read and edit .ST3 files

[Pa-Simon]

Hey everyone!

I’m looking for some advice on how to dig into the ST3 files for my Roland FR-1x Accordion. I’d love to move beyond the standard accordion tones and try to create some experimental sounds—think deep bass or electric guitar vibes.

I’ve been using the official Set Editor, but it doesn’t quite let me go as far as I’d like. Every time I try to make manual edits to the ST3 files, I end up getting errors, which I think might be because of some built-in checks in the file.

If anyone here has experience with:

• Understanding the layout of these ST3 files (or even just what the different parts mean)
• Editing them without triggering errors
• Any tips or tools that could help make this easier

I’d be super grateful for any guidance! I’m hoping to customize my sounds way beyond what the editor allows, and it would be amazing to hear from anyone who’s done similar stuff with a Roland V-Accordion.

Thanks so much for any tips or insights you can share!

 

[Ventura]

afaik there has never been any info released from
Roland that allows 3rd party editing of these files..
it is a proprietary and closed system

this was because the same core LSIC chipset is used
in all models, therefore the programming limitations are the primary
"thing" that separates the features of each model (price point)

the only way i know of to hack them was by using an FR7x to
create an ST file/set that noted the common locations in an
ST file for the FR3x, and plugging different GM patches into
those locations, so that when the file was re-named and loaded
into an FR3x, you would have Vibes or Piano and other GM sounds
that are not normally available

the 7x ST is of course richer in locations, hooks, etc.
only those factors common to both could be manipiulated,
factors unique to the 7x are simply not loaded/ignored by the 3x

i have not heard of anyone taking this hack down to the 1x, but
it might be possible. You will need a friend with a 7x of course
to trial and error some ST files for you