2009-12-23 Ashokan Farewell, Roland FR7

[oceandreama]

'Hi this is excellently played, I was wondering if you could send me the music

?

[myaccordionhistory]

@oceandreama - Send me an email address and I'll be happy to send it to you. Thanks for your support of my channel.

Leon

[jonesthephones]

Nice playing, but you really shouldn't look so miserable when you're clearly having a good time...!

[myaccordionhistory]

@jonesthephones Like all accordionists of limited talent, smiling remains one of my biggest challenges. It's difficult when the brain is overwhelmed just playing the music. Still, it's supposed to be a sad piece, isn't it?

Leon

[JeNnY323232]

That's koo I play the accordion to and I will post some of me plzwatch and commet

[myaccordionhistory]

@JeNnY323232 - Thank you for the encouragement and I look forward to seeing your accordion videos.

Leon

[Rhawneld57]

Still one of my favorites by you Leon. It is so nice to hear this tune played by you. congratulations.......

Ron!

[myaccordionhistory]

@Rhawneld57 - Thank you Ron for your encouragement. Yes, this is certainly a very nice piece. Perhaps I'll do it again soon using orchestral sounds.

Leon

[Rhawneld57]

Hi Leon This was my favorite song. I am glad to hear it once again only this time on your new Red Rose Accordion.

Fabulous going there.

Ron!

[sabaline]

Lovely! This was played with real ease and even a little artistry. :) Even the long arpeggio at the end didn't give any noticeable troubles. One could think you have done this for years. Congrats for your progress from another loyal follower. :)

[myaccordionhistory]

@sabaline

Thank you. That long arpeggio was indeed the biggest challenge in this piece. I'm glad it looked smooth to you.

[bobg357]

Great tune...I do like the sound of the Roland over the Hohner....where did you find the sheet music for this tune.....again, very nice job on such a sweet tune.

[myaccordionhistory]

@bobg357

Thanks for the positive comment. I'll bring the music to the next meeting and give it to you.

[amarcordeon]

Fantastic playing

Very pleasant to listen this beautiful tune

I love it

*****

Lillo

[myaccordionhistory]

@amarcordeon

Thank you Lillo. I'm glad you like it.

Leon

[Accordioncrasy]

Really professional play and the use of your sounds, I nearly see the marching solgiers, blowing bagpipes.

Istvan

[myaccordionhistory]

@Accordioncrasy

Thank you Istvan for your kind comment. I am very appreciative of your support.

[artelagro]

Hi Leon - Thanks for seeing the lighter side and not blacklisting me. I am one of the grey haired brigade who knows only too well how difficult it is. I wish I had your confidence. Art

[myaccordionhistory]

@artelagro

I wanted to respond sooner but I've been busy replying to all the messages asking me about my new Roland. I thought your point was very legitimate. Indeed, several people thought that my Hohner sounded better than the Roland in this video. I'm hoping that after some level adjustments and a change of location the Roland will sound better. Check out the next video "Gay Nineties" and see how I did with that.

[artelagro]

Hi Leon. I think you should revert back to the Hohner. In the past month you have only produced one new tune. Think about your loyal followers!

[myaccordionhistory]

@artelagro

Thank you very much for your comment and valid opinion. I don't want to lose loyal followers. Changing to the Roland was to improve recording quality. Yes, it did cost some extra time to get used to the new instrument. But the major reason for me not posting as often is because as I progress in level new pieces are more and more difficult to learn to play accurately. I am trying my best to push forward, but like most people I am also limited in learning ability.

[MrMike518able]

great playing. I started playing again thanks for posting your music MIKE

[myaccordionhistory]

@MrMike518able

Hi Mike. I'm glad to hear you are back at practicing the accordion. The world needs more accordionists. Thank you for the encouragement.

Leon

[Bobby1961D]

Hi Leon, Like Your New Accordion, Best of Luck With the New Machine, Keep Up the Great Work,5*****

[myaccordionhistory]

@Bobby1961D

Thanks Bobby, and welcome to YouTube.

[accordiona]

Leon, it's great to hear your new Roland! You play this piece beautifully! 5* Congratulations! I'm very happy for you! And I look forward to new videos!

Lorna

[myaccordionhistory]

@accordiona

Thank you Lorna for the encouragement. I'm in my glory now with all this hi-tech instrument. I love it. I hope you're getting your questions answered about your new piano.

[CChromatic]

Hi Leon,

The new accordion is beautiful! I look forward to hearing more of your recordings!

