Bugari Evo - A review by me

[breezybellows]

Two years ago I sold my Roland FR-4x digital accordion and purchased a Bugari Evo. that was mainly because of the lack of internal batteries in the FR-4x. Although the FR-8x would've been a cheaper option, I went for the Bugari Evo because of the promise of a better keyboard action from the solid wood keys. I was also swayed by the looks of the Bugari Evo.

After two years, was the keyboard worth the hype? Yes. Do I have any regrets about not getting an FR-8x? Not really.

 

[breezybellows]

I remember reading about the newer Fatar action for the FR-8X keyboard. Has anyone played that and the Bugari Evo? If so, how does it compare?

 

[petch]

I'm confused about the reedless vs acoustic free bass arguments. 6 sets of reeds, stradella and free bass not sharing the same reeds!? Maybe in some older 9 row systems?

The size and weight is definitely a bonus though

 

[breezybellows]

I'm confused about the reedless vs acoustic free bass arguments. 6 sets of reeds, stradella and free bass not sharing the same reeds!? Maybe in some older 9 row systems?

The size and weight is definitely a bonus though

I was talking about acoustic accordions that use a converter system for stradella and free bass. If we need 50+ note range for free bass with two registers (LM), then the stradella can only use 4 sets unless one of the following compromises are made.

1) go with 7 sets and get an even bulkier accordion.
2) use a transformer system and compromise on the range of the free bass (no Low E).


This is my current understanding after receiving a custom order converter accordion. I'm also working with a factory (Siwa & Figli) to get another converter accordion made. Let me know if I'm missing something here.

 

[petch]

I was talking about acoustic accordions that use a converter system for stradella and free bass. If we need 50+ note range for free bass with two registers (LM), then the stradella can only use 4 sets unless one of the following compromises are made.

1) go with 7 sets and get an even bulkier accordion.
2) use a transformer system and compromise on the range of the free bass (no Low E).

I could be completely mistaken here, but here's how I think mine works

16'+16'+4', available for all notes in free bass (except for lowest 15 notes, which are 16+8+4). Can have a single 16', 16'+4', 16'+16', single 4', or all 3 via registers. The single 4' is not possible on the lowest 15 notes
Additional octave coupler for the lowest 15 notes (maybe just the 12 used for standard bass, I've never bothered to check as I don't use it for free bass)
The free bass registers are shared with the standard bass. Not sure which notes from the free bass range it uses, sounds somewhere around middle C to my ear.

So what I understand is happening in the mechanism when pressing C major is it's pressing 1 lever for G, one for E, and one for C. It will never open the pallets for G from multiple octaves, it's just down to the registers that are used for the free bass

I don't miss having anymore reeds for standard bass than that. I actually prefer it to the sound of any non-converter I've heard so far, so I don't consider it a compromise. I recently went back to using a 5 voice standard accordion for the smaller size and reduced weight and quickly picked up the converter again!

 

[debra]

I could be completely mistaken here, but here's how I think mine works

16'+16'+4', available for all notes in free bass (except for lowest 15 notes, which are 16+8+4). Can have a single 16', 16'+4', 16'+16', single 4', or all 3 via registers. The single 4' is not possible on the lowest 15 notes
Additional octave coupler for the lowest 15 notes (maybe just the 12 used for standard bass, I've never bothered to check as I don't use it for free bass)
The free bass registers are shared with the standard bass. Not sure which notes from the free bass range it uses, sounds somewhere around middle C to my ear.

So what I understand is happening in the mechanism when pressing C major is it's pressing 1 lever for G, one for E, and one for C. It will never open the pallets for G from multiple octaves, it's just down to the registers that are used for the free bass

I don't miss having anymore reeds for standard bass than that. I actually prefer it to the sound of any non-converter I've heard so far, so I don't consider it a compromise. I recently went back to using a 5 voice standard accordion for the smaller size and reduced weight and quickly picked up the converter again!

