Roland V-Accordion FR-18 diatonic Owner's Manual
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Roland V-Accordion FR-18 diatonic Owner's Manual

Digital accordion
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Summary of Contents for Roland V-Accordion FR-18 diatonic

  • Page 1 Owner’s Manual...
  • Page 2 Under no circumstances must either of the above wires be connected to the earth terminal of a three pin plug. For the USA For the USA DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY Compliance Information Statement V-Accordion FR-18 diatonic Digital accordion The technology used in the FR-18 diatonic is covered by U.S. Patent No. 6.946.594.
  • Page 3 Copyright © 2011 ROLAND EUROPE. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without the written permission of Roland Europe S.p.a. Roland is either a registered trademark or a trademark of Roland Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.

  • Page 4: Features

    Changing the instrument’s tonality is also possible, so • reduced overall weight. that you can play in any key with your FR-18 Superb performance flexibility diatonic. There are 12 different musical keys that can The FR-18 diatonic allows you to control external be selected at the press of a button.
  • Page 5 ........................... • Objects have fallen into, or liquid has been spilled onto the unit; • Make sure you always have the FR-18 diatonic placed so it is level and sure to remain stable. Never place it on • The unit has been exposed to rain (or otherwise has become stands that could wobble, or on inclined surfaces.
  • Page 6 USING THE UNIT SAFELY • Before cleaning the unit, turn off the power and unplug • Do not force the FR-18 diatonic’s power-supply cord to the AC adaptor from the outlet (see p. 15). share an outlet with an unreasonable number of other devices.

  • Page 7: Table Of Contents

    Connecting the FR-18 diatonic to an amplifier, mixer, etc........
  • Page 8 Connecting an external MIDI device to the FR-18 diatonic ....... .

  • Page 9: Important Notes

    • Unfortunately, it may be impossible to restore the contents of data • When moved from one location to another where the temperature that was stored on a USB memory once it has been lost. Roland and/or humidity is very different, water droplets (condensation) Europe S.p.a.
  • Page 10 • When connecting a USB memory, firmly insert it all the way into the FR-18 diatonic’s USB port. • Do not touch the pins of the FR-18 diatonic’s USB port or allow them to become dirty. • While using an external USB memory, please observe the following points when handling it: •...

  • Page 11: A First Look At Your Fr-18 Diatonic

    A first look at your FR-18 diatonic A first look at your FR-18 diatonic Let us first take a look at how the FR-18 diatonic is organized and how it is operated. The sections of your FR-18 diatonic Bellows resistance regulator Let’s briefly look at the various “sections”...

  • Page 12: Panel Descriptions

    The USB MEMORY port allows you to connect an • (FUNCTION mode) the desired preset parameter optional USB memory to the FR-18 diatonic. It can be value, User Program settings. used to save and load User Programs, to load User ORCHESTRA/ORGAN button Sets as well as new sounds and new tablatures.

  • Page 13: Bass Control Panel

    V-Accordion FR-18 diatonic Bass control panel Bass control panel Bass registers Bass and chord buttons These switches allow you to select the desired bass These 18 button keys are used to play: and chord sounds. These registers do not illuminate.

  • Page 14: Battery Compartment

    MIDI data. When the “MIDI OUT/IN” parame- • After connecting any cable to the FR-18 diatonic, ter (see p. 50) is set to “In”, the FR-18 diatonic doesn’t be sure to never place it on the side when not play: it only receives MIDI messages.

  • Page 15: Before You Start Playing

    “Switching ume. the power on and off” on p. 21. To use the FR-18 Connect the included power cord to the AC diatonic with batteries, see “Installing and removing adapter.

  • Page 16: Installing And Removing Batteries

    Installing and removing batteries Actual battery life varies according to usage conditions, the Your FR-18 diatonic has a compartment into which you quality of the batteries and the number of charging cycles. can install 8 optional rechargeable AA-type Ni-MH bat- teries (not supplied).

  • Page 17: Connecting The Fr-18 Diatonic To An Amplifier, Mixer, Etc

    Attaching the straps cation system. If you are using optional batteries and need to connect the FR-18 diatonic to a PA system or Proceed as follows to attach the straps to your FR-18 mixer, we recommend using a commercially available...

  • Page 18: Bass Strap

    Repeat steps (7)~(9) for the other lower strap end. Bass strap The FR-18 diatonic’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.

  • Page 19: Securing The Adapter And/Or Midi Cable

    Proceed as follows to ensure that the adapter cable –or a MIDI cable– doesn’t come loose while you are playing. Your FR-18 diatonic comes with an adapter and an attachment strip that allows you to secure the adapter cable and optional MIDI as well as audio cables to the right strap.

  • Page 20: Personalizing Your Fr-18 Diatonic

    The artwork you see behind the treble registers (above the Roland logo) can be replaced either with one of the sheets supplied with the FR-18 diatonic or with a graphic you create yourself. To do so, proceed as fol-...

