For Immediate Release

Rebecca Eaddy
Marketing Communications Manager
Roland Corporation U.S.
(323) 890-3718
Rebecca.Eaddy@RolandUS.com

ROLAND FR-7/5 V-ACCORDIONS

Revolutionary Technology That You Can Squeeze

Los Angeles, CA, January 20, 2005—Roland proudly announced the arrival of two breakthrough instruments: the FR-5 and FR-7 V-Accordions. Based on Roland’s proprietary Physical Behavior Modeling (PBM) technology, these lightweight, reedless digital accordions put dozens of ultra-realistic instruments at the player’s fingertips. They are a dream come true for accordionists who have long wished for a more versatile instrument. Every modeled accordion onboard the FR-7/5 plays and reacts exactly like the real thing, down to the smallest nuance. But the V-Accordion doesn’t stop there. Select a grand piano, an acoustic guitar, a brass or woodwind instrument, and squeeze new life into these classic sounds. Audiences won’t believe what they’re hearing!

The V-Accordions don’t depend on moving parts to generate sound, which makes them virtually maintenance free. This results in an instrument that’s always in tune across a wide range of octaves. Both accordions are lightweight and portable, with an onboard digital amplifier and rechargeable Ni-Mh battery pack (optional on the FR-5). For live performance, the FR-7 incorporates a pair of powerful lightweight neodymium woofers and tweeters for a consistent, full range low-end to high-end output. In addition, each V-Accordion can be plugged directly into a sound system or a recording device via a 1/4-inch cable. A headphone jack is offered for private practice.

The V-Accordions are based on newly developed Physical Behavior Modeling algorithms that faithfully reproduce the characteristics and nuances of authentic accordions. They can simulate up to 30 different accordion sound sets, each including 14 Treble Registers, seven Bass & Chord Registers, and seven Free Bass Registers. The user-friendly interface enables switching instantly between accordion sounds.

In additional to the wide variety of accordion voices, the FR-5/7 houses 22 orchestral and pop sounds, all with full-bellows articulation. Orchestral sounds include Trumpet, Trombone, Sax, Clarinet, Oboe, Harmonica, Violin, Flute, Jazz organ, Percussive Organ, Human Voice, Mandolin, Acoustic Guitar, and Acoustic Piano, to name a few. Seven high quality Bass Orchestral sounds can be played separately by the left hand, including Acoustic Bass, Bowed Bass, Fingered Bass, Picked Bass, Fretless Bass, Baritone Tuba, and Baritone Tuba + E. Bass. Onboard MIDI functionality allows integration of sound modules, arranger keyboards, or external sequencers.

The revolutionary V-Accordion — squeeze to believe!

Roland is a world leader in the design, manufacture, and distribution of electronic musical instruments, professional audio equipment, multimedia products, and music accessories. For more information, contact Roland Corporation U.S., 5100 S. Eastern Ave., P.O. Box 910921, Los Angeles, CA 90091-0921, (323) 890-3700 (x3718 - for media use only), www.RolandUS.com.