Both of you (Petch and Breezybellows) are mistaken to some extent.
Some (Italian) convertor accordions that come with just a 16-8 melody bass setup have one octave coupler that changes the base notes from 2 voice to 4 voice. But others (typically larger models) come with two octave couplers give you something like a LM, LMH or LH "sound" and give you two choices of 4 voice base notes and one choice of 6 voice base notes.
What Breezybellows describes is the standard 16-8 setup, and when he says you can only get 4 voices it very likely means that this particular Siwa&Figli accordion has only one octave coupler.
What Petch describes is the bayan setup which has 16+16 (and some have 16+16+4 but that's non-standard) on all but the lowest 14 or 15 notes. The lowest notes are always 16+8 on something that can be called a bayan (but Italian manufacturers use the name "bayan" for anything they like, even for piano accordions). A bayan has additional reeds mounted on the large bass blocks and can produce 4 voice base notes. When these are engaged it is not an octave coupler: additional reeds are used but these are not "coupled in" from another octave of the melody bass. Some Italian "bayan" accordions do have an additional octave coupler that does take notes from another octave of the melody bass and this way you can get 6 voice base notes (4 from the main block and 2 from the added octave).
Note that these octave couplers couple one octave, i.e. 12 notes. So far I have not encountered any accordion where the octave coupler couples 15 notes, also not in the melody bass. All "bayan" accordions I have seen so far only have the additional reeds on the large reed block for the lowest 12 notes. So you can then get something that sounds a bit like LMH for 12 notes, then it goes to LM for another 2 or 3 notes, and finally it goes to LL for all higher notes. "Normal" (non-bayan) convertor accordions are often LM for all notes, thereby avoiding a change of sound when you transition from the lowest octave towards higher notes. Both methods have pros and cons.
When you press a chord button then octave couplers have no effect. One pallet is opened for each note of the chord, and that gives an LM or LL sound depending on how the accordion is configured. A bayan will normally give you LL sound and other accordions LM sound. This makes the chords sound "fuller" on a normal accordion with LM setup than on a bayan with LL setup.

 

[petch]

Had a feeling Paul would clear things up

 

[JerryPH]

People think that the EVO and 8X are near identical... they are both Roland 8X derivatives, but they are not identical. Roland created this accordion to make the 8X what it was and the creator of the EVO "borrowed" a crippled version of the 8X because he did not want to pay for the full licensing and so had many really good features removed.

They say that the 8X has a slow keyboard. Anyone see how slow Cory Pesaturo plays on his Roland? I'd say that the player there has a greater infuence there. Keyboard depth is increased on the 8X to have touch sensitivity and velocity keys features.

The EVO has only 2 things on an 8X:
- much better color design
- better feeling keyboard

What the 8X has on the EVO:
- Easier to access battery (don't have to split the accordion to remove/replace)
- Ability to bend notes and change parameters like the vibrato modes from the keyboard just by pressing a bit harder
- way more expansion sets for greater sound abilities (9 expansion sets vs whatever the EVO has integrated, which I believe is 3 or 4 expansion sets so hundreds of instruments, less if I recall correctly and the Roland expansion sets cannot be added to the EVO)
- The computer editor. It is so much easier to customize your 8X on the computer over the convoluted menu system. IMHO this one feature alone is worth more than the good looks of the EVO.
- Greater resource for repairs... any Roland dealer world-wide. No Roland dealer will look at an EVO, only ONE place on earth for the EVO (Petosa, and they have exactly zero spare parts).
- $2000 less ($2500-$3000 if you compare to the premium models).

There are other/more "differences" but this was just off the top of my head.

The biggest plus for me was the fact that when I bought my 8X it had been used for less than 2 hours, so for all intents, brand new, and for slightly less than 1/2 the price of a new one. It was a no brainer for me.

I respect everyone's right to make their choice, but I went through that exercise before I decided on the 8X and also had the pleasure of having it 2 years earlier. While some were waiting for the EVO to come out, I was playing on the 8X. That is something that no amount of money can compensate for.

 

[breezybellows]

People think that the EVO and 8X are near identical... they are both Roland 8X derivatives, but they are not identical. Roland created this accordion to make the 8X what it was and the creator of the EVO "borrowed" a crippled version of the 8X because he did not want to pay for the full licensing and so had many really good features removed.

They say that the 8X has a slow keyboard. Anyone see how slow Cory Pesaturo plays on his Roland? I'd say that the player there has a greater infuence there. Keyboard depth is increased on the 8X to have touch sensitivity and velocity keys features.

