Yamaha PSS16 37-Note Portable Electronic Keyboard

by Yamaha

Product Features

• 37 midsize keys
• 100 PCM voices and 22 PCM rhythms
• Built-in stereo speakers
• 4 drum pads
• 15 programmed songs with Music Minus One feature

Product Details

• Shipping Weight: 4 pounds
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B00002F626
• Item model number: PSS16
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #130,846 in Musical Instruments (See Top 100 in Musical Instruments)

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

The Yamaha PSS16 portable electronic keyboard features 37 midsize keys. It includes 100 PCM voices, 22 PCM rhythm accompaniments, and 15 programmed songs with the Music Minus One feature. You can play by yourself or take a lesson with help from the computer-aided music function. Auto Harmony, Auto Ad-Lib, and four drum pads help complete your sound. The built-in headphone jack and stereo speakers give you the option to play for your ears only or share your music with a crowd.

The Yamaha PSS16 can be powered by either six AA batteries or an optional Yamaha PA3B AC adapter. It measures 6.6 by 25 by 2.6 inches and comes with a one-year manufacturer's warranty.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

63 of 65 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A good choice for amusement or ear training, August 2, 2000

By 

Alexa Raven "Volunteer" (San Diego, CA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Yamaha PSS16 37-Note Portable Electronic Keyboard (Electronics)

I've never purchased a keyboard before. I never thought I would need one. However, I found myself in the situation of learning vocal music and realizing that while I knew the name of the note, I couldn't always remember the sound of the note.

"A keyboard", my vocal coach suggested.

"A keyboard," I sighed.

I hunted around town and found that the cheapest I could get was 80 or more dollars -- too much for my budget. Then I saw this gem. I figured that if it was too much like a toy, I could send it to my nephews (and really annoy my sister!).

I've tried it and I like it. Read the description for the details of what it has. As for me, this review is what I like and dislike about it.

While it has a three-octave range, by shifting the selected voice to a bass voice, one can get lower notes -- this is good, for basses and baritones who need notes while learning vocal scores. By shifting to a sopranino voice (like the piccolo) one can cover the full soprano range.

The keys are very small -- I find myself hitting strays when running 5 and 8 note scales. The good point to the small keys is that the player must hit the keys precisely in the center to play anything accurately; however, it also means that the player gets used to having the intervals closer than they are on a full sized keyboard.

Yes, there are lots of voices and combinations, but don't expect them to sound identical to the instrument. Remember that this is a $40.00 keyboard, not a several hundred dollar Roland or Yamaha.

It is lightweight and VERY portable; however, spend a wad on batteries -- this thing uses 6 "C" cells. Do yourself a favor and pick up the adapter the same time you buy the keyboard.

The built in speakers sound good for the midrange voices; however, they do not give full sound the lower voices and the higher. If you demand better sound, then jack in additional speakers or a set of headphones.

5.0 out of 5 stars Great fun for not so serious players, June 26, 2000

By 

Redwood Cat (Santa Rosa, CA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Yamaha PSS16 37-Note Portable Electronic Keyboard (Electronics)

I bought this keyboard for my daughter, but everyone wants to play it because it's so much fun. I particullarly like the 100 instrument settings, and playing along with the preprogrammed songs. It has several features to make keyboard playing easier.

The keyboard isn't well suited for serious music reading though, having only 3 octaves and small keys. Also, it uses up batteries rather quickly. If you use it much at all you'll need the power adapter or rechargeable batteries.

3 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Let The Music Begin, June 21, 2000

By 

Gonzalo (California) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Yamaha PSS16 37-Note Portable Electronic Keyboard (Electronics)

This Is An Awesome Product Than Can Be Used By People Of All Ages, It Comes With 15 Fun To Listen Songs On It's Memory And It Can Be Set To Sound As 100 Different Rythms Or Musical Intruments.