Roland FR-3b manual

r® Owner’s Manual[...]

WARNING – To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this device to rain or moisture. The technology used in the FR-3s, FR-3sb, FR-3 and FR-3b is covered by U.S. Patent No. 6.946.594. IMPORTANT: THE WIRES IN THIS MAINS LEAD ARE COLOURED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE FOLLOWING CODE. BLUE: BROWN: As the colours of the wires in the mains l[...]

r Owner’s Manual ENGLISH ENGLISH ENGLISH ENGLISH Thank you for purchasing the Roland FR-3 V-Accordion. The FR-3 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 family, that its sound is con[...]

| 4 r FR-3 V-Accordion[...]

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

Features | Features 6 r FR-3s/FR-3/FR-3sb/FR-3b V-Accordion 1. Features Stand-alone electronic instrument Though the FR-3 is a fully electronic instrument, you do not need to connect the FR-3s/FR-3sb to an amplifier in order to produce sounds. Its onboard amplification sys- tem is powerful enough for small venues, restaurants, etc. (The FR-3/FR-3b [...]

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. ................................................................................................................................... • Do not open (or modify in any way) the unit or its AC adapter. ...[...]

Features | Using the unit safely 8 r FR-3s/FR-3/FR-3sb/FR-3b V-Accordion • Immediately turn the power off, remove the adapter from the outlet and request servicing by your retailer, the nearest Roland Service Center or an authorized Roland distributor, as listed on the “Information” page when: • The adapter’s cord or the plug has been dam[...]

Important notes V-Accordion r 9 2. Important notes In addition to the items listed under “Using the unit safely” on p. 7, please read and observe the following: Power supply • Do not connect the FR-3 to same electrical outlet that is being used by an electrical appliance that is controlled by an inverter (such as a refrigerator, washing machi[...]

Important notes | Important notes 10 r FR-3s/FR-3/FR-3sb/FR-3b V-Accordion Precautions for optional batteries • The temperature range for use of the batteries depends on the battery type being used. Please see the documentation that came with the batteries. • Do not use or store batteries at high temperature, such as in strong direct sunlight, [...]

Panel descriptions V-Accordion r 11 3. Panel descriptions Treble control panel A POWER button Press this button to switch the V-Accordion on (the button lights) and off (button dark). B SORDINA switch This MELLOW/BRIGHT switch allows you to switch the simulation of the wooden resonance chamber on (“BRIGHT”) and off (“MELLOW”). C VOL knob Th[...]

Panel descriptions | Bass control panel 12 r FR-3s/FR-3/FR-3sb/FR-3b V-Accordion H METRONOME button Press this button to switch the metronome on and off (see p. 31). It can also be used to transmit Start/ Stop messages to external MIDI devices. I CHORUS knob Use this knob to set the level of the chorus effect (see p. 22). J REVERB knob Use this kno[...]

Connection panel V-Accordion r 13 Connection panel P DC IN socket This is where you need to connect the supplied power adapter (PSB-4U). Note that you can also purchase 10 optional batteries and use the FR-3 without the adapter. Q MIDI OUT/IN socket This socket can be used to receive or transmit MIDI data. Its function depends on the setting of the[...]

Setting up | Setting up 14 r FR-3s/FR-3/FR-3sb/FR-3b V-Accordion 4. Setting up Connections The FR-3 has a compartment for 10 optional AA-type batteries. Consider purchasing such batteries when performing on stage, or to use the FR-3s/FR-3sb as a stand-alone instrument (taking advantage of its internal speakers). An FR-3/FR-3b with optional batterie[...]

Attaching the straps V-Accordion r 15 (2) Connect the small plug of the adapter cable to the DC IN socket and wind the cable around the guide: You can also connect the MIDI cable to the MIDI OUT/ IN socket and wind it around the guide like the adapter cable. (3) Reinstall the padding, taking care to secure the adapter cable and/or MIDI cable you ha[...]

