While it may appear that instruments patterned after the piano and organ see predominance in its development, Roland has certainly not forgotten about another organ of sorts, the more portable accordion. Therefore, it is with that innovative drive that led to Roland's development of the V-Accordion. . Combining the familiar sounds and nuances of a traditional accordion with the versatility of a modern digital musical instrument, the Roland FR-7x and FR-7xb are the newest flagship V-Accordions with enhanced features.

The new SSC chip-based CPU of the FR-7x and its button-laden sibling, the FR-7xb, allow for faster key/button response, higher sensitivity, and precision. The opening and closing of the bellows also respond faster thanks to this new CPU with new bellows pressure sensor circuitry. A more customizable and realistic playing experience is taken care of by the new bellows resistance regulator, which permits the player to specify the bellows’ inertia.

How do these new accordions sound? New sounds such as French, Bajan, and classic Italian accordion sounds as well as 24 orchestral sounds give the FR-7x and FR-7xb that wide sonic palette. Combining sounds is easy and these can be played with full bellow articulation. Added sound modification options include the virtual tone wheel controls allow players to personalize their organ sounds to satisfy every music genre by using Treble, Chord, and Bass sections. Going beyond what an accordion should be, the programmable Drum function allows performers to play percussion sounds with the Bass and Chord buttons.

The FR-7x and FR-7xb (right) are comparable to sample players as the USB host capability of these accordions give player excellent management and storage options of MP3 and WAV files, which in effect provide an effective means of importing, customizing, and recording their own sounds. The battery-powered onboard amplification system provides adequate power to perform in a wide range of venues.

All in all, the Roland FR-7x and FR-7xb offers both the demands of traditional accordionists as well as cutting-edge musicians and will be available November 2009.