Reedless Accordions

[TW]

I use a V3 Desktop that is the 'bees knees' for my purposes, with a great range of accordions, pipes ,drums etc.

I drive it from a Roland FR1XB which does the job splendidly.

However, in a quest for lightness and more basses, I wonder whether members could suggest reedless accordions providing only midi channel output, with no attempt at sound simulation?

 

[DigitalSteve]

If you only want the controller functionality with low cost and no onboard speakers I would look at something along the lines of a used Petosa Millennium or SEM Ciao. They both use older technology but you could watch eBay or Craigslist and pick one up for very little.

Steve

 

[acordiansam]

Well as far as midi and reedless boxes go the roland has the best bellow control to me. Gona be hard to find a better one without spending a lot of cash.

 

[TW]

Thanks for the suggestions.

Steve.
I did look at the only Petosa on UK ebay and the entry was very detailed and informative showing the expansion unit and the old style rectangular connector.
I assume that power to the accordion is fed via this cable as well as the midi signals from it and this might well be a stumbling block - though I imagine the assignment of leads within the cable is known.

Accordiansam.
I have to go along with you about the ease the Rolands provide - though I have no experience outside Rolands about bellows control - its always seemed fine to me!

Even tho' I'm not using the built in voices - apart from the odd overlay from a Noel set - it appears that the current status is the most economical way for me.

Thank you both for the advice.

 

[acordiansam]

Yea I feel you. I have a 3x but never use the speakers. Just not enough sound to keep up with the band. So its weight I don't need. Mabe some day!

 

[TW]

Very accurate summation Accordiansam..it is weight reduction, together with a more extensive bass, that I was hoping for now that my Roland is largely used to drive the instruments and backing of the V3 Desktop.

That said, it is convenient to have the facility to use the built-in sets with the speakers.