WNAMM11: The World's First Digital Folk Accordion

US Roland announces the new FR-18 diatonic V-Accordion 17/01/11

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Roland has announced the new FR-18 diatonic V-Accordion, the world's first digital diatonic accordion. Here's what they have to say about it...
With this groundbreaking and affordable instrument, traditional folk accordionists around the world can now enjoy the many benefits of Roland's famous V-Accordion technology.
The FR-18 diatonic lets folk accordionists instantly conquer the inherent limitations of their traditional acoustic diatonic accordions, which include the instrument's fixed musical key, limited note range, and static sound signature. Thanks to its digital sound engine, the FR-18 diatonic can be transposed to a different key at the touch of a button, and its entire sound can be changed at will. This provides all folk accordionists a single practical instrument for playing any musical style in any key, eliminating the need to carry and maintain multiple acoustic accordions.
The FR-18 diatonic has 12 authentic ethnic accordion sound sets onboard, including Cajun, Organetto, Tex Mex and Alpine, allowing accordionists to play a vast array of musical styles like Zydeco, Balkan, and Irish. In addition, there are eight orchestral voices and four Virtual Tone Wheel organs with fast and slow rotary effects, letting accordion players explore completely new musical styles. It's also possible to assign drum sounds to the bass and chord buttons and play them manually. Finally, sounds can be customized and stored in four user registrations for easy recall.
The FR-18 diatonic's keyboard and bass button layout can be easily reconfigured, and users can store 12 different tablatures onboard for quick access. A simple software-based editor (available via free download) with the FR-18 makes it easy for users to create custom tablatures on their Windows or Mac-based computer. These tablatures can then be transferred to the FR-18 diatonic via convenient USB flash memory.
With its speaker-less design and battery-powered operation, the FR-18 diatonic allows the accordionist to perform freely with a compact and lightweight instrument. When paired with a battery-powered amp such as Roland's Mobile CUBE, CUBE Street, or BA-330, players have a complete mobile setup for performing anywhere. The FR-18 diatonic also works perfectly with all popular wireless audio systems, and features a headphone output for silent practice.
Another unique and highly desirable feature of the FR-18 diatonic is the ability for users to customize its look with replaceable inlay sheets.
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