Setting up | Switching the power on and of f 16 r FR-3s/FR-3/FR-3sb/FR-3b V-Accordion (8) Slide the lower end of one strap through the holder ring as shown. (9) Slide the strap end through the upper eyelet of its plastic buckle (see the illustration). (10) Turn the strap end around and insert it into the lower eyelet, then pull it tight. (11) Slide[...]

Using batteries and no external amplification (FR- 3s/FR-3sb only) V-Accordion r 17 (5) Press the FR-3’s [POWER] button to switch it on. (6) Switch on the receiving audio device. (7) Start playing (see “First steps” on page 19). Note: This unit is equipped with a protection circuit. A brief interval (a few seconds) after power up is required[...]

Setting up | Switching the power on and of f 18 r FR-3s/FR-3/FR-3sb/FR-3b V-Accordion Listening to the demo songs One of the most striking aspects of your V-Accordion may be that it can play all by itself! It contains a series of demo songs that illustrate its wide variety of sounds and applications. Here is how to listen to the demo songs: (1) Swi[...]

First steps V-Accordion r 19 First steps The sections of your FR-3 Before showing you how to use the FR-3, let’s briefly look at the various “sections” of your instrument, as that will help you understand how your V-Accordion works. The FR-3 is a “virtual” accordion. That term was borrowed from synthesizers that recreate the sounds of oth[...]

Setting up | First steps 20 r FR-3s/FR-3/FR-3sb/FR-3b V-Accordion How to read the display With the exception of the display and the additional buttons and knobs, the FR-3 looks like a conventional accordion. The display contains important clues about the settings that are currently in effect. What’s shown in the display depends on how you are usi[...]

T ouring 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 (th[...]

Setting up | T ouring the FR- 3’ s sections 22 r FR-3s/FR-3/FR-3sb/FR-3b V-Accordion (6) Press one of the registers [1] ~ [0] to select another footage. The display now shows the number of the newly selected Treble register: The indications printed on the front panel refer to the octaves (vertical direction, ) and the number of slightly detuned r[...]

Bass section V-Accordion r 23 Chorus: This effect creates the impression that sev- eral instruments of the same type are playing at the same time (it is similar to detuning several reeds of a register). The [CHORUS] and [REVERB] knobs allow you to set the volume of these effects. Turn them all the way towards the left (the small dot) if you don’t[...]

Setting up | T ouring the FR- 3 ’ s sections 24 r FR-3s/FR-3/FR-3sb/FR-3b V-Accordion The “St” message starts flashing to signal that you need to press a register. The “Roland” logo now flashes in blue. (7) Press one of the registers [1] ~ [0] to select a Set memory. The “Roland” logo changes color and stops flashing. Playing in Free [...]

Using the orchestral sounds V-Accordion r 25 Using the orchestral sounds Your FR-3 contains PCM sounds (samples) of various instruments that are not related to accordion sounds. Those sounds allow you to expand your musical endeavours without using external MIDI devices. Of course, you are free to add exter- nal MIDI tone generators to your setup a[...]

Setting up | Using the orchestral sounds 26 r FR-3s/FR-3/FR-3sb/FR-3b V-Accordion HIGH [12] : Now it becomes a little more complicated – but very inter- esting indeed. If you select this mode and play just one note, you will hear the orchestral sound. If you keep holding that key/button while pressing another (lower) key/ button to its left, the [...]

Orchestral sounds for the Bass section V-Accordion r 27 (4) Press and hold the [SET] register until the display looks as follows: (5) Press register [2/+] to save the settings. The display now looks as follows: If you don’t want to save your changes, press [1÷–] . In that case the display briefly shows the “No” message. If don’t save, yo[...]

Setting up | Using the orchestral sounds 28 r FR-3s/FR-3/FR-3sb/FR-3b V-Accordion ■ Setting the volume of the ORCH BASS sound There may be times when the orchestral bass sound is too loud or too soft with respect to the other avail- able sections. In that case, you can change its vol- ume: (1) Press and hold the [SET] register until the display s[...]

Orchestral sounds for the Chord section V-Accordion r 29 ■ 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: (1) Press and hold the [SET] register until the display shows a parameter name, [...]

