Yamaha SHS-10 "keytar" Keyboard (Orlando, FL)

Yamaha SHS-10 "keytar" Keyboard

The Yamaha SHS-10 PortaSound Keyboard is a keytar - a musical keyboard instrument that can be held and played two-handed like a guitar. Originally released in 1987. The keytar has 32 mid-sized keys an internal frequency modulation (usually referred to as FM) synthesizer offering 25 different voices with 6-note polyphony two operators and a very basic chord sequencer. It has a built-in speaker as well as a headphones line out jack. The effects including a pitch-bend wheel vibrato sustain rhythm control voice style select chord sequencer parameter change tuning set voice list and midi channel select. The variety of 80 s synth tones are fun but the best feature by far is the powerful MIDI controller output which allows it to be used to control other MIDI instruments including more sophisticated synthesizers and samplers. Its drum rhythms and accompaniment are transmitted on separate MIDI channels so that an external drum machine sampler or other MIDI equipment can be programmed to play the backing parts. Drums are transmitted on channel 16 bass on 15 and three chord harmonies on channels 12-14. MIDI start stop and tempo sync are also transmitted so an external sequencer may be utilized as well. The pitch-bend portamento vibrato and sustain controls all within easy reach of your left hand s fingers and really quite useful. Depending on the MIDI module you have it plugged into all of these effects controllers will transmit to your module or synthesizer. Sustain will hold notes pitch bend will allow you to express your playing much like a guitarist bends his strings the vibrato acts much like a modulation wheel adding vibrato when the button is pushed. The portamento allows for sliding up and down in pitch between notes and even chords. Rhythm can be set to control the tempo to a MIDI sequencer arppegiator and changing sounds on the keytar can change sounds on your MIDI module as well. Originally aimed at the home consumer amateur user it has more recently been popularized amongst serious musicians by Gnarls Barkley and others. This one is the RED model Yamaha SHS -10R (it also came in black and silver versions.) The physical condition is truly like new - no cracks scratches or other damage and includes the original battery cover strap and strap mounting pegs (often missing). All functions controls and connections - the tones rhythms chord memory effects all keys sliders and buttons the pitch bend wheel MIDI out DC in and line out headphones jack are all in perfect working condition. Comes complete with original box and packaging an AC adapter and a copy of the 40-page Owner s Manual on CD. Current (July 2014) listings on eBay include ones priced as low as 148 (missing parts worn) 155 (damaged) 175 (no battery cover) and others in worn condition at 185-200. Units in good condition and complete are listed at 220 230 235 265 275 300 even 450 Examples of this model recently sold on eBay at 160 175 186 188 210 & 224. I really hate to part with mine as it s provided me years of enjoyment but at the moment I need the money so I am offering it for sale at 180. Do some research and you ll find that this is a good price. I m in Orlando FL. You may email or call me but make it soon Here is a detailed list of features & specs FEATURES 25 preset sounds (synthesizer jazz organ pipe organ piano harpsichord electric piano celesta vibraphone marimba steel drum violin cello jazz guitar rock guitar wood bass trumpet trombone horn saxophone clarinet flute oboe harmonica whistle music box) 25 preset rhythms (rhythm & blues 1 & 2 fusion 1 & 2 slow rock swing guitar big band dixie banjo boogie-woogie jazz waltz rock n roll 1 & 2 rock-a-ballad hard rock reggae bossa nova samba tango country bluegrass march 1 & 2 lullaby baroque fanfare) Cipher buttons 0-4 (to select sounds and rhythms) 3 intro fill-in buttons ending button Volume slider Pitchbend wheel (adjustable sensitivity & direction 12 steps) Vibrato portamento & sustain buttons (5 step adjustable portamento speed) Tempo button (39 steps) Tuning button (31 steps) Transpose button (25 semitone steps) Five accompaniment modes ( auto bass chord (ABC) single finger ABC auto chord auto bass melody on ABC ) Chord sequencer (record play of 3 sequences no edit battery backed-up) Sound generator is 2 operator FM MIDI Out Selectable Channel Jacks for AC adapter MIDI out and line out Red 2-digit LED display (for various parameters) Built-in 3 speaker Factory Demo Song Wham s Last Christmas cycles through many preset sounds 1 4 output for professional settings (like plugging into a guitar amp) Can send accompaniment via MIDI Excellent walk-around controller for stage performances Most popular instrument for Circuit Bending SPECIFICATIONS 32 mid-sized keys (F2-C5) Independent Accompaniment Volume Tuning (Up to - 1 2 tone) Transpose (Up to - 12 notes) Tempo Adjustment Intro Fill-in Record up to 3 chord sequences for accompaniment Synchro Start Headphone Aux output jack (1 4 ) DC 9v-12v in connector barrel type center positive. MIDI out 5-PIN DIN connector Polyphony 6 voices Accompaniment 4 Timbres Voices Sound generation method preset 2-operator FM Voices Amplifier 2W (for built-in speaker) Uses 6 AA Batteries or 9v-12v AC Adapter EFFECTS Controls on neck at left hand Portamento Sustain Vibrato Pitch Bend Adjustable by 1 step or 1 octave Reversible MODES Auto Bass Chord (ABC) Play a chord (3-4 notes) and the SHS-10 figures out a bass chord accompaniment for selected style. Melody over ABC Just like ABC but you can play a single note melody over it. Auto Bass Play chords (3-4 notes) and your chords play like standard keyboard but SHS-10 adds an appropriate bass line for selected style. Auto Chord Play chords (3-4 notes) and your chords play like in ABC mode but you play your own bass line. Single-finger Auto Bass Chord Like ABC but you use a single finger to select the chord from the keyboard markings. Normal All notes play the same. MIDI MIDI Out only. Channels 12 13 14 15 send voices on auto-accompany. Drums are sent on channel 16. Can adjust channel (1-16) for all other output. Settings are remembered when unit is off. MIDI Outputs Note On Off Vibrato Ctrl Sustain Ctrl Portamento Ctrl Program Change Pitch Bend