ROLAND FR-3B - Hi-Fi System

FR-3B - Hi-Fi System ROLAND - Free user manual and instructions

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Product Type V-Accordion (Button Version)
Model Roland FR-3B
Sound Engine PBM (Physical Behavior Modeling)
Preset Sets 10 (Classic, Jazz, Italian Folk, German Folk, French Folk, Spanish Folk, Bandoneon, Alpine, Cajun, Tex-Mex)
Treble Registers 10 (Bassoon, Bandon, Harmon, Organ, Master, Musette, Violin, Oboe, Clarinet, Piccolo)
Bass Registers 7 (2', 4', 8-4', 16'/8'/8-4'/4'/2', 8'/4'/2', 16'/8'/8-4', 16'/2')
Free Bass Registers 7
Orchestral Sounds 10 Treble, 7 Bass, 7 Chord, 7 Free Bass
Effects Reverb: 8 types, Chorus: 8 types, Cassotto & Sordina simulation
Keyboard (Treble) 92 Treble Buttons (C-Griff/B-Griff/D-Griff selectable)
Bass System Stradella buttons (120 bass buttons) with Free Bass mode
Bellows Pressure sensor with resistance regulator (4 positions)
Controls Volume, Balance, Reverb, Chorus knobs; 10 Treble registers, 7 Bass registers, SET, ORCHESTRA, METRONOME, SORDINA switch
Display LED, 3 x 7 segments with 3 dots
Connectors DC IN, MIDI OUT/IN, OUTPUT L/MONO (Treble), R/MONO (Bass), PHONES (stereo)
Power Supply External AC adapter (100-240V, universal)
Battery Option 10x AA Ni-MH batteries (not included), approx. 5 hours continuous use
Dimensions (H x W x D) 387 x 472 x 240 mm
Weight 7.5 kg (without straps or batteries)
Supplied Accessories AC adapter, owner's manual, straps, reference caps for bass and treble buttons, accordion cloth, battery holder (pre-installed)
Options Accordion soft bag, AA batteries (10)
Maintenance Clean with soft dry cloth; avoid benzene, thinner, alcohol
Safety Use only supplied adapter; do not disassemble; keep away from moisture and heat
Service Refer to nearest Roland Service Center or authorized distributor

Frequently Asked Questions - FR-3B ROLAND

How do I turn on the FR-3B?
Press the POWER button on the treble control panel. The button lights up when the instrument is on. If using an AC adapter, connect it to the DC IN socket first. If using batteries, ensure they are installed correctly (10x AA Ni-MH).
How can I change the accordion sound?
Press the SET register, then press one of the treble registers (1-0) to select a Set (e.g., CLASSIC, JAZZ). Within a Set, press a treble register to choose a footage (e.g., Bassoon, Master). For bass sounds, use the bass registers directly.
How do I use the orchestral sounds?
Press the ORCHESTRA register, then press a treble register to select an orchestral sound (e.g., Trombone, Trumpet). The dot on the display indicates the orchestra part is active. You can combine it with accordion sounds using modes (SOLO, DUAL, HIGH, LOW) by holding ORCHESTRA and pressing register 7, 8, 9, or 0.
Can I connect the FR-3B to an external amplifier?
Yes. Use the OUTPUT L/MONO (Treble) and R/MONO (Bass) sockets with 1/4" TS cables. Connect to a mixer or amplifier. For mono, use only one output. The FR-3B does not have internal speakers, so an external amp or headphones are required to hear sound.
What batteries can I use?
Use 10x AA Ni-MH rechargeable batteries (2500mAh or higher). Do not use carbon-zinc or alkaline batteries. Remove batteries if not using for extended periods. Battery life is approximately 5 hours for the FR-3B under continuous use.
How do I use headphones?
Plug stereo headphones (e.g., Roland RH-25, RH-50, RH-200) into the PHONES socket. On the FR-3B, this does not mute internal speakers (as there are none), but it allows private practice.
How do I transpose the key?
Hold the SET register until the display shows a parameter name. Use register 3/◄ or 4/► to select trP (Transpose). Use register 1/- or 2/+ to set the desired semitone shift (-6 to +5). Note: This setting resets when power is turned off.
How do I use the metronome?
Press the METRONOME button to start/stop. First, set the time signature (parameter MtS), tempo (MtP), and level (M L) in the PARAM LIST (hold SET, navigate with registers 3/4). Range: 20-250 bpm, signatures 1/4 to 9/8.
How do I reset the FR-3B to factory defaults?
Hold the SET register and press register 0 (TEX MEX) while powering on. Alternatively, in PARAM LIST, select Fty (Factory) and confirm with register 2/+. This restores all settings and Sets.
How do I clean and maintain the FR-3B?
Use a soft, dry cloth for everyday cleaning. For stubborn dirt, use a mild detergent diluted with water, then wipe dry. Never use benzene, thinner, alcohol, or abrasive cleaners. Avoid exposing the instrument to extreme temperatures, moisture, or direct sunlight.

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USER MANUAL FR-3B ROLAND

ROLAND FR-3B - 1

natural_image Black and white photo of a Roland radio fan with standard keys and buttons (no visible text or symbols on the instrument itself)

Owner's Manual

ROLAND FR-3B - 2

For EU Countries

This product complies with the requirements of European Directive EMC 89/336/EEC.

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 equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

– Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
– Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
- Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
- Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:

(1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and
(2) This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

Unauthorized changes or modification to this system can void the users authority to operate this equipment.

This equipment requires shielded interface cables in order to meet FCC class B Limit.

For Canada

NOTICE

This Class B digital apparatus meets all requirements of the Canadian Interference-Causing Equipment Regulations.

AVIS

IMPORTANT: THE WIRES IN THIS MAINS LEAD ARE COLOURED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE FOLLOWING CODE.

BLUE: NEUTRAL

BROWN: LIVE

As the colours of the wires in the mains lead of this apparatus may not correspond with the coloured markings identifying the terminals in your plug, proceed as follows:

The wire which is coloured BLUE must be connected to the terminal which is marked with the letter N or coloured BLACK. The wire which is coloured BROWN must be connected to the terminal which is marked with the letter L or coloured RED.

Under no circumstances must either of the above wires be connected to the earth terminal of a three pin plug.

ROLAND FR-3B - AVIS - 1

This product must be disposed of separately at

your local waste recycling centre.

Do not dispose of in household waste bin.

The technology used in the FR-3s, FR-3sb, FR-3 and FR-3b is covered by U.S. Patent No. 6.946.594.

Roland

FR-3 FR-3 _b FR-3 _s FR-3 _sb

V·Accordion

Owner's Manual

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 controlled by air flow from the bellows, and that there are almost as many types as there are countries. The accordion family indeed includes instruments called "Aeloine", "Aerophone", "Bayan", "Buzika", "Concertina", "Drängkammarorgel", "Fisarmonica", "Hanuri", "Melodeon", "Pedalowka", "Schwyzerorgeli", "Squeeze Box", "Sun Fin Chin", and many others.

The major advantage of the FR-3 is that it allows you to change sounds without changing instruments. Apart from the financial benefit (the FR-3 costs far less than what you have to pay for the emulated originals), this also means that you can use your familiar playing style and techniques while covering a host of different musical genres.

To get the most out of the FR-3 and to ensure many years of trouble-free service, we urge you to read through this Owner's Manual thoroughly.

Before using this instrument, carefully read the "Important notes" (p. 9). They provide information concerning the proper operation of the FR-3. Be sure to keep this manual in a safe place for future reference.

This manual applies to four instruments:

FR-3s & FR-3 (the keyboard versions) FR-3sb & FR-3b (the button versions)

For reasons of space, we will use the term "FR-3" to refer to all four of them, and only use "FR-3s" and "FR-3sb" functions that are only available on the versions with speakers.

Contents

  1. Features....6
  2. Important notes 9
  3. Panel descriptions....11

Treble control panel 11
Bass control panel....12
Connection panel 13

  1. Setting up ....14

Connections....14
Securing the adapter and/or MIDI cable....14
Attaching the straps....15
Switching the power on and off 16
Listening to the demo songs....18
First steps 19
Touring the FR-3's sections....21
Using the orchestral sounds 25

  1. Other practical functions....31

Switching off sections you don't need 31
Using the metronome 31
Pitch-related functions 34

  1. Editing settings....36

Selecting the desired function 37
PARAM LIST parameters. 37
MIDI parameters....45

  1. Restoring the factory defaults....53

  2. Using optional batteries....54

What can you do with batteries? 54
Installing and removing batteries....54

  1. Troubleshooting ....56
  2. Specifications ....57
  3. Appendix ...... 58

Factory Sets 58

Demo Songs....58
MIDI implementation....59
MIDI Implementation Chart 61

  1. Information 62
  2. Index....63

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 system is powerful enough for small venues, restaurants, etc. (The FR-3/FR-3b has no internal amplification.)

Sophisticated MIDI control

The FR-3 is the most versatile and "musical" MIDI controller to date, going far beyond the control possibilities of a MIDI keyboard with optional performance functions or of MIDlified wind instruments.

PBM (Physical Behavior Modeling)

The FR-3 V-Accordion is based on Roland's sound generation technology called "PBM" (Physical Behavior Modeling) whose sonic result is very close to the sound of traditional accordions.

Super realistic accordion simulations

The FR-3 provides 10 memories called "Sets", with 10 treble registers, 7 bass & chord registers, and 7 Free Bass registers. All sounds it produces were obtained by sampling popular traditional acoustic accordions. Different tuning systems are also available.

This V-Accordion allows you to switch from an Italian jazz accordion to German folk, French musette or a historic bandoneon sound – without changing your technique.

Orchestral sounds

10 orchestral sounds can be used in combination with traditional accordion sounds – complete with full bellows articulation (something like breath control for accordions, but much more refined) and unique keyboard modes (Solo, Dual, High and Low).

Orchestral bass and chord sounds

The FR-3 also provides 7 orchestral bass and chord sounds for the Bass and Chord sections as well as the Free Bass section.

The digital advantage

The V-Accordion includes all functions and sounds of a traditional accordion, thus conveying a truly natural feel and sound. Yet it also provides the advantages only an electronic musical instrument can give you:

  • reduced overall weight;
  • possibility to choose among a wide variety of sounds;
  • tuning stability over time and wear resistance of all mechanical parts;
  • you can sound in a different key than the one you are playing in (transpose function);
  • you can play with headphones, i.e. without disturbing your neighbors or family.

Superb performance flexibility

The V-Accordion allows you to control external MIDI-compatible instruments. The Treble keyboard and chord/bass buttons are velocity-sensitive, while the bellows controller provides more articulation possibilities than any other MIDI keyboard, MIDI wind instrument, etc., you may know.

In High or Low mode (see p. 25), you can control up to 4 parts simultaneously (two sounds in the right hand/ two sounds in the left).

Useful accessory

The FR-3 has a compartment for optional AA-type batteries. Consider purchasing such batteries (you will need 10) when performing on stage, or to use the FR-3s/FR-3sb as a stand-alone instrument (taking advantage of its internal speakers).

USING THE UNIT SAFELY

INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE PREVENTION OF FIRE, ELECTRIC SHOCK, OR INJURY TO PERSONS

About ⚠ WARNING and ⚠ CAUTION Notices

⚠ WARNINGUsed for instructions intended to alert the user to the risk of death or severe injury should the unit be used improperly.
⚠ CAUTIONUsed for instructions intended to alert the user to the risk of injury or material damage should the unit be used improperly.* Material damage refers to damage or other adverse effects caused with respect to the home and all its furnishings, as well to domestic animals or pets.

About the Symbols

The △ symbol alerts the user to important instructions or warnings. The specific meaning of the symbol is determined by the design contained within the triangle. In the case of the symbol at left, it is used for general cautions, warnings, or alerts to danger.
The ⊗ symbol alerts the user to items that must never be carried out (are forbidden). The specific thing that must not be done is indicated by the design contained within the circle. In the case of the symbol at left, it means that the unit must never be disassembled.
The ● symbol alerts the user to things that must be carried out. The specific thing that must be done is indicated by the design contained within the circle. In the case of the symbol at left, it means that the power-cord plug must be unplugged from the outlet.

ALWAYS OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING

WARNING

- Before using this instrument, read the instructions below and the Owner's Manual.

ROLAND FR-3B - WARNING - 1

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

ROLAND FR-3B - WARNING - 2

- Do not attempt to repair the FR-3 or replace parts within it (except when this manual provides specific instructions directing you to do so). Refer all servicing to your retailer, the nearest Roland Service Center or an authorized Roland distributor, as listed on the "Information" page.

ROLAND FR-3B - WARNING - 3

- Never use or store the FR-3 in places that are: - Subject to temperature extremes (e.g., direct sunlight in an enclosed vehicle, near a heating duct, on top of heat-generating equipment); or are - Damp (e.g., baths, washrooms, on wet floors); or are - Humid; or are - Exposed to rain; or are - Dusty; or are - Subject to high levels of vibration.

ROLAND FR-3B - WARNING - 4

- When not in use, do not place the FR-3/FR-3b or FR-3s/FR-3sb vertically due to instability. If placed in the vertical position on the floor/stage, ensure that it leans against a stable vertical surface e.g. a wall or a heavy musical instrument.

ROLAND FR-3B - WARNING - 5

- The FR-3's adapter should only be connected to a power supply of the type described in the operating instructions or as marked on the adapter's label.

ROLAND FR-3B - WARNING - 6

- Be sure to use only the AC adaptor supplied with the unit. Also, make sure the line voltage at the installation matches the input voltage specified on the AC adaptor's body. Other AC adaptors may use a different polarity, or be designed for a different voltage, so their use could result in damage, malfunction, or electric shock.

WARNING

- Do not excessively twist or bend the adapter cord, nor place heavy objects on it. Doing so can damage the cord, producing severed elements and short circuits. Damaged cords are fire and shock hazards!

ROLAND FR-3B - WARNING - 1

- Use only the attached power-supply cord. Also, the supplied power cord must not be used with any other device.

ROLAND FR-3B - WARNING - 2

- This instrument, either alone or in combination with an amplifier and headphones or speakers, may be capable of producing sound levels that could cause permanent hearing loss. Do not operate for a long period of time at a high volume level or at a level that is uncomfortable. If you experience any hearing loss or ringing in the ears, you should immediately stop using the FR-3 and consult an audiologist.

ROLAND FR-3B - WARNING - 3

- Do not allow any objects (e.g., flammable material, coins, pins); or liquids of any kind (water, soft drinks, etc.) to penetrate the FR-3.

ROLAND FR-3B - WARNING - 4

- Batteries must never be recharged, heated, taken apart, or thrown into fire or water.

ROLAND FR-3B - WARNING - 5

- In households with small children, an adult should provide supervision until the child is capable of following all rules essential for the safe operation of the FR-3.

ROLAND FR-3B - WARNING - 6

- Protect the FR-3 from strong impact. (Do not drop it!)

ROLAND FR-3B - WARNING - 7

ROLAND FR-3B - WARNING - 8

- 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 damaged; or

- Objects have fallen into or liquid has been spilled onto the FR-3; or

- The unit has been exposed to rain (or otherwise has become wet); or

- The unit does not appear to operate normally or exhibits a marked change in performance.

- Do not force the adapter to share an outlet with an unreasonable number of other devices. Be especially 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 rating (watts/amperes) for the extension cord. Excessive loads can cause the insulation on the cord to heat up and eventually melt through.

ROLAND FR-3B - WARNING - 9

ROLAND FR-3B - WARNING - 10

WARNING

- Before using the FR-3 in a foreign country, consult with your retailer, the nearest Roland Service Center or an authorized Roland distributor, as listed on the "Information" page.

ROLAND FR-3B - WARNING - 1

CAUTION

- The FR-3 should be located so that its location or position does not interfere with its proper ventilation.

ROLAND FR-3B - CAUTION - 1

- Always grasp only the plug on the power-supply cord when plugging into or unplugging from, an outlet or this unit.

ROLAND FR-3B - CAUTION - 2

- At regular intervals, you should unplug the AC adaptor and clean it by using a dry cloth to wipe all dust and other accumulations away from its prongs. Also, disconnect the power plug from the power outlet whenever the FR-3 is to remain unused for an extended period of time. Any accumulation of dust between the power plug and the power outlet can result in poor insulation and lead to fire.

ROLAND FR-3B - CAUTION - 3

- If used improperly, batteries may explode or leak and cause damage or injury. In the interest of safety, please read and observe the following precautions.

ROLAND FR-3B - CAUTION - 4

- Carefully follow the installation instructions for batteries, and make sure you observe the correct polarity.

- Avoid using new batteries together with used ones. In addition, avoid mixing different types of batteries.

- Remove the batteries whenever the unit is to remain unused for an extended period of time.

- Used batteries must be disposed of in compliance with whatever regulations for their safe disposal that may be observed in the region in which you live.

ROLAND FR-3B - CAUTION - 5

- Try to prevent cords and cables from becoming entangled. Also, all cords and cables should be placed out of the reach of children.

ROLAND FR-3B - CAUTION - 6

- Never climb on top of, nor place heavy objects on the FR-3.

ROLAND FR-3B - CAUTION - 7

- Never handle the adapter or its plugs with wet hands when plugging into or unplugging from, an outlet or this unit.

ROLAND FR-3B - CAUTION - 8

- If you need to move the FR-3, take note of the precautions listed below. Make sure to have a firm grip, to protect yourself from injury and the instrument from damage.

ROLAND FR-3B - CAUTION - 9

- Disconnect the adapter.

- Disconnect all cords coming from external devices.

- Before cleaning the FR-3, turn off the power and unplug the power cord from the outlet.

ROLAND FR-3B - CAUTION - 10

- Whenever you suspect the possibility of lightning in your area, disconnect the adapter from the outlet.

ROLAND FR-3B - CAUTION - 11

- Should you remove screws, make sure to put them in a safe place out of children's reach, so there is no chance of them being swallowed accidentally.

ROLAND FR-3B - CAUTION - 12

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 machine, microwave oven, or air conditioner), or that contains a motor. Depending on the way in which the electrical appliance is used, power supply noise may cause this unit to malfunction or may produce audible noise. If it is not practical to use a separate electrical outlet, connect a power supply noise filter between this unit and the electrical outlet.
  • 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-3 to other devices, turn off the power to all units. This will help prevent malfunctions and/or damage to speakers or other devices.
  • The AC adaptor will begin to generate heat after long hours of consecutive use. This is normal, and is not a cause for concern.
  • Although the display and LEDs are dark when the POWER switch is off, this does not mean that the unit has been completely disconnected from the power source. To turn off the power completely, first turn off the POWER switch, then unplug the power cord from the wall outlet. For this reason, the outlet to which you connect the power cord's plug should be one that is within easy reach.

Placement

  • Using the FR-3 near power amplifiers (or other equipment containing large power transformers) may induce hum. To alleviate the problem, change the orientation of this unit; or move it farther away from the source of interference.
  • This device may interfere with radio and television reception. Do not use this device in the vicinity of such receivers.
  • Do not place the FR-3 near devices that produce a strong magnetic field (e.g., loudspeakers).
    • Install the FR-3 on a solid, level surface.
  • Noise may be produced if wireless communications devices, such as cell phones, are operated in the vicinity of this unit. Such noise could occur when receiving or initiating a call or while conversing. Should you experience such problems, relocate such wireless devices so they are at a greater distance from this unit or switch them off.
  • Do not expose the unit to direct sunlight, place it near devices that radiate heat, leave it inside an enclosed vehicle or otherwise subject it to temperature extremes. Also, do not allow lighting devices that normally are used while their light source is very close to the unit (such as a piano light) or powerful spotlights to shine upon the same area of the unit for extended periods of time. Excessive heat can deform or discolor the unit.
  • To avoid possible breakdown, do not use the unit in a wet area, such as an area exposed to rain or other moisture.
  • Do not allow rubber, vinyl or similar materials to remain on the instrument for long periods of time. Such objects can discolor or otherwise harmfully affect the finish.
  • Do not put anything that contains water (e.g., flower vases) on the instrument. Also, avoid the use of insecticides, perfumes, alcohol, nail polish, spray cans, etc., near the unit. Swiftly wipe away any liquid that spills on the unit using a dry, soft cloth.
  • Do not allow objects to remain on top of the keyboard or buttons. This can be the cause of malfunction, such as keys or buttons ceasing to produce sound.

- Do not paste stickers, decals or the like on this instrument. Peeling these off, particularly when strong adhesives have been used, can damage the instrument's exterior finish (the stickers provided with this instrument feature a weak adhesive).

Maintenance

  • For everyday cleaning wipe the FR-3 with a soft, dry cloth or one that has been slightly dampened with water. To remove stubborn dirt, use a mild, non-abrasive detergent. Afterwards, be sure to wipe the instrument thoroughly with a soft, dry cloth.
  • Never use benzene, thinner, alcohol or solvents of any kind, to avoid the possibility of discoloration and/or deformation.

Repairs and data

- Please be aware that all data contained in the instrument's memory may be lost when it is sent for repairs. In certain cases (such as when circuitry related to memory itself is out of order), we regret that it may not be possible to restore the data. Roland assumes no liability concerning such loss of data.

Additional precautions

  • When moved from one location to another where the temperature and/or humidity is very different, water droplets (condensation) may form inside the FR-3. Damage or malfunction may result if you attempt to use the FR-3 in this condition. Therefore, before using the FR-3, you must allow it to stand for several hours, until the condensation has completely evaporated.
  • Please be aware that the memory contents can be irretrievably lost as a result of a malfunction or the improper operation of the instrument. Therefore, be sure to archive important settings using the FR-3's Bulk Dump function (see p. 52).
  • Use a reasonable amount of care when using the instrument's buttons, other controls and jacks/connectors. Rough handling can lead to malfunctions.
  • Never strike or apply strong pressure to the display.
  • When connecting/disconnecting cables, grasp the connector itself—never pull on the cable. This way you will avoid causing shorts or damage to the cable's internal elements.
  • A small amount of heat will radiate from the instrument during normal operation. This is perfectly normal.
  • To avoid disturbing your neighbors, try to keep the instrument's volume at reasonable levels. You may prefer to use headphones, so you do not need to be concerned about those around you (especially late at night).
  • When you need to transport the instrument, package it in the box (including padding) that it came in. Otherwise, you will need to use equivalent packaging materials or a flightcase.
  • Use Roland cables to make audio connections. If using some other make of connection cable, please note the following precautions. Some connection cables contain resistors. Do not use cables that incorporate resistors for connecting to this unit. The use of such cables can cause the sound level to be extremely low or impossible to hear. For information on cable specifications, contact the manufacturer of the cable.

