Fr1x just received

[Keymn]

Just the received the Fr1x Roland. My first impressions:
1. Sounds decent out of the box…warm sounding orchestral
2. The programming menu intimidating at first, but read the manual.
3. Have to learn the abbreviations for parameters, but quite straight forward.

Continued…

 

[dan]

Congrats on the new instrument, Larry!
Looking forward to seeing what you can do with it. I'm sure there's capabilities I haven't explored yet.

I've had my FR-1xb a month and a half and agree with your first impressions. The accordion sounds, orchestral sounds, and bellows response are better than I expected. Speakers are okay, but sounds better through headphones; I'm anxious to try it through a PA system or keyboard amp. The manual is helpful and I still refer to it constantly. The 3 letter abbreviations are hard to remember because they don't look much like letters.

Mine is the CBA version, so the treble range is not much smaller than my acoustic accordion, but I have had to transpose some songs because of the 72 bass layout. E or B are common keys for rock, and that involves a big jump to get to the relative minor. There is a transpose setting I've not yet tried that I could use as a virtual capo to play along with a recording or another musician in the original key.

 

[jozz]

congratz!

 

[oldbayan]

Nice box!
I have a FR-1xb since over a year now, I first rented it, then decided to purchase it.

It has lots of features for its size and price. The sound is really good when plugged to a big amp or a sound system. I mostly use a 100-watt Yamaha power speaker, compact and powerful enough for large gigs.

I installed the Dallapé sound library, but I find it a bit "classical" for what I play! The nice thing about the "b" is that it has 38 treble notes, which is almost the same range that we find in a much bigger accordion. But I too find the 72 bass a bit restrictive, we get used to it.

Enjoy!

 

[Keymn]

Nice box!
I have a FR-1xb since over a year now, I first rented it, then decided to purchase it.

It has lots of features for its size and price. The sound is really good when plugged to a big amp or a sound system. I mostly use a 100-watt Yamaha power speaker, compact and powerful enough for large gigs.

I installed the Dallapé sound library, but I find it a bit "classical" for what I play! The nice thing about the "b" is that it has 38 treble notes, which is almost the same range that we find in a much bigger accordion. But I too find the 72 bass a bit restrictive, we get used to it.

Enjoy!

I too tried the Dallape. But the alpine and orchestral seem good enough for my needs. I always like to layer accordion with an orchestra Streicher accordion for my main accordion sound, then build up from there user groups…

 

[oldbayan]

I too tried the Dallape. But the alpine and orchestral seem good enough for my needs. I always like to layer accordion with an orchestra Streicher accordion for my main accordion sound, then build up from there user groups…

I like the Alpine too! Very Hohneresque with a sweet tremolo, even when using only the MM register. But the Bayan bass sounds better.

 

[Bobo]

Is there any way to fashion a pad for the back of the fr-1xb?
I'm just getting back into learning the instrument and I forgot how sweaty you get!

 

[pentaprism]

Is there any way to fashion a pad for the back of the fr-1xb?

Why not!

More details here: https://www.accordionists.info/threads/back-pad-that-fits-roland-fr-1xb.3980/#post-44486

 

[Valski]

Is there any way to fashion a pad for the back of the fr-1xb?
I'm just getting back into learning the instrument and I forgot how sweaty you get!

I play the Fr8x with a back pad and find that I still get sweaty when playing for some time,although this doesn't happen when practicing. This may have something to do with the fact that I play with more enthusiasm with an audience than during a practice session. So when putting these facts together, you must be very enthusiastic during your practice sessions. ?

 

[Keymn]

Believe it or not, the Fr1x puts more havoc on my shoulders as it needs to hang. The FR4x is perfect as I perform seated with it resting on my lap, straps very loose as in my picture…the purpose of the vaccordion is to put less stress on bellow movement with a light settin…will keep exhaustion to a minimum…