The EVO has only 2 things on an 8X:
- much better color design
- better feeling keyboard

What the 8X has on the EVO:
- Easier to access battery (don't have to split the accordion to remove/replace)
- Ability to bend notes and change parameters like the vibrato modes from the keyboard just by pressing a bit harder
- way more expansion sets for greater sound abilities (9 expansion sets vs whatever the EVO has integrated, which I believe is 3 or 4 expansion sets so hundreds of instruments, less if I recall correctly and the Roland expansion sets cannot be added to the EVO)
- The computer editor. It is so much easier to customize your 8X on the computer over the convoluted menu system. IMHO this one feature alone is worth more than the good looks of the EVO.
- Greater resource for repairs... any Roland dealer world-wide. No Roland dealer will look at an EVO, only ONE place on earth for the EVO (Petosa, and they have exactly zero spare parts).
- $2000 less ($2500-$3000 if you compare to the premium models).

There are other/more "differences" but this was just off the top of my head.

The biggest plus for me was the fact that when I bought my 8X it had been used for less than 2 hours, so for all intents, brand new, and for slightly less than 1/2 the price of a new one. It was a no brainer for me.

I respect everyone's right to make their choice, but I went through that exercise before I decided on the 8X and also had the pleasure of having it 2 years earlier. While some were waiting for the EVO to come out, I was playing on the 8X. That is something that no amount of money can compensate for.

I wanted an accordion that I could practice silently with a headphone. I didn't like the FR-4x keyboard. As I mentioned in the video, I don't perform with this accordion. So it sits my needs perfectly. For someone who could put the digital capabilities of the FR-8x to good use, they might find the Bugari Evo limiting.

I think Cory Pesaturo can play fast even in a $50 accordion from a yard sale. I appreciate the feel of the keyboard on the Evo and it makes practice enjoyable. Definitely a step up from the keyboard of the FR-4x. I haven't played the fr-8x so I can't comment. I can't find any justification for the price difference. I really liked the looks, so I went for it.


I've seen many wonderful performances with the Roland on YouTube. But the accordion looks so tacky. I like how the Evo looks in my videos.

 

[John M]

I've seen many wonderful performances with the Roland on YouTube. But the accordion looks so tacky. I like how the Evo looks in my videos.

Take a look at the Roland FR-8X Dallape. I would be surprised if you think this one looks "tacky".

 

[JerryPH]

Take a look at the Roland FR-8X Dallape. I would be surprised if you think this one looks "tacky".

The looks of the EVO are it's best selling traits, but in all honesty, that is easily recreated on any accordion... so anyone with an airbrush could do that if that is what you wanted (or you could "re-skin" it like Pesaturo did with his 7X, that looks a good bit gaudy especially with the disco lights going, but that is what makes Cory... Cory ).

The EVO had some outright UGLY colours too in it's catalogs... that puke green one for example... OMG, I don't think they sold ONE of those... haha.

But my thing is I don't buy something to look at it, I use it to PLAY it so how my accordion looks in videos is not all that important to me compared to how it works, what it does FOR me and does it have features that are important to me and my playing.

Today there is a super nice gent in Bulgaria that makes custom grills for the 8X (he JUST started making them for the EVO and the 4X too!)... he made one for me... I sure as heck don't think of it as tacky, but then again, I designed it... lol



But I would love to know what specifically is "tacky" to Breezybellows on the 8X. Visually they look 100% the same, same button layout on the right and left hands. The location of the USB connection in the front is way more accessible and preferrable (nothing tacky about improved ergonomics).

Matter of fact, on top of the grill, I always found mine rather too plain for me so I added Swarovski crystals to my bass to make identifying the octaves on the Free Bass notes, and the standard stradella buttons. I then changed the white caps to be a slightly more aggressive "V" and colourful plastic stick-ons on my registers so that I can hit the right buttons while playing songs that have registration changes in them, much more easily with a glance, so not even a big look is needed.

Every "visual improvement" (except for the grill) is to help me play better in some way, so if that appears tacky to someone, that's cool... I can live with that.

 

[breezybellows]

Tacky might not be the right word. I see a lot of plastic (especially for the red one). It's my personal opinion so I'm not sure if anyone else feels that way.