  • Page 21: Switching The Power On And Off

    To switch the FR-18 diatonic on, press its [POWER] button. Using headphones The FR-18 diatonic has a socket for plugging in head- phones. This allows you to play without having to worry about bothering others around you, even at night.
  • Page 22 V-Accordion FR-18 diatonic Before you start playing • Your headphones may be damaged if the volume of a device is already turned up when you plug them in. Minimize the volume before you plug in the headphones. • Excessive input will not only damage your hearing, but may also strain the headphones.

  • Page 23: Listening To The Demo Songs

    Listening to the demo songs The FR-18 diatonic contains a series of demo songs that illustrate its wide variety of sounds and applications. Here is how to listen to those demo songs and fully appreciate the sounds contained in your diatonic V-Accordion: Switch on the FR-18 diatonic.

  • Page 24: Using Sets

    Using Sets Using Sets The FR-18 diatonic is a “virtual” accordion. It recreates the sounds of various accordion instruments and can even gener- ate orchestral sounds (like trumpet, flute, etc.), organ and drum sounds. Recalling a Set is similar to switching to a different Press one of the treble registers [1]~[4] to accordion.

  • Page 25: Selecting And Playing Sounds

    NOTE The sound it produces is deter- The FR-18 diatonic has 12 different button layouts. If it mined by the register [1]~[4] you seems to sound the wrong notes, see “Changing the con- pressed last. This section can be figuration of the keyboards (Tablature)”...

  • Page 26: Selecting The Orchestra/Organ Mode

    Function mode. In that case, press [SET] again to leave that twice. mode, then repeat step (1). NOTE Each time you switch on your FR-18 diatonic, it selects SOLO mode. It flashes red to signal that you have entered organ sound selection mode.

  • Page 27: Transposing The Treble Section In Octave Steps

    Switch on the FR-18 diatonic. See “Switching the power on and off” on p. 21. NOTE After switching on the FR-18 diatonic, the bass registers select accordion sounds. Press one of the 3 bass registers (1~3) to select the desired sound.

  • Page 28: Selecting Orchestral Sounds For The Left Hand

    Selecting orchestral sounds for the left hand buttons. Besides the common accordion bass sounds, the FR-18 diatonic’s bass and chord sections allow you to play Switch on the FR-18 diatonic. orchestral sounds. These can be assigned to only the See “Switching the power on and off”...

  • Page 29: Orchestral Sounds For The Bass Section And The Chord Section

    Orchestral sounds for the bass section and the orchestral chord sounds. chord section The FR-18 diatonic allows you to swiftly assign one orchestral sound to the bass buttons, and another to the chord buttons. Press the [ORCH BASS] and/or [ORCH Orchestral chord sounds CHORD] buttons (they will light).

  • Page 30: Switching Off Sections You Don't Need (Mute Function)

    Bass section will switch that part on again. Playing drum/percussion sounds The [DRUMS] button flashes. Your FR-18 diatonic contains a drum part that can be The lit treble register shows the currently selected played in real time in addition to the bass&chord part. Drum Set.

  • Page 31: Highlighting Some Practical Functions

    V-Accordion FR-18 diatonic Highlighting some practical functions Highlighting some practical functions This chapter discusses some useful functions, like changing your keyboard layout (tablature), changing your playing tonality, using the metronome, checking the battery status, and so on. Use registers [1]~[4] to select one of the...

  • Page 32: Adjusting The Chorus And Reverb Effects

    The KEY function lets you play the FR-18 diatonic in any Press the [SET] register once to exit Func- key. This is convenient when you are asked to play cer- tion mode.

  • Page 33: Changing The Configuration Of The Keyboards (Tablature)

    “tablature”. The FR-18 diatonic allows you to change the note con- figuration of the treble and bass keyboards, because the FR-18 diatonic has no real reeds and no corresponding fixed mechanical parts inside.

  • Page 34: Using The Metronome

    Press and hold the [LEFT REGISTER] button. NOTE Each time you switch on the FR-18 diatonic, it will load the tablature whose number you saved. Using the metronome Your FR-18 diatonic contains a metronome that may come in handy when you are practising new pieces, or during your accordion classes.

  • Page 35: Saving Your Settings (User Programs)

    Saving your settings (User Programs) Your FR-18 diatonic contains 4 User Program memories where you can store the settings listed below. Working with those memories has the advantage that you can recall frequently used settings at the press of a button. The User Pro- gram settings also include the “address”...

  • Page 36: Editing A User Program

    V-Accordion FR-18 diatonic Saving your settings (User Programs) Editing a User Program You can also change the settings of an existing User Program. Press the [USER PROGRAM/DEC] button to enter User Program mode. The button lights. Press the treble register ([1]~[4]) that is assigned to the User Program whose set- tings you want to use.