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, in cars during hot weather or directly in front of heaters. This may cause battery fluid leakage, impaired performance and shorten the batteries' service life.
  • Do not splash fresh or saltwater on a battery or allow the terminals to become damp. This may cause heat generation and formation of rust on the battery and its terminals.
  • If newly purchased batteries exhibit rust, generate heat or seem abnormal in any other way, do not use them. Take them back to your dealer.
  • Keep the batteries out of reach of babies or small children.
  • Be sure to carefully instruct any person on the proper way of handling a battery.
  • Never dispose of the battery in a fire. Never heat it. Doing so may melt the insulation, damage the gas release vents or protective devices, cause combustion through chemical reaction with generated hydrogen, ejection of battery fluid, bursting or fire.
  • Do not use batteries with the positive (+) and negative (−) terminals reversed, as this may drain the batteries or cause abnormal chemical reactions.
  • Do no strike or drop the batteries. Strong impact can cause leakage of battery fluid, heat generation, bursting or fire.
  • Never try to connect several batteries in parallel as this may cause leakage of battery fluid, heat generation, bursting or fire.
  • Do not alter or remove protective mechanisms or other parts. Never disassemble the batteries.
  • If any fluid from a battery comes in contact with the eyes, flush the eyes immediately, washing them thoroughly with clean water from a tap or other source and consult a doctor. Strong alkaline fluid can damage the eyes and lead to permanent loss of eyesight.
  • If skin or clothing comes in contact with any fluid from the battery, wash the area immediately with clean water from a tap. Battery fluid can cause skin damage.
  • When a battery is no longer usable, dispose of it in accordance with all applicable local laws and regulations.
  • If a battery leaks fluid, changes color or shape or changes in any other way, do not use it, otherwise it may cause heat generation, bursting or fire.

Strap holder precaution

- Never unscrew the strap holder rings to avoid damaging the FR-3's plastic housing, which eventually compromises overall stability and safety.

3. Panel descriptions

Treble control panel
Poland POWER SORDINA 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 SET CLASSIC JAZZ I FOLK D FOLK F FOLK SP FOLK BANDONEON ALPINE CAJUN TEX MEX TROMBONE TRUMPET T SAX A SAX CLARINET HARMONICA VIOLIN FLUTE JAZZ ORG BLUES ORG ORCHESTRA PARAM / MIDI VALUE PARAM LIST MIDI LIST METRONOME CHORUS REVERB ① ② ③ ④ ⑤ ⑥ ⑦

① POWER button

Press this button to switch the V-Accordion on (the button lights) and off (button dark).

② SORDINA switch

This MELLOW/BRIGHT switch allows you to switch the simulation of the wooden resonance chamber on ("BRIGHT") and off ("MELLOW").

③ VOL knob

This knob allows you to set the V-Accordion's overall volume.

④ BAL knob

This knob allows you to set the balance between the Bass and the Treble sections. Turn it towards "BASS" to decrease the Treble section's volume. Turn it towards "TREBLE" to decrease the Bass section's volume.

⑤ SET register

This register has three functions: if you press and then release it, you can select the desired Set (from among 10 available Sets).

After pressing SET, you can use the Treble registers to select one of the following Sets:

1 CLASSIC 6 SP FOLK
2 JAZZ 7 BANDONEON
3 I FOLK 8 ALPINE
4 D FOLK 9 CAJUN
5 F FOLK 0 TEX MEX

By pressing and holding it, you gain access to the parameter and MIDI functions printed below the remaining registers that allow you to change several settings.

Press it together with register 1/- or 2/+ to change octaves.

⑥ Treble registers

The Treble section provides the following 10 switches ("registers") that allow you to select various footages (see p. 21).

Treble registers
1 Bassoon 6 Musette
2 Bandoon 7 Violin
3 Harmon 8 Oboe
4 Organ 9 Clarinet
5 Master 0 Piccolo

If you hold down SET or ORCHESTRA, the Treble registers can also be used to select and/or set various parameters.

Note: The Treble register assignments change when you select Set 5 "F FOLK". See page 22 for details.

⑦ ORCHESTRA register

The ORCHESTRA register serves three purposes: after pressing it, you can use the Treble registers to select one of the 10 on-board orchestral sounds for the Treble section. Activate it, then press one of the registers 1\~0 to select the desired sound ("TROM-BONE", "TRUMPET", "T SAX", "A SAX"). See the red legends below the registers. Press it again to assign registers 1\~0 to the Treble section.

Press and hold this register to activate the demo song function (see p. 18) and select a demo song using registers 1/- (previous) or 2/+ (next).

Press and hold it while pressing register 7, 8, 9 or 0 to select an Orchestra mode (see p. 25).

⑧ 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.

⑨ CHORUS knob

Use this knob to set the level of the chorus effect (see p. 22).

⑩ REVERB knob

Use this knob to set the level of the reverb effect (see p. 22).

Bass control panel
ORCH BASS ORCH FREE DL ORCH CABB FREE BASS FR-3s ⑪ ⑫ ⑫ ⑫

⑪ Bass registers

These switches allow you to select the desired bass mix. They include the following footages:

Bass registers
1 2'58'/4'/2'
2 4'616'/8'/8-4'
3 8-4716'/2'
4 16788-4'/4'/2'

⑫ ORCH BASS registers

Press the last three ("ORCH BASS") registers (viewed from the top) simultaneously to enter Orchestra Bass mode (see p. 27). Doing so switches off the accordion bass sound and selects an orchestral sound. Press the last three registers again to return to normal bass mode.

⑬ ORCH FREE BS/ORCH CHORD registers

By pressing these three registers, you activate (or switch off) one of two Orchestra sections: ORCH CHORD (if the Free Bass section is off) or ORCH FREE BS (if the Free Bass section is on). "ORCH CHORD" allows you to assign an orchestral sound to the chord buttons. "ORCH FREE BS" can be used to select an orchestral bass sound for the Free Bass section. See p. 28 for details.

⑭ FREE BASS registers

Press the first three ("FREE BASS") registers (viewed from the top) simultaneously to enter Free Bass mode. Press the first three registers again to return to normal bass mode.

Free Bass registers
1 Low Low Low + High
2 High 6 High Low + High
3 Low High 7 Low High
4 Low High Low

⑮ Display

The display keeps you informed about the FR-3's status and helps you locate the functions you may wish to set.

ROLAND FR-3B - ⑮ Display - 1

natural_image Close-up of a black printer holder with a red LCD display and control panel (no visible text or symbols)

Connection panel

16 17 MIDI OUT/IN DC IN 12V 2.5A USE ROLAND PSB-RJ ADAPTER ONLY (G-S) 18 (TREBLE) L/MONO OUTPUT IBASSI R/MONO PHONES 19

⑯ 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.

⑰ MIDI OUT/IN socket

This socket can be used to receive or transmit MIDI data. Its function depends on the setting of the "MId" parameter (see p. 48).

⑱ OUTPUT L/MONO (TREBLE) & R/MONO (BASS) sockets

These sockets can be connected to an amplifier, a mixing console or a wireless system. If you use both connectors, the FR-3's output is stereo. In that case the signals of the Treble section is transmitted to the L/MONO socket, while the R/MONO socket transmits the bass (and chord) signal. If you only use one jack (connected to the "L" or "R" socket), the FR-3's output is mono.

Note: On the FR-3s/FR-3sb, connecting jacks to these sockets does not mute the internal speakers.

⑲ PHONES socket

This is where you can connect stereo headphones (Roland RH-25, RH-50 or RH-200). On the FR-3s/FR-3sb, connecting a pair of headphones mutes the internal speakers.

Important remark

After connecting any cable to the FR-3, be sure to never place it on the side when not using it.

  • Always stand the V-Accordion on its rubber feet (and in the corresponding direction) to avoid damaging the plugs.
  • Always handle and move the FR-3 with care and pay special attention to the cable slack to avoid damaging or bending the cables.
  • If you place the FR-3 on your lap, ensure that the audio and adapter cables run between your legs (not sideways) to avoid damaging or bending the cables.

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 batteries still needs to be connected to an amplifier.

Using the OUTPUT sockets

If you are using optional batteries and need to connect the FR-3 to a PA system or mixer, we recommend using a wireless system to avoid having to use excessively long signal cables.

The FR-3s/FR-3sb is equipped with an internal speaker system and thus does not need to be connected to an amplifier at all. The FR-3/FR-3b, on the other hand, does require an audio connection. You can also use a pair of headphones (Roland RH-25, RH-50, RH-200 or RH-300). In the case of the FR-3s/FR-3sb, connecting headphones switches off the internal speakers.

Note: To prevent malfunction and/or damage to speakers or other devices, always turn down the volume, and turn off the power on all devices before making any connections.

The FR-3's sounds have been arranged in such a way as to provide a natural stereo image. If you connect the V-Accordion to a mixing console, set the PAN parameter of the input to which the OUTPUT L socket (Treble section) is connected to "3 o'clock" and the PAN control of the channel to which the OUTPUT R socket (Bass section) is connected to "11 o'clock" to preserve this balance. Something like this: This setting can be changed, however (see "Stereo Width" on p. 41).

Note: The same connections apply to the FR-3sb and FR-3b. OUTPUT L/MONO + R/MONO INPUT L + R To a wall outlet Use either a long signal cable (10m or more) or an optional wireless system (recommended).

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.

(1) Remove the padding at the back of the FR-3. The padding is attached with several clips and can be removed simply by unclipping it.

ROLAND FR-3B - Securing the adapter and/or MIDI cable - 1

natural_image Hand inserting a component into a tablet device (no visible text or symbols)

Note the guide next to the right clip closest to the connection panel.

ROLAND FR-3B - Securing the adapter and/or MIDI cable - 2

natural_image Close-up of a black mechanical knob with a white arrow pointing to the knob (no text or symbols visible)

(2) Connect the small plug of the adapter cable to the DC IN socket and wind the cable around the guide:

ROLAND FR-3B - Securing the adapter and/or MIDI cable - 3

natural_image Close-up of hands adjusting a black mechanical component with a circular knob (no visible text or symbols)

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 have just installed.

ROLAND FR-3B - Securing the adapter and/or MIDI cable - 4

natural_image Close-up of hands adjusting a small black object with a screw, no visible text or symbols

When finished, the FR-3 should look as follows:

ROLAND FR-3B - Securing the adapter and/or MIDI cable - 5

natural_image Close-up of a black electronic device with coiled cable and a small multimeter attached (no visible text or symbols)

(4) Reverse these steps to remove and disconnect the adapter when you want to stop playing.

Attaching the straps

Proceed as follows to attach the straps to your FR-3:

(1) Unpack the straps.

(2) Put the FR-3 on a stable surface.

The connection panel must face down.

(3) Slide the upper end of one strap through the holder ring (see the illustration).

The upper end is the part with the velcro portions and the clip.

ROLAND FR-3B - Attaching the straps - 1

natural_image Close-up of a person adjusting a black hard-shell seatbelt on a metal case (no text or symbols visible)

(4) Fasten the strap's upper part to the velcro layer below it.

(5) Close the security clip to ensure that the strap cannot come loose.

ROLAND FR-3B - Attaching the straps - 2

natural_image Close-up of hands adjusting a black textured fabric with a small circular component (no visible text or symbols)

(6) Repeat steps (3)\~(5) for the other strap. The upper strap ends should look as follows:

ROLAND FR-3B - Attaching the straps - 3

natural_image Close-up of a black mechanical device with attached straps and clamps (no visible text or symbols)

(7) Turn the FR-3 around (with the connection panel on the left side, see below).

(8) Slide the lower end of one strap through the holder ring as shown.

ROLAND FR-3B - Attaching the straps - 4

natural_image Close-up of a hand adjusting a flexible cable or wire component (no visible text or symbols)

(9) Slide the strap end through the upper eyelet of its plastic buckle (see the illustration).

ROLAND FR-3B - Attaching the straps - 5

natural_image Close-up of hands adjusting a black plastic component with a strap, no visible text or symbols

(10) Turn the strap end around and insert it into the lower eyelet, then pull it tight.

ROLAND FR-3B - Attaching the straps - 6

natural_image Close-up of hands adjusting a flexible cable or strap component (no visible text or symbols)

(11) Slide the plastic clip over the loose and long lower strap ends to secure the strap.

ROLAND FR-3B - Attaching the straps - 7

natural_image Close-up of hands adjusting a black belt buckle (no visible text or symbols)

Note: You may want to adjust the length first to suit your preference.

(12) Repeat steps (8)\~(11) for the other lower strap end.

Switching the power on and off

The power-on procedure depends on whether or not you are using optional batteries.

Note: If you decide to use rechargeable AA batteries, be aware that they cannot be recharged simply by leaving them in the FR-3's compartment and connecting the adapter. You will need an external charging unit.

Note: Once the connections have been completed, turn on power to your various devices in the order specified. By turning on devices in the wrong order, you risk causing malfunction and/or damage to speakers and other devices.

If you are using the supplied adapter

If the FR-3 is powered by the supplied adapter, proceed as follows:

(1) Connect the supplied adapter to the FR-3's DC IN socket.

(2) Connect the FR-3's DC INLET socket to a wall outlet that meets the specifications (see p. 57).

To a wall outlet

ROLAND FR-3B - If you are using the supplied adapter - 2

The adapter should only be connected to a power source of the type marked on its label. For details on the power consumption, please refer to page 57.

(3) Turn down the output volume of the receiving audio device.

You can also simply switch it off.

(4) Connect the FR-3's OUTPUT sockets to the external audio device (amplifier, mixing console, etc.).

(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 before the unit will operate normally.

—To switch off you system—

(8) Turn down the output volume of the receiving audio device or switch it off.

(9) Press the FR-3's POWER button again so that its indicator goes dark.

Using batteries and no external amplification (FR-3s/FR-3sb only)

Note: See page 54 for how to work with batteries.

(1) Press the FR-3s/FR-3sb's POWER button (it lights) to switch it on.

ROLAND FR-3B - Using batteries and no external amplification (FR-3s/FR-3sb only) - 1

natural_image Illustration of a hand interacting with a keyboard and playing area (no text or symbols visible)

Note: You can also connect headphones.

(2) Start playing (see "First steps" on page 19).

(3) Press the POWER button again so that it goes dark when you are finished.

If you are using batteries and an audio connection to an external device

The FR-3/FR-3b needs to be connected to an amplification system of some sort (unless you want to use headphones).

Note: You can also purchase a wireless transmitter from third-party suppliers and connect it to the FR-3's OUTPUT sockets.

(1) Turn down the output volume of the receiving audio device.

You can also simply switch it off.

(2) Connect the FR-3's OUTPUT sockets to the external audio device using two 1/4" guitar cables.

Note: You can also connect headphones to the PHONES socket, in which case you do not need to establish an audio connection.

(3) Press the FR-3's POWER button (it lights) to switch it on.

(4) Switch on the receiving audio device.

(5) Start playing (see "First steps" on page 19).

—To switch off your system—

(6) Turn down the output volume of the receiving audio device, or switch it off.

(7) Press the FR-3's POWER button again so that it goes dark.

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) Switch on the FR-3.

See "Switching the power on and off" on p. 16.

(2) Press and hold the ORCHESTRA register until the display looks as follows:

ROLAND FR-3B - Listening to the demo songs - 1

Playback starts automatically with the first demo song (there are 25 demo songs in all). At the end of the first song, the FR-3 starts playing songs "2", "3" etc. You can also directly jump to the song you're interested in:

(3) Use registers ① and ② ("VALUE -/+") to select the demo song you want to listen to.

TROMBONE TRAVEL VALUE

(4) Use the VOL knob to change the volume if it is too loud or too soft.

Note: All demo songs are copyright ©2006 by Roland Europe. Public performance or recording of these songs is prohibited.

(5) Press ORCHESTRA again to leave the demo song mode.

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 other synthesizers using a different technology (hence the term "virtual analog synthesizer", for example).

The FR-3 recreates the sounds of various accordion instruments (the "virtual" part) and can even generate orchestral sounds, like trumpet, flute, etc. (the synthesizer part).

The sections outlined in the illustration to the right contain several functions you can set. Let us agree to call those functions "parameters".

The parameters allow you to change certain aspects of the FR-3's sound: you can set the Musette detuning system, the levels of various sections, add digital effects, and more. Your settings can be saved. There is thus no need to set the parameters time and again. Note, however, that they always apply to all Sets.

The accordion sections are combined into "Sets".

Those Sets have been programmed at the factory and cannot be changed. The FR-3's internal structure looks as follows:

ROLAND FR-3B - The accordion sections are combined into "Sets". - 1

flowchart
graph TD
    A["Set 1"] --> B["Set 2"]
    B --> C["Set 3"]
    C --> D["Set 10"]
    D --> E["Orchestral 1~10"]
    D --> F["Orch. Bass 1~7"]
    D --> G["Orch. Chord 1~7"]
    D --> H["Orch FB 1~7"]
    I["Treble 1~10"] --> J["Bass 1~7"]
    K["Free Bass 1~7"] --> L["Bass 1~7"]
    M["Most of these settings can be saved."] --> N["Orchestral 1~10"]
    M --> O["Orch. Bass 1~7"]
    M --> P["Orch. Chord 1~7"]
    M --> Q["Orch FB 1~7"]

There are 10 Set memories that contain useful settings right out of the box. You cannot replace them with your own settings. They are influenced, however, by certain GLOBAL settings. The GLOBAL parameters apply to all Sets and all sections.

Sets are like the trunk of a car that contains several instruments (bandoneon, musette, etc.). The instruments themselves can be recalled via the registers.

Treble section Orchestra section Bass, Chord, Free Bass, Orchestra Bass, Orchestra Chord, Orchestra Free Bass section Registers of the bass, chord, Free Bass and Orchestra Bass/Chord/Free Bass sections

There are 10 Treble registers, 7 Bass, and 7 Free Bass registers. In addition, each section can play an orchestral sound (piano, guitar, etc.): Orchestra (10 sounds), Orchestra Bass (7), Orchestra Chord (7), and Orchestra Free Bass.

The (accordion) registers behave like on an acoustic accordion, i.e. they allow you to change the footage combinations. Those registers also double as sound selection buttons when one of the sections (Treble, Bass, Chord or Free Bass) plays an orchestral sound.

Oh, and... the Sets can be selected by pressing the SET register and a numbered register (1\~0).

As stated above, the Sets have been programmed at the factory and cannot be changed.

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 using your FR-3 and what your are doing.

■Sets

After pressing the SET register, the display looks more or less as follows:

ROLAND FR-3B - ■Sets - 1

"St" flashes to signal that you need to press a register (1\~0) to select a Set memory. "0" (TEX MEX), by the way, refers to Set number "10".

Each Set represents one accordion type whose sound can be modified by switching the desired registers on and off. This is identical to the behavior of an acoustic accordion. Unlike an acoustic accordion, however, your FR-3 can simulate different instrument types.

Note: If you don't select a Set, the "St" message stops flashing. If you then press a Treble register, only the sound of the right hand (Treble) changes.

■Accordion sections

Once you have selected a Set, the display indication changes to something like this (after a few seconds):

① CHORD/ BASS FREE BS TREBLE 440 • ORCHESTRA

Carefully look at what is printed above the display:

BASS(1)The digit in this column refers to the Bass register you selected last. (It is also displayed in Free Bass mode to remind you of the Bass register you will return to when you leave Free Bass mode.)
CHORD FREE BS(2)The digit in this column refers to:• The selected chord register (when Free Bass mode is off) -OR-• The selected Free Bass register (the middle digit flashes to signal that you are in Free Bass mode)The chord register is always identical to the bass register. The first two digits are therefore usually the same. When Free Bass mode is active, however, the digit in the middle may differ from the left one (and it flashes).
TREBLE(3)The digit in this column refers to the selected Treble register.

The above applies to situations where no orchestral sound is used.

■Orchestral sections

If you do select an orchestral sound, the display looks as follows:

A dot (see "2.") means that the section in question plays an orchestral sound.

CHORD/ BASS FREE BS TREBLE 2.40 • ORCHESTRA

As printed below the display (④), a dot to the right of a figure means that the section in question (BASS in the example above) does not play an accordion but an orchestral sound.

Our example therefore means:

  • You have assigned orchestral sound "2" ("Bowed") to the Bass section.
  • The chord buttons are assigned to accordion register "4".
  • The Treble section plays register "10" (which is called "0").

Both the chord buttons and the Treble keyboard play accordion sounds, while the 2 bass rows of the button keyboard play an orchestral sound.

If the middle digit flashes and is followed by a dot, the bass buttons play an orchestral sound that is assigned to the Free Bass section.

The middle digit flashes when the ORCH FREE BS section is active.

ROLAND FR-3B - ■Orchestral sections - 2

See also "Using two different orchestral sounds for the Bass button keyboard" on p. 29 for details about the left and middle dots.

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 regulator knob that allows you to specify the bellows' inertia (the force needed to push and pull it).

ROLAND FR-3B - Bellows resistance regulator - 1

natural_image Close-up of a mechanical component with a central knob and textured surface (no visible text or symbols)

Bellows resistance regulator. Turn to select the bellows' resistance.
Air button. Press to purge remaining air after playing.

Located next to one of the bellows clips and mounted onto the air button (which allows you to release remaining air from the bellows without producing sound), it can be set to one of four positions, each one corresponding to a lighter or stronger inertia. Choose the setting that feels most comfortable for you.

Bass strap

The FR-3'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:

ROLAND FR-3B - Bass strap - 1

natural_image Hand inserting a device into a black rectangular panel with visible ports and connectors (no text or symbols)

Treble section

The Treble section can be played using the 37-key "piano" keyboard (FR-3s and FR-3) or the 92 treble buttons (FR-3sb and FR-3b).

The sound it produces is determined by the register (1\~0) you pressed last. This section can be used as "accordion", to play an orchestral sound or both.

ROLAND FR-3B - Treble section - 1

natural_image Illustration of an electronic instrument with a piano and keyboard (no text or symbols visible)

(1) Connect the FR-3 (if necessary) and switch it on. See pages 14 and 16.

(2) Grab the FR-3, press a Treble register and start playing on the keyboard.

Though the FR-3 is an electronic musical instrument, it only produces sound when you move the bellows. As long as you don't move the bellows, you hear nothing at all (like on an acoustic accordion).

Note: If you want to play the FR-3 without moving the bellows, you need to set the "bLC" parameter (see p. 41) to "2" (you can also select "1" or "3").

Note: When the FR-3 is controlled via MIDI, there is no need to move the bellows.

(3) Press the SET register.

The "St" message starts flashing to signal that you need to press a register.

CHORD/ BASS FREE BS TREBLE 5t-1 • ORCHESTRA

The "Roland" logo now flashes in blue.

(4) Press one of the registers 1\~0 to select a Set memory.

ROLAND FR-3B - Treble section - 3

natural_image Illustration of a hand pointing at a keyboard and a digital display board (no text or symbols visible)

The "Roland" logo changes color and stops flashing.

(5) Play a few notes to audition the sound.

(6) Press one of the registers 1\~0 to select another footage.

The display now shows the number of the newly selected Treble register:

ROLAND FR-3B - Treble section - 4

The indications printed on the front panel refer to the octaves (vertical direction, and the number of slightly detuned reeds that are used (horizontal direction, and the detuned reeds are only available for the central register (8').

