I'm considering an FR-1XB. Should I get the Dale Mathis edition or the Richrd Noel sounds? Does the Fr-1xb have room for both? I'm not looking for crazy synthisizer sounds. I just want an accordion that sounds good. I would also use other reed sounds such as bassoon. A pipe organ would be nice. That's all.
I have the Dale Mathis set. My friend has the Richard Noel set. We have compared them a little. I am not an expert on this, but I believe both sets can be loaded together in the FR1 (which I do not have).
I think both sets are good, with their unique properties. The advantage of the Dale Mathis sets are that they are pre loaded and Dale offers post purchase support. He is an actual person who actually answers the phone and answers your questions. This was (is) very nice for me as I am not a real “techy” with the sounds. Disadvantage is that you can only get them as a pre loaded set. (This is not to say that Richard Noel does not offer support, I just don’t know.)
I feel that the Noel sets are more broad based than the Mathis sets. That is to say, the Mathis sets are more geared towards traditional accordion music like polkas, waltzes, old time, etc. whereas the Noel sets will give you more options for jazz, classical, weird music. I could be wrong on this, please jump in. John on here is a master at tweaking the Hammond organ sounds. He may offer you some advice.
The big question is whether you like to get in there and play with the sounds. I do not, being happy to play with what I find. If you like to “tinker,” either set will give you a base to begin your discovery. Or just start with the base model and go from there.
Bottom line this is just my 2 cents. My advice? See if you can get the Dale Mathis version from Kraft Music for the same price you can get the FR1 elsewhere. If so, get it and see if you like it. If not, either get the Noel sets or start tweaking! Good luck!