Setting up | Using the orchestral sounds 30 r FR-3s/FR-3/FR-3sb/FR-3b V-Accordion Orchestral sounds for the Free Bass section The orchestral Free Bass part can replace the accordion sound played by the button keyboard while Free Bass mode is active. In that case, all bass buttons play bass notes – no chords. There are no clever modes (DUAL, SOLO,[...]

Other practical functions V-Accordion r 31 5. Other practical functions After looking at the accordion and Orchestra functions, let’s have a look at the “purely electronic” functions of your FR-3. Your FR-3 is what we call a virtual instrument. Though its physical appearance is similar to that of its acoustic ancestor, it is based on an altog[...]

Other practical functions | Using the metronome 32 r FR-3s/FR-3/FR-3sb/FR-3b V-Accordion ■ Setting the tempo We’ll assume that you are still in “PARAM LIST” mode (and so didn’t press [SET] to leave it). To set this parameter at a later stage, repeat steps (1) and (2) above. (4) Press register [3÷√] (or [4÷®] ) to return to the name i[...]

Using the metronome V-Accordion r 33 Using the metronome After setting the metronome’s parameters to your lik- ing (or if you don’t need to change them), you can start using the metronome: (13) Press the [METRONOME] button to start the metro- nome (“Str”). (14) Press it again to switch the metronome back off (the display briefly shows “St[...]

Other practical functions | Pitch-related functions 34 r FR-3s/FR-3/FR-3sb/FR-3b V-Accordion Pitch-related functions Transpose function The FR-3 contains a Transpose function that allows you to change the key of the music you are playing. The advantage of this system is that you can play a song in E major (for example), while using the fingering of[...]

T ransposing the Orchestra section in octave steps V-Accordion r 35 Transposing the Orchestra section in octave steps You can also transpose the Orchestra section (i.e. the currently selected orchestral sound) up or down. This can be interesting when you are using the Orchestra part in Dual mode (page 25) and want it to sound above or below the sel[...]

Editing settings | Editing settings 36 r FR-3s/FR-3/FR-3sb/FR-3b V-Accordion 6. Editing settings The FR-3 provides a whole series of specialized parameters you probably don’t need every day. They may come in handy, however, when you need to fine-tune the FR-3’s response to your playing style. This chapter discusses all parameters that are not r[...]

Selecting the desired function V-Accordion r 37 Selecting the desired function (1) Press and hold the [SET] register until the display shows a parameter name, then release it. (2) Use register [3÷√] or [4÷®] to select the desired parameter . (3) Use register [1÷–] or [2÷+] to set the desired value. Press registers [1] and [2] simultaneousl[...]

Editing settings | P ARAM LIST parameters 38 r FR-3s/FR-3/FR-3sb/FR-3b V-Accordion C-Griff Europe C-Griff 2 B-Griff Bajan Treble Mode (1/2)[...]

Orchestra Level V-Accordion r 39 Orchestra Level (–40~“Std”~40, Default setting: Std) This parameter allows you to create the desired “mix” (volume balance) between the Treble accordion and the Orchestra section. This is a relative parameter, which means that its value is added to or subtracted from the standard value (“Std”). Orchest[...]

Editing settings | P ARAM LIST parameters 40 r FR-3s/FR-3/FR-3sb/FR-3b V-Accordion Treble Valve Noise (Off, –40~“Std”~40, Default setting: Std) You will probably agree that electronic sounds must not only reproduce the basic timbre of an existing sound, but also the original instrument’s behavior and typical “noises” in order to be perc[...]

Orchestra T ouch V-Accordion r 41 Orchestra Touch (1~10, Default setting: 6) This parameter allows you to specify the velocity sensi- tivity of the Treble keys/buttons when they are used to play an external MIDI tone generator via the Orchestral section (on the Orchestra section’s MIDI channel). The FR-3’s Treble Orchestra sounds are not veloci[...]