ROLAND FR-3B - Treble section - 5

Here is what the footages correspond to:

Treble registers (Sets 1~4, 6~0)
1 Basspon 6 Musette
2 Bandon 7 Violin
3 Harmon 8 Oboe
4 Organ 9 Clarinet
5 Master 0 Piccolo

The gray dots of registers 6 and 7 mean that you can add a second detuned reed (8') for a fuller sound. To do so, press the corresponding register again.

When you select Set 5 "F FOLK", the footages change as follows. This is not printed on the front panel, so please refer to the table below:

Treble registers (Set 5)
1 Bassoon 6a Av Musette
2 Jazzy 6b Sos Musette
3 Arnold 7a Sw Valse
4 Beguine 7b Mr Gus
5 4 Voix 8 Oboe
9 Clarinet
0 Piccolo

Note: For Set 5 (and only for that Set), registers 6 and 7 provide access to two sounds (a/b). To select a "b" sound, press the corresponding register twice.

(7) If you think the sound is too loud or too soft, you can change the setting of the VOL knob.

BAL BASS VOL

(8) If you still can't hear the Treble notes, set the BAL knob to the center position.

This knob is used to set the balance between the Treble and Bass registers. When it is turned all the way to "BASS", the Treble section is inaudible. When you change the Balance setting, the display briefly confirms your setting ("t1"\~"t63", "0" or "b1"\~"b63").

(9) Press SET and one of the registers 1\~0 to select another Set and again play a few notes.

■Using the Sordina

The SORDINA switch allows you to attenuate the sound (make it softer, select "MEL-LOW"). On an acoustic accordion, this closes the wooden resonance chamber inside the instrument.

The FR-3 simulates this effect electronically (it contains not a single reed!).

SORDINA MELLOW

Note: The Sordina only applies to the Treble section.

■Using the FR-3's digital effects

While playing on the Treble keyboard, you may have noticed that the accordion sounds are enhanced by effects (probably reverb).

The FR-3 contains 2 digital effects:

Reverb: This effect creates the impression that you are playing in a concert hall, a church or a room. It adds "depth" to the sound.

ROLAND FR-3B - ■Using the FR-3's digital effects - 1

natural_image Close-up of a black electronic device with a keyboard and an abacus, no visible text or symbols.

Chorus: This effect creates the impression that several 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 need the effect in question. The selected value (0\~127) is briefly shown in the display.

Turn them towards the right (the big dot) to increase the effect volume.

Note: The settings of these knobs apply to all sections and all Sets.

Bass section

The Bass section can be played via the "Stradella" buttons.

ROLAND FR-3B - Bass section - 1

natural_image Top-down view of a modern electronic device with a perforated base and control panel (no visible text or symbols)

The buttons in this section allow you to play both bass notes and chords. The chords use the (sound) register selected for the Bass section – hence the name of this section. The "real" bass notes are assigned to the two highlighted rows. The remaining buttons are used to play chords.

The FR-3 is supplied with several reference caps (concave and with lines) to help you locate the bass and chord buttons without looking at them. At the factory, three caps are installed on the black buttons in the following illustration. Feel free to remove them and to slide them over other buttons if that feels more comfortable.

Bass buttons Chord buttons*

(*) This can be changed to 3 bass and 3 chord rows. See "Bass & Chord Mode" on p. 42.

Here is what the caps look like:

Slide up to remove Reference cap Slide over button

The overall sound the Bass section produces is determined by the register you pressed last. This section can be used as "accordion", to play orchestral sounds, or both.

(1) Connect the FR-3 (if necessary) and switch it on. See pages 14 and 16.

(2) Grab the FR-3, press a register and start playing on the Bass (button) keyboard.

Though the FR-3 is an electronic musical instrument, it only produces sound if you move the bellows.

(3) Press another register to change the sound.

ROLAND FR-3B - Bass section - 4

ROLAND FR-3B - Bass section - 5

other Bass registers | Bass | Count | |---|---| | 1 2' | 5 8'/4'/2' | | 2 4' | 6 16'/8'/8-4' | | 3 8-4' | 7 16'/2' | | 4 16'-8'8-4'/4'/2' | |

Note: The numbers shown in the illustration above do not appear on the registers themselves. They have been added for your reference.

The display briefly confirms your setting and indicates which footage you selected:

ROLAND FR-3B - Bass section - 6

When you use only the accordion sounds, the left (Bass) and middle (Chord) digits are the same, because the bass and chord buttons use the same register (they belong to the same accordion section).

(4) If you think the sound is too loud or too soft, you can change the setting of the VOL knob.

BAL BASS VOL

(5) If you still don't hear the bass and chord notes your are playing, change the BAL knob's setting. This knob is used to set the balance between the Treble and Bass registers. When it is turned all the way to "TREBLE", you won't be able to hear the Bass section.

(6) Press the SET register.

The "St" message starts flashing to signal that you need to press a register.

CHORD/ BASS FREEBS TREBLE 5t1 • ORCHESTRA

The "Roland" logo now flashes in blue.

(7) Press one of the registers 1\~0 to select a Set memory.

ROLAND FR-3B - Bass section - 9

natural_image Illustration of a hand interacting with a keyboard and piano, showing sound wave patterns (no text or symbols)

The "Roland" logo changes color and stops flashing.

Playing in Free Bass mode

The FR-3 also provides a Free Bass mode, which is chiefly used by musicians who prefer to play the left-hand notes (Bass section) differently. You may never need it, but if you wish to experiment with it...

Note: See page 42 for how to select the note system for Free Bass mode. That setting is shared by all Sets.

(1) Simultaneously press the three registers labeled "FREE BASS".

7 6 5 4 3 2 ORC PRESSORS PRESS CANDS 1 FREE BADS

Note: The numbers shown in the illustration above do not appear on the registers themselves. They have been added for your reference.

The digit in the middle starts flashing to indicate that Free Bass mode has been activated:

CHORD/ BASS FREE BS TREBLE 862 • ORCHESTRA Flashes

Again, the left and flashing middle digits are the same. This time, however, they refer to the currently selected Free Bass register.

Note: See page 43 for the assignment of the bass buttons to the available Free Bass notes.

(2) Use the Bass registers to select another registration (if necessary).

Free Bass registers
ROLAND FR-3B - Playing in Free Bass mode - 3Low Low + HighROLAND FR-3B - Playing in Free Bass mode - 4
[D740]High Low + HighROLAND FR-3B - Playing in Free Bass mode - 5
[ZDSA]High 7 Low High[OWAS]
ROLAND FR-3B - Playing in Free Bass mode - 6High Low

(3) Press the three FREE BASS registers again to return to the normal Bass mode.

■Using the FR-3'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 different Set.

The FR-3 contains 2 digital effects that apply to all sections. See page 22 for details and how to use them.

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 external MIDI tone generators to your setup and to control them from your FR-3. See page 47 for details. Let us first look at how to use the on-board orchestral sounds, however.

The FR-3's Orchestra functionality actually comprises four sections: one for the Treble keyboard (called "Orchestra"), another for the Bass buttons (first two rows, called "ORCH BASS"), a third for the chord buttons (remaining rows, called "ORCH CHORD"), and one for Free Bass mode ("ORCH FREE BS").

You can specify for each section whether the orchestral sounds should be used instead of the accordion sounds. Only the Treble keyboard can play both an accordion and an orchestral sound (so that each note you play results in a combination of accordion + instrument sound).

Orchestral sounds for the Treble section

Note: Only one orchestral sound can be selected at any one time.

(1) Press the ORCHESTRA register.

ROLAND FR-3B - Orchestral sounds for the Treble section - 1

natural_image Illustration of a hand interacting with an electronic keyboard and piano (no text or symbols visible)

The "Roland" logo now lights in red.

The display shows the number of the last Orchestra sound you selected. That number (the right-most digit) is followed by a dot:

CHORD/ BASS FREE BS TREBLE 443. • ORCHESTRA

(2) Press one of the registers to select the desired orchestral sound (see the names below the Treble registers).

The 10 available Orchestra sounds and associated registers are:

ORCHESTRA sounds

1 Trombone 6 Harmonica
2 Trumpet 7 Violin
3 T Sax 8 Flute
4 A Sax 9 Jazz Org
5 Clarinet 0 Blues Org

(3) Play a few notes on the Treble keyboard.

Note: By pressing register ⑨ or ⑩ again after selecting the associated organ sound, you switch on the Rotary effect available for that sound.

■Selecting the Orchestra mode

Depending on the ORCHESTRA MODE setting, the Orchestra part may sound together with the Treble accordion section. That's because there are four ways in which the Orchestra section can be combined with the Treble accordion section. Orchestra mode (which only applies to the Treble section) can be set as follows:

(1) While holding down the ORCHESTRA register, press 7, 8, 9 or 0 to select the desired mode.

ROLAND FR-3B - ■Selecting the Orchestra mode - 1

natural_image Illustration of a hand interacting with a keyboard and a digital interface (no text or symbols visible)

SOLO ☐: When you switch on the Orchestra section (see step (2) above), you only hear the Orchestra instrument sound. Press ORCHESTRA to return to the Treble accordion sound.

DUAL 9: The Orchestra sound is added to the Treble accordion, so that each note you play sounds like an accordion, with the selected instrument playing in unison.

CHORD/ BASS FREEBS TREBLE 50L • ORCHESTRA CHORD/ BASS FREEBS TREBLE dura • ORCHESTRA

HIGH 12: Now it becomes a little more complicated – but very interesting 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 upper note is

ROLAND FR-3B - ■Selecting the Orchestra mode - 3

played by the Orchestra sound. Lower notes, however, are played by the Treble accordion sound. This is perfect for situations where you need to play chords and a solo line using different sounds. Something like this:

(FR-3s/FR-3) Played by the Orchestra sound Played by the accordion

Illustration of a hand pressing a key on a piano keyboard, showing finger placement and sound level marker

(FR-3sb/FR-3b) Played by the Orchestra sound Played by the accordion

Diagram showing a hand touching a grid of circles with a wavy line and a small arrow pointing to the top-left corner.

LOW [11]: This is the opposite of HIGH and can be used in situations where the melody (or counter-melody) lies above the notes you wish to hold.

BASS CHORD/ FREE BS TREBLE LOU • ORCHESTRA

(FR-3s/FR-3) Played by the accordion Played by the Orchestra sound

ROLAND FR-3B - ■Selecting the Orchestra mode - 10

natural_image Illustration of a hand pressing down on a piano keyboard (no text or symbols)

(FR-3sb/FR-3b) Played by the accordion Played by the Orchestra sound

(2) Again play a few notes and listen to the result.

■Setting the volume of the (Treble) Orchestra sound

There may be times (in DUAL, HIGH or LOW mode) when the ORCHESTRA sound is too loud or too soft with respect to the Treble accordion sound. In that case, you can change its volume:

(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 following parameter:

ROLAND FR-3B - ■Setting the volume of the (Treble) Orchestra sound - 1

natural_image Illustration of hands interacting with a keyboard and a digital interface (no text or symbols visible)

ROLAND FR-3B - ■Setting the volume of the (Treble) Orchestra sound - 2

By doing so, you enter a mode called "PARAM LIST" where you can set the available parameters (see also p. 37). "O L" is short for "Orchestra Level", i.e. the volume setting of the Orchestra section.

(3) Use register 1/- or 2/+ to set the desired value.

ROLAND FR-3B - ■Setting the volume of the (Treble) Orchestra sound - 3

This is actually a balance parameter with a setting range of -40\~"Std"\~+40. "Std" means that the Orchestra part uses its "normal" volume. Negative values (-) make the Orchestra part softer, while positive values (+) make it louder.

Note: Press registers ① and ② simultaneously to return to the factory setting of the currently selected parameter.

You can now decide whether or not to save your settings:

Saving your changes

(4) Press and hold the SET register until the display looks as follows:

ROLAND FR-3B - ■Setting the volume of the (Treble) Orchestra sound - 4

(This means "Write".)

(5) Press register 2/+ to save the settings.

The display now looks as follows:

ROLAND FR-3B - ■Setting the volume of the (Treble) Orchestra sound - 5

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, your changes remain in effect until you switch off the FR-3. (If the FR-3 is powered off automatically, see page 42, your changes are lost as well.)

(6) Press SET again to confirm your intention (save or ignore).

The display now looks as follows and then once again displays the numbers of the registers currently in effect:

ROLAND FR-3B - ■Setting the volume of the (Treble) Orchestra sound - 6

■Switching off the Orchestra part

To return to a state where only the Treble accordion section sounds:

(7) Press the ORCHESTRA register. Now, the FR-3 is a normal accordion again.

To activate the Orchestra part again, perform steps (1) and (2) on page 25.

Orchestral sounds for the Bass section

The orchestral bass part can be used instead of the Bass section (thus replacing the accordion sound assigned to the bass rows). There are no clever modes (DUAL, SOLO, etc.) here.

Furthermore, the ORCH BASS part does what its name implies: it only applies to the bass rows (the ones closest to the bellows) and has no effect on the chord buttons.

(1) Simultaneously press the three registers labeled "ORCH BASS".

7 6 5 4 3 2 ONE FREE BAF POTCH CHARGE 1 FREE BAFS

The display shows the number of the last orchestral bass sound you selected. That number (the leftmost digit) is followed by a dot:

BASS CHORD/ FREEBS TREBLE 143. • ORCHESTRA

(See "Using two different orchestral sounds for the Bass button keyboard" on p. 29 for details about the dot.) Note that in this situation, the leftmost digit differs from the one in the middle. The leftmost digit refers to an orchestral sound, while the middle one represents the accordion register, which is still used by the chord rows of the button keyboard.

Note: The numbers shown in the illustration above do not appear on the registers themselves. They have been added for your reference.

(2) Use the Bass registers to select the desired sound.

ORCH BASS sounds
1 Acoustic 5 Picked
2* Bowed* 6* Tuba*
3 Fingered 7 Tuba Mix
4 Fretless

Note: While ORCH BASS mode is active, you cannot assign a different accordion register to the chord rows. You need to leave ORCH BASS mode, select the desired accordion register, then return to ORCH BASS mode.

Note: The dynamics of sounds marked with an asterisk (*) can only be controlled by bellows movements. Those sounds are not velocity sensitive. For the other sounds, see also "Orch."

Bass/Free Bass/Chord Touch" on p. 41.

■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 available sections. In that case, you can change its volume:

(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 following parameter:

ROLAND FR-3B - ■Setting the volume of the ORCH BASS sound - 1

natural_image Illustration of hands interacting with a keyboard and a digital interface (no text or symbols visible)

ROLAND FR-3B - ■Setting the volume of the ORCH BASS sound - 2

By doing so, you enter a mode called "PARAM LIST" where you can set the available parameters (see also p. 37). "ObL" is short for "Orchestra Bass Level", i.e. the volume setting of the orchestral bass section.

(3) Use register 1/- or 2/+ to set the desired value.

ROLAND FR-3B - ■Setting the volume of the ORCH BASS sound - 3

This is actually a balance parameter with a setting range of -40 "Std" +40 . "Std" means that the ORCH BASS part uses its "normal" volume. Negative values (-) make the ORCH BASS part softer, while positive values (+) make it louder.

Note: Press registers ① and ② simultaneously to return to the factory setting of the currently selected parameter.

(4) See "Saving your changes" on p. 26 if you want to keep your changes.

To use them only temporarily, press the SET register to leave "PARAM LIST" mode.

■Switching off the Orchestra Bass part

(5) Press the three ORCH BASS registers again to return to normal Bass mode.

Orchestral sounds for the Chord section

The orchestral chord part can replace the accordion sound played by the chord rows of the button keyboard. There are no clever modes (DUAL, SOLO, etc.) here.

The ORCH CHORD part does what its name implies: it only applies to the chord rows and has no effect on the bass buttons.

(1) If the digit in the middle of the display ("CHORD/FREE BS") is flashing, select the FR-3's Bass mode by pressing the three FREE BASS registers. The ORCH CHORD part is not available in Free Bass mode (because there are no chord buttons in that mode).

(2) Simultaneously press the three registers labeled "ORCH CHORD".

ORCH BASIS 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 ORC ORDER BY FOR CHURRY ITEMS TREE BASIS

The display shows the number of the last orchestral chord sound you selected. That number (the digit in the middle) is followed by a fixed dot:

CHORD/ BASS FREE BS TREBLE 14.3 • ORCHESTRA

Note that in this situation, the middle digit differs from the one to its left. The leftmost digit refers to an accordion register, while the middle one represents the orchestral chord sound used by the chord rows of the button keyboard.

Note: The numbers shown in the illustration above do not appear on the registers themselves. They have been added for your reference.

(3) Use the Bass registers to select the desired sound.

ORCH CHORD sounds
1* St. Strings* 5* Choir*
2* Chorus Organ* 6* Harps + Strings*
3 Steel Guitar 7* Guitar + Organ*
4* Stereo Orch Brass*

Note: While ORCH CHORD mode is active, you cannot assign a different accordion register to the bass rows. You need to leave ORCH CHORD mode, select the desired accordion register, then return to ORCH CHORD mode.

Note: The dynamics of sounds marked with an asterisk (*) can only be controlled by bellows movements. Those sounds are not velocity sensitive. For the other sounds, see also "Orch. Bass/Free Bass/Chord Touch" on p. 41.

■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 available sections. In that case, you can change its volume:

(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 following parameter:

ROLAND FR-3B - ■Setting the volume of the ORCH CHORD sound - 1

natural_image Illustration of two hands interacting with a keyboard and a digital display board (no text or symbols visible)

ROLAND FR-3B - ■Setting the volume of the ORCH CHORD sound - 2

By doing so, you enter a mode called "PARAM LIST" where you can set the available parameters (see also p. 37). "OCL" is short for "Orchestra Chord Level", i.e. the volume setting of the orchestral chord section.

(3) Use register 1/- or 2/+ to set the desired value.

ROLAND FR-3B - ■Setting the volume of the ORCH CHORD sound - 3

This is actually a balance parameter with a setting range of -40\~"Std"\~+40. "Std" means that the orchestral chord section uses its "normal" volume. Negative values (-) make the ORCH CHORD section softer, while positive values (+) make it louder.

Note: Press registers 1 and 2 simultaneously to return to the factory setting of the currently selected parameter.

(4) See "Saving your changes" on p. 26 if you want to keep your changes.

To use them only temporarily, press the SET register to leave "PARAM LIST" mode.

■Switching off the ORCH CHORD part

(5) Press the three ORCH CHORD registers again to return to the normal Chord mode.

■Using two different orchestral sounds for the Bass button keyboard

The FR-3 also allows you to use assign one orchestral sound to the bass rows of the button keyboard, and another to the chord rows. In that case, the display looks as follows (notice the two dots):

One of the two dots flashes.

ROLAND FR-3B - ■Using two different orchestral sounds for the Bass button keyboard - 1

The flashing dot refers to the orchestral section you can assign another sound to.

→ The following only applies while you are not in Free Bass mode, i.e. while the digit (not the dot) in the middle does not flash.

When both the ORCH BASS and the ORCH CHORD sections are active, one of the two dots flashes to indicate that the Bass registers allow you to assign a different sound to that orchestral section: "ORCH BASS" if the left dot is flashing, "ORCH CHORD" if the dot in the middle is flashing.

(1) Simultaneously press the three registers labeled "ORCH BASS".

This activates the Orchestra Bass section (a dot appears next to the leftmost digit).

(2) Simultaneously press the three registers labeled "ORCH CHORD".

This activates the Orchestra Chord section (another dot appears next to the middle digit).

To assign a different orchestral sound to the section whose dot is not flashing...

(1) Simultaneously press its three registers (ORCH BASS or ORCH CHORD).

This does not change the status of the section in question (the corresponding ORCH section is not switched off).

The dot that has been flashing up to now lights steadily, while the "other" dot starts flashing.

(2) Use the 7 Bass registers to select a different orchestral sound for the ORCH BASS or ORCH CHORD section.

Note: To leave either ORCH BASS or ORCH CHORD mode in this state, you need to press the associated 3 registers twice.

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, etc.) here.

(1) Simultaneously press the three registers labeled "FREE BASS".

ONCH BASS ONCH BASS FREE BASS

The digit in the middle starts flashing to indicate that Free Bass mode has been activated:

CHORD/ BASS FREE BS TREBLE 862 • ORCHESTRA Flashes

(2) Simultaneously press the three registers labeled "ORCH FREE BS".

7 6 5 4 3 2 1 FREE BASS FREE BASS

The display shows the number of the last orchestral Free Bass sound you selected. That number (the flashing digit in the middle) is followed by a dot:

CHORD/ BASS FREE BS TREBLE 14.8 • ORCHESTRA Only the digit flashes

In this situation, the leftmost digit often differs from the one in the middle. The leftmost digit refers to an accordion sound (which is currently unavailable), while the middle one (which flashes) represents the orchestral sound assigned to the button keyboard. As the button keyboard is in Free Bass mode, the middle digit flashes.

(3) Use the Bass registers to select the desired sound.

ORCH FREE BS sounds
1* Trombone* 5* Perc Organ*
2* Clarinet* 6 Ac Guitar
3* Oboe* 7 Ac Piano
4* Flute*

Note: The dynamics of sounds marked with an asterisk (*) can only be controlled by bellows movements. Those sounds are not velocity sensitive. For the other sounds, see also "Orch. Bass/Free Bass/Chord Touch" on p. 41.

Note: The numbers shown in the illustration above do not appear on the registers themselves. They have been added for your reference.

■Setting the volume of the ORCH FREE BS sound

There may be times when the orchestral Free Bass sound is too loud or too soft with respect to the Treble accordion and/or orchestral sound. In that case, you can change its volume:

(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 following parameter:

ROLAND FR-3B - ■Setting the volume of the ORCH FREE BS sound - 1

natural_image Illustration of two hands interacting with a keyboard and a digital interface (no text or symbols visible)

ROLAND FR-3B - ■Setting the volume of the ORCH FREE BS sound - 2

"OFL" is short for "Orchestra Free Bass Level", i.e. the volume setting of the orchestral Free Bass section.

(3) Use register 1/- or 2/+ to set the desired value.

ROLAND FR-3B - ■Setting the volume of the ORCH FREE BS sound - 3

This is actually a balance parameter with a setting range of -40\~"Std"\~+40. "Std" means that the orchestral Free Bass part uses its "normal" volume.

Negative values (−) make the ORCH FREE BS part softer, while positive values (+) make it louder.

Note: Press registers ① and ② simultaneously to return to the factory setting of the currently selected parameter.

(4) See "Saving your changes" on p. 26 if you want to keep your changes.

To use them only temporarily, press the SET register to leave "PARAM LIST" mode.

■Switching off the ORCH FREE BS part

(5) Press the three ORCH FREE BS registers again to return to normal Free Bass mode.

(Press them yet again to leave Free Bass mode and return to Bass mode.)

Note: To leave either FREE BASS or ORCH FREE BS mode in this state, you need to press the associated 3 registers twice.

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 altogether different concept (technology) – and it can do a lot more. In this section, we will look at functions that may be new to you but may come in handy once you know what they do and how they work.

