FR-3b/-3sb

V-Accordion

FR-3b/-3sb
Discontinued

Compact V-Accordions Now With Buttons, New Colors!

With the FR-3/3s, Roland introduced the first compact V-Accordion to the market. With the FR-3b/3sb, Roland launches the first compact 92- button-type Accordion. The FR-3b/3sb (“b” stands for button) offers the same flexibility and portability of the compact FR-3s model and the amazing expressiveness of the Roland button-type V-Accordions.

Now, thanks to the new Version 2.0 operating system, the FR-3b and FR-3sb come with 10 programmable user programs that can be backed up on your PC together with 16 Musette micro tuning presets programmable for each Set.

92-button-type Accordion

The FR-3b/3sb features a 92-button keyboard with 6 preset Treble button modes (C-Griff Europe, C-Griff 2, B-Griff Bajan, B-Griff Fin, D-Griff 1, D-Griff 2). Players can easily change the note assignments by selecting the button mode that best suits their playing style. They can even remove and reposition the button caps so as to make the button layout correspond to their selected mode. The FR-3sb comes with a set of pro-quality neodymium speakers built in.

Educational Features

The FR-3 Series is the smallest accordion series in the world to provide a Free Bass Mode – perfect for students. All models in the FR-3 series contain a metronome that helps you to develop your sense of rhythm and timing. Thanks to the instruments’ MIDI functionality, students can even record their performance on their computer. Practicing has never been easier or more efficient!

Accordion Simulations and Orchestral Sounds

The FR-3b/3sb boasts a 64-voice polyphonic sound engine that can simulate up to 10 accordions, each with 12 Treble registers, 7 Bass/Chord registers, and 7 Free Bass registers (Free Bass and Bass/Chord are mutually exclusive). The FR-3 series is the smallest accordion series in the world to provide a Free Bass Mode and metronome — perfect for students. The FR-3b and FR-3sb V-Accordions also include 10 orchestral sounds (Trombone, Trumpet, Sax, Clarinet, Flute, Violin, etc.) that can be played separately or in combination with the traditional accordion sounds.

LED Display and Multicolor Roland Logo

The FR-3b/3sb features a 3x7-segment LED for monitoring the current sound selections, and for setting a host of parameters. The illuminated Roland logo is interactive: You can change the color depending on the accordion set and section (accordion or orchestra) you select. Choose your favorite color from among 26 options!

Ins and Outs

The FR-3b/3sb can be connected to various external devices (sequencers, arranger keyboards, etc.) using the onboard MIDI jack. Combined with a wireless the FR-3sb/3b can be used on big stages as well in pubs, restaurants, or even outdoor festivals while granting its player absolute freedom of movement. Both the FR-3b and the FR-3sb provide a headphone jack, while the FR-3sb comes with a set of professional-quality neodymium speakers Built-in.

Travel Companion

To protect the FR-3-series V-Accordions, Roland offers an optional companion travel bag. The BAG-FR-3 is made of a high-quality Cordura fabric, and is resistant to abrasions, tears, and scuffs. The EVA foam interior protects the V-Accordion from shock and impact. The bag includes hand and shoulder straps, plus a large outside pocket for carrying batteries, AC adapter, music books, etc.

*The FR-3sb/3b has a compartment for optional AA-type batteries (either disposable or rechargeable)
Keyboard & Bellows
Right hand
92-button right-hand keyboard
Left hand
120 bass buttons with velocity,
Modes: Standard, Free Bass mode, Orch. Bass, Orch. Chord, Orch. Free Bass
Bellows
Real pneumatic detection of bellows pressure, high-resolution pressure sensor
Bellows Resistance Regulator
Wheel with 4 positions
Sound Source
Sound Generator
Max polyphony: 64 voices
Tones
10 Accordion Sets, each one including:
12 Treble registers,
7 Bass registers,
7 Free Bass registers,
7 Orchestral Free Bass registers,
7 Orchestral Bass registers,
7 Orchestral Chord registers,
10 Orchestral sounds
Treble reed footages
4
Bass reed footages
5
Chord reed footages
3
Free Bass footages
2
Orchestral sounds
Trombone, Trumpet, T Sax, A Sax, Clarinet, Harmonica, Violin, Flute, Jazz Org, Blues Org
Orchestral Bass sounds
Acoustic, Bowed, Fingered, Fretless, Picked, Tuba, Tuba Mix
Orchestral Free Bass sounds
Trombone, Clarinet, Oboe, Flute, Perc Organ, Ac Guitar, Ac Piano
Orchestral Chord sounds
St. Strings, Chorus Organ, Steel Guitar, St. Orch Brass, Choir, Harps+Strings, Guitar+Organ
PBM (Physical Behaviour Modelling)
Noises
Stopping-reed growl, Closing valve noise, Left button noise
Individual reed simulation
Hysteresis threshold, Expression curve, Pressure variant filter, Pressure variant pitch deviation
Switching reed sound wave
by bellows acceleration,
by note repetition speed
Musette Tuning
Micro tuning presets
16: Off, Dry, Classic, F-Folk, American L/H, North Europe, German L/H, D-Folk L/H, Alpine, Italian L/H, French, Scottish
Effects
Reverb
8 types
Chorus
8 types
“Cassotto” and “Sordina” simulation
Yes
Panel Controls
Knob controls
Volume, Treble/Bass balance, Reverb, Chorus
Panel Switches
Treble Registers
10 + Orchestra + Set
Bass registers
7
Metronome
On, Off
Other switches
Sordina Mellow/Bright, Power
Operation Modes
Orchestra mode
Solo, Dual, High, Low
Octave
Down, 0, Up for Treble and Orchestra
Others
Rated power output (FR-3sb only)
2 x 11 W RMS
Speakers (FR-3sb only)
2 x 10 cm speakers (Neodymium transducer magnets)
Onboard connectors
Headphones Jack (Stereo),
Output Jack: L/Mono(Treble), R/Mono(Bass),
MIDI connector: OUT/IN (adjustable via MIDI parameter)
Power supply
External AC adapter (100V~240V universal),
Battery (optional): AA type batteries (rechargeable)
Supplied accessories
External AC adapter, Owner’s manual, Accordion cloth, Straps, Reference caps for Treble and Bass buttons, Battery holder (pre-installed in compartment)
Optional accessories
Gigbag (BAG-FR-3)
Size and Weight
Width
471 mm
18-9/16 inches
Depth
240 mm
9-7/16 inches
Height
387 mm
15-1/4 inches
Weight (FR-3b)
7.5 kg
16 lbs. 9 oz.
Weight (FR-3bs)
8.3 kg
18 lbs. 5 oz.
*The specifications are subject to change without notice.

Support

If you have questions about operating your Roland product, please check our Knowledge Base for answers to the most common questions.
You can also contact our Product Support through Roland Backstage.
In addition, we have a library of Owner’s Manuals and Support Documents that you can download and reference.

Owner’s Manuals

Support Documents