FR3-X Keyboard Layout

[lasvegascolonel]

I can't seem to find this article brought up before on our forum, but I guess I was mistaken to believe all piano keyboards of a given length were arranged the same on the accordion. I find, however, that the FR3-X, while it has 37 keys, are arranged in a different pattern from Hohner, Weltmeister, Borsini, Scandalla, etc. On the FR8-X, Roland kept to the standard layout. Does anyone know why they would deviate from the standard on the FR3-X, while following the traditional pattern on the FR8-X? Also, might this impact the playing of certain songs?

 

[JIM D.]

All the piano keyboards have the same pattern. The differences are with the name of the note they start on and the name of the note they end with. The Roland FR-5 FR-7 FR-7x and FR-8x 41 key PA's start on (from the chin) the note F and end on A. The FR-3 and FR3x 37 key PA's start on the note G and end on the note G. You must remember that with a "V" accordion, the whole instrument will transpose with the push of a button.

 

[Soulsaver]

Maybe stating the obvious? On double octaves scales, you'll have to start in the lower octave than maybe you're used to on some scales on a 41... or you run out of keys.

 

[lasvegascolonel]

Maybe stating the obvious? On double octaves scales, youll have to start in the lower octave than maybe youre used to on some scales on a 41... or you run out of keys.

Yes, that makes sense. I just find it odd that Roland FR3x keyboard starts and ends with the letter G, while other brands accordions with 37 keys (Hohner, Weltmeister, Borsini, etc) start and end with F. I thought keyboards were standardized.

 

[JIM D.]

You must remember that the 37 key acoustic accordions of the past were not able to transpose to another key. The ability of a digital accordion that transposes with 37 keys from G to G will give you a wider range to work with . And since this ? has come up with, have any of you Roland owners with a 120 bass noticed that the row of C buttons and chords are one row different front the old standard 120 bass stradella pattern ??? (it's for the same reason) {}

 

[Soulsaver]

Maybe stating the obvious? On double octaves scales, youll have to start in the lower octave than maybe youre used to on some scales on a 41... or you run out of keys.

Yes, that makes sense. I just find it odd that Roland FR3x keyboard starts and ends with the letter G, while other brands accordions with 37 keys (Hohner, Weltmeister, Borsini, etc) start and end with F. I thought keyboards were standardized.[/quote]
I have at least 2 37 key acoustic that start with G: Excelsior 1304, & P Soprani Pro 1A.
http://www.accordions.co.uk/secpicsviewdocs.htm/Exc1304se.htm

Just tried to find a pic of a pro1a and first I found started on F - checked mine - starts on G - so guess you must have been able to choose, it was 2nd hand, so dont know for sure.
http://img1.mlstatic.com/s_MLA_v_V_f_4940204806_082013.jpg

 

[fjsys]

And since this ? has come up with, have any of you Roland owners with a 120 bass noticed that the row of C buttons and chords are one row different front the old standard 120 bass stradella pattern ??? (its for the same reason) {}

That is one of the first things that I noticed even before buying one, and actually had to point it out to the dealer that I purchased from.
While the transposing thing makes sense, I always assumed it was because of the special functions that they put on the top row of buttons...

I still think that they screwed up when they did this and dont want to admit it.

Ben

 

[lasvegascolonel]

You must remember that the 37 key acoustic accordions of the past were not able to transpose to another key. The ability of a digital accordion that transposes with 37 keys from G to G will give you a wider range to work with . And since this ? has come up with, have any of you Roland owners with a 120 bass noticed that the row of C buttons and chords are one row different front the old standard 120 bass stradella pattern ??? (its for the same reason) {}

I read some people were actually removing the dimpled button tops on the bass on their Roland to move them, but that sounds too extreme. But thank you for explaining it. Im sure once a person gets used to it, it works fine. I know a year ago, I started the 4-3 fingering system after learning the old 3-2 a half century ago and now Im used to it. Im sure we could get used to these keyboard differences. Thanks also for keeping us informed on the new Roland FR3-X coming out of Fatar. Sounds as good as ever.

 

[Glenn]

The button tops are designed to be removed and placed elsewhere.
It's a 10 minute job as long as do don't drop them behind the sofa