FR-1xb stiff bellows action - fixed

[pentaprism]

My FR-1xb has very stiff bellows action. Even with the bellows resistance regulator wheel turned all the way counterclockwise, my left arm gets tired after 30 minutes of playing.

So I opened up the bass side of the accordion, and added a small rubber washer to the rod connecting the air button and the bellows (two rubber washers are already there). Now, when I set the wheel somewhere in the middle, the action is about right.

No photos because I didn't have a decent camera with me when I did this last night. If I have time, I'll add some photos to this post.

 

[JIM D.]

Well (2) things have happened here - (1) you have found an adjustment to suit the roland to you and yourself and (2) you have found that instead of being of a stubborn nature you have with practise, realised that the so called stiff bellows that is dammed by some is in fact making you able to use less effort to work with your instrument. - GOOD WORK !!

 

[jimgansett]

A big AMEN to that, Jim. I would bet almost nobody likes the Roland bellows at first. They soon come to find out that eventually they realize they barely have to move the bellows to get the volume/effect they want. I have dynamic bellows control on with my 8x which does make a difference, but I was tempted to keep it off and use the bellows like I did with the 7x. I got used to it though, and people believe I am actually playing an accordion because they can see the bellows move! :lol:

People do have to keep in mind though, as an electronic instrument, the max volume you can get is at the basic level controlled by the panel volume control. So if you have it set at 1/4, it's only gonna get so loud. I had a chance to talk to Ludwig Bier and he suggests to always keep the volume at a high level to get the maximum effect. Just a thought. Experimentation is a great way to get a Roland the way YOU would like it to be.