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"V" Accordion Production
- Thread starter JIM D.
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Well, that seems like good news.
Can someone explain the economics please?
Is it that Roland shed the manufacturing cost while still keeping the V-accordion in production?
Can someone explain the economics please?
Is it that Roland shed the manufacturing cost while still keeping the V-accordion in production?
lasvegascolonel
Active member
It certainly sounds that way, dunlustin. Apparently, it wasn't profitable (according to Roland) like their other operations (perhaps there aren't as many accordion players in the world as piano and organ players). But it sounds like they've contracted with a respected Italian company to continue the production of the V-accordion with the Roland name. The crucial test, of course, will be that if it is to bear Roland's name, it should have the same high quality of the current line of Roland accordions. Quality control will need to be an essential element to sustain the high reputation the current Roland accordion line has. It certainly would relieve some worry among current owners and potential buyers to know that Roland is not abandoning production...and if it is to be continued to be made in Italy, that is likely a good thing for many who are considering purchasing one.
jimgansett
Member
Hi Lasvegascolonel, its been awhile 
You said
One of the biggest problems for us in the U.S. is that unlike most of the rest of the world, the accordion is not nearly as popular here. The overseas market for accordions is much greater which is why new Rolands are introduced and available in Europe quite awhile before they are available here. There is no doubt in my mind the European market gets priority, and it makes sense for the company. Another problem here is that Roland USA knows next to nothing about playing the accordion, doesnt have the passion for accordions that exist in Italy, and at least in the U.S., the accordion is a very small part of their business compared to other products they make.
Im actually quite enthused at the acceptance of the Rolands here. The Accordion Association I belong here in central MA to has about 50 members or so, and there are at least 6 Roland players. Which is remarkable since it is a very small area geographically. Who knows how many Roland players there are that we in our association dont know about.
Dont know what the future will bring but it appears heading in the right direction for Roland owners.
Take care,
Jim
You said
Interestingly, I hear from my dealer that the V-Accordion line was the only line profitable from Roland Italy. They were manufactured in the same factory location as the digital pianos destined for Europe. The shutdown of the factory was a factor of poor digital piano sales (the main production at the factory) and the high cost of Italian labor. You can bet your butt that if V-Accordions had not been profitable, Roland Japan would not be bothering to outsource the V-Accordions with the Roland name on it. Since the Roland name will be on it, you can bet that, at least initially, Roland Japan will be actively involved so quality control will be maintained.
One of the biggest problems for us in the U.S. is that unlike most of the rest of the world, the accordion is not nearly as popular here. The overseas market for accordions is much greater which is why new Rolands are introduced and available in Europe quite awhile before they are available here. There is no doubt in my mind the European market gets priority, and it makes sense for the company. Another problem here is that Roland USA knows next to nothing about playing the accordion, doesnt have the passion for accordions that exist in Italy, and at least in the U.S., the accordion is a very small part of their business compared to other products they make.
Im actually quite enthused at the acceptance of the Rolands here. The Accordion Association I belong here in central MA to has about 50 members or so, and there are at least 6 Roland players. Which is remarkable since it is a very small area geographically. Who knows how many Roland players there are that we in our association dont know about.
Dont know what the future will bring but it appears heading in the right direction for Roland owners.
Take care,
Jim
lasvegascolonel
Active member
Thanks, Jim. It certainly makes sense that if the digital pianos were the factory's primary product, the accordion then suffered the shutdown even though its sales were fine. I agree it is a good sign that Roland will contract with an experienced Italian company to continue production. I would suspect most people would prefer the experience, tradition, and reputation the Italian-made V-accordion has had versus starting from scratch in another factory somewhere else. You are quite correct about the accordion acceptance here versus Europe. Same thing with cars. We won't get some of the American-brand cars made in Europe for one or two years after the Europeans get them. We even have some cars made here that go there that we can't get. Thanks again and enjoy the rest of your summer...it's just getting under 100 degrees here in the desert. Bob (lasvegascolonel)
lasvegascolonel
Active member
Actually, under 100 is good here when much of the summer has been over 110, but yes I do know the humidity there can be high...we had close to 40% here earlier during our "monsoon" season but it usually around 3-10%. I also think the Fatar/Roland marriage would likely be the best option regarding Roland accordion production. Thanks to you and others, Jim, you've made us aware of what at truly unique and desirable instrument it is. Enjoy the rest of your summer!
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