FR-7X vs. FR-8x

[ArtMustel]

This is an hypothetical question since I would like to own a Roland V accordion but the FR-8X price is totally out of my budget. If some day I find an used FR-X7 in good condition, what would be a reasonable price to pay for it, and what I would miss for not acquiring the FR-8x? I mean important things regarding general use rather than more sophistication. Hope someone can help here, thanks!

 

[Alan Sharkis]

This is an hypothetical question since I would like to own a Roland V accordion but the FR-8X price is totally out of my budget. If some day I find an used FR-X7 in good condition, what would be a reasonable price to pay for it, and what I would miss for not acquiring the FR-8x? I mean important things regarding general use rather than more sophistication. Hope someone can help here, thanks!

There are a couple of negatives re- the 7x that have been discussed here and elsewhere — rhe LCD screen failures and the multi-conductor cable failures. It may be wise to check into the appropriate threads here before considering the purchase of a 7x.

 

[JIM D.]

There have been many used FR-7x's listed for sale in the past. Your best bet is to get one from a Roland Authorized Dealer. They take them for
trade ins quite frequently and offer them with a warranty for around $2500 to $3000 USD. The FR-7x screen problems are no longer a problem
as my good friend Mike Dubrovsky of Fla. is making a screen replacement that is larger and brighter than original. That original firing
cable is no longer necessary as I make a 24 volt power unit for them. There are many owners that prefer a FR-7x to a FR-8x (such as myself)
as it is lighter and smaller in size to a 8x. The 7x is louder than a 8x and can be tweaked with flash drives to mimic a 8x.
Best to call a few Roland Authorized Dealers to see if they have one in stock or put your self on a waiting list for a trade in.
You may start with https://www.falcettimusic.com/ Dial 413 204-5522 ask for Sam and tell him Jim sent you.

And just a note - many of you are familiar with Rich Noel ( a member here) Rich is one of us that prefers a 7x and uses it
for all performances. https://www.noelaccordion.com/ & https://www.noelaccordion.com/roland.html?

 

[ArtMustel]

Great info Jim, thank you.

 

[Alan Sharkis]

There have been many used FR-7x's listed for sale in the past. Your best bet is to get one from a Roland Authorized Dealer. They take them for
trade ins quite frequently and offer them with a warranty for around $2500 to $3000 USD. The FR-7x screen problems are no longer a problem
as my good friend Mike Dubrovsky of Fla. is making a screen replacement that is larger and brighter than original. That original firing
cable is no longer necessary as I make a 24 volt power unit for them. There are many owners that prefer a FR-7x to a FR-8x (such as myself)
as it is lighter and smaller in size to a 8x. The 7x is louder than a 8x and can be tweaked with flash drives to mimic a 8x.
Best to call a few Roland Authorized Dealers to see if they have one in stock or put your self on a waiting list for a trade in.
You may start with https://www.falcettimusic.com/ Dial 413 204-5522 ask for Sam and tell him Jim sent you.

And just a note - many of you are familiar with Rich Noel ( a member here) Rich is one of us that prefers a 7x and uses it
for all performances. https://www.noelaccordion.com/ & https://www.noelaccordion.com/roland.html?

Good to know, Jim. I knew about the screen replacement, but I didn't know about the power unit. I was told that the cable had a spare conductor that could be used if another conductor broke, but that would mean that the user would have to know how to unsolder/solder or have an electronics tech or a friend with soldering skills. The power unit makes more sense.

 

[JIM D.]

New 24 Volt Power Supply for FR-7X, FR-7 and FR-5

New 24 Volt Power Supply For use with Roland model FR-5, FR-7 and FR-7X Accordions Now you can remove your 2 lb. BP-25-45 Battery Pack and make your V-accordion lighter! Designed to protect your Roland in the event of any unexpected short circuit, voltage spikes and over voltage conditions. No...

www.accordionists.info

 

[Tom]

I'd like to see one of them with warranty for $2500. Feel free to message me!

 

[JIM D.]

Put your name on a Roland Authorized Dealers list for used Roland. trade in when available. They are all listed on the web.
Only buy from the dealers that have a "Roland Authorized Service Dept." Many do not !!

 

[JerryPH]

I've had the chance to play the 7X about 5 times now... and I just prefer the 8X especially because the screen is way easier to see/use and a few other reasons. This opinion is definitely not shared by everyone. Not only does Richard Noel prefer the 7X, so does Cory Pesaturo. Matter of fact there is a TON more video out there with him on a 7X than the Evo, and a while back at a demo he was giving, his Evo was up for sale, but not his 7X.

Deals... they are out there if you look on a regular basis and are patient. I've had my 8X now since Nov 2016 (can't believe it's been 5 years already!), and it had been used a handful of times and still on it's first original charge when I picked it up, so it literally was "in new condition" and bought it for under 50% of what they cost locally back in 2016.

I was recently offered an amount that was a bit higher than what I paid for it, which was flattering considering the 5 years of use, but I am not interested in selling it.