  • Page 37: Data Management Via The Usb Port

    Data management via the USB port The FR-18 diatonic allows you to save and import User Program settings to/from an optional USB memory connected to its USB port. You can also import Sets, new sounds and new tablatures you copied to your USB memory using your PC.

  • Page 38: Loading User Program Sets From A Usb Memory (Optional)

    User Program Sets (U01.USD~U04.USD) from a USB memory to the FR-18 diatonic’s internal memory. NOTE If one of the treble registers flashes red, the FR-18 diatonic NOTE has noticed an error: Be sure to connect your USB memory before proceeding.

  • Page 39: Importing Tablature Sets

    NOTE NOTE If one of the treble registers flashes red, the FR-18 diatonic If one of the treble registers flashes red, the FR-18 diatonic has noticed an error: has noticed an error: • Missing USB memory •...
  • Page 40 When they go dark, the selected sound expansion file has been imported. NOTE If all four treble registers flash red, the FR-18 diatonic has noticed an error: • Missing USB memory • The sound expansion file is already available inside the FR-18 diatonic •...

  • Page 41: Editing Function Settings

    Editing Function settings The FR-18 diatonic provides a series of specialized parameters that may come in handy when you need to fine-tune the FR-18 diatonic’s response to your playing style. Some of these settings can be saved to the FR-18 diatonic’s User Pro- grams (see p.

  • Page 42: Selecting The Desired Function

    V-Accordion FR-18 diatonic Editing Function settings The “Function” group also contains the following commands that apply to the FR-18 diatonic’s memory or a USB memory you may have connected. These are explained on the indicated pages. Button Function Load factory Set p.

  • Page 43: Parameters

    Value –40 Master Tune 415~440~466 (Hz) Default setting: 440 2• This parameter allows you to change the FR-18 diatonic’s overall tuning. The factory default, “440”, Orchestra Bass Level represents the reference pitch used by all electronic –40~0~+40 Default setting: 0 musical instruments.
  • Page 44 V-Accordion FR-18 diatonic Editing Function settings Drum Sound Level Reverb Level Fix Low, Fix Med, Fix High, Default setting: 0 0~127 Default setting: 48 –40~0~+40 This parameter allows you to set the volume of the This parameter allows you to set the audio level of reverb effect with respect to the accordion and/or the drum sounds.
  • Page 45 Default setting: 0 X-Heavy You will probably agree that electronic sounds must This parameter allows you to adapt the FR-18 not only reproduce the basic timbre of an existing diatonic’s expressive potential to your playing style. If signal, but also the original instrument’s behavior you think the sounds don’t respond the way you...
  • Page 46 V-Accordion FR-18 diatonic Editing Function settings • Switch off the FR-18 diatonic (see p. 21), wait a Bass Button Noise few seconds, then switch it back on again. Off, –40~0~+40 Default setting: 0 NOTE The bass section of almost all accordion instruments See also “Communication via the USB MIDI port”...

  • Page 47: Connecting To Midi Devices

    Connecting to MIDI devices Your FR-18 diatonic can also transmit or receive MIDI data, thus providing an even greater versatility. In this section, we’ll look at what MIDI is and does and which MIDI functions are available on the FR-18 diatonic.

  • Page 48: Communication Via The Usb Midi Port

    If you use a USB cable (commercially available) to con- MIDI parameters nect the FR-18 diatonic’s USB MIDI port to a USB port The MIDI parameters belong to the “Function” environ- of your computer, you’ll be able to do the following.
  • Page 49 (similar to the way in which a the Treble section’s orchestral/organ part. Select “Off” guitarist or organ player uses a volume pedal). if the Orchestra/Organ section should neither receive The FR-18 diatonic can manage expression messages nor transmit MIDI data. in the following ways: NOTE See “MIDI TX/RX Channel Treble”...
  • Page 50 Register Value 1• Select this setting if you want to play on the FR-18 diatonic’s keyboards and transmit the MIDI data gen- erated by your playing to an external device. Select this setting if you want to receive MIDI data generated by an external device.

  • Page 51: Miscellaneous

    Recovering the factory User Set data There may be times when you no longer need your User Set settings and prefer to use the Set data the FR-18 diatonic contained when you first bought it. To do so, proceed as follows: Press and hold the [SET] register (it flashes slowly).

  • Page 52: Troubleshooting

    This section provides an overview of points to check and “Off” (page 46). actions to take when the FR-18 diatonic does not func- tion as you expect. Feel free to contact your Roland The FR-18 diatonic does not respond to your...

  • Page 53: Specifications

    Wave ROM: 64MB of waveforms (8+8MB expansion MIDI OUT/IN socket (function adjustable via parameter) sounds) DC IN socket: for supplied Roland PSB-1U AC adaptor Tones: 12 accordion Sets, each including: Dimensions 8 treble registers, 8 orchestral sounds, 4 organ sounds...

  • Page 54: Appendix

    V-Accordion FR-18 diatonic Appendix Appendix Tablatures (default: key of G unless specified otherwise) Tablature 1 — — — — — — — — B– A– — — — — — — — — — — — — Tablature 2 —...
  • Page 55 V-Accordion FR-18 diatonic Tablatures (default: key of G unless specified otherwise) Tablature 3 — — — — — — — — B– A– G– D– F#– E– A– Tablature 4 — — — — — — — — A– D–...
  • Page 56 V-Accordion FR-18 diatonic Appendix Tablature 5 — — — — — — — — — — — — — — F#– — — — — — — — — Tablature 6 (key of B) — — — — — —...
  • Page 57 V-Accordion FR-18 diatonic Tablatures (default: key of G unless specified otherwise) Tablature 7 — — — — — — — — D– B– E– A– Tablature 8 — — — — — — — — — — — — —...
  • Page 58 V-Accordion FR-18 diatonic Appendix Tablature 9 — — — — — — — — G– D– A– A– Tablature 10 — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —...
  • Page 59 V-Accordion FR-18 diatonic Tablatures (default: key of G unless specified otherwise) Tablature 11 — — — — — — A– D– — — — — — — — — — — — — Tablature 12 (key of C) — —...

  • Page 60: Demo Songs

    Danilo Di Paolonicola 08 Hidden Heart Danilo Di Paolonicola SET 1.2 Classic [*] Copyright ©2011 Roland Europe Spa. All rights reserved. Treble Registers Unauthorized use of the demo songs for purposes other Register Number than private enjoyment is a violation of applicable laws. The 16’...
  • Page 61 V-Accordion FR-18 diatonic Sounds contained in the various Sets SET 1.3 Tradition Register Number Orchestra Treble Registers 1 (pressed once) Harmonica Register Number 16’ 8’ 8’+ 8’- 4’ 1 (pressed again) Mandolin 1 (pressed once) 2 (pressed once) Banjo 1 (pressed again)
  • Page 62 V-Accordion FR-18 diatonic Appendix Register Number Orchestra Chord SET 3.1 Alpine Oct.Piano Treble Registers Register Number Vibe 16’ 8’ 8’+ 8’- 4’ 80s PolySy 1 (pressed once) Register Number Orchestra Bass 1 (pressed again) Fretless 2 (pressed once) Finger Bs...
  • Page 63 V-Accordion FR-18 diatonic Sounds contained in the various Sets Register Number Orchestra Register Number Orchestra Chord 1 (pressed once) Trumpet Str & Choir 1 (pressed again) Clarinet Xylophone 2 (pressed once) Harmonica FM Ep26 A 2 (pressed again) Flute1 Register Number...

  • Page 64: Program Change Numbers

    Strings 4 (pressed again) Sl. Strings Program Change numbers Register Number Orchestra Chord Below please find the program change numbers for the FR-18 diatonic’s Sets and registers. GTR Chord Bank Select Xylophone Program Change MSB CC00 LSB CC32 Ac. Piano 1.1 Folk...

  • Page 65: Bank Select And Program Change Rx/Tx

    V-Accordion FR-18 diatonic Program Change numbers Bank Select and Program Change RX/TX Bank Select Program Section Change MSB CC00 LSB CC32 Treble Registers Bass Registers Orch Bass Registers Orch Chord Registers Orchestra Registers 9~16 Organ Registers 1~12 Sets...

  • Page 66: Midi Implementation Chart

    V-Accordion FR-18 diatonic Appendix MIDI Implementation Chart [V-Accordion] Date: December 2010 Model: FR-18 diatonic Version: 1.00 Function... Transmitted Recognized Remarks 7 Parts: 1= Treble, 2= Bass, 3= Chord, 4= Orchestra/Organ, Basic Default 1~16, Off 1~16, Off 5= Orchestra Bass, 6= Orchestra...
  • Page 67 V-Accordion FR-18 diatonic Information Information Information When you need repair service, call your nearest Roland Service Center or authorized Roland distributor in your country as shown below.
  • Page 68 V-Accordion FR-18 diatonic Appendix MEMO...

  • Page 69: Index

    V-Accordion Index Index Shift ......27 Solo ......26 Adapter .
  • Page 70 FR-18 diatonic V-Accordion...
  • Page 71 V-Accordion For EU Countries For EU countries For China For China For C.A. US (Proposition 65) For C.A. US ( Proposition 65 ) WARNING This product contains chemicals known to cause cancer, birth defects and other reproductive harm, including lead.
  • Page 72 602.00.0462.01 RES 816-10 FR-18 diatonic Owner's Manual - E...

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