Roland FR-8x, BK

The Ultimate Symbiosis of Progress and Tradition!

With the FR-8x Piano Accordion, Roland perfects the interplay between traditional handling and digital technology. The latest flagship in the V-Accordion series is packed with new features and improvements developed in collaboration with renowned artists. This opens up expressive possibilities and versatility for accordionists like never before.

The innovative Dynamic Bellows Behaviour technology simulates the bellows response of an acoustic accordion; in addition there are expanded sound sets, four high-quality multi-effects, a built-in looper and much more — a treasure chest of innovations for an unparalleled musical experience. Seamlessly, the FR-8x integrates high-end technology with traditional playing characteristics and thus ushers in a new era of creative freedom for all accordion players.

True Acoustic Response

Developed specifically for the FR-8x, the Dynamic Bellows Behaviour technology represents a breakthrough for players of digital accordions. In an acoustic instrument the sound is produced by reeds that vibrate in the airflow generated by the bellows. The resistance of the bellows varies continuously depending on the selected registers and the number of notes played.

This essential characteristic of an acoustic instrument is simulated by the FR-8x's dynamic bellows behavior through automatic real-time control of the air volume. This gives every player the tactile feel of a real accordion, and the function can easily be turned off if you prefer the linear bellows behavior of previous V-Accordions.

Improved User Interface with Intuitive Controls

The FR-8x Piano Accordion features a completely redesigned user interface that is far more powerful while remaining easier to use than ever. A large, recessed color display makes editing key parameters simple and clear, while the redesigned control layout provides quick, direct access to the most important functions.

Three new programmable chin buttons let you switch, for example, user programs and registers without taking your hands off the keys. In addition, 1,400 program memory slots are available to deliver the perfect sound setting at the touch of a button in any live situation.

All-in-One Solution with Internal Battery

The FR-8x is a completely standalone instrument with a rechargeable internal battery and a built-in stereo amplifier system. The battery charges easily via the supplied AC adapter, which plugs directly into the FR-8x to ensure uninterrupted playing. All connection jacks are now located directly on the instrument, including MIDI, USB and the line outputs for connection to an external mixer for PA or recording.

Expanded Collection of Premium Sounds

In addition to a comprehensive selection of authentic accordion tones from around the world, the FR-8x Piano Accordion includes over 180 orchestra and percussion sounds that let you expand your musical possibilities into unexplored territory. Alongside traditional instruments such as strings, woodwinds and brass you’ll find electric and acoustic guitars, choir and church organ, harp, folk instruments, synthesizers and a rich selection of drum kits.

With the Virtual Tonewheel organ generation you can play fantastic organ sounds on the Upper, Lower and Pedal sections with virtual drawbar registers to shape the tone to your taste. Four internal memory slots of 8 MB each are available for new sounds from the Roland Sound Library.

Zones, Layers and Drums

The FR-8x Piano Accordion expands the right-hand layer and split zone setup considerably. Four different keyboard modes allow you to play up to four different timbres simultaneously. For the left hand, sounds can now be layered. The programmable manual drums for the bass and chord rows open up new performance possibilities and add a lot of fun.

Powerful Multi-Effects

Discover new sonic worlds with the FR-8x’s four independent multi-effect engines. These supply the four parts Accordion, Orchestra 1, Orchestra 2 and Orchestra Chords with 84 different effect types each and a wide palette of sound-shaping options from subtle to dramatic. With the integrated looper you can record your accordion playing at the push of a button to create impressive backing sequences, overdub to add parts to play along with, or improvise over them.

USB Audio Player/Recorder and More

The handy USB audio player plays MP3 and WAV files directly from a USB stick for playalongs or practice. With another press of a button everything you play on the instrument is recorded in real time to the USB storage. Perfect for post-production, burning directly to CD or self-review. Via the USB-to-Host connector on the side you can connect the FR-8x directly to your computer to back up your data or update your V-Accordion to the latest software.

A New Era Of Creative Freedom For All Accordion Players!