Switching off sections you don't need

If, for some reason, you do not want one of the currently active parts to respond to your playing, you can switch it off:

This may apply to any of the following combinations and mute the corresponding keys or buttons (where applicable):

Treble and/or Orchestra + Bass + Chord

Treble and/or Orchestra + ORCH BASS + Chord

Treble and/or Orchestra + ORCH BASS + ORCH CHORD

Treble and/or Orchestra + Bass + ORCH CHORD

Treble and/or Orchestra + Free Bass

Treble and/or Orchestra + ORCH FREE BS

Treble and/or Orchestra + ORCH BASS + ORCH FREE BS

Treble and/or Orchestra + ORCH BASS + Free Bass

(1) To switch off a section you do not want to hear, press and hold any single register for a while.
Use a register in the Treble section to mute the Treble or Orchestra part; use a Bass register to mute the bass, chord, Free Bass, or any of the associated orchestral parts.
The section in question must be assigned to the associated registers. See the previous pages for how to decide which section can be muted.
(2) To switch a muted section back on, briefly press any of the associated registers.

Using the metronome

Your FR-3 contains a metronome that may come in handy when you are practising new pieces, or during your accordion classes. You can set the time signature, the tempo and the level.

Note: The following only works if "MFN" (see p. 42) is set to "1".

Setting up the metronome

Before using the metronome, you probably need to set it to the desired tempo. The FR-3 allows you to save these settings, so that you can use them again next time you switch it on.

■Setting the time signature

To set the time signature, proceed as follows:

(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 following parameter:

ROLAND FR-3B - ■Setting the time signature - 1

natural_image Illustration of two hands interacting with a keyboard and a digital interface (no text or symbols visible)

ROLAND FR-3B - ■Setting the time signature - 2

"MtS" is short for "Metronome TS", i.e. the metronome's time signature.

(3) Use register 1/- or 2/+ to set the desired value.

ROLAND FR-3B - ■Setting the time signature - 3

Here's what the displayed values correspond to:

11/4 55/4
22/4 66/4
33/4 76/8
44/4 89/8

If you don't need to change any other metronome parameter, press the SET register to leave "PARAM LIST" mode. Otherwise, proceed.

■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 indication of the last parameter you selected:

ROLAND FR-3B - ■Setting the tempo - 1

(5) Press register 3/▲ once to select the following parameter:

ROLAND FR-3B - ■Setting the tempo - 2

(As you see, there is no need to leave "PARAM LIST" mode if you want to set several parameters.)

"MtP" is short for "Metronome Tempo", i.e. the metronome's speed.

(6) Before changing this value, it might be a good idea to switch the metronome on by pressing the METRONOME button.

ROLAND FR-3B - ■Setting the tempo - 3

natural_image Illustration of a hand interacting with a keyboard and an electronic device (no text or symbols visible)

The "Str" message briefly appears and the metronome starts counting.

(7) Use register 1/- or 2/+ to set the desired value.

ROLAND FR-3B - ■Setting the tempo - 4

The setting range is ♪ = 20\~250.

If you don't need to change any other metronome parameter, press the SET register to leave "PARAM LIST" mode. Otherwise, proceed.

■Setting the metronome level

Here's how to set the desired metronome level to ensure that it is neither too loud, nor too soft. 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, then proceed.

(8) Press register 3/◄ (or 4/►) to return to the name indication of the last parameter you selected:

ROLAND FR-3B - ■Setting the metronome level - 1

(9) Press register 4/▶ twice to select the following parameter:

ROLAND FR-3B - ■Setting the metronome level - 2

"M L" is short for "Metronome Level", i.e. the metronome's volume.

(10) Use register 1/- or 2/+ to set the desired value.

ROLAND FR-3B - ■Setting the metronome level - 3

You can select "Off", "1" (low volume), "2" (medium volume), or "3" (high volume).

(11) Press the SET register to leave "PARAM LIST" mode.

Note: Press registers ① and ② simultaneously to return to the factory setting of the currently selected parameter.

(12) See "Saving your changes" on p. 26 if you want to keep your changes.

To use them only temporarily, press the SET register to leave "PARAM LIST" mode.

Using the metronome

After setting the metronome's parameters to your liking (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").

ROLAND FR-3B - Using the metronome - 1

natural_image Illustration of a hand interacting with an electronic instrument displaying a keyboard and piano (no text or symbols visible)

(14) Press it again to switch the metronome back off (the display briefly shows "StP").

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 the C major scale (for example). This may come in handy when you are used to playing a given song in one key and suddenly need to play it in a different key.

Let's look at an example:

(FR-3s/FR-3)

This is what you play...

ROLAND FR-3B - Transpose function - 2

...and this is how it sounds. Transpose

(FR-3s/FR-3)

This is what you play...

Transpose

...and this is how it sounds.

ROLAND FR-3B - Transpose function - 6

(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 following parameter:

ROLAND FR-3B - Transpose function - 7

natural_image Illustration of two hands interacting with a keyboard and a piano keyboard (no text or symbols visible)

ROLAND FR-3B - Transpose function - 8

(3) Use register 1/- or 2/+ to set the desired value.

ROLAND FR-3B - Transpose function - 9

The setting range is -6\~0\~5 (where "0" means that no transposition is used). The value ("3" in the example above) refers to the interval. This can be calculated as follows:

  • In what key do you want to play? (This is your "0" value.) Example→ C major
    • What key does the song use?

Example→ E major

- How many semitones do you need to "shift" the notes?

Example→[C#, D, Eb, E]=4 up, so "4".

(4) Press the SET register to leave "PARAM LIST" mode.

Note: This parameter is reset when you switch off the FR-3.

Transposing the Treble section in octave steps

The parameter discussed here allows you to transpose the Treble (accordion) section one octave up ("UP") or down ("dn"). This can be used for two purposes: to quickly correct the pitch that results from the active reeds, or to avoid overlaps of the selected register when using a Treble Orchestra sound.

Here is how to transpose the Treble section (i.e. the accordion notes) one octave up or down.

(1) Leave "PARAM LIST" or "MIDI LIST" mode (if you haven't yet done so) by pressing SET once.
(2) Hold down SET while using register 1/- or 2/+ to select the desired setting:

ROLAND FR-3B - Transposing the Treble section in octave steps - 1

natural_image Illustration of hands interacting with a keyboard and playing musical instruments (no text or symbols visible)

ROLAND FR-3B - Transposing the Treble section in octave steps - 2

dn Transposes the Treble section one octave down.
--- No transposition of the Treble section.
UP Transposes the Treble section one octave up.

Note: If the display now shows another message, briefly press SET again, then repeat this step.

(3) Release the SET register and start playing.

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 selected Treble accordion register. Here is how to transpose the Orchestra section (i.e. the selected PCM sound).

(1) Switch on the Orchestra section.

See "Orchestral sounds for the Treble section" on p. 25 and following for details. Registers 1\~0 are now assigned to the 10 available orchestral sounds.

(2) Hold down SET while using register 1/- or 2/+ to select the desired setting:

CHORD/ BASS FREE BS TREBLE ORCHESTRA

dn Transposes the Orchestra section one octave down.

--- No transposition of the Orchestra section.

UP Transposes the Orchestra section one octave up.

Note: If the display now shows another message, briefly press SET again, then repeat this step.

(3) Release the SET register and start playing.

Musette Detune

You probably know that an accordion's 8' Treble register may consist of 2 or even 3 reeds that are usually tuned apart to provide a richer sound (accordionists call it the "musette effect"). One reed is tuned slightly above, the other slightly below the correct pitch (and the third, if available, is tuned "properly").

Tuning those reeds is a specialist job and usually not performed by accordion players themselves.

On the FR-3, however, "tuning" the "reeds" (that do not really exist) is a matter of pressing a few buttons.

(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 following parameter:

CHORD/ BASS FREE BS TREBLE dEt • ORCHESTRA

(3) Use register 1/- or 2/+ to set the desired value.

ROLAND FR-3B - Musette Detune - 2

The possibilities are: "Off" (no detune), "1" (Dry), "2" (Classic), "3" (F-Folk), "4" (American L),

"5" (American_H), "6" (North Eur), "7" (German L),

"8" (D-Folk L), "9" (Italian L), "10" (German H),

"11" (Alpine), "12" (Italian H), "13" (D-Folk H),

"14" (French), "15" (Scottish).

They refer to commonly used detune settings.

(4) Press the SET register to leave "PARAM LIST" mode.

Note: This parameter is reset when you select a different Set.

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 related to MIDI. See p. 47 for the MIDI parameters. The parameters are:

MemorizedDisplay indicationFull name Setting range Default See page
SET Xe Off, 1~15 Off 35
OKbUnter Tune 15.3~40.0~66.2 (Hz) 40.0 37
POWERbrPTranspose-6~0~5034
OKbrATreble Mode1~6137*
OKOLchestra Level -40~Std~40Std26
OKOblOrchestra Bass Level-40~Std~40Std28
OKOCLOrchestra Chord Level-40~Std~40Std29
OKOFLOrchestra Free Bass Level-40~Std~40Std26
OKbrnTreble Valve NoiseOff, -40~Std~40Std40
OKbbnBass Button NoiseOff, -40~Std~40Std40
OKbrGBass Reed GrowlOff, -40~Std~40Std40
OKFbnFree Bass Button NoiseOff, -40~Std~40Std40
OKFrGFree Bass Reed GrowlOff, -40~Std~40Std40
OKnPMetronome Tempo 20~250 120 32
OKnE5ronome Time Sign 1~8431
OKnLMetronome LevelOff, 1~3232
OKrEuReverb Type1~8640
OKCHRChorus Type1~8740
OKo tOrchestra Touch1~10641
OKObtOrch. Bass/Free Bass/Chord Touch1~10841
OKbLCBellows Curve1~8641
OKStEStereo Width-63~-1, FULFUL41
OKFbAFree Bass Mode1~6142
OKbCNBass & Chord Mode 1, 2 142
OKAFnronome Function1, 2 142
OKAPOAuto Power OffOff, 1~3142
OKCOLRoland Logo Color Off, 1~26 244

"SET X": This setting changes when you select another Set.

"OK": Can be saved in the Global area (common to all Sets).

"POWER": Reset when you switch off the FR-3.

(*) Only on the FR-3sb and FR-3b

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.

ROLAND FR-3B - Selecting the desired function - 1

natural_image Illustration of two hands interacting with a keyboard and piano keyboard (no text or symbols visible)

(3) Use register 1/- or 2/+ to set the desired value.

ROLAND FR-3B - Selecting the desired function - 2

natural_image Illustration of a hand interacting with a keyboard and musical note (no text or symbols visible)

Press registers ① and ② simultaneously to return to the factory setting of the currently selected parameter.

(4) If you don't need to change any other PARAM LIST parameter, press the SET register to leave this mode. Otherwise, proceed:

(5) Use register 3/◄ or 4/► to select another parameter, and continue with steps (3)\~(4).

(6) See "Saving your changes" on p. 26 if you want to keep your changes.

To use them only temporarily, press the SET register to leave "PARAM LIST" mode.

PARAM LIST parameters

Musette Detune

This parameter allows you to choose the system used for detuning the 8' reeds of registers ⑤ MASTER, ⑥ MUSETTE and ⑦

ROLAND FR-3B - Musette Detune - 1

VIOLIN. It only applies to the Treble section. See page 35 for details. Also remember that registers 6 and 7 allow you to add a third 8' reed by pressing that register twice in succession.

The possibilities are: "Off" (no detune), "1" (Dry),

"2" (Classic), "3" (F-Folk), "4" (American L),

"5" (American_H), "6" (North Eur), "7" (German L),

"8" (D-Folk L), "9" (Italian L), "10" (German H),

"11" (Alpine), "12" (Italian H), "13" (D-Folk H),

"14" (French), "15" (Scottish).

Master Tune

(15.3\~66.2, Default setting: 40.0) This parameter allows you to change the FR-3's overall tuning, which may be necessary when you play with acoustic instruments that cannot be tuned easily, or if you use a CD or cassette tape as accompaniment. The factory default, "40.0", represents the reference pitch used by all electronic musical instruments. Note that for space reasons the first digit of the frequency value (a "4") is not shown.

ROLAND FR-3B - Master Tune - 1

Transpose

(-6\~0\~5, Default setting: Std) This parameter allows you to transpose all sections of the FR-3. See page 34 for details.

ROLAND FR-3B - Transpose - 1

Treble Mode (only on the FR-3sb and FR-3b)

[1] C-Griff Europe, [2] C-Griff 2, [3] B-Griff Bajan, [4] B-Griff Fin, [5] D-Griff 1, [6] D Griff 2, Default setting: 1) Like for the accordion instrument itself, there are different varieties of chromatic instruments, with different Treble button layouts..

ROLAND FR-3B - Treble Mode (only on the FR-3sb and FR-3b) - 1

Since your FR-3sb or FR-3b is an electronic musical instrument, changing the note assignments to the buttons is a matter of selecting the preset that best suits your playing style. You'll probably only change this setting once. But it's nice to know that it exists in case you let a fellow accordion player from another country play your FR-3sb/b.

Please look at the illustrations on page 37 to identify the setting you need. Pay attention to the note names (all Cs appear on a grey background) and look at how they are arranged, then make your selection. The numbers next to the letters refer to the octave. The numbers below the note names represent the corresponding MIDI note numbers.

You may have noticed that the Treble buttons are colored white (for notes without alteration) and black (notes with alteration, i.e. #/b). This coloring doesn't change when you select another system.

(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.)

ROLAND FR-3B - Treble Mode (only on the FR-3sb and FR-3b) - 2

natural_image Diagram of a mechanical or architectural component with circular elements arranged in rows, no visible text or symbols

The FR-3sb/b is supplied with additional white and black buttons that may come in handy. The white buttons come in two varieties: normal buttons and knurled buttons. The latter are usually used to indicate the "C" notes.

Treble Mode (1/2)

C-Griff Europe C-Griff 2 B-Griff Bajan
ROLAND FR-3B - Treble Mode (only on the FR-3sb and FR-3b) - 3

other | Label | Value | |---|---| | C#3 49 | C3 48 | | Eb3 51 | E3 52 | | F#3 54 | G3 55 | | A3 57 | Bb3 58 | | C4 60 | C#4 61 | | Eb4 63 | E4 64 | | F#4 66 | G4 67 | | A4 69 | Bb4 70 | | C5 72 | C#5 73 | | Eb5 75 | E5 76 | | F#5 78 | G5 79 | | A5 81 | Bb5 82 | | C6 84 | C#6 85 | | Eb6 87 | E6 88 | | F#6 90 | G6 91 | | A6 93 | Bb6 94 | | C7 96 | C#7 97 | | Eb7 99 | E7 100 | | F#7 102 | G7 103 | | D3 50 | Eb3 51 | | F#3 53 | G#3 56 | | A3 57 | B3 59 | | C4 60 | D4 62 | | Eb4 62 | F4 65 | | F#4 68 | G#4 68 | | A4 69 | B4 71 | | C5 72 | D5 74 | | Eb5 75 | F5 77 | | F#5 78 | G#5 80 | | A5 81 | B5 83 | | C6 84 | D6 86 | | Eb6 87 | F6 89 | | F#6 90 | G#6 92 | | Eb7 99 | D7 98 | | F#7 102 | F7 101 | | Eb3 51 | Eb3 51 | | E3 52 | F3 53 | | F#3 54 | F#3 54 | | A3 57 | G#3 56 | | C4 60 | Bb3 59 | | Eb4 63 | E4 64 | | F#4 66 | G4 67 | | A4 69 | Bb4 70 | | C5 72 | C#5 73 | | Eb5 75 | E5 76 | | F#5 78 | G5 79 | | A5 81 | Bb5 82 | | C7 96 | C#7 97 | | Eb6 99 | E7 100 | | F#6 102 | G7 103 | | Eb7 99 | F#7 102 | | C#7 97 | Eb7 99 | | Eb7 102 | F#7 102 | C#3 (top) | C#3 (top) | C#4 (top) | C#4 (top) | C#5 (top) | C#5 (top) | C#6 (top) | C#6 (top) | C#7 (top) | C#7 (top) | C#8 (top) | C#8 (top) | C#9 (top) | C#9 (top) | C#10 (top) | C#10 (top) | C#11 (top) | C#11 (top) | C#12 (top) | C#12 (top) | C#13 (top) | C#13 (top) | C#14 (top) | C#14 (top) | C#15 (top) | C#15 (top) | C#16 (top) | C#16 (top) | C#17 (top) | C#17 (top) | C#18 (top) | C#18 (top) | C#19 (top) | C#19 (top) | C#20 (top) | C#20 (top) | C#21 (top) | C#21 (top) | C#22 (top) | C#22 (top) | C#23 (top) | C#23 (top) | C#24 (top) | C#24 (top) | C#25 (top) | C#25 (top) | C#26 (top) | C#26 (top) | C#27 (top) | C#27 (top) | C#28 (top) | C#28 (top) | C#29 (top) | C#29 (top) | C#30 (top) | C#30 (top) | C#31 (top) | C#31 (top) | C#32 (top) | C#32 (top) | C#33 (top) | C#33 (top) | C#34 (top) | C#34 (top) | C#35 (top) | C#35 (top) | C#36 (top) | C#36 (top) | C#37 (top) | C#37 (top) | C#38 (top) | C#38 (top) | C#39 (top) | C#39 (top) | C#40 (top) | C#40 (top) | C#41 (top) | C#41 (top) | C#42 (top) | C#42 (top) | C#43 (top) | C#43 (top) | C#44 (top) | C#44 (top) | C#45 (top) | C#45 (top) | C#46 (top) | C#46 (top) | C#47 (top) | C#47 (top) | C#48 (top) | C#48 (top) | C#49 (top) | C#49 (top) | C#50 (top) | C#50 (top) | C#51 (top) | C#51 (top) | C#52 (top) | C#52 (top) | C#53 (top) | C#53 (top) | C#54 (top) | C#54 (top) | C#55 (top) | C#55 (top) | C#56 (top) | C#56 (top) | C#57 (top) | C#57 (top) | C#58 (top) | C#58 (top) | C#59 (top) | C#59 (top) | C#60 (top) | C#60 (top) | C#61 (top) | C#61 (top) | C#62 (top) | C#62 (top) | C#63 (top) | C#63 (top) | C#64 (top) | C#64 (top) | C#65 (top) | C#65 (top) | C#66 (top) | C#66 (top) | C#67 (top) | C#67 (top) | C#68 (top) | C#68 (top) | C#69 (top) | C#69 (top) | C#70 (top) | C#70 (top) | C#71 (top) | C#71 (top) | C#72 (top) | C#72 (top) | C#73 (top) | C#73 (top) | C#74 (top) | C#74 (top) | C#75 (top) | C#75 (top) | C#76 (top) | C#76 (top) | C#77 (top) | C#77 (top) | C#78 (top) | C#78 (top) | C#79 (top) | C#79 (top) | C#80 (top) | C#80 (top) | | Eb4 63 | Eb4 64 | | Eb4 64 | Eb4 65 | | Eb4 65 | Eb4 66 | | Eb4 66 | Eb4 67 | | Eb4 67 | Eb4 68 | | Eb4 68 | Eb4 69 | | Eb4 69 | Eb4 70 | | Eb4 70 | Eb4 71 | | Eb4 71 | Eb4 72 | | Eb4 72 | Eb4 73 E4 64 A4 69 Bb4 70 Eb5 75 F##5 A5 81 C6 Bb5 Eb6 F##6 A6 Bb6 C7 Eb7 F##7 E7 Bb7 F##8 A6 Bb8 Bb9 Eb8 F##9 A6 Bb9 Bb10 Eb10 F##10 A6 Bb10 Bb11 Eb11 F##11 A6 Bb11 Bb12 Eb12 F##12 A6 Bb12 Bb13 Eb13 F##13 A6 Bb13 Bb14 Eb14 F##14 A6 Bb14 Bb15 Eb15 F##15 A6 Bb15 Bb16 Eb16 F##16 A6 Bb16 Bb17 Eb17 F##17 A6 Bb17 Bb18 Eb18 F##18 A6 Bb18 Bb19 Eb19 F##19 A6 Bb19 Bb20 Eb20 F##20 A6 Bb20 Bb21 Eb21 F##21 A6 Bb21 Bb22 Eb22 F##22 A6 Bb22 Bb23 Eb23 F##23 A6 Bb23 Bb24 Eb24 F##24 A6 Bb24 Bb25 Eb25 F##25 A6 Bb25 Bb26 Eb26 F##26 A6 Bb26 Bb27 Eb27 F##27 A6 Bb27 Bb28 Eb28 F##28 A6 Bb28 Bb29 Eb29 F##29 A6 Bb29 Bb30 Eb30 F##30

ROLAND FR-3B - Treble Mode (only on the FR-3sb and FR-3b) - 4

bubble | Label | Value | |---|---| | Eb3 51 | D3 50 | | Eb3 51 | E3 52 | | Eb3 51 | F#3 54 | | Eb3 51 | G#3 56 | | Eb3 51 | A3 57 | | Eb3 51 | B3 59 | | Eb3 51 | C4 60 | | Eb3 51 | D4 62 | | Eb3 51 | F4 65 | | Eb3 51 | F#4 66 | | Eb3 51 | G#4 68 | | Eb3 51 | A4 69 | | Eb3 51 | B4 71 | | Eb3 51 | C5 72 | | Eb3 51 | D5 74 | | Eb3 51 | F5 77 | | Eb3 51 | F#5 78 | | Eb3 51 | G#5 80 | | Eb3 51 | A5 81 | | Eb3 51 | B5 83 | | Eb3 51 | C6 84 | | Eb3 51 | D6 86 | | Eb3 51 | F6 89 | | Eb3 51 | F#6 90 | | Eb3 51 | G#6 92 | | Eb3 51 | A6 93 | | Eb3 51 | B6 95 | | Eb3 51 | C7 96 | | Eb3 51 | D7 98 | | Eb3 51 | F7 101 | | Eb3 51 | F#7 99 | | Eb3 51 | G#7 104 | | F#3 54 | D3 50 | | F#3 54 | E3 52 | | F#3 54 | F#3 54 | | F#3 54 | G#3 56 | | F#3 54 | A3 57 | | F#3 54 | B3 59 | | F#3 54 | C4 60 | | F#3 54 | D4 62 | | F#3 54 | F4 65 | | F#3 54 | F#4 66 | | F#3 54 | G#4 68 | | F#3 54 | A4 69 | | F#3 54 | B4 71 | | F#3 54 | C5 72 | | F#3 54 | D5 74 | | F#3 54 | F5 77 | | F#3 54 | G#5 80 | | F#3 54 | A5 81 | | F#3 54 | B5 83 | | F#3 54 | C6 84 | | F#3 54 | D6 86 | | F#3 54 | F6 89 | | F#3 54 | G#6 92 | | F#3 54 | A6 93 | | F#3 54 | B6 95 | | F#3 54 | C7 96 | | F#3 54 | D7 98 | | F#3 54 | E7 100 | | F#3 54 | F#7 99 | | F#3 54 | G#7 104 | | A3 57 | D3 50 | | A3 57 | E3 52 | | A3 57 | F#3 54 | | A3 57 | G#3 56 | | A3 57 | A3 57 | | A3 57 | B3 59 | | A3 57 | C4 60 | | A3 57 | D4 62 | | A3 57 | F4 65 | | A3 57 | G#4 68 | | A3 57 | A4 69 | | A3 57 | B4 71 | | A3 57 | C5 72 | | A3 57 | D6 86 | | A3 57 | F6 89 | | A3 57 | G#6 92 | | A3 57 | A6 93 | | A3 57 | B6 95 | | A3 57 | C7 96 | | A3 57 | D7 98 | | A3 57 | E7 100 | | A3 57 | F7 101 | | A3 57 | G#7 104 | | C4 60 | D3 50 | | C4 60 | E3 52 | | C4 60 | F#3 54 | | C4 60 | G#3 56 | | C4 60 | A3 57 | | C4 60 | B3 59 | | C4 60 | C4 60 | | C4 60 | D4 62 | | C4 60 | F4 65 | | C4 60 | G#4 68 | | C4 60 | A4 69 | | C4 60 | B4 71 | | C4 60 | C5 72 | | C4 60 | D5 74 | | C4 60 | F5 77 | | C4 60 | G#6_92 | | C4_60 | D3_50 | | C4_60 | E3_52 | | C4_60 | F#4_66 | | C4_60 | G#4_68 | | C4_60 | A4_69 | | C4_60 | B4_71 | | C4_60 | C5_72 | | C4_60 | D6_86 | | C4_60 | F6_89 | | C4_60 | G#6_92 | | C4_60 | A6_93 | | C4_60 | B6_95 | | C4_60 | C7_96 | | C4_60 | D7_98 | | C4_60 | E7_100 | | C4_60 | F7_101 | | C4_60 | G#7_104 | | Eb4_63 | D3_50 | | Eb4_63 | E3_52 | | Eb4_63 | F#3_54 | | Eb4_63 | G#3_56 | | Eb4_63 | A3_57 | | Eb4_63 | B3_59 | | Eb4_63 | C4_60 | | Eb4_63 | D4_62 | | Eb4_63 | F4_65 | | Eb4_63 | G#4_68 | | Eb4_63 | A4_69 | | Eb4_63 | B4_71 | | Eb4_63 | C5_72 | | Eb4_63 | D5_74 | | Eb4_63 | F5_77 | | Eb4_63 | G#6_92 | | Eb4_63 | A6_93 | | Eb4_63 | B6_95 | | Eb4_63 | C7_96 | | Eb4_63 | D7_98 | | Eb4_63 | E7_100 | | Eb4_63 | F7_101 | | Eb4_63 | G#7_104 | | Eb4_63 | A7_105 (with label 'A' in the image) The values in the table represent the absolute numbers of the items at each position. The labels are explicitly labeled above the circles.