 

[breezybellows]

The looks of the EVO are it's best selling traits, but in all honesty, that is easily recreated on any accordion... so anyone with an airbrush could do that if that is what you wanted (or you could "re-skin" it like Pesaturo did with his 7X, that looks a good bit gaudy especially with the disco lights going, but that is what makes Cory... Cory ).

The EVO had some outright UGLY colours too in it's catalogs... that puke green one for example... OMG, I don't think they sold ONE of those... haha.

But my thing is I don't buy something to look at it, I use it to PLAY it so how my accordion looks in videos is not all that important to me compared to how it works, what it does FOR me and does it have features that are important to me and my playing.

Today there is a super nice gent in Bulgaria that makes custom grills for the 8X (he JUST started making them for the EVO and the 4X too!)... he made one for me... I sure as heck don't think of it as tacky, but then again, I designed it... lol



But I would love to know what specifically is "tacky" to Breezybellows on the 8X. Visually they look 100% the same, same button layout on the right and left hands. The location of the USB connection in the front is way more accessible and preferrable (nothing tacky about improved ergonomics).

Matter of fact, on top of the grill, I always found mine rather too plain for me so I added Swarovski crystals to my bass to make identifying the octaves on the Free Bass notes, and the standard stradella buttons. I then changed the white caps to be a slightly more aggressive "V" and colourful plastic stick-ons on my registers so that I can hit the right buttons while playing songs that have registration changes in them, much more easily with a glance, so not even a big look is needed.

Every "visual improvement" (except for the grill) is to help me play better in some way, so if that appears tacky to someone, that's cool... I can live with that.

The grill looks cool. I thought about it more and I think it's the plastic surface above the bellows (where it has the Roland logo) that stands out. It does look futuristic but I prefer the more refined finish of the Evo. The visual design on my Evo is very consistent (grill, register switches, sharp keys, body)

 

[Dingo40]

Guys,
"Don't worry...be happy!"
Luckily, our tastes are different, or there wouldn't be enough to go around!

 

[breezybellows]

Guys,
"Don't worry...be happy!"
Luckily, our tastes are different, or there wouldn't be enough to go around!

If we all like the same things, it will be a lot less interesting.

 

[Tom]

I think the Evo definitely looks better than the stock Rolands.

 

[EMan]

I've been watching this thread and I think it's about time that I need to weigh in.....
There are as many opinions an accordion makes as there are accordionists. I looked at both before buying the Evo. In fact I could have bought a very slightly used Roland for 1/2 of what I paid for the Evo from a good friend of mine, here in FLorida, so I know it was in excellent condition. I didn't care at all for the Roland, 8x. First there is no bellows action; it's like pushing on a brick. Second the keyboard really sucks. Otherwise its nice. Yes you can edit programs on your computer that you cannot do on the Evo. ,you don't have to split the accordion to replace the battery and the USB is more accessible. For me, I don't need the off line editor. I use my Evo more like an Acoustic with an electronic bass. I don't have the desire to play a synthesizer. I know that Jerry, Pesaturo and people like Richard Noel take full advantage of the synthesizer aspect of the Roland, so the Roland is better for that and also better if you like to edit on your computer. I've had no need offline edit or to access the USB. Splitting an accordion is not a big deal and replacing a battery in one of these is a once every, I don't know 4-5 years ? So I don't see that as a deal killer. BTW, to split a Roland it is set with screws. The Bugari is set with conventional bellows pins.

Now the Evo has ports into the bellows cavity under the pads of the treble keys so playing the Evo mimics the bellows actions of an acoustic far better than the Roland, as air escapes when you play. Secondly, the keyboard on an Evo, again, beats the Roland hands down. Much smoother and more shallow actions. Try a glissando on a Roland keyboard.....good luck. As far as comparing Pesaturo to any of us...well that's like comparing bananas and apples. Not quite the same thing.

Jerry says that Petosa has no parts for the Evos. I have no information on that so I can't take issue with it.

I do think the Evo is better looking, but I wouldn't buy it for that reason.

