Roland FR-1X R

The handbook for this is very clear and set up is easy to use. DO not make the mistake of using anything other than rechargeable batteries. We use ours for several gigs in a row and never have a problem, so one less wire to worry about. Most of the time it gets used without plugging in to anything else. When we do the Midi out is great, and when we plug into a PA there are no problems, with none of the problems associated with twin mikes internal or external that we have come across. We use it on various outdoor and indoor gigs, and at Folk evenings. No one has yet detected without being told that it is electronic and not acoustic, despite the discrete little blue led and switching it on before playing. Even when playing in France, where they love their accordions no one associates Roland = Electronic. The Amps are easily loud enough for playing in a Pub/Bar/Folk Evening. We have several of our favourite settings saved and this is a boon when switching around. The Drum and Bass also come in handy when playing October Fest music. We did have a problem shortly after receiivng it, but Thomann fixed it without fuss and were helpfull. No reeds that wont play and with thePlethora of settings this is all the Accordion you will ever need. We have tried larger, up to 120 Bass, and other electronics including the big brothers, but this is our go to machine. We don't even take a spares to gigs, just spare batteries, which we have yet to use. Lastly it is light enough to carry around and small enough for the overhead locker on a Plane.

I want to be fair with Roland they did a good job with what they had.

A lot of different sounds, you are able to tweet infinity with musette or dry sounds, drums even! With the trad metal band i played it was a wall of sound and easy on the PA according to the sound engineer. It mixed well with other instruments. However by itself the sound can be a little robot-like. I think for non-accordionists would sound very convincing like an accordion should sound like. But having played so many acoustic accordions I wasn't entirely convinced. (Great for practicing in an apartment) It doesn't work on a trad music session, or with un-pluged instruments really. It works best with a PA and a band. Once the trad metal band was finished I sold it, however I would use it again if the band got back together.

Pros: Super light and comfy to play, can practice with headphones, very cool looking, work wonders with a band. Sound engineer will love you. (And so will your neighbour) Lots of accordion sounds. Looks very well made and expensive. The red one stood out wonderfully on stage. You can even adjust the pressure of the bellows. Comfy Straps

Cons: A bit robotic-sounding (but i am very very picky), too many funny sounds that will rarely be used. Tiny Screen with codes so you need to memorise with the number are to change sounds or effects.

conclusion: With a big band works wonderfully or practicing with headphones, solo performance not so much.

I have been playing this box for over 12 months.
Wonderful bass sound (guitar bass guitar effect) on bass rows
You can transpose the keys - very useful
Lovely to play. Very expressive. Great value for money. I love it!

Not as loud as a traditional accordion - you would need amplification to play(and hear it!) it in a music session

Excellent service from Thomann who replaced without quibble or cost the first one when it developed a fault

Parameter menus a bit tedious to use

Pity Roland do not make an equivalent box with 34 treble keys