ROLAND FR-3B - Treble Mode (only on the FR-3sb and FR-3b) - 5

other | Category | Value | |---|---| | D3 | 50 | | C#3 | 49 | | Eb3 | 51 | | D3 | 50 | | E3 | 52 | | F#3 | 54 | | G#3 | 56 | | Bb3 | 58 | | C4 | 60 | | D3 | 50 | | E3 | 52 | | F3 | 53 | | G3 | 55 | | G#3 | 56 | | Bb3 | 58 | | B3 | 59 | | C#4 | 61 | | D4 | 62 | | E4 | 64 | | F4 | 65 | | G4 | 67 | | G#4 | 68 | | Bb4 | 70 | | B4 | 71 | | C#5 | 72 | | D4 | 74 | | E4 | 76 | | F4 | 77 | | G4 | 66 | | G#4 | 68 | | Bb4 | 70 | | B4 | 71 | | C#5 | 73 | | D5 | 74 | | E5 | 76 | | F5 | 77 | | G5 | 79 | | G#5 | 80 | | Bb5 | 82 | | B5 | 83 | | C#6 | 85 | | D6 | 86 | | E6 | 88 | | F6 | 89 | | G6 | 91 | | G#6 | 92 | | G#6 | 94 | | Bb6 | 95 | | B6 | 97 | | C#7 | 97 | | D7 | 98 | | E7 | 100 | | F7 | 101 | | G7 | 103 | G#7 | 104 | A6 | 93 | B6 | 95 | C7 | 96 | Eb7 | 99 | F#7 | 102

Treble Mode (2/2)

ROLAND FR-3B - Treble Mode (only on the FR-3sb and FR-3b) - 6

heatmap B-Griff Fin D-Griff 1 D-Griff 2 | Category | Value | |---|---| | E3 | 52 | | F3 | 53 | | G3 | 55 | | G#3 | 56 | | Bb3 | 58 | | C#4 | 61 | | D4 | 62 | | E4 | 64 | | F4 | 65 | | G4 | 67 | | Bb4 | 70 | | B4 | 71 | | C#5 | 73 | | D5 | 74 | | E5 | 76 | | F5 | 77 | | G5 | 79 | | Bb5 | 82 | | B5 | 83 | | C#6 | 85 | | D6 | 86 | | E6 | 88 | | F6 | 89 | | G6 | 91 | | Bb6 | 94 | | C#7 | 97 | | D7 | 98 | | E7 | 100 | | F7 | 101 | | G7 | 103 | | D3 | 50 | | Eb3 | 51 | | F#3 | 54 | | G3 | 55 | | A3 | 57 | | Bb3 | 58 | | C4 | 60 | | D4 | 62 | | E4 | 65 | | F4 | 66 | | G4 | 68 | | A4 | 69 | | Bb4 | 70 | | C5 | 72 | | D5 | 74 | | Eb5 | 75 | | F#5 | 78 | | G5 | 79 | | Bb5 | 82 | | C#6 | 84 | | D6 | 86 | | E6 | 87 | | F6 | 88 | | G6 | 90 | | Bb6 | 92 | | C#7 | 96 | | D7 | 98 | | E7 | 100 | | F7 | 101 | | G7 | 102 | | D3 | 50 | | Eb3 | 51 | | F#3 | 54 | | G3 | 55 | | A3 | 57 | | Bb3 | 58 | | C4 | 60 | | D4 | 62 | | E4 | 65 | | F4 | 66 | | G4 | 68 | | A4 | 69 | | | Bb4 | 70 | | C5 | 72 | | D5 | 74 | | E5 | 75 | | F5 | 77 | | G5 | 79 | | Bb5 | 82 | | C#6 | 84 | | D6 | 86 | | E6 | 87 | | G6 | 89 | | Bb6 | 92 | | C#7 | 96 | | D7 | 98 | | E7 | 100 | | G7 | 101 | | D3 | 48 | | Eb3 | 51 | | F#3 | 54 | | G3 | 55 | | A3 | 57 | | Bb3 | 58 | | C#4 | 60 | | D4 | 62 | | E4 | 65 | | F4 | 66 | | G4 | 68 | | A4 | 69 | | Bb4 | 70 | | C5 | 72 | | D5 | 74 | | E5 | 75 | | F5 | 77 | | G5 | 79 | | Bb5 | 82 | | C#6 | 84 | | D6 | 86 | | E6 | 87 | | G6 | 89 | | Bb6 | 92 | | A6 | 93 | | Bb6 | 94 | | C#7 | 96 | | D7 | 98 | | E7 | 100 | | G7 | 101 | | D3 | 49 | | Eb3 | 52 | | F#3 | 54 | | G3 | 55 | | A3 | 57 | | Bb3 | 58 | | C#4 | 60 | | D4 | 62 | | E4 | 65 | | F4 | 66 | | G4 | 68 | | A4 | 69 | | Bb4 | 70 | | C5 | 73 | | D6 | 76 | | E6 | 80 | | G6 | 82 | | C#6 | 84 | | D7 | 98 | | E7 | 100 | | G7 | 101 | C: The image displays a heatmap with values representing the frequency of each cell in the legend. The color intensity likely indicates the magnitude of the cell's value within the heatmap.

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 set

ROLAND FR-3B - Orchestra Level - 1

This is a relative parameter, which means that its value is added to or subtracted from the standard value ("Std").

Orchestra Bass Level, Orchestra Chord Level, Orchestra Free Bass Level

(-40\~"Std"\~40, Default setting: Std) These parameters allow you to create the desired "mix" (volume balance) between the orchestral section in question and the Treble accordion/Orchestra section.

You can't use both the accordion sound of the Bass, Chord or Free Bass section and the associated orchestral section.

This is a relative parameter, which means that its value is added to or subtracted from the standard value ("Std").

ROLAND FR-3B - Orchestra Bass Level, Orchestra Chord Level, Orchestra Free Bass Level - 1

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 perceived as authentic. In the case of a guitar that would be the sliding noise of the fingers. An accordion, on the other hand, produces mechanical valve noises that cannot be suppressed on an acoustic instrument.

ROLAND FR-3B - Treble Valve Noise - 1

Use this parameter to specify how prominent the noise produced by the simulated Treble valves should be.

Bass Button Noise

(Off, -40\~"Std"\~40, Default setting: Std) The bass section of almost all accordion instruments can be played via buttons. Such buttons produce a typical noise when pressed.

ROLAND FR-3B - Bass Button Noise - 1

Use this parameter to specify how prominent that button noise should be.

Bass Reed Growl

(Off, -40\~"Std"\~40, Default setting: Std) This parameter allows you to simulate the typical noise a bass reed makes just before it stops vibrating altogether (a kind of "musical flatulence" if you will). Each instrument of the accordion family produces its own typical growl.

ROLAND FR-3B - Bass Reed Growl - 1

Use this parameter to specify how prominent that growl should be.

Free Bass Button Noise

(Off, -40\~"Std"\~40, Default setting: Std) The bass section of almost all accordion instruments can be played via buttons. Such buttons produce a typical noise when pressed.

ROLAND FR-3B - Free Bass Button Noise - 1

Use this parameter to specify how prominent that button noise should be in Free Bass mode.

Free Bass Reed Growl

(Off, -40\~"Std"\~40, Default setting: Std) This parameter allows you to simulate the typical noise a bass reed makes just before it stops vibrating altogether (a kind of "musical flatulence" if you will). Each instrument of the accordion family produces its own typical growl.

ROLAND FR-3B - Free Bass Reed Growl - 1

Use this parameter to specify how prominent that growl should be in Free Bass mode.

Metronome Tempo

(20\~250, Default setting: 120) This parameter allows you to set the metro-nome tempo. See page 32 for details.

ROLAND FR-3B - Metronome Tempo - 1

Metronome Time Sign

(1\~8, Default setting: 1) This parameter allows you to set the metronome's time signature. See page 31 for details.

ROLAND FR-3B - Metronome Time Sign - 1

Metronome Level

(Off, 1\~3, Default setting: 2) This parameter allows you to change the metro-nome's level when it is too loud or too soft. See page 32 for details.

ROLAND FR-3B - Metronome Level - 1

Reverb Type

This effect creates the impression that you are playing in a concert hall, a church or a room. It adds "depth" to the sound. This is where you can specify what the Reverb processor should generate.

ROLAND FR-3B - Reverb Type - 1

This parameter is a "Macro" function that recalls suitable preset values for all reverb parameters (which have been preset at the factory). The available options are:

[1] Room1[2] Room2[3] Room3These reverbs simulate the reverberation of a room. They provide a well-defined spacious reverberation.
[4] Hall1[5] Hall2These reverbs simulate the reverberation of a concert hall with a deeper reverberation than the Room Reverbs.
[6] Plate* This effect type simulates a plate reverb (a studio device using a metal plate to simulate natural Reverb).
[7] Delay This is a conventional delay that produces echo effects.
[8] PanningDly This is a special delay in which the delayed sounds move left and right. It is effective when you are listening in stereo.

The overall reverb level can be set with the REVERB knob on the front panel.

Chorus Type

Chorus broadens the spatial image of the sound, adding richness. You can choose from 8 types of chorus.

This parameter is a "Macro" function that recalls suitable preset values for all Chorus parameters (which have been preset at the factory).

ROLAND FR-3B - Chorus Type - 1

The available options are:

[1] Chorus 1[2] Chorus 2[3] Chorus 3[4] Chorus 4These are conventional Chorus effects that add spaciousness and depth to the sound.
[5] FBack Chr This is a Chorus with a Flanger-like effect and a soft sound.
[6] Flanger This is an effect that sounds somewhat like a jet airplane taking off or landing.
[7] Short Delay*This is a delay with a short Delay time.
[8] ShortDly FB This is a short delay with many repeats.

The overall chorus level can be set with the CHORUS knob on the front panel.

Orchestra Touch

(1\~10, Default setting: 6) This parameter allows you to specify the velocity sensitivity of the Treble keys/buttons when

ROLAND FR-3B - Orchestra Touch - 1

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 velocity sensitive.

The available options are:

1FixedLow
2Fixed Med 7 Fixed L + Bellows
3Fixed High 8 Fixed M + Bellows
4Low9
5Medium 10 Bellows

There are three "Fixed" curves that always use the same value, no matter how hard or lightly you press the keys. "Low" means that a low value is used, "Med" represents a medium value and "High" a high value.

"Low" means that even relatively light presses already allow you to play loud notes. "High" represents the most responsive velocity curve that requires a considerable amount of strength for fortissimo notes, but it also provides more expressive options.

"Fixed L+Bellows" and "Fixed H+Bellows" mean that the Orchestra section transmits fixed velocity values but can also be controlled by the bellows movements.

"Bellows" means that the Orchestra section's expression is controlled by the bellows movements – not the velocity values generated by the buttons.

Remember, however, that all these options only apply to MIDI messages the Orchestra section transmits to an external device.

Orch. Bass/Free Bass/Chord Touch

(1\~10, Default setting: 8) This parameter allows you to specify the velocity sensitivity of the bass buttons, which are

ROLAND FR-3B - Orch. Bass/Free Bass/Chord Touch - 1

used to play bass notes and chords (in Bass mode), or bass notes (in Free Bass mode). Again, your selection only applies to the MIDI messages transmitted by the currently active ORCH section(s).

There are two exceptions, however: the "Ac. Guitar" and "Ac. Piano" sounds of the ORCH FREE BS section are velocity sensitive and therefore respond to your striking force and/or bellows movements (depending on the option you select).

See "Orchestra Touch" above for a discussion of the available options.

Bellows Curve

[1] Fixed Low, [2] Fixed Med, [3] Fixed High, [4] X-Light, [5] Light, [6] Standard, [7] Heavy, [8] X-Heavy, Default setting:

ROLAND FR-3B - Bellows Curve - 1

6) This parameter allows you to specify how the FR-3 should respond to the bellows' movements. Use it to adapt the FR-3's expressive potential to your playing style.

If you think the sounds don't respond the way you would like them to, try another curve that better "translates" your movements.

There are three "Fixed" curves that always use the same value, no matter how hard or lightly you push/pull the bellows (no dynamic control). "Low" means that a low value is used, "Med" represents a medium value and "High" a high value.

The remaining settings do depend on the strength with which you push/pull the bellows, but in different ways: "Light" means that you do not need to push/pull hard to achieve a meaningful effect. "X-Light" requires even less strength (the "X" stands for "extra"). "Standard" refers to a normal response (or so we believe). "Heavy" provides a greater variety of nuances and "X-Heavy" is even more detailed. It would be a good idea to select each curve without the "Fixed" addition, play a few notes, select the next curve, etc. until you find the response that feels just right.

Stereo Width

(-63\~-1, Full, Default setting: FUL) As stated on p. 14, 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 prefer to set the Pan controls on your mixing console differently), you can use this parameter to reduce the stereo image.

ROLAND FR-3B - Stereo Width - 1

"Full" means that the original stereo image is used, while "-63" corresponds to an extremely narrow stereo image. All other values represent slight (or increasingly drastic) reductions of the stereo width.

Free Bass Mode

([1] Minor 3rd, [2] Bajan, [3] Fifth, [4] N. Europe, [5] Finnish, Default setting: 1) This parameter allows you to choose the note system used in Free E already mentioned that there are a va accordion varieties. The same is true of tems.

ROLAND FR-3B - Free Bass Mode - 1

Your FR-3 contains the most popular ones. Be aware that the system you select here is only used when you activate the FR-3's Free Bass mode. It is of no consequence for the "regular" Bass mode. See the illustration on page 43 for the note assignments.

Note: The FR-3 is supplied with several reference caps designed to help you locate the bass buttons without looking at them. See also page 23.

Bass & Chord Mode

(1\~6, Default setting: 1) This parameter allows you to specify the number of button rows for playing bass notes. The

ROLAND FR-3B - Bass & Chord Mode - 1

default is "1" (2 bass rows and 4 chord rows). By selecting "3 Bs Rows", you thus gain 20 bass buttons (an entire row) and lose the "dim" chord buttons – but that may just be more convenient for you. See also the illustration on page 44.

There are four "3 Bs Rows" options: "[2] A-7th" and "[4] B-7th" mean that the 6th chord row plays seventh chords ("7") that don't contain the fifth. In the case of a C7 chord, you therefore hear C-E-Bb (but not the G). "A-7th" and "B-7th" differ in the arrangement of the bass notes (see the illustration on page 44).

The "[3] A-5dim" and "[5] B-5dim" options mean that those seventh chords don't contain the root note. A C7 chord is then sounded with the notes E-G-Bb (but not the C). "A-5dim" and "B-5dim" differ in the arrangement of the bass notes (see the illustration on page 44).

The "[6] Bx-7th" option reverses the "B-7th" settings (from right to left), so that the C3 note shifts from 9th to 12th position.

Note: The FR-3 is supplied with several reference caps designed to help you locate the bass and chord buttons without looking at them. See also page 23.

Metronome Function

([1] Metronome, [2] MIDI Start/Stop, Default setting: 1) This parameter allows you to specify how you want to use the

ROLAND FR-3B - Metronome Function - 1

METRONOME button. In most cases, you will probably use "1" to take advantage of the internal metronome.

You can, however, also define it as a MIDI remote control in order to start and stop playback of an external sequencer or arranger module. In that case, select "2". The metronome function is then no longer available. See page 47 for details about the MIDI functions.

Note: The remote control function only works when you set the FR-3's "MId" parameter to "OUT".

Auto Power Off

(Off, 1\~3, Default setting: 1) This parameter allows you to specify how long the FR-3 should wait before deciding that you won't be using it for a while. If you have ever worked with a computer, you may remember that a similar function is called "sleep", "energy saver", or the like.

ROLAND FR-3B - Auto Power Off - 1

Obviously, this is meant to preserve battery power, and so this function only applies when the FR-3 is used without the supplied adapter. To "wake" the FR-3 after it has fallen asleep, press its POWER button. Select "Off" to switch this function off. "1" corresponds to 10 minutes, "2" to 15 minutes, and "3" to 20 minutes.

Free Bass Mode Minor 3rd A-2E2E-202C-G213A-E212F-C41-A-E2B-2F-C6-G203A-E212F-2018A-E128B-F2 E57 C7 A6 F16 E-6 C6 A5 F5 E-5 C5 A4 F14 E-4 C4 A3 F13 E-3 C3 A2 F2 D7 B6 A7 F6 D6 B5 A5 F5 D5 B4 A14 F4 D4 B3 A13 F3 D3 B2 A12 F2 C7 B6 G6 E6 C6 B5 G5 E5 C5 B4 G4 E4 C4 B-3 G3 E3 C5 B9 G2 E2 C7 A6 F16 E-6 C6 A5 F5 E-5 C5 A4 F14 E-4 C4 A3 F13 B8 C3 A2 F12 E-2 ORCH BASS ORC FREE BS ORCH CHORD FREE BASS Bajan A-2E2E-202C-G213A-E212F-C41-A-E2B-2F-C6-G203A E57 F13 A12E-2018C-G213A-E212F-C41-A-E28B-F2 D2 F2 A12 B2 D3 F3 A13 B3 D4 F4 A14 B4 D5 F5 A15 B5 D6 F6 A16 B6 E72 F-2 A4 C3 E3 F1 A3 C4 E-4 F4 A4 C5 E-5 F15 A5 C5 E-6 F16 A5 C7 E2 G2 B9 C13 E3 G3 B-3 C14 E4 G4 B-4 C15 E5 G5 B-5 C16 E6 G6 B-6 C17 F7 A12 B2 D3 F3 A13 B3 D4 F4 A14 B4 D5 F5 A15 B5 D6 F6 A16 B6 D7 ORCH BAS9 ORC FREE BS ORCH CHORD FREE BAS9 5th A5 E3 B3 F3 C3 G3 D3 A3 E3 B3 F3 C1 A5 E3 B3 F3 G3 G5 D3 A3 E3 B3 F3 E3 A3 E3 B3 F3 C1 A3 E3 B3 F3 C1 A13 E-3 S-3 F3 A14 E-4 B-4 F4 C4 G4 D4 A4 E4 B4 F14 C14 A14 E-4 B-4 F4 C4 G4 D4 A4 E4 B4 F14 C14 A14 E-4 B-4 F4 E4 B4 F14 C14 A-4 E-4 S-4 F4 C6 G4 D4 A4 E4 B4 F14 C14 A14 E-4 B-4 F4 A-5 E-5 B-5 F5 C5 G5 D5 A5 E5 B5 F5 C15 A-5 E-5 B-5 F5 C5 G5 D5 A5 E5 B5 F-5 C15 A-5 E-5 B-5 F5 C5 G5 D5 A5 E5 B-5 F5 C15 F-5 C15 F-5 C15 F-5 C15 ORCH BAS9 ORC FREE BS ORCH CHORD FREE BAS9 N. Europe A-7B-7F-C3-S-D-A7E-B-F-C-S-A-Z-S-X-B-2F-C-S-G-Z-S-A2 E2B-F-C1-A-Z-B-F-C-S-G-Z-S-A-Z-E-F-F-C-S-G-Z-S-A2 F7 D7 B6 A-6 F6 D6 B-S A-V-F-F-F-F-F-F-F-F-F-F-F-F-F-F-F-F-F-F-F-F-F-F-F-F-F-F-F-F-F-F-F-F-F-F-F-F-F-F-F-F-F-F-F-F-F-F-F-F-F-F-F-F-F-F-F-F-F-F-F-F-F-F-F-F-F-F-F-F-F-F-F-F-F-F-F-F-F-F-F-F-F-F-F-F-F-F-F-F-F-F-F-F-F-F-F-F-F-F-F-F(F) E7 C7 A6 F-6 E-6 C6 A5 F-5 E-5 C-S-A4 F-14 E-4 C-A3 F-3 E-3 C-S-A2 F-2 C17 B-6 G6 E6 C16 B-5 G-S E-S C-S-C-S-C-S-C-S-C-S-C-S-C-S-C-S-C-S-C-S-C-S-C-S-C-S-C-S-C-S-C-S-C-S-C-S-C-S-C-S-C-S-C-S-C-S-C-S-C-S-C-S-C-S-C-S-C-S-C-S-C-S-C-S-C-S-C-S-C-S-C-S-C-S-C-S-C-S-C-S-C-S-C-S-C-S-C-S-C-S-C-S-C-S-C-S-C-S-C-S-C-S- B6 A-6 F6 D6 B-V A-V-A-V-A-V-A-V-A-V-A-V-A-V-A-V-A-V-A-V-A-V-A-V-A-V-A-V-A-V-A-V-A-V-A-V-A-V-A-V-A-V-A-V-A-V-A-V-A-V-A-V-A-V-A-V-A-V-A-V-A-V-A-V-A-V-A-V-A-V-A-V-A-V-A-V-A-V-A-V-A-V-A-V-A-V-A-V-A-V-A-V-A-V-A-V-A-V-A-V-A-V-B- ORCH BAS9 ORC FREE BS ORCH CHORD FREE BAS9 Finnish A+7E+7F-C3-S-D-A7E-B-F-C-S-A-Z-Y-J-Z-C-G-Z-S-A2 E2L+2F-C1A-E-Z-B-I-Z-C-G-Z-S-A-Z-E-L-Z-C-G-Z-S-A-Z-E-L-Z-C-G-Z-S-A-Z-E-L-Z-C-G-Z-S-A-Z-E-L-Z-C-G-Z-S-A-Z-E-L-Z-C-G-Z-S-A-Z-E-L-Z-C-G-Z-S-A-Z-E-L-Z-C-G-Z-S-A-Z-E-L-Z-C-G-Z-S-A-Z-E-L-Z-C-G-Z-S-A-Z-E-L-Z-C-G-Z-S-A-Z-E-L-Z-C-G-Z-S-A-Z-E-L,Z-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I(I) ORCH BAS9 ORC FREE BS ORCH CHORD FREE BAS9 OVC-B-E-E-E-E-E-E-E-E-E-E-E-E-E-E-E-E-E-E-E-E-E-E-E-E-E-E-E-E-E-E-E-E-E-E-E-E-E-E-E-E-E-E-E-E-E-E-E-E-E-E-E-E-E-E-E-E-E-E-E-E-E-E-E-E-E-E-E-E-E-E-E-E-E-E-E-E-E-E-E-E-E-E-E-E-E-E-E-E-E-E-E-E-E-E-E-E-E-E-E-E(E)-OVC-B-B,E-B-B,C-B-B-B,C-B-B-B,C-B-B-B,C-B-B-B,C-B-B-B,C-B-B-B,C-B-B-B,C-B-B-B,C-B-B-B,C-B-B-B,C-B-B-B,C-B-B-B,C-B-B-B,C-B-B-B,C-B-B-B,C-B-B-B,C-B-B-B,C-B-B-B,C-B-B-B,C-B-B-B,C-B-B-B,C-B-B-B,C-B-B-B,C-B-B-B,C-B-B-B,C-H,B-H,B-H,B-H,B-H,B-H,B-H,B-H,B-H,B-H,B-H,B-H,B-H,B-H,B-H,B-H,B-H,B-H,B-H,B-H,B-H,B-H,B-H,B-H,B-H,B-H,B-H,B-H,B-H,B-H,B-H,B-H,B-H,B-H,B-H,B-H,B-H,B-H,B-H,B-H,B-H,B-H,B-H,B-H,B-H,B-H,B-H,B-H,B-H,B-H,B-H,BCB(B)B(H)BC(B)BC(B)BC(B)BC(B)BC(B)BC(B)BC(B)BC(B)BC(B)BC(B)BC(B)BC(B)BC(B)BC(B)BC(B)BC(B)BC(B)BC(B)BC(B)BC(B)BC(B)BC(B)BC(B)BC(B)BC(B)BC(B)BC(B)BC(B)BC(B)BC(B)BC(B)BC(B)BC(B)BC(B)