Editing settings | P ARAM LIST parameters 42 r FR-3s/FR-3/FR-3sb/FR-3b V-Accordion Free Bass Mode ([1] Minor 3rd, [2] Bajan, [3] Fifth, [4] N. Europe, [5] Finnish, Default set- ting: 1) This parameter allows you to choose the note system used in Free Bass mode. We already mentioned that there are a vast number of accordion varieties. The same is tr[...]

Auto Power Off V-Accordion r 43 FREE BASS ORC FREE BS ORCH CHORD ORCH BASS FREE BASS ORC FREE BS ORCH CHORD ORCH BASS FREE BASS ORC FREE BS ORCH CHORD ORCH BASS FREE BASS ORC FREE BS ORCH CHORD ORCH BASS N. Europe FREE BASS ORC FREE BS ORCH CHORD ORCH BASS Finnish Ab2 Eb2 Bb2 F2 C3 G2 D3 A2 E2 B2 F#2 C#3 Ab2 Eb2 Bb2 F2 C3 G2 D3 A2 E2 B2 F#2 C#3 Ab2[...]

Editing settings | P ARAM LIST parameters 44 r FR-3s/FR-3/FR-3sb/FR-3b V-Accordion Roland Logo Color (Off, 1~26, Default setting: 2) You may have noticed that the Roland logo above the Treble control panel lights when you switch on the FR-3. If you haven’t changed this setting yet, the color of that logo changes each time you switch on the FR-3. [...]

MIDI parameters V-Accordion r 45 MIDI parameters Your FR-3 can also transmit or receive MIDI data. In this section, we’ll look at what MIDI is and does and which MIDI functions are available on the FR-3. IMPORTANT REMARK : The FR-3 only has one MIDI socket that can be used to either send (“OUT”) or receive (“IN”) MIDI data. Connect the FR[...]

Editing settings | P ARAM LIST parameters 46 r FR-3s/FR-3/FR-3sb/FR-3b V-Accordion used. There are actually two kinds of master keyboards: those that only transmit MIDI data and contain no tone generator, and those that can also be used for playing back music (synthesizers, digital pianos, organs, etc.). Sequencers do not record the audio of the no[...]

MIDI parameter list V-Accordion r 47 MIDI parameter list Memorized Display indication Full name Setting range Default See page POWER MId MIDI Out/In Out, In Out 48 OK trb Treble TX/RX channel Off, 1~16 1 48 OK trO Treble Octave Tx –3~0~3 0 49 OK bfr Bass/Free Bass TX/RX Channel Off, 1~16 2 49 OK bfO Bass/Free Bass Octave TX –3~0~3 0 49 OK CHd C[...]

Editing settings | P ARAM LIST parameters 48 r FR-3s/FR-3/FR-3sb/FR-3b V-Accordion Selecting the desired MIDI LIST function (1) Press and hold the [SET] register until the display shows a parameter name, then release it. (2) Use register [5÷√] or [6÷®] to select the desired MIDI LIST parameter . (3) Use register [1÷–] or [2÷+] to set the d[...]

T reble Octave Tx V-Accordion r 49 Treble Octave Tx (–3~0~3, Default setting: 0) This param- eter allows you to transpose the Note- on messages transmitted by the Treble section up to three octaves up or down. This can be used for songs where an accordion register of the Treble section (for example) should be doubled by a piccolo flute played by [...]

Editing settings | P ARAM LIST parameters 50 r FR-3s/FR-3/FR-3sb/FR-3b V-Accordion Orchestra Free Bass Octave TX (–3~0~3, Default setting: 0) This param- eter allows you to transpose the Note- on messages transmitted by the ORCH FREE BS part. Basic Channel TX/RX (Off, 1~16, Default setting: 13) This parameter allows you to set the basic MIDI chan[...]

Sending program change messages when necessary V-Accordion r 51 Sending program change messages when necessary ( bPC , C00 , C32 ) Though each register or Set can transmit a program change/bank select cluster when pressed (see “Program Change TX” on p. 50), you can also transmit sound select messages on the fly – without changing registers on[...]