James

[myaccordionhistory]

@CChromatic

Thank you James for paying me a visit. Yes, I found a deal I couldn't refuse. I can tell you more about it at the next meeting. I hope everything is going well with you.

[justasking2]

Nicely done. Keep up the good work. I've had a great time with my FR-7, and I love its amazing versatility and portability.

To eliminate any distortion, you might consider a 20db attenuator--this will reduce the signal and take care of the potential distortion. I confess, though, that I am still experimenting to find the right level of volume and reverb for my youtube recordings.

Regardless, I didn't notice any distortion on the piece you played here.

[myaccordionhistory]

@justasking2

Thank you for the encouragement and fine advice. Yes, an attenuator between my instrument and my recording device, which is a PreSonus FireBox attached to a computer should help. I think I was hitting the input of the FireBox a bit too hard, and hence producing slight distortion at the preamp level. It was slight because many like yourself say they didn't notice it. But if I lower the instrument output level, I can hardly hear it. An attenuator should to do the trick.

[AccordionJJ]

Sweet! A new accordion! You must be very excited. I would be!

It sounds to me like you might be recording it a bit too "hot". There's a slight bit of distortion during the louder spots. Maybe try turning down the volume being output from the accordion to your computer? You might also consider adding a bit of "small room" reverb to the mix, to make up for the fact that you're recording direct (and dry). That said, sounds good! I look forward to hearing more of what the FR7 can do.

[myaccordionhistory]

Thank you for the encouragement, as well as the honest assessment of my recording quality. I agree that when I play with the master switch it sounds a little harsh. Since this is a new instrument, I must experiment with my levels. I will also consider adding a little reverb.

I hope you are making progress with your Hohner Bravo III 72. I look forward to some videos of your work in Palmer Hughes. I encourage you to submit "video responses" to the same pieces in my channel.

[pyeinthesky]

wow I like the sound and the accordion, nice choice. It accentuates your playing this mellow, smooth sound. What brought you to making a switch in accordions? I can hear the difference in sound already.

[myaccordionhistory]

@pyeinthesky

I was attracted by the tonal variety, as well as the higher recording quality that is possible using electronic instruments. My audio is now recorded by direct connection, completely eliminating microphones. I'm glad you like it.

[joemaniscalco54]

Well done! It surely does sound like a traditional accordion. How does the weight compare with your Hohner? Joe

[myaccordionhistory]

The new Roland with straps weighs 27 lbs, which is a bit heavier than my Hohner. I'm glad you approve of the authenticity of the sound. The instrument comes with quite a few accordion sounds and I keep changing my mind over which one sounds best.

[GeminiAccordion]

WOW! New Accordion! How are you enjoying the roland? I can't wait to hear more :). The piece was played wonderfully - you are getting better and better all the time :D.

(Happy Holidays)

Melinda

[myaccordionhistory]

Thank you for your encouragement and support. The new Roland is great. I'm currently practicing a medley from the Palmer Hughes recital book 2. I originally started practicing this piece on the Hohner. It sounds so much better on the Roland.

[MADDOG6400]

I'm jealous! Nice accordion! How is it?

You have improved A LOT from the past few months! I'm impressed!

[myaccordionhistory]

Thank you for the encouragement. The Roland seemed strange at first, but I'm quickly adapting myself to it. I think its high tonal quality will encourage me to play better.

[guyotville06]

Trés beau morceau et un bel accordéon Roland

Bravo 5*****

[myaccordionhistory]

Merci. J'espère que ce nouveau accordéon aide moi à apprendre à jouer aussi bien que vous.

Leon

[BENNYMANS99]

Very well played Leon and lovely sounds from your new Roland, a quality instrument . Must be a joy to play.

Brian.

[myaccordionhistory]

It is really a wonderful instrument. There are so many accordion voices, each with its own unique style. The physical characteristics were strange at first. The bellows feel like an acoustic when no notes are being played. It feels quite stiff. But I am becoming accustomed to it quickly. I already prefer it to my Hohner. The thing that I am most excited about is recording without microphones.

[6Heureka]

Congratulation for the new Accordion, great one. Cool playing as always. Very nice piece.

Thanks for sharing this

[myaccordionhistory]

Nice to hear from you Jochen. Have a happy holidays.

[nichelob77]

Sounds great! A one-man band for sure. You may have me looking into a second mortgage so I can add one of these to my collection :) Can't wait to see some more posts. Cheers and Congrats!

