Owner's Manual - E[...]