Note: The note names on the bass buttons correspond to the MIDI note numbers. The note range of the Bass part is 1 octave. Note: The actual sound range depends on the type of reed and footage.

Bass & Chord Mode [1] 2 Bass Rows A3 B3 B3 F3 C1 G1 D3 A3 E3 B3 F2 C3 A4 B3 S5 F3 C2 G3 D3 A3 E3 B3 F3 C3 A4 B3 S5 F3 C3 G3 D3 A3 E3 B3 F3 C5 A4 B3 S6 F3 EM SM FM EM EM FM CM GM OM AM EM BM FM EM FM Em Sm Fin Am Am Em Sm Fin Em Cm Gm Jm Am Em Sm Fin Em Sm Fm E7 B7 F7 C7 A57 E57 B57 F7 C7 G7 D7 A7 E7 B7 F7 C7 A57 E57 F7 Edm Sdm Fdm Sdm Sdm Fdm Sdm Sdm Adm Sdm Sdm Sdm Sdm Sdm Sdm Sdm [2] & [3] 3 Bass Rows A C3 G3 D3 A3 E3 B3 F3 C4 C5 C6 C7 F3 C8 C9 C10 E3 A3D F3 F3 C11 A4 B3 B3 F3 C5 G3 D3 A3 E3 B3 F3 C12 A4 B3 F3 C13 G3 D3 A3 E3 B3 F3 C5 A4 B3 S5 F3 C14 A4 B3 F3 C15 A4 B3 F3 EM BM FM EM FM EM FM EM EM FM EM FM Em Sm Fin Am Am Em Sm Fin Em Sm Fin Em Sm Fin E7 B7 F7 C7 A57 E57 B57 F7 C7 G7 D7 A7 E7 B7 F7 C16 A57 E57 F7 [4] & [5] 3 Bass Rows B G3 D3 A3 E3 B3 F3 C11 A4 B3 D3 A4 B4 D3 A4 B3 B2 F3 C5 G3 D3 A4 B4 D4 C12 A4 B4 D4 E3 B3 F5 C11 A4 B4 D4 C14 A4 B4 D4 EM BM FM EM FM EM FM EM FM EM FM EM FM Em Sm Fin Em Em Em Sm Fin Em Em Em Em Em Em E7 B7 F7 C17 A57 E57 B57 F7 C18 D57 A57 E57 F7 [6] 3 Bass Rows Bx A2 D2 G2 F2 B2 E2 A2 D2 E2 A2 D2 E2 A2 D2 E2 F3 B3 E2 A2 D2 E2 A2 D2 E2 A2 D2 E2 FM SM EM EM EM EM EM EM EM EM EM EM EM Fm Bm Em Em Em Em Em Em Em Em Em Em F7 BkY E7 A5Y E5Y F5 Y E5 Y E5 Y E5 Y E5 Y "7th" = 1-3-7 "5dim" = 3-5-7 "6dim" = 3-5-7 "7dim" = 1-3-7 "8dim" = 1-4-7 "9dim" = 1-5-7 "10dim" = 1-6-7 "11dim" = 1-7-7 "12dim" = 1-8-7 "13dim" = 1-9-7 "14dim" = 1-10-7 "15dim" = 1-11-7 "16dim" = 1-12-7 "17dim" = 1-13-7 "18dim" = 1-14-7 "19dim" = 1-20-7 "20dim" = 1-21-7 "21dim" = 1-22-7 "22dim" = 1-23-7 "23dim" = 1-24-7 "24dim" = 1-25-7 "25dim" = 1-26-7 "26dim" = 1-27-7 "27dim" = 1-28-7 "28dim" = 1-29-7 "29dim" = 1-30-7 "30dim" = 1-31-7 "31dim" = 1-32-7 "32dim" = 1-33-7 "33dim" = 1-34-7 "34dim" = 1-35-7 "35dim" = 1-36-7 "36dim" = 1-37-7 "37dim" = 1-38-7 "38dim" = 1-39-7 "39dim" = 1-40-7 "40dim" = 1-41-7 "41dim" = 1-42-7 "42dim" = 1-43-7 "43dim" = 1-44-7 "44dim" = 1-45-7 "45dim" = 1-46-7 "46dim" = 1-47-7 "47dim" = 1-48-7 "48dim" = 1-49-7 "49dim" = 1-50-7 "50dim" Fm Bm Em Em Em Em Em Em Em Em Em Em Em Em Em Em Em Em Em Em Em Em Em Em Em Em Em Em Em Em Em Em Em Em Em Em Em Em Em Em Em Em Em Em Em Em Em Em Em Em Em Em Em Em Em Em Em Em Em Em Em Em Em Em Em Em Em Em Em Em Em Em Em Em Em Em Em Em Em Em Em Em Em Em Em Em Em Em Em Em Em Em Em Em Em Em Em Em Em Em Em Em

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. With this parameter, you can change that behavior.

Select "Off" if you don't want the logo to light. Select "1" to use the logo as an indication of the Set you are currently using. With every Set you select, the logo's color changes (the color assignments have been set at the factory and cannot be changed).

"2" means that the color changes ad random at fixed intervals. The remaining options (3\~26) represent the available colors. Selecting such an option means that the logo always lights in that color. We are not going to

describe the colors here – just try out various settings and pick the one you like best. The range goes from pastel to solid/dark colors.

If you select "1", the color assignments of the Sets are used (each Set has its own color).

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-3 as follows to transmit MIDI data to an external device:

External MIDI device MIDI OUT MIDI IN

Then, set the "Mld" parameter (see p. 48) to "Out".

Connect the FR-3 as follows to receive MIDI data from an external device:

External MIDI device MIDI OUT MIDI IN

Then, set the "Mld" parameter (page 48) to "In".

About MIDI

Even though your FR-3 is already a remarkably flexible instrument (quite unlike any other accordion available today), you may also want to use it with other MIDI-compatible instruments, sequencers and computers to record your performances in the same way as keyboard players, drummers, guitarists, etc., have been doing for a while.

Another important application for the FR-3's MIDI functions is controlling an arranger module that supplies the accompaniment. "Arranger modules" use short accompaniment patterns that can be selected in real-time and whose key depends on the note information they receive.

All MIDI-compatible sound sources allow you to use the FR-3's Treble and Bass keyboards for playing sounds the FR-3 does not provide.

This is possible thanks to a common language for musical applications, which is called "Musical Instrument

Digital Interface", or "MIDI" for short. MIDI has a lot in common with the internet: you can link one or several instruments to one another via a cable (but you don't need a telephone line).

You can also use the FR-3 as "master keyboard", i.e. an instrument that transmits MIDI messages to a device (or software program) that can record MIDI messages. Such a device or program is called a "sequencer".

To take advantage of the FR-3's MIDI functions, you must connect it as shown above.

MIDI can simultaneously transmit and receive messages on 16 channels, so that up to 16 instruments (or parts of a module or synthesizer) can be controlled. Nowadays, most instruments –like your FR-3– are multitimbral, which means that they can play several musical parts with different sounds. This requires the use of several MIDI channels. The FR-3, for instance, has several accordion and orchestral sections that can be played simultaneously. They can transmit and receive on different channels.

The FR-3's sections use the following MIDI channels:

PartChannel
Treble 1
Bass/Free Bass 2
Chord 3
Orchestra (Treble) 4
Orchestra Bass 5
Orchestra Chord 6
Orchestra Free Bass 7
Basic channel (for selecting Sets) 13
Control channel (for the "SPC" function) 13

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 the bass buttons for controlling an external bass sound, while the chord buttons could control a piano sound, for example. If they used the same MIDI channel, the bass line would have to be played by a piano, or the chords would be played by a bass sound (unless you own a MIDI instrument that allows you to program note ranges for incoming MIDI messages).

Working with a sequencer and other tone generators

The FR-3 can be used as "input device" for recording your music. In the case of a keyboard instrument, such a device is usually called a "master keyboard". For other kinds of MIDI input sources, the term "controller" is

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 notes you play. They only register "events" whose position and distance specify when the notes are to be played. The sequencer as such usually cannot sound what you record – you need an instrument with a tone generator for that. A sequencer must therefore be connected to an electronic sound source, like your FR-3, for example.

The FR-3 can be used for two things: to "input" new parts (i.e. MIDI events) and to play them back.

When you play on the FR-3's keyboards, it sends MIDI data to the MIDI OUT/IN socket (if the "MId" parameter is set to "Out"). That socket must be connected to the sequencer's MIDI IN port. MIDI data always go from OUT to IN:

(FR-3s/FR-3)
ROLAND FR-3B - Working with a sequencer and other tone generators - 1

flowchart
graph TD
    A["MIDI IN MIDI OUT"] --> B["External sequencer"]
    C["MIDI"] --> B
    D["FR-3s/FR-3's tone generator"] --> B
    B --> E["Hand with finger pointing to the piano keyboard"]

(FR-3sb/FR-3b)

ROLAND FR-3B - Working with a sequencer and other tone generators - 2

flowchart
graph TD
    A["MIDI IN MIDI OUT"] --> B["External sequencer"]
    C["MIDI"] --> B
    D["FR-3sb/FR-3b's tone generator"] --> B
    B --> E["Hand gesture"]

If the FR-3 is used as tone generator for an external sequencer, you must connect the sequencer's MIDI OUT socket to the FR-3's MIDI OUT/IN port and set the "MId" parameter to "In" (because MIDI data always go from OUT to IN).

Though you can also play the FR-3 from another MIDI instrument, we do not really recommend doing so, because your V-Accordion has far more versatile performance functions than any other MIDI controller available today: the FR-3 translates all known accordion techniques and physical effects into MIDI messages to precisely reproduce the natural behavior of an acoustic accordion. Conversely, it might be interesting to try out the FR-3 with a Roland Fantom-XR module,

because the FR-3's countless expressive "gizmos" are bound to further enhance the stunning realism of the module's sounds.

If you use the FR-3 as a MIDI controller while recording a sequence, all actions you perform on the FR-3 (including the bellows pressure strength) are included in the recorded part. They can therefore be sent back to the FR-3 (by the sequencer) – and then, all expression details are preserved. Be aware, however, that you also need a versatile sound source (like the FR-3's) to use the recorded MIDI events to their full potential.

A "sequencer" can also be a software program running on a computer. Most computers do not have MIDI sockets to which you can connect the FR-3's MIDI socket. You therefore also need one of the following:

  • A sound card with a joystick port to which you can connect MIDI cables;
  • A card called a "MIDI interface" that is installed in your computer;
  • An external device to which you connect the MIDI cable coming from the FR-3 at one end and whose other end is connected to the computer's USB port (companies like Edirol, www.edirol.com, offer several models with a varying number of inputs and outputs).

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 ensure that it can talk and listen to the MIDI interface.

MIDI parameter list

MemorizedDisplay indicationFull name Setting range Default See page
POWERut, In Out 48
OKtrble TX/RX channel Off, 1~16 1 48
OKtr0le Octave Tx -3~0~3 0 49
OKbFrs/Free Bass TX/RX Channel Off, 1~16 2 49
OKbFOs/Free Bass Octave TX -3~0~3 0 49
OKCHdrd TX/RX Channel Off, 1~16 3 49
OKCHOrd Octave TX -3~0~3 0 49
OKOrCOrchestra TX/RX Channel Off, 1~16449
OKOr0Orchestra Octave TX -3~0~3 0 49
OKObSOrchestra Bass TX/RX Channel Off, 1~16549
OKOb0Orchestra Bass Octave TX -3~0~3049
OKOCHOrchestra Chord TX/RX Channel Off, 1~16649
OKOCOOrchestra Chord Octave TX -3~0~3 0 49
OKOFbOrchestra Free Bass TX/RX Channel Off, 1~16749
OKOF0Orchestra Free Bass Octave TX -3~0~3050
OKbCHBasic Channel TX/RX Off, 1~161350
OKcCHControl Channel TX Off, 1~161350
OKPCHProgram Change TX Off, OnOn50
OKbESBellows Expression TX Off, OnOn50
OKUELVelocity TX On, 1~127On50
OKbrElows TX Resolution 1~32 50
OKbPCd Bank PC TX 1~41 51
OKC00Send CC00 TX 0~127051
OKC32Send CC32 TX 0~127051
OKdAPDump TX Register [1] or [2] to transmit52

"OK": Can be saved in the Global area (common to all Sets).
"POWER": Reset when you switch off the FR-3.

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.

ROLAND FR-3B - Selecting the desired MIDI LIST function - 1

natural_image Illustration of hands interacting with a keyboard and a digital interface (no text or symbols visible)

(3) Use register 1/- or 2/+ to set the desired value.

ROLAND FR-3B - Selecting the desired MIDI LIST function - 2

natural_image Illustration of a hand interacting with a keyboard and a digital interface (no text or symbols visible)

Press registers ① and ② simultaneously to return to the factory setting of the currently selected parameter.

(4) If you don't need to change any other MIDI LIST parameter, press the SET register to leave this mode. Otherwise, proceed.

(5) Use register 5/◄ or 6/► to select another parameter.

(6) Use register 1/- or 2/+ to set the desired value. Press registers 1 and 2 simultaneously to return to the factory setting of the currently selected parameter.

(7) Press and hold the SET register until the display looks as follows:

ROLAND FR-3B - Selecting the desired MIDI LIST function - 3

(This means "Write".)

(8) Press register 2/+ to save the settings. The display now looks as follows:

ROLAND FR-3B - Selecting the desired MIDI LIST function - 4

If you don't want to save your changes, press 1/-. In that case the display briefly shows the "No" message, and then return to the indication of the currently selected registers.

If you decide not to save, your changes remain in effect until you switch off the FR-3. (If the FR-3 is powered off automatically, see page 42, your changes are lost as well.)

(9) Press SET again to confirm your intention.

The display now looks as follows and then once again displays the numbers of the registers currently in effect:

ROLAND FR-3B - Selecting the desired MIDI LIST function - 5

MIDI Out/In

(Out, In, Default setting: Out) This parameter allows you to define the function of the FR-3's MIDI socket.

ROLAND FR-3B - MIDI Out/In - 1

Select "Out" if you want to play on the FR-3's keyboards and transmit the MIDI data generated by your playing to an external device. You also need to select this setting for the "Send PC" function (page 51).

Be aware that MIDI parameters labeled "TX" (without "RX") are not available if you set this parameter to "In". Conversely, the FR-3 doesn't receive MIDI data when this parameter is set to "Out".

If you select "In" here, the FR-3's sound source can no longer be played via its keyboards. The display therefore shows "---" instead of a set number or register numbers.

Treble TX/RX channel

(Off, 1\~16, Default setting: 1) The table on page 45 specifies the default MIDI channel assignments the FR-3 uses.

ROLAND FR-3B - Treble TX/RX channel - 1

Those choices are based on how most accordion players prefer (or are allowed) to use their instrument. You can, however, change the MIDI channel assignments. An obvious candidate for such a change would be the Treble section if you want it to conform to a generally accepted (i.e. standardized) usage, whereby the melody part transmits on MIDI channel 4.

There is indeed a format called "General MIDI" that requires you to use MIDI channel 4 for the melody. General MIDI-compatible musical instruments use that channel for the most important part of a song, so it may be a good idea to assign it to the Treble section.

This parameter allows you to define the MIDI channel for the Treble (accordion) section. The assignment set here applies both to the transmission ("TX") and reception ("RX") of MIDI data. Obviously, "TX" is only used when "MId" (see above) is set to "Out", while the "RX" part is only used when "MId" is set to "In".

The options are: "Off" and 1\~16. Select "Off" if the Treble section should neither receive nor transmit MIDI data.

Note: Though it is perfectly possible to assign the same MIDI channel to several sections, the result is usually disappointing and may lead to a lot of confusion.

Treble Octave Tx

(-3\~0\~3, Default setting: 0) This parameter allows you to transpose the Note-on messages transmitted by the Treble section up to three octaves up or down.

ROLAND FR-3B - Treble Octave Tx - 1

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 an external module whose notes would be far too low if they were used as is. As stated above, each MIDI note has a unique number. This parameter allows you to add (or subtract) 12 ("1" octave), 24 ("2" octaves) or 36 ("3" octaves) to (from) the note numbers generated by your playing.

Note: "TX" means that this parameter only applies to the note messages transmitted to external devices. Messages the FR-3 receives from another device are not affected by it.

Bass/Free Bass TX/RX Channel

(Off, 1\~16, Default setting: 2) This parameter allows you to define the MIDI channel for the bass buttons or Free Bass (accordion) section, depending on which mode is currently active. The assignment set here applies both to the transmission ("TX") and reception ("RX") of MIDI data. Obviously, "TX" is only used when "MId" (see above) is set to "Out", while the "RX" part is only used when "MId" is set to "In". Select "Off" if the Bass or Free Bass section should neither receive nor transmit MIDI data.

ROLAND FR-3B - Bass/Free Bass TX/RX Channel - 1

Note: Though it is perfectly possible to assign the same MIDI channel to several sections, the result is usually disappointing and may lead to a lot of confusion.

Bass/Free Bass Octave TX

(-3\~0\~3, Default setting: 0) This parameter allows you to transpose the Note-on messages transmitted by the bass buttons or Free Bass section up to three octaves up or down.

ROLAND FR-3B - Bass/Free Bass Octave TX - 1

Chord TX/RX Channel

(Off, 1\~16, Default setting: 3) This parameter allows you to define the MIDI channel for the chord buttons when they are used to play the selected accordion register. The assignment set here applies both to the transmission ("TX") and reception ("RX") of MIDI data. Obviously, "TX" is only used when "MId" (see above) is set to "Out", while the "RX" part is only used when "MId" is set to "In".

ROLAND FR-3B - Chord TX/RX Channel - 1

Note: Though it is perfectly possible to assign the same MIDI channel to several sections, the result is usually disappointing and may lead to a lot of confusion.

Chord Octave TX

(-3\~0\~3, Default setting: 0) This parameter allows you to transpose the Note-on messages transmitted by the chord buttons up to three octaves up or down.

ROLAND FR-3B - Chord Octave TX - 1

Orchestra TX/RX Channel

(Off, 1\~16, Default setting: 3) This parameter allows you to define the MIDI channel for the Treble Orchestra part.

ROLAND FR-3B - Orchestra TX/RX Channel - 1

The assignment set here applies both to the transmission ("TX") and reception ("RX") of MIDI data. Obviously, "TX" is only used when "MId" (see above) is set to "Out", while the "RX" part is only used when "MId" is set to "In".

Orchestra Octave TX

(-3\~0\~3, Default setting: 0) This parameter allows you to transpose the Note-on messages transmitted by the Orchestra section.

ROLAND FR-3B - Orchestra Octave TX - 1

Note: "TX" means that this parameter only applies to the note messages transmitted to external devices. Messages the FR-3 receives from another device are not affected by it.

Orchestra Bass TX/RX Channel

(Off, 1\~16, Default setting: 5) This parameter allows you to define the MIDI channel for the ORCH BASS part. The assignment set here applies both to the transmission ("TX") and reception ("RX") of MIDI data. Obviously, "TX" is only used when "Mld" (see above) is set to "Out", while the "RX" part is only used when "Mld" is set to "In".

ROLAND FR-3B - Orchestra Bass TX/RX Channel - 1

Orchestra Bass Octave TX

(-3\~0\~3, Default setting: 0) This parameter allows you to transpose the Note-on messages transmitted by the ORCH BASS part.