[myaccordionhistory]

I admit that I now feel the pressure to play as well as others who have Rolands. But buying a top quality accordion doesn't automatically make a top quality player. You have to learn to play it. Well, people will just have to accept that Rolands are for beginners too. If you keep buying accordions you'll soon need a bigger place to live.

[bobg357]

I congratulate you on a terrific job in adapting so quickly to the Roland from the Hohner. My opinion is that the Roland always sounds better since there are so many variations to adjust to attain a sound pleasing to just about anyone. Anyway, conratulations on the new addition to your family and my wishes for many happy years of playing.

[myaccordionhistory]

Thank you Bob, best wishes to you and your family as well, and I'll see you at the next meeting.

[JamieAdairFilmmaker]

Great playing Leon,

I'll soon be making an account to showcase all of the tunes I have learned to play from the Palmer Hughes Book One.

Merry Christmas, and a happy new year.

-Jamie

[myaccordionhistory]

I very much look forward to you posting the practice pieces from Book One of Palmer Hughes. Please consider submitting them to me as "video responses". That way our videos will be linked together by icons and you will get more visitors to your channel. Also, if you play the pieces better than I did at the time, you'll get more credit. I hope you do. I anxiously await your first accordion post.

Leon

[Rhawneld57]

Wow Leon I am so impressed by your quick change over to this Wonderful "RED ROSE" Accordion. You Played absolutely beautifully. I also loved this selection it is one you play that has been my long time favorite since first hearing it from you. Well done my dear friend. I see you are so content and happy with every thing what a great presence you give with your new sounds. They are rich and very very enjoyable. Congratulations Leon 5/5

Ron~! Merry Christmas. Happy New Year.

[myaccordionhistory]

Thank you so much Ron. I'm happy you liked the tonal quality. Although, don't you think the sound with the master switch on was a little too harsh? Perhaps I need to readjust my record levels? Perhaps I need to reduce the instrument level and increase the record level at the audio interface? Well, if not, then the instrument provides other sound profiles to choose from. I'm happy to hear my pleasure of ownership was still evident through the fatigue from many hours of playing.

[Rhawneld57]

Hi Leon I did notice a little louder volume on near the last few bars where it sounded like double reeds. But really didn't think any thing was technically wrong. I just thought it was a minor detail.

All in All I loved it. It is my favorite Piece that you do. Bravo

[Delmontedel]

Leon,

I am so happy for your obvious pleasure in your new accordion. Well done. You seem more relaxed, especially your left hand on the bass, and your control is very good, especially considering the short time you have had this Roland.

Well done, nicely played and good dynamics. 5***** for you and 5****for the Roland!

MORE!! MORE!!

Mike.

[Delmontedel]

I forgot to add: the voices are very good indeed, if you close your eyes you would not really know what the accordion was, so Roland have done well. Also, it is nice for me to hear someone else playing a Roland in a straightforward manner.

Well done.

Mike

[myaccordionhistory]

I'm glad you liked the tonal quality, although I think on this particular set called "French Folk" the sound with the master switch on is a bit harsh. Thanks for confirming that the sound is just like an acoustic instrument. And, I do intent to play the instrument in that manner for some time. At my level I have too many standard practice pieces to learn before considering any modern, atonal jazz.

[myaccordionhistory]

Thank you for your assessment. I must say, I didn't feel relaxed. But I am adapting. I guess the biggest surprise was the stiff feel of the bellows. But I'm adjusting to it. I hope to resume my normal practice schedule very soon.

[leonvanbokhorst]

I would be excited too my friend. Congratulations on your new digital accordion. Merry Christmas. 5*

Leon

[myaccordionhistory]

Thank you and Merry Christmas to you as well.

[AccordionLadyMi]

Dear Leon, I remember getting my first accordion and racing home from school so I could play it. I was amused by your reference to lacking sleep because you are so excited about your new accordion. It does have a beautiful tone and I am happy for your obvious pleasure in playing your new Roland. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year my friend. Fran

[myaccordionhistory]

Thank you so much Fran for your kind remarks. I have also noticed a flurry of activity in your channel and occasionally left 5 star ratings. I remember once predicting that you would become a formidable force here on YouTube, and I believe you have done that. I am especially impressed with your virtual duet work with Hector Awol. Naturally I am far behind you since I am still working at Level 2 of Palmer Hughes. I understand that it takes time to progress. Merry Christmas to you as well.