Roland FR-8x and FR-8xb V-Accordions

Packed with features requested by the world’s top accordionists, the new flagship FR-8x (piano-type) and FR-8xb (button-type) V-Accordions take the digital accordion to an all-new dimension. With extremely natural playability thanks to newly developed Dynamic Bellows Behavior technology, more convenient battery charging, an expanded sound set, four multi-effects engines, an onboard looper, and much more, the FR-8x and FR-8xb bring players the most powerful V-Accordion experience yet.

Here’s a quick rundown of just a few of the great new features in the FR-8x and FR-8xb:

• True acoustic accordion feel—Roland’s new Dynamic Bellows Behavior varies the resistance of the bellows depending on the register and number of notes played, delivering the familiar and comfortable playing feel of an acoustic accordion.
• Simple battery charging—The onboard battery can now be charged easily with the included AC adapter, with no playing interruption during the charging process.
• A wide range of new sounds and effects—In addition to accordions from around the world, the FR-8x and FR-8xb give you instant access to a ton of versatile sounds, including organs, strings, brass, synths, acoustic and electric guitars, and even drums! On top of that, four powerful multi-effects engines provide a huge selection of studio-quality sound sweetening options, with independent processing for Accordion, Orchestra 1, Orchestra 2, and Orchestra Chord sections.
• All-new user interface—A large, recessed color display, logical panel layout, and three programmable chin switches make operation simple and intuitive.
• Built-in looper—This much-requested feature allows you to layer the many different onboard sounds to create instant accompaniment for backing and improvisation.
• New button-type keyboard in the FR-8xb—The redesigned button-type keyboard provides improved response, an authentic look, and lower noise.

And that’s not all—this just touches on what these powerful new flagship instruments can do! To explore these new V-Accordions in full detail, visit RolandConnect.com.

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• Roland Connect

Meet the United States’ first digital accordion orchestra, the New England Roland V-Accordion Orchestra. Organized by Springfield, MA Roland V-Accordion dealer Sam Falcetti, this unique digital orchestra features more than 25 accordion players with a wide range of musical perspective, including accordion contest champions, semi-professional accordionists, students and accordion hobbyists. The orchestra’s premier performance is scheduled during the 51st annual New England Music Festival, the weekend of April 5, 2013 in Newton, MA at the Newton Marriott.

In 2011, after adjudicating at Roland’s 5th International V-Accordion Festival in Rome, Sam was convinced that an instrument this incredible was deserving of an entire digital accordion orchestra. Harnessing this inspiration, Sam set out to create the first group of its kind in the U.S. After many months of planning and recruiting musicians, Sam finally kicked off rehearsals for the orchestra in February 2013, just in time for the New England Roland V-Accordion Orchestra to make its April 2013 debut. The orchestra features four Roland U.S. V-Accordion Festival champions, Daniel Pavlotsky and Ollie Luey, Junior Division winners, and also Christopher Gorton and Danielle Renzi, Senior Division winners. A talented roster of drummers, percussionists, guitarists and vocalists will also accompany the orchestra.

During his career, Sam Falcetti has conducted many different groups, including the Springfield Accordion Orchestra which toured in Japan, Italy, New Zealand, and the United States. He also directed this orchestra on the nationally televised David Frost Show with Roberta Flack. The Westfield State College Accordion Ensemble performed twice at Carnegie Hall under Sam’s direction, and he and his son Michael conducted a 50-peice orchestra in celebration of the the Accordion Teachers Association of Massachusetts 50th Anniversary and his store, Falcetti Music.

For more information about the debut performance or about joining the group, please call Mike Falcetti at 413.543.1002 EXT 105 or email peggyf1944@gmail.com.

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