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Description

The Yamaha PortaSound MK-100 is a versatile and compact entry into the world of portable keyboards. Perfect for both beginners and seasoned musicians looking for a lightweight and easy-to-transport option, this keyboard offers a blend of functionality and simplicity. With 49 full-size keys, it provides a satisfying tactile experience while remaining compact enough to take anywhere.

The MK-100 is equipped with a diverse range of sounds and rhythms, allowing you to explore different musical styles. Its built-in speaker system delivers clear and dynamic audio, ensuring your music sounds great whether you're practicing at home or performing in a more intimate setting. Additionally, the inclusion of a headphone output means you can play without disturbing others, perfect for late-night practice sessions.

Another standout feature is the advanced auto-accompaniment function that supports a wide variety of genres, making it an ideal tool for songwriting and improvisation. The intuitive interface allows you to navigate through its features with ease, ensuring an enjoyable playing experience for musicians of all skill levels.

Whether you're composing your next masterpiece or just jamming with friends, the Yamaha PortaSound MK-100 is a reliable companion. Its robust feature set and portability make it a valuable addition to your musical toolkit.

Key Features:

  • 49 full-size keys for a realistic playing experience
  • Built-in speaker system for dynamic sound output
  • Advanced auto-accompaniment function
  • Diverse range of sounds and rhythms
  • Headphone output for private practice
  • Intuitive interface for easy navigation
  • Portable and lightweight design
8-Bit Keys

8-Bit Keys

Restoring and review of the 1983 Yamaha MK-100

Video thumbnail for Restoring and review of the 1983 Yamaha MK-100 by 8-Bit Keys

Restoring and review of the 1983 Yamaha MK-100

8-Bit Keys

8-Bit Keys

Video thumbnail for Yamaha MK-100 Portasound Keyboard by KeyboardKrazy49

Yamaha MK-100 Portasound Keyboard

KeyboardKrazy49

KeyboardKrazy49

Video thumbnail for Yamaha MK-100 - rare pre-FM Portasound synth by Alfonse

Yamaha MK-100 - rare pre-FM Portasound synth

Alfonse

Alfonse

Video thumbnail for Yamaha MK-100 Multi-Menu demo by Alfonse

Yamaha MK-100 Multi-Menu demo

Alfonse

Alfonse

Video thumbnail for Yamaha PortaSