[NAMM] Roland FR-18 V-Accordion

The FR-18 diatonic is designed to let folk accordionists “conquer the inherent limitations of their traditional acoustic diatonic accordions, which include the instrument’s fixed musical key, limited note range, and static sound signature.”

Thanks to its digital sound engine, the FR-18 diatonic can be transposed to a different key at the touch of a button, and its sound can be changed at will.

The FR-18 diatonic has 12 ethnic accordion sound sets onboard, including Cajun, Organetto, Tex Mex and Alpine, allowing accordionists to play musical styles like Zydeco, Balkan, and Irish. In addition, there are eight orchestral voices and four Virtual Tone Wheel organs with fast and slow rotary effects, letting accordion players explore completely new musical styles. It’s also possible to assign drum sounds to the bass and chord buttons and play them manually. Finally, sounds can be customized and stored in four user registrations for recall.

The FR-18 diatonic’s keyboard and bass button layout can be reconfigured, and users can store 12 different tablatures onboard for access. A simple software-based editor (available via free download) with the FR-18 makes it easy for users to create custom tablatures on their Windows or Mac-based computer. These tablatures can then be transferred to the FR-18 diatonic via USB flash memory.

With its speaker-less design and battery-powered operation, the FR-18 diatonic is designed to allow the accordionist to perform freely. When paired with a battery-powered amp such as Roland’s Mobile CUBE, CUBE Street, or BA-330, players have a mobile setup for performing anywhere. The FR-18 diatonic also works with popular wireless audio systems, and features a headphone output for silent practice.

Another feature of the FR-18 diatonic is the ability for users to customize its look with replaceable inlay sheets.

For more information, visit www.RolandConnect.com.