Yamaha PortaSound Keyboard Electronic Piano PSS-170

Product Information

PSR-77, PSR-185, PSR-215, PSR-225, PSR-225GM, PSR-225PC, PSR-320, PSR-420, PSR-520, PSR-620, PSR-4000, PSR-A3 (12) You may also be interested in our feature on Yamaha PortaSound keyboards from the 1980s and ’90s. First Models

Amount of polyphony is unknown but it certainly wasn’t monophonic as it allowed for playing at least one note alongside rhythms and accompaniment sounds. Our guess is perhaps around 8 simultaneous sounds. MIDI and Buttons The same year, the PSR-7000 was launched primarily as a home keyboard, but gained popularity among professionals for use in performance settings due to its ease of arranging rhythm and bass accompaniments. Proof that the right tool for the job isn’t always the most expensive or ‘pro’ version. New Century Not the lowest numbered PSR created, but the first. While basic by today’s standards, it featured 49 keys (four octaves), six sounds, accompaniments with various finger modes, ability to add an expression pedal, and battery or power adapter usage. Some of the MIDI-capable PSS models have had software tools written specifically to allow sound patches to be stored and recalled. These include PSS Edit, PSS Wave Editor and CTRLR.Italian artist Modula released an EP called 780’s Chronicles, recorded primarily using a PSS-780. Cyril Hahn uses a PSS-380 in his original compositions, and notes its noise profile as an endearing characteristic. It isn’t clear from the manual which sound generation technology was being used, although we presume some kind of PCM but not Yamaha’s much developed AWM system as this didn’t really come into its own until the 1990s. No MIDI, as this was still a very young technology in the mid ’80s and not really of much value on such a basic keyboard.

There is also the "Auto-Bass-Chord" accompaniment section which will play a chord and bass line appropriate to the selected rhythm pattern. Chords are selected from the lower octave-and-a-half of the keyboard, so you can play the melody/lead in the upper octave. The rhythm section also offers "Fill-In" and "Variation" buttons to keep your rhythm pattern from getting too boring. Another nice feature Yamaha added was individual volume controls for the "Auto-Bass-Chord" and Drum sections. November 2013, Tony Ware 28. "Cyril Hahn talks production techniques, the influence of DIY culture and creating ambience". MusicRadar . Retrieved 2020-05-21. {{ cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list ( link) For nearly 40 years, Yamaha has created a host of portable musical keyboard instruments under the “PSR” branding. This article sheds light on those models, from 1984 when the first “PortaTone” models emerged, right up to the present day with versatile, high-technology instruments good for both beginners and seasoned keyboard musicians. Electronic musicians and sound engineers have used these instruments to achieve an authentic lo-fi sound [3] and some modify them with circuit bending to extend their sound palettes. As of 2015, musician Dan Friel continues to use a Portasound that he received as a gift in 1984. [4] Circa 2017, Italian artist Modula released an EP called 780's Chronicles, recorded primarily using a Yamaha PSS780. [5] Cyril Hahn uses a Yamaha PSS380 in his original compositions, and notes its noise profile as an endearing characteristic. [6] Unofficial software and VST plug-ins [ edit ] Overall, Yamaha PortaSound keyboards were popular for their affordability, versatility, and portability, making them a popular choice for aspiring musicians and music enthusiasts. While these keyboards may not have had the same level of sound quality and features as Yamaha’s higher-end models, they still offer a great introduction to the world of electronic music.The PSS-470 was released by Yamaha in 1987, and was clearly aimed at non-professionals. This is the type of keyboard that would not be surprising to find in the musical instrument section of a major toy store. It's a simple synth built in a plastic case, with built-in stereo speakers, stereo outputs and 49 mini-sized keys. It's designed to be lightweight and portable. Yet at its heart it has inherited Yamaha's DX series digital FM synthesis, which is enough to garner this synth some attention.