In short, I'm glad I purchased the Evo and not the Roland. I've had it about 3 years or so and do play out with all the time. There are, tho, still unknowns, much like anything else. I do think that there are many aspects of the Roland, as I have mentioned above, have little or no value to me but may have great value to others. You know the vanilla and chocolate thing.

 

[Pbraido]

A

I've been watching this thread and I think it's about time that I need to weigh in.....
There are as many opinions an accordion makes as there are accordionists. I looked at both before buying the Evo. In fact I could have bought a very slightly used Roland for 1/2 of what I paid for the Evo from a good friend of mine, here in FLorida, so I know it was in excellent condition. I didn't care at all for the Roland, 8x. First there is no bellows action; it's like pushing on a brick. Second the keyboard really sucks. Otherwise its nice. Yes you can edit programs on your computer that you cannot do on the Evo. ,you don't have to split the accordion to replace the battery and the USB is more accessible. For me, I don't need the off line editor. I use my Evo more like an Acoustic with an electronic bass. I don't have the desire to play a synthesizer. I know that Jerry, Pesaturo and people like Richard Noel take full advantage of the synthesizer aspect of the Roland, so the Roland is better for that and also better if you like to edit on your computer. I've had no need offline edit or to access the USB. Splitting an accordion is not a big deal and replacing a battery in one of these is a once every, I don't know 4-5 years ? So I don't see that as a deal killer. BTW, to split a Roland it is set with screws. The Bugari is set with conventional bellows pins.

Now the Evo has ports into the bellows cavity under the pads of the treble keys so playing the Evo mimics the bellows actions of an acoustic far better than the Roland, as air escapes when you play. Secondly, the keyboard on an Evo, again, beats the Roland hands down. Much smoother and more shallow actions. Try a glissando on a Roland keyboard.....good luck. As far as comparing Pesaturo to any of us...well that's like comparing bananas and apples. Not quite the same thing.

Jerry says that Petosa has no parts for the Evos. I have no information on that so I can't take issue with it.

I do think the Evo is better looking, but I wouldn't buy it for that reason.

In short, I'm glad I purchased the Evo and not the Roland. I've had it about 3 years or so and do play out with all the time. There are, tho, still unknowns, much like anything else. I do think that there are many aspects of the Roland, as I have mentioned above, have little or no value to me but may have great value to others. You know the vanilla and chocolate thing.

(Evo mimics the bellows actions of an acoustic far better than the Roland, as air escapes when you play.)


Air escapes the Roland 8x as you play depending on how many keys are depressed also - your understanding of the Roland bellows action is incorrect

 

[JerryPH]

Air escapes the Roland 8x as you play depending on how many keys are depressed also - your understanding of the Roland bellows action is incorrect

And the amount of air per key is also adjustable as are the bellows movement that's also VERY adjustable, from zero air escape to an all out leaky accordion... lol

But thats OK, I would not expect anyone thats not played or owned one to know that, and again, it really does fall in to personal choice. As far as glissandos, they are easy, I do them in most of my videos, but again, feels different that doing it on an acoustic, but its not impossible. Want to talk impossible to exactly imitate over an acoustic, let's again re-hash bellows shakes... lol.

 

[breezybellows]

A

(Evo mimics the bellows actions of an acoustic far better than the Roland, as air escapes when you play.)


Air escapes the Roland 8x as you play depending on how many keys are depressed also - your understanding of the Roland bellows action is incorrec

And the amount of air per key is also adjustable as are the bellows movement that's also VERY adjustable, from zero air escape to an all out leaky accordion... lol

But thats OK, I would not expect anyone thats not played or owned one to know that, and again, it really does fall in to personal choice. As far as glissandos, they are easy, I do them in most of my videos, but again, feels different that doing it on an acoustic, but its not impossible. Want to talk impossible to exactly imitate over an acoustic, let's again re-hash bellows shakes... lol.

I'm interested to know more about this. With the default settings on the Evo, the airflow on the bellows does not vary based on the number of keys/buttons pressed or the registers selected. The when to adjust bellows resistance and the bellows curve parameter are three only ways that I know that can advise bellows resistance. I wonder if the 'amount of air per key' adjustment is available in the Evo.


@JerryPH do you adjust this setting in your fr-8x at all? Did that make it any similar to real accordion bellows?