ROLAND FR-3B - Orchestra Bass Octave TX - 1

Orchestra Chord TX/RX Channel

(Off, 1\~16, Default setting: 6) This parameter allows you to define the MIDI channel for the ORCH CHORD part. The assignment set here applies both to the transmission ("TX") and reception ("RX") of MIDI data. Obviously, "TX" is only used when "Mld" (see above) is set to "Out", while the "RX" part is only used when "Mld" is set to "In".

ROLAND FR-3B - Orchestra Chord TX/RX Channel - 1

Orchestra Chord Octave TX

(-3\~0\~3, Default setting: 0) This parameter allows you to transpose the Note-on messages transmitted by the ORCH CHORD part.

ROLAND FR-3B - Orchestra Chord Octave TX - 1

Orchestra Free Bass TX/RX Channel

(Off, 1\~16, Default setting: 7) This parameter allows you to define the MIDI channel for the ORCH FREE BS part. The assignment set here applies both to the transmission ("TX") and reception ("RX") of MIDI data. Obviously, "TX" is only used when "MId" (see above) is set to "Out", while the "RX" part is only used when "MId" is set to "In".

ROLAND FR-3B - Orchestra Free Bass TX/RX Channel - 1

Orchestra Free Bass Octave TX

(-3\~0\~3, Default setting: 0) This parameter allows you to transpose the Note-on messages transmitted by the ORCH FREE BS part.

ROLAND FR-3B - Orchestra Free Bass Octave TX - 1

Basic Channel TX/RX

(Off, 1\~16, Default setting: 13) This parameter allows you to set the basic MIDI channel number. The "Basic Channel" can be used for selecting Sets from an external MIDI device (using program change numbers 1\~10). If your external source sends Bank Select messages along with the program change number, CC00 and CC32 must both be set to "0". The assignment set here applies both to the transmission ("TX") and reception ("RX") of MIDI data. Obviously, "TX" is only used when "Mld" (see above) is set to "Out", while the "RX" part is only used when "Mld" is set to "In".

Control Channel TX

(Off, 1\~16, Default setting: 13) The "Control Ch" can only be used for sending program change messages (see p. 51). This parameter allows you to set MIDI channel number.

ROLAND FR-3B - Control Channel TX - 1

Program Change TX

(Off, On, Default setting: On) This is the first of a series of MIDI filters, i.e. parameters that allow you to specify whether or not the given MIDI type should be transmitted. "TX", as you know, is short for "transmission". This means two things: (1) the filter only applies to program changes sent by the FR-3, and (2) it is only meaningful when the "MId" parameter (see p. 48) is set to "Out".

Program change messages are used to select sounds or memories on the receiving instrument simply by recalling another sound (or memory) on the transmitting instrument. The FR-3 transmits program changes when you select Sets (on the Basic Channel) and registers (on the MIDI channel assigned to the section for which you are selecting a different register). Select "Off" if you don't need that.

Note: This filter has no effect on the "Send PC" function (see p. 51).

Bellows Expression TX

(Off, On, Default setting: On) You probably noticed that the strength/speed with which the bellows is pressed or pulled influences the sound – which corresponds to an acoustic accordion's response. This effect can be translated into a MIDI message most external instruments understand. The MIDI standard provides a message ("control change") for remotely controlling the volume of an external instrument: CC11. It is chiefly used for expression purposes (similar to the way in which a guitarist or organ player uses a volume pedal).

If you want to use the bellows for expressive purposes, set this parameter to "On". If you don't (because the external instrument is too sensitive and therefore changes its volume too often), select "Off". Note that there is a second parameter (see below) that allows you to specify the bellows' resolution.

Velocity TX

(On, 1\~127, Default setting: On) Your FR-3 is velocity sensitive. That is a very learned term for the fact that the volume and brightness of the notes you play on the Treble or Bass keyboard depend on how hard (or fast) you press the buttons. The accordion sounds do not respond to these playing dynamics, but the Orchestra (Treble, Bass, Chord, Free Bass) sounds do, and so do most MIDI-compatible sound modules.

ROLAND FR-3B - Velocity TX - 1

This parameter allows you to specify whether the velocity values corresponding to the strength with which you press a key/button should be transmitted ("On") or whether your playing dynamics should not be translated as such.

In the latter case, you need to select a value (1\~127) that will be applied to all notes that are transmitted via MIDI. "64" is still relatively soft. Even lower values are probably not what you want in most cases. Fixed velocity values can be useful for playing organ sounds on an external module.

Bellows TX Resolution

(1\~3, Default setting: 2) This parameter allows you to specify how many data the FR-3's bellows may transmit for expression purposes. As long as the external sequencer you work with does not display a "MIDI buffer overflow" message, you can leave its setting at "2". If, however, the bellows' data amount is too much for the receiving sequencer (because such data are transmitted on several channels simultaneously), select "1". In that case, the amount of data will be reduced. This leads to a coarser resolution, and maybe even audible steps, but at least, your sequencer will be able to record the data. If your sequencer accepts "3", use that setting, because it will lead to even more nuances being captured.

"TX" means that this parameter only applies to data sent by the FR-3. Its own MIDI buffer is big enough to receive high-resolution data ("3").

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 the FR-3. These are MIDI messages that cause an external instrument or device to select a different memory (i.e. another sound or effect).

This functionality is mainly intended for selecting setting groups of various sounds on external instruments. Such setting groups may be called "Performances" or "Multis", which you may want to select while playing, because using those multitimbral memories has the advantage that all sound addresses and MIDI channels are configured "automatically" simply by sending the correct "PC" address from the FR-3.

As the first half of the name ("Send PC") suggests, this function only transmits messages to an external device whose MIDI IN port is connected to the FR-3's MIDI socket.

Here is how to take advantage of that function:

(1) Connect the FR-3's MIDI socket to the MIDI IN port of the module, synthesizer, etc., you wish to control.

(2) Set the "Mld" parameter (page 48) to "Out".

(3) Set the module's MIDI receive channel (often called "RX") to "13".

See its manual for details. If you are unable to change the receiver's MIDI channel, set the FR-3's "Control Ch" to match the external instrument's "RX" channel. See "Control Channel TX" on p. 50.

(4) Hold down the ORCHESTRA/MODE register while pressing register 6 (SEND PC).

ROLAND FR-3B - Sending program change messages when necessary (bPC, C00, C32) - 1

natural_image Illustration of a hand interacting with an electronic keyboard and piano (no text or symbols visible)

ROLAND FR-3B - Sending program change messages when necessary (bPC, C00, C32) - 2

(5) Use Treble registers 1\~0 to enter the sound number.

You may have to look in the owner's manual of the module or synthesizer you are controlling to find out which number you need to transmit for the sound (or memory) you want to select. You can enter any number from "1" to "512".

The ① register acts as "0" here. To enter "502", for example, press registers ⑤, ⑥, and ⑦.

(6) If necessary, press the SET register to erase the last entry you made.

If you entered "55", for example, while the second figure should have been a "2", press SET once (so that the display indicates "--5" again), then press register ② ("-52").

Note: The FR-3 uses a smart entry system: after entering "52" (or "53", "54", "55", ... "59"), you can't add a third figure, because the highest number supported by the SEND PC function is "512".

Note: The SET button has two functions here: when pressed lightly, it deletes the last entry you made ("backspace"). By holding it for ±1 second, you delete all figures and start again.

(7) Press the ORCHESTRA register to transmit the number you entered.

Bear in mind that despite the function's name ("Send PC"), the value you enter here is not really a program change number, but rather the memory number used by the receiving device.

"502" therefore refers to Performance number 502 of the receiver, but that number cannot be conveyed as such via MIDI.

The MIDI standard provides only 128 program change numbers (for selecting memories) and two messages called "Bank Select" that allow you to select 128 banks each. Two bank addresses ("MSB" and "LSB") with 128 possibilities each, plus 128 Program Change numbers provide 128 × 128 × 128 values= 2,097,152 possible memories.

The numbers you enter on the page shown above should therefore be taken to mean "memory XX of the receiving device". But how does the FR-3 then convert it to a MIDI address that conforms to the CC00/CC32/PC format (each of which supports a maximum of 128 possibilities)? Enter the following parameters:

Defining the 'PC' format

(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 following parameter.

ROLAND FR-3B - Defining the 'PC' format - 1

natural_image Illustration of two hands interacting with a keyboard and piano keyboard (no text or symbols visible)

ROLAND FR-3B - Defining the 'PC' format - 2

"bPC" is short for "Send Bank PC TX".

(3) Use register 1/- or 2/+ to select the memory group whose "real" MIDI address you want to define.

The possibilities are: "1" (1\~128), "2" (129\~256), "3" (257\~384), "4" 385\~512.

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 convert that to a program change number 1\~128, and add the two CC values I'm about to specify."

Note: This function can also be used to select the Patches on an SRX-series expansion board which you installed in a G-70, for example.

(4) Press the 6/▶ register to select "C00" and use 1/- or 2/+ to select a value (0\~127).

"0" corresponds to the first bank (called the "Capital bank" on GM2/GS-compatible instruments).

Be sure to select this number based on the information given in the owner's manual of the instrument you wish to control. Be sure to also specify the corr number.

ROLAND FR-3B - Defining the 'PC' format - 3

(5) Press the 6/▶ register to select "C32" and use 1/- or 2/+ to select a value (0\~127).

Again, the value to enter here depends on the information you find in the manual of the instrument you want to

ROLAND FR-3B - Defining the 'PC' format - 4

control. Some manufacturers don't use CC32 messages for sound selection, others use them to define modes, and still others rely on them as complementary bank information.

(6) Press register 5/◀ to select "bPC" again, then use register 1/- or 2/+ to select the next memory group, and repeat steps (4) and (5).
(7) See "Saving your changes" on p. 26 if you want to keep your changes. To use them only temporarily, press the SET register to leave "MIDI LIST" mode.
(8) Now use the "SPC" page to test your assignments. See step (1) and following on p. 51.

Archiving your settings via MIDI (Bulk Dump)

MIDI can also be used for transmitting parameter settings from the FR-3 to an external MIDI device and back.

■Archiving your settings with a sequencer

The "dNP" parameter allows you to transmit the contents of the global area (that contains the PARAM LIST and MIDI LIST settings) to a second FR-3s/FR-3sb or FR-3/FR-3b, an external sequencer, computer or data filer. Sending these data to other instruments (a digital piano, synthesizer, etc.) does nothing at all. That's because the setting data are special MIDI messages only one model (or model family) understands. They are called "system exclusive messages" – or "SysEx" for short. By transmitting them to a second FR-3, however, you can "copy" the settings of your V-Accordion to that of a friend, colleague or student.

A sequencer or data filer does not know what the messages mean and so does not use them in any way. It merely records them. Afterwards, you only need to start playback on your sequencer or data filer to transmit the settings back to the FR-3.

(1) Connect the FR-3's MIDI OUT/IN socket to the sequencer's/computer's MIDI IN socket.
See page 45 for a connection diagram.
Note: Your computer needs to be equipped with (or connected to) an appropriate MIDI interface.
(2) Set the "Mld" parameter (page 48) to "Out".
(3) If you are working with a computer, launch the sequencer program.
(4) Create or select an empty song.
(5) Create (or select) an empty track. The track's MIDI channel is of no importance here. You need to ensure, however, that the sequencer/program accepts SysEx data. If necessary, switch off the MIDI filter in question (see the manual of your sequencer or software).
(6) Activate the record-ready mode of the track you selected/created.

Note: It would be wise not to change the tempo on your sequencer/in the software. By default, most sequencers/programs use the tempo value ♪ = 120. Leave it that way (or else do whatever is necessary to ensure that the new tempo value is stored along with the data).

(7) Press and hold the SET register until the display shows a parameter name, then release it.
(8) Use register 5/◄ or 6/► to select the following parameter.

ROLAND FR-3B - ■Archiving your settings with a sequencer - 1

natural_image Illustration of hands interacting with a keyboard and a digital interface (no text or symbols visible)

ROLAND FR-3B - ■Archiving your settings with a sequencer - 2

"dMP" is short for "Dump TX".

(9) Start recording on your sequencer/computer.

Wait until the count-in (one or two measures) is finished, 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 transmit your settings after all.)

(11) Wait until the following message appears, then stop recording on your sequencer.

ROLAND FR-3B - ■Archiving your settings with a sequencer - 3

This message appears after a while.

(12) Name the "song" (it may only contain data so far) and save it to hard or floppy disk.

See below for how to transmit the settings back to the FR-3 at a later stage.

Note: Your computer needs to be equipped with (or connected to) an appropriate MIDI interface.

(2) Set the "MId" parameter (page 48) to "In".

(3) If you are working with a computer, launch the sequencer program.

(4) Load the song that contains the data you want to transmit.

(5) On your sequencer, perform all necessary actions to ensure that it transmits SysEx data.

See its manual for details.

Note: Be aware that by proceeding, you replace all internal settings.

(6) Start playback of the data file or song on your sequencer, etc.

Note: Wait until the "don" message appears before stopping playback on your sequencer. Failure to do so will render your FR-3 inoperable. If that happens, you need to initialize it (see "Restoring the factory defaults" on p. 53).

(7) Stop playback of your sequencer.

■Sending Bulk data (back) to the FR-3

The FR-3 not only sends SysEx data to external devices (see above), it also receives them.

(1) Connect the FR-3's MIDI socket to the sequencer's/computer's MIDI OUT socket.

See page 45 for a connection diagram.

7. Restoring the factory defaults

You can reset the FR-3 to its factory settings, which means that your own Global settings are replaced by the settings the FR-3 contained when you first got it. You may wish to archive your settings before initializing the FR-3 (see p. 52).

(1) Switch on the FR-3 while holding down the SET and ORCHESTRA registers.

ROLAND FR-3B - Restoring the factory defaults - 1

natural_image Illustration of hands interacting with a keyboard and music note (no text or symbols visible)

The display changes to:

ROLAND FR-3B - Restoring the factory defaults - 2

When all settings have been initialized, the display briefly shows the following message:

ROLAND FR-3B - Restoring the factory defaults - 3

The FR-3 now again sounds and behaves like when you first bought it.

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 batteries. You can therefore play your instrument without connecting the supplied adapter.

What can you do with batteries?

  • After installing optional batteries, the FR-3s/FR-3sb (where the "s" stands for "speakers") can be used like an acoustic accordion – without any connection whatsoever.
  • FR-3s/FR-3sb and FR-3/FR-3b: If you use an optional wireless system, you don't need audio cables that run from the FR-3 to your amplifier or mixing console.
  • FR-3s/FR-3sb and FR-3/FR-3b: If you use headphones, you can play just about anywhere.

Note: Though it is perfectly possible to use rechargeable batteries, be aware that they cannot be recharged simply by leaving them in the FR-3's compartment and connecting the adapter. You will need an external charging unit.

Installing and removing batteries

The FR-3 provides a battery compartment with a special holder unit into which 10 AA-type (R6) batteries can be installed.

General remarks about batteries

  • Be sure to dispose of used batteries in accordance with local regulations.
  • First, read the precautions on page 10 and following.
  • New (or fully recharged) batteries should last about 2.5 hours (FR-3s/FR-3sb) or ±5 hours (FR-3/FR-3b) under continuous use.
  • Slightly before the batteries are fully exhausted, the following message appears.

ROLAND FR-3B - General remarks about batteries - 1

Note: The FR-3 contains an energy saving function that switches off the instrument when it is left unattended for more than 10 minutes. You may therefore have to switch it on again from time to time.

(1) Switch off the FR-3.
(2) Remove the cushion located between the Treble keyboard and the bellows.

ROLAND FR-3B - General remarks about batteries - 2

natural_image Technical line drawing of a portable electronic device with ventilation slots and a flat panel (no text or symbols)

ROLAND FR-3B - General remarks about batteries - 3

natural_image Line drawing of a toolbox with open lid and metal frame (no text or symbols)

(3) Remove the cover from the FR-3's battery compartment by pressing the two tabs and lifting the cover.

ROLAND FR-3B - General remarks about batteries - 4

natural_image Close-up of a black rectangular object with two white downward-pointing arrows on top, placed on a textured surface (no text or symbols visible)

You should now see a tab that allows you to remove the battery case:

ROLAND FR-3B - General remarks about batteries - 5

natural_image Close-up of a mechanical component with visible wiring and a white arrow pointing to a specific part (no text or symbols)

(4) Use the tab to pull the battery case out of the compartment and turn the case around.

ROLAND FR-3B - General remarks about batteries - 6

natural_image Close-up of an electronic component with wires and connectors (no visible text or symbols)

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.

ROLAND FR-3B - General remarks about batteries - 7

natural_image Close-up of electrical components with a magnified inset showing a circular detail (no visible text or symbols)

Note that this is unnecessary if you manage to install (or remove) the batteries without disconnecting the strip

(5) Insert 10 AA-type (R6) batteries into the compartment (5 on either side), taking care to orient them in accordance with the "+" and "-" indications.

Black-and-white photo of multiple cylindrical batteries with printed text, arranged in a row with white arrows pointing to each battery.

(6) Insert the case with the 10 batteries into the compartment.

(7) Close the FR-3's battery compartment and re-install the cushion.

Note about rechargeable batteries

Certain batteries can be recharged several times before they need to be replaced with a new ones. Note that it is normal for the battery to last increasingly shorter as time goes by. At the end of its life cycle, it may only last one hour, for example. But that is a gradual process.

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 the VOL knob all the way to the small dot?

Set it to a higher value.

Did you turn the BAL knob all the way to one side?

Change its setting and try again.

■Are you moving the bellows while triggering accordion sounds?

The Treble and Bass/Free Bass sections only produce sound if you move the bellows while playing notes (like on an acoustic accordion).

Did you connect the FR-3/FR-3b to an external amplifier?

The FR-3/FR-3b doesn't contain internal speakers and therefore needs to be connected to an external amplification system. Alternatively, you can use a pair of headphones.

Did you connect the audio cables to the correct sockets?

If so, check whether the external amplifier, mixing console, etc., is switched on. Also check the cables for possible damage.

No sound and the display shows "---"

Did you set the "MId" parameter to "In"?

In that case, the FR-3 only responds to MIDI messages. Set the parameter to "Out" (page 48).

No power

■Did you disconnect the adapter?

Connect the supplied adapter, or install optional batteries.

■Did you remove the battery cover?

For your safety, the power is automatically switched off within a few seconds after the battery cover is removed.

■Did the FR-3 go off after several seconds?

You probably did not install the battery cover all the way, which is why the power was automatically switched off.

The FR-3 does not respond to your playing

■Did you set the "MId" parameter to "In"?

In that case, the FR-3 only responds to MIDI messages. Set the parameter to "Out" (page 48).

■Are you moving the bellows while triggering accordion sounds?

The Treble and Bass/Free Bass sections only produce sound if you move the bellows while playing notes (like on an acoustic accordion).

Issues related to the bass buttons

■Why do the bass buttons only provide three chord rows?

Because you set the "Bass & Chord Mode" parameter to "2", "3", "4" or "5" (page 42). Set it to "1".

■Why can't I play diminished chords using the bass buttons?

Because you set the "Bass & Chord Mode" parameter to "2", "3", "4" or "5" (page 42). Set it to "1".

In Free Bass mode, the bass buttons play the wrong notes.

You may have changed the "Free Bass Mode" setting. Be sure to select the system that best suits your playing style (page 42).

■What MIDI channels does the FR-3 use by default?

See the table on page 45.

■The FR-3 does not change sounds when my sequencer transmits program change numbers.

The program change number probably outside the range of the FR-3's registers (1\~10 for Treble, 1\~7 for Bass/Free Bass/Orch. Bass/Orch Chord/Orch Free Bass, 1\~10 for Orchestra). Such "excess" program numbers are ignored by the FR-3.

■The FR-3 does not receive the MIDI messages I recorded for it.

That's because the "MId" parameter is currently set to "Out". Set it to "In" (page 48).

■All of the FR-3's settings have changed.

You probably transmitted a "Bulk" file. The settings of that file have replaced your own settings. We regret that your settings cannot be restored. Be sure to archive the internal settings before transmitting bulk data to the FR-3 (page 52).

■The external sequencer keeps displaying a "MIDI Buffer Overflow" message

The bellows sends too many data at once (its data are transmitted on five channels simultaneously). Select a different setting ("2" or "1"). This leads to a coarser resolution, and maybe to audible steps, but at least, your sequencer will be able to record the data. See "Bellows TX Resolution" on p. 50.

10. Specifications

■ Keyboards

Right hand: FR-3s/FR-3 37 piano-type keys, velocity sensitive (starting at a G key) FR-3sb/FR-3b 92 buttons, with velocity

Left hand: (All models) 120 velocity-sensitive bass buttons,

Modes: Standard, Free Bass, Orch. Bass, Orch. Chord, Orch. Free Bass

Bellows

Real pneumatic detection of bellows pressure (high-resolution 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, 7 Free Bass registers, 7 Orchestra Bass registers, 7 Orchestra Chord registers, 7 Orchestra Free Bass registers, 10 Orchestra sounds Treble reed footages: 4 Bass reed footages: 5 Chord reed footages: 3 Free Bass footages: 2

■ PBM (Physical Behavior Modeling)

Noises: stopping-reed growl, closing valve noise, left button noise Individual reed simulation: hysteresis threshold, Expression curve, pressure-variant filter, pressure-variant pitch deviation Reed sound wave switching: by bellows acceleration, by note repetition speed

■ Musette tuning

Micro tuning presets: 16 (Off, Dry, Classic, F-Folk, American L/H, North Europe, German L/H, D-Folk L/H, Alpine, Italian L/H, French, Scottish)

■ Effects

Reverb: 8 types, Chorus: 8 types, "Cassotto" and "Sordina" simulation

■ Panel controls

Knobs: VOL, Treble/Bass BAL, Reverb, Chorus Panel Switches: 10 Treble registers + Orchestra + Set, 7 Bass registers, METRONOME button, SORDINA switch, POWER switch

■ Operation modes

ORCHESTRA modes: Solo, Dual, High, Low Free Bass modes: Minor 3rd, Bajan, Fifth, N. Europe, Finnish Treble modes (FR-3sb/FR-3b): C-Griff Europe, C-Griff 2, B-Griff Bajan, B-Griff Fin, D-Griff 1, D-Griff 2 Octave: Down, 0, Up (for Treble and Orchestra)

■ Display LED, 3 x 7 segments, 3 dots

■ Rated power output (FR-3s/FR-3sb) 2 x 11W RMS

■ Speakers (FR-3s/FR-3sb) 2 x 10cm speakers (neodymium transducer magnets)

■ Power consumption (FR-3s/FR-3sb) 1000mA (FR-3s/FR-3sb) 450mA (FR-3/FR-3b)

■ Expected battery life under continuous use: Ni-MH (2500mAh):...2.5 hours (FR-3s/FR-3sb) Ni-MH (2500mAh):...±5 hours (FR-3/FR-3b) These figures vary depending on the actual conditions of use. Roland recommends the use of Ni-MH batteries (2500mAh or more) Note: Carbon and alkaline batteries should not be used.