Editing settings | P ARAM LIST parameters 52 r FR-3s/FR-3/FR-3sb/FR-3b V-Accordion You probably noticed that each entry represents a group of 128 possibilities. By selecting an entry, you tell the FR-3: “Whenever I select a memory number between 257 and 384 on the ‘SPC’ page, please con- vert that to a program change number 1~128, and add the[...]

Restoring the factory defaults V-Accordion r 53 “dMP” is short for “Dump TX”. (9) Start recording on your sequencer/computer. Wait until the count-in (one or two measures) is fin- ished, then… (10) Press register [1÷–] or [2÷+] on the FR-3 to start the transmission of the bulk data. (Press the [SET] register if you do not want to tran[...]

Using optional batteries | Using optional batteries 54 r FR-3s/FR-3/FR-3sb/FR-3b V-Accordion 8. Using optional batteries Your FR-3 has a compartment that contains a special holder unit into which you can install 10 optional AA-type batter- ies. You can therefore play your instrument without connecting the supplied adapter. What can you do with batt[...]

Note about rechargeable batteries V-Accordion r 55 (4) Use the tab to pull the battery case out of the compartment and turn the case around. The battery case is connected to the FR-3 by means of a cable with a padded connector strip. You can disconnect the cable from the battery case by pulling off the padded connector strip. Note that this is unne[...]

T r oubleshooting | T roubleshooting 56 r FR-3s/FR-3/FR-3sb/FR-3b V-Accordion 9. Troubleshooting This section provides an overview of points to check and actions to take when the FR-3 does not function as you expect. Feel free to contact your Roland dealer if your issue remains unsolved after reading through this section. No sound ■ Did you turn [...]

Specifications V-Accordion r 57 10. Specifications ■ Keyboards ■ Bellows Real pneumatic detection of bellows pressure (high-resolu- tion pressure sensor) Bellows resistance regulator: 4 positions ■ Sound source Max polyphony: 64 voices Wave ROM: 32MB of waveforms Tones: 10 accordion Sets, each including: 12 Treble registers, 7 Bass registers[...]

Appendix | Appendix 58 r FR-3s/FR-3/FR-3sb/FR-3b V-Accordion 11. Appendix Factory Sets Demo Songs # SONG TITLE* [*] Copyright ©2006 Roland Europe Spa. All rights reserved. All rights reserved. Unauthorized use of the demo songs for purposes other than private enjoyment is a vio- lation of applicable laws. Note : The performance data of the demo so[...]

MIDI implementation V-Accordion r 59 MIDI implementation 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 11) • This a[...]

Appendix | MIDI implementation 60 r FR-3s/FR-3/FR-3sb/FR-3b V-Accordion ■ System Exclusive Messages The System Exclusive Messages transmitted by the FR-3 are messages related to Data Set (DT). ● Data Set 1 DT1 (12H) • The amount of data that can be transmitted at one time depends on the type of data, and data will be transmitted from the spec[...]

MIDI Implementation Chart V-Accordion r 61 MIDI Implementation Chart [V-Accordion] Date: April 2006 Model: FR-3s/FR-3sb/FR-3/FR-3b 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/Free Bass, 3= Chord, 4= Orchestra, 5= Orchestra Bass, 6= Orchestra Chor[...]

Information | Information 62 r FR-3s/FR-3/FR-3sb/FR-3b V-Accordion 12. Information When you need repair service, call your nearest Roland Service Center or authorized Roland distributor in your country as shown below. . As of April 1, 2006 (ROLAND) EGYPT Al Fanny Trading Office 9, EBN Hagar A1 Askalany Street, ARD E1 Golf, Heliopolis, Cairo 11341, [...]

V-Accordion r 63 13. Index A Adapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Alpine. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 American . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 APO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Auto Power Off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[...]

Index | 64 r FR-3s/FR-3/FR-3sb/FR-3b V-Accordion Orchestra . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Bass Level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Bass TX/RX Channel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Chord . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Chord Level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[...]

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R® 602.00.0142.01 RES 520-06 FR-3s/FR-3/FR-3sb/FR-3b Owner's Manual - E[...]