Others

Connectors: HEADPHONE socket (stereo), OUTPUT sockets (stereo), MIDI socket (Out/In function adjustable via MIDI parameter) Power supply: external AC adapter (100\~240V, universal) Dimensions (mm):

FR-3s/FR-3: 425 (H) x 481 (W) x 270 (D) mm FR-3sb/FR-3b: 387 (H) x 472 (W) x 240 (D) mm

Weight: FR-3s: 8.3kg, FR-3sb: 8.25, FR-3: 7.5kg, FR-3b: 7.5kg (without straps or optional batteries)

■ Supplied accessories

External AC adapter Owner's Manual Reference caps for the bass buttons Reference caps for the treble buttons (FR-3sb/FR-3b) Accordion cloth Straps Battery holder (pre-installed in compartment)

Options

Accordion soft bag AA-type batteries (10) from third-party suppliers

Note: In the interest of product improvement, the specifications and/or appearance of this unit are subject to change without prior notice.

11. Appendix

Factory Sets

01 CLASSIC04 D FOLK(German Folk)07 BANDONEON00 TEX MEX
02 JAZZ05 F FOLK(French Folk)*08 ALPINE
03 I FOLK(Italian Folk)06 SP FOLK(Spanish Folk)09 CAJUN

(*) Changes the assignments of the Treble registers. See page 22.

Demo Songs

# SONG TITLE*PERFORMED BY
01 Walking in old Paris by S. Scappini Sergio Scappini
02 Carnival in Venice - Traditional Sergio Scappini
03 Passionate Red Rose by S. Scappini Sergio Scappini
04 Bez aubernder Sinaklia by S. Scappini Sergio Scappini
05 O Sole Mio - Traditional Sergio Scappini
06 Sonata in C Maj by D. Scarlatti Sergio Scappini
07 Edelweiss by S. Scappini Sergio Scappini
08 Mexican Hat Dance - Traditional Luigi Bruti
09 Smells from Toccata by J. S. Bach Sergio Scappini
10 Capriccio 13 by N. Paganini Sergio Scappini
11 Salvador by L. Bruti Luigi Bruti
12 Scattered Jazz by S. Scappini Sergio Scappini
13 Figaro by G. Rossini Sergio Scappini
14 Rêve d'amour by L. BrutiLuigi Bruti
15 Sugar cane by L. BrutiLuigi Bruti
16 To my beloved teacher by S. ScappiniSergio Scappini
17 Dancing in the courtyard by L. BeierLudovic Beier
18 Sotto I ponti della SennaLudovic Beier
19 Sunny grasslands by L. BeierLudovic Beier
20 Hanging around by L. BeierLudovic Beier
21 Lights and Shadows of the Moon by L. BeierLudovic Beier
22 Acrobat by L. BeierLudovic Beier
23 Islands by L. BeierLudovic Beier
24 Fence Jumper by L. BeierLudovic Beier
25 Passion in the Atmosphere by L. BeierLudovic Beier

[*] 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 violation of applicable laws.

Note: The performance data of the demo songs are not transmitted to the MIDI socket.

MIDI implementation

1. Received data

■ Channel Voice Messages

Note off

Status 2nd byte 3rd byte 8nH kkH vvH

n = MIDI channel number: 0H\~FH (Ch.1\~16) kk = note number: 00H\~7FH (0\~127) vv = note off velocity: 00H\~7FH (0\~127)

Note on

Status 2nd byte 3rd byte 9nH kkH vvH

n = MIDI channel number: 0H\~FH (Ch.1\~16) kk = note number: 00H\~7FH (0\~127) vv = note on velocity: 01H\~7FH (1\~127)

● Control Change

- The value specified by a Control Change message is not reset by a Program Change, etc.

○ Bank Select (Controller number 0, 32)

Status 2nd byte 3rd byte BnH 00H mmH BnH 20H IIH

n = MIDI channel number: 0H\~FH (Ch.1\~16) mm = Bank number MSB: 00H\~7FH II = Bank number LSB: 00H\~7FH

- Only for Free Bass.

○ Expression (Controller number 11)

Status 2nd byte 3rd byte BnH 0BH vvH

n = MIDI channel number: 0H\~FH (Ch.1\~16) vv = Expression: 00H\~7FH (0\~127)

- This adjusts the volume of a Part. It can be used independently from Volume (CC07) messages. Expression messages are used for musical expression within a performance, e.g., expression pedal movements, crescendo and decrescendo.

( ) Program Change

Status 2nd byte CnH ppH

n = MIDI channel number: 0H\~FH (Ch.1\~16)

pp = Program number: 00H\~0BH: Treble Register 1\~12 00H\~0AH: Orchestra Register 1\~10 00H\~06H: Bass/FreeBass/Orch.Bass/ Orch.Chord/Orch.FreeBs Register 1\~7 00H\~0AH: Set 1\~10

■ System Realtime Messages

Active Sensing

Status FEH

- When Active Sensing is received, the FR-3 starts monitoring the intervals of all further messages. While monitoring, if the interval between messages exceeds 420 ms, the same processing will be carried out as when All Sounds Off, All Notes Off and Reset All Controllers are received, and message interval monitoring will be halted.

○ Start Statu FAH

- When an FA message is received from an external MIDI device such as sequencer, the FR-3 sends all necessary MIDI information for a song header setup: Treble, Orchestra, Bass/Free, Orchestra Bass, sound setup.

■ System Exclusive Messages

Status Data byte Status FOH illH, ddH, .....eeH F7H

F0H: System Exclusive Message status ii = ID number: An ID number (manufacturer ID) to indicate the manufacturer whose Exclusive message this is. Roland's manufacturer ID is 41H. dd,...,ce = data: 00H-7FH (0-127) F7H: EOX (End Of Exclusive)

The System Exclusive Messages received by the FR-3 are messages related to Data Set (DT).

● Data Set 1 DT1 (12H)

Status Data byte Status F0H 41H, dev, 42H, 12H, aaH, bbH, ccH, ddH, ... eeH, ffH, sum F7H

Byte Explanation FOH Exclusive status

41H ID number (Roland) 10H Device ID 00H Model ID #1 (FR-3 V-Accordion)

Status Data byte Status 7CH Model ID #2 (FR-3 V-Accordion)

12H Command ID (DT1)

aaH Address MSB: upper byte of the starting address of the data to be sent

bbH Address: upper middle byte of the starting address of the data to be sent

ccH Address: lower middle byte of the starting address of the data to be sent

ddH Address LSB: lower byte of the starting address of the data to be sent

eeH Data: the actual data to be sent. Multiple bytes of data are transmitted in order starting from the address.

...

ffH Data

sum Checksum

F7H EOX (End of Exclusive)

- The amount of data that can be received at one time depends on the type of data, and data will be transmitted from the specified starting address and size.

- Data larger than 256 bytes must be divided into packets of 256 bytes or less, and each packet must be sent at an interval of about 20ms.

2. Transmitted data

■ Channel Voice Messages

● Note off

Status 2nd byte 3rd byte ____ 8nH kkH vvH

n = MIDI channel number: 0H\~FH (Ch.1\~16)

kk = note number: 00H\~7FH (0\~127)

vv = note off velocity: 00H-7FH (0-127)

Note on

Status 2nd byte 3rd byte 9nH kkH vvH

n = MIDI channel number: 0H-FH (Ch.1-16)

kk = note number: 00H\~7FH (0\~127)

vv = note on velocity: 01H\~7FH (1\~127)

● Control Change

○ Bank Select (Controller number 0, 32)

Status 2nd byte 3rd byte BnH 00H mmH BnH 20H IIH

n = MIDI channel number: 0H-FH (Ch.1-16)

mm = Bank number MSB: 00H\~7FH

II = Bank number LSB: 00H\~7FH

○ Expression (Controller number 11)

Status 2nd byte 3rd byte BnH 0BH vvH

n = MIDI channel number: 0H\~FH (Ch.1\~16) w = Expression: 00H\~7FH (0\~127)

- This adjusts the volume of a Part. Expression messages are used for musical expression within a performance, e.g., expression pedal movements, crescendo and decrescendo.

Program Change

Status 2nd byte CnH ppH

n = MIDI channel number: 0H\~FH (Ch.1\~16) pp = Program number: 00H\~7FH: program no. 1\~128

■ System Realtime Messages

○ Active Sensing

Status

FEH Transmitted about every 250ms.

Start

Status

FAH This message is transmitted when the [MFTRONOME] switch is pressed after assigning the "2" option to the "MFn" parameter.

Stop

Status

FCH

This message is transmitted when the METRONOME switch is pressed after assigning the "2" option to the "MFn" parameter.

■ System Exclusive Messages

Status Data byte Status

F0H IIH, ddH, ....., eeH F7H

FOH: System Exclusive Message status

ii = ID number: An ID number (manufacturer ID) to indicate the manufacturer whose Exclusive message this is. Roland's manufacturer ID is 41H.

dd,...,ee=data:00H-7FH(0-127)

F7H: EOX (End Of Exclusive)

The System Exclusive Messages transmitted by the FR-3 are messages related to Data Set (DT).

● Data Set 1 DT1 (12H)

Status Data byte Status

F0H 41H, dev, 42H, 12H, aaH, bbH, ccH, ddH, ... eeH, ffH, sum

F7H

Byte Explanation

FOH Exclusive status

41H ID number (Roland)

10H Device ID

00H Model ID #1 (FR-3 V-Accordion)

7CH Model ID #2 (FR-3 V-Accordion)

12H Command ID (DT1)

aaH Address MSB: upper byte of the starting address of the data to be sent

bbH Address: upper middle byte of the starting address of the data to be sent

ccH Address: lower middle byte of the starting address of the data to be sent

ddH Address LSB: lower byte of the starting address of the data to be sent

eeH Data: the actual data to be sent. Multiple bytes of data are transmitted in order starting from the address.

: :

ffH Data

sum Checksum

F7H EOX (End of Exclusive)

  • The amount of data that can be transmitted at one time depends on the type of data, and data will be transmitted from the specified starting address and size.
  • Data larger than 256 bytes will be divided into packets of 256 bytes or less, and each packet will be sent at an interval of about 20ms.

3. Bulk Dump

Bulk Dump allows you to transmit a large amount of data at once, and is convenient for storing settings for the entire unit on a computer or sequencer. The FR-3 is able to transmit and receive a SET.

4. Program change messages

BANK SELECT PROGRAM
MSB CC00 |SB CC 32CHANGE SECTION
BANK SELECT AND PROGRAM CHANGE TX
001~10Treble Register
001~7Bass Register
011~7Free Bass Register
001~7Orch Bass Register
001~7Orch Chord Register
001~7Orch FreeBs Register
001~10Orchestra Register
001~10Set
TREBLE REGISTER RX
1Bassoon
2Bandon
3Harmon
4Organ
5Master
6Musette 📊
11Musette 📊
7Violin 📊
12Violin 📊
8Oboe
9Clarinet
10Piccolo
ORCHESTRA REGISTER RX
1Trombone
2Trumpet
3T Sax
4A Sax
5Clarinet
6Harmonica
7Violin
8Flute
9Jazz Org
10Blues Org
BASS REGISTER RX
12'
24'
38-4'
416'/8'/8-4'/4'/2'
58'/4'/2'
616'/8'/8-4'
716'/2'
FREE BASS REGISTER RX
01 1Low
01 2High
01 3Low+High
01 4Low+HighLow
01 5Low Low+High
01 6High Low+High
01 7Low High
ORCH BASS REGISTER RX
1Acoustic
2Bowed
3Fingered
4Fretless
5Picked
6Tuba
7Tuba Mix
ORCH CHORD REGISTER RX
1St. Strings
2Chorus Organ
3Steel Guitar
4St. Orch Brass
5Choir
6Harps+Strings
7Guitar+Organ
ORCH FREE BASS REGISTER RX
1Trombone
2Clarinet
3Oboe
4Flute
5Perc Organ
6Ac Guitar
7Ac Piano
SET RX
1CLASSIC
2JAZZ
3I FOLK
4D FOLK
5F FOLK
6SP FOLK
7BANDONEON
8ALPINE
9CAJUN
10TEX MEX

MIDI Implementation Chart

[V-Accordion] Date: April 2006

Model: FR-3s/FR-3sb/FR-3/FR-3b Version: 1.00

Function... Transmitted Recognized Remarks
Basic ChannelDefault Changed1~16 1~16, Off1~16 1~16, Off7 Parts: 1= Treble, 2= Bass/Free Bass, 3= Chord, 4= Orchestra, 5= Orchestra Bass, 6= Orchestra Chord, 7= Orchestra Free Bass, 2 Logical parts: 13= Basic MIDI Channel for SET change, 13= Control MIDI Channel only TX
ModeDefault Message AlteredMode 3 ***** *****Mode 3 *****
Note Number True Voice0~127 *1 *****0~127 0~127
VelocityNote ON Note OFFO *1 OO O
After TouchKey's Ch'sX XX X
Pitch Bend X X
Control Change0,32 7 10 11 64 91 93O *1 X X O X X XO X X O X X XBank Select Volume Panpot Expression Hold 1 Reverb Send Chorus Send
Program Change True #O *1 0~127O 0~11Program Number 1~128 transmitted Recognized: 1~12: 1~12: Treble Registers 1~7 Bass 1~7 Free Bass 1~7 Orchestra Bass 1~7 Orchestra Chord 1~7 Orchestra Free Bass 1~10 Orchestra 1~10 Sets
System Exclusive OO *3
System CommonSong Position Pointer Song Sel TuneX X XX X X
System Real TimeClock CommandsX O *4X X
Aux MessagesAll Sounds Off Reset All Controllers Local On/Off All Notes Off Active Sense ResetX X X X O XX X X X O X
Notes*1 O X is selectable *2 Recognized as M=1 even if M=1 *3 SysEx used for Bulk Dump only *4 Transmit Start (FA) and Stop (FC)

Mode 1: OMNI ON, POLY

Mode 3: OMNI OFF, POLY

Mode 2: OMNI ON, MONO

Mode 4: OMNI OFF, MONO

O: Yes

X: No

12. Information

When you need repair service, call your nearest Roland Service Center or authorized Roland distributor in your country as shown below.

AFRICA

EGYPT

Al Fanny Trading Office

9, EBN Hagar A1 Askalany

Street,

ARD E1 Golf, Heliopolis,

Cairo 11341, EGYP

TEL: 20-2-17-1828

REUNIÓN

Royal Cape Park, Unit 24

Londonderry Road, Ottery 7800

Cape Town, SOUTH AFRICA

TEL:(021)7994900

ASIA

CHINA

Roland Shanghai Electronics

Co., Ltd.

5F. No.1500 Pingliang Road

Shanghai 200090, CHINA

TEL: (021) 5580-0800

Roland Shanghai Electronics

Co., Ltd.

(BEIJING OFFICE)

10F. No.18 3 Section Anhuaxili

Chaoyang District Beijing

10011 CHINA TEL: (050) (426 5059

19.2 (013) 1942B-035D

HONG KONG

Tom Lee Music Co., Ltd.

Service Division

22-32 Pun Shan Street, Tsuen

Wan, New Territories,

HONG KONG

TEL: 2415 0911

Parsons Music Ltd.

8th Floor, Railway Plaza, 39

Chatham Road South, I.S.T.

Kowloon, HONG KONG

TEL: 2333 1863

INDIA

Rivera Digitec (India) Pvt. Ltd.

  1. Nirman Kendra

Mahalaxmi Flats Compound

Off. Dr. Edwin Moses Road,

Mumbai-40011, INDIA

TEL: (022) 2493 9051

INDONESIA

PT Citra IntiRama

J1. Cideng Timur No. 15J-150

Jakarta Fusat

INDONESIA

TEL: (021) 6324170

KOREA

Cosmos Corporation

1461-9, Scocho-Dong,

Scocho Ku, Seoul, KOREA

TEL:(02)3486-8855

MALAYSIA

Roland Asia Pacific Sdn. Bhd.

45-1, Block C2, Jalan PJU 1/39,

Dataran Prima, 47301 Petah

Jaya, Sciangor, MALAYSIA

TEL: (03) 7805-3263

PHILIPPINES

G.A. Yupangco & Co. Inc.

339 Gil J. Puyat Avenue

Makati, Metro Manila 1200,

PHILIPPINES

TEL:(02) 899 9801

SINGAPORE

SWEE LEE MUSIC

COMPANY PTE. LTD.

150 Sims Drive,

SINGAPORE 387381

TEL: 6846-3676

SRI LANKA

Penguin Electronics (Pvt) Ltd.

115, Maya Avenue.

Colombo 06, SRI LANKA

TEL:(11)2552376

TAIWAN

ROLAND TAIWAN

ENTERPRISE CO., LTD.

Room 5, 9fl. No. 112 Chung

Shan N.Road Sec.2,Taipei,

TAIWAN, R.O.C. Dominican Republic TEL: (809) 687/205

TEL: (02) 2561 3339

THAILAND

Theera Music Co., Ltd.

330 Soi Verng NakornKasem,

New Road, Sumpantawongse,

Bangkok 10100, THAILAN

VIETNAM

SAIGON MUSIC

DISTRIBUTOR Alameda Juan Pablo II.

(TAN DINH MUSIC) Edificio No.4010 San Sa

138 Tran Quang Khai Street EL SALVADOR

Dist. 1, Ho Chi Minh City TEL: 262-0788

VIETNAM TEL: (08) 848-4068 GUATEMALA

(1) 2017年1月1日

AUSTRALIA/

NEW ZEALAND

AUSTRALIA/

NEW ZEALAND

Roland Corporation

Australia Pty., Ltd.

38 Campbell Avenue

Dec Why West, NSW 2099

AUSTRALIA

For Australia

Tel: (02) 9982 8266

For New Zealand

Tel: (09) 3098 715

CENTRAL/LATIN

AMERICA

ARGENTINA

Instrumentos Musicales S.A.

Av.Santa Fe 2055

(1123) Buenos Aires

ARGENTINA

TEL:(011)4508-2700

BARBADOS

A&B Music Supplies LTD

12 Webster Industrial Park

Wildey, St. Michael, Barbados

TEL: (246)430-1100

BRAZII

Roland Brasil Ltda

Nataniel Cox #739, 4th Floor

Santiago - Centro, CHIL.F

TEL: (02) 688-9540

COLOMBIA

Centro Musical Ltda.

Cra 43 B No 25 A 41 Bodoclega 9

Medellin, Colombia

TEL:(574)3812529

COSTA RICA

JUAN Bansbach Instrumentos

Musicales

Ave.1. Calle 11, Apartado 10237,

San Jose, COSTA RICA

TEL: 258-0211

CURACAO

Zeelandia Music Center Inc.

Orionweg 30

Curacao, Netherland Antilles

TEL:(305)5926866

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

Instrumentos Fernando Giraldez

Av. Tuluca No. 323, Col. Olivar

Boulevard Andrews, Albrook,

Panama City, REP. 108

PANAMA TEL: 245-0129

TEL: 513-0101

PARAGUAY

Distribuidora De

Instrumentos Musicales

LI. Olear y ESO, Manduvira

Asuncion PARAGUAY

TEL: (595) 21 492147

PERU

Audionet

Panel functions....12

Reed Growl 40

Touch 41

Using....23

Batteries 10,54

Install 54

bbn 40

bCH....50

bcfl 42

Bellows

Curve....41

Expression TX....50

Resistance regulator .....21

TX Resolution 50

bES....50

bFO 49

bFr....49

bLC....41

bPC 51

brE....50

brG 40

Bulk

Dump 52

Reception....53

Button layout....37

Button Noise 40

C

C Griff....37

COO 52

C32....52

cCH....50

CHD 49

CHO 49

Chord.... 23,45

Orchestra....28

TX/RX Channel....49

Chorus 23,40

CHr....40

Classic....35

COL 44

Color 44

Connections....14

Control Channel.....50

Convert PC 51

Curve 41

D

D Griff....37

DC IN 13

Delay....40

Demo songs 18

dEt 35

Detune....35, 37

D-Folk 35

Diplay....29

Display....20

dNP 52

Dots 29

Dry 35

Dual 25

Dynamics....41

E

Editing 36

Effect....40

Chorus 23

Level....22

Reverb....22

F

Factory Setup ....53

FbN 42

Fbn 40

F-Folk 35

Fin....37

Flanger....40

Free Bass....24

Button Noise....40

Mode....42

Orchestra....30

Panel functions....12

Reed Growl 40

French 35

FrG....40

Fty 53

G

German 35

Growl 40

H

Hall....40

Headphones....13,14

High 26

|

Initialize....53

Italian....35

K

Key (of your music)....34

L

Logo color 44

Low....26

M

N P 32

Master Tune 37

Memorize 26

Metronome 31,40

Function 42

NFn 42

Nid 48

MIDI

Channels. 45, 48

Filters.... 50

Implementation.... 59

List 48

Out/In 48

Program change 51

Socket function.... 48

Mode 25,42

Module.... 45

NtP 32

NtS 31,40

Multi.... 51

Musette Detune 35, 37

N

North Eur. 35

0

0 L 26,30

0 t.... 41

Obl 28

Obl 39

060 49

065 49

Obt 41

OCH 49

OCL 29

0c0 49

Octave 34,35

Bass/Free Bass 49

Chord 49

Orchestra 49

Orchestra Bass. 49

Orchestra Chord 49

Orchestra Free Bass 50

Treble.... 49

OFb 49

OFL 30

OF0 50

OrC 49

ORCH BASS 27

Volume 28

ORCH CHORD 28

Volume 29

ORCH FREE BS

Volume 30

Orchestra 25

Bass Level....28

Bass TX/RX Channel 49

Chord 28

Chord Level 29

Chord TX/RX Channel.....49

Free Bass 30

Free Bass TX/RX Channel .....49

Level 26,30

Mode....25

Octave 35

Touch 41

TX/RX Channel.49

Velocity....41

Volume 26,39

Or0 49

Output....14

P

Pan.... 14, 41

Delay....40

Panel functions....11

PC....51

PCH....50

Performance....51

PHONES....13

Pitch. 34

Plate....40

Program Change TX 50

R

Reed Growl....40

Register

Bass....12

Treble....11

Resetting....53

rEu 40

Reverb 22,40

Roland (logo)....44

Room 40

S

Save 26

Scottish 35

Send PC....51

Sequencer....45

Set

Description 19

Program change....50

Solo 25

Sordina 22

SPC 51

Specifications....57

Std 26

S&E 41

Stereo

Position 14

Width 41

Straps. 15

Switching on/off....16

SysEx 52

T

Tempo 32

Time Signature....40

Tone Generator 45

Touch 41

Transpose 34,37

t-b....48

Treble 11

Mode....37

Octave....34

Orchestra 25

Panel functions .....11

Using. 21

Valve Noise 40

Erfi....37

trn....40

tr0....49

ErP 34,37

Tuning 37

U

U-t....26

V

Valve 40

UEL 50

Velocity 41

TX....50

VOL 22,23

Volume 22,23

Effects....22

Orchestra 26,39

Orchestra Bass....28

Orchestra Chord 29

Orchestra Free Bass 30

W

Write 26

Ur-t....26

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Product information

Brand : ROLAND

Model : FR-3B

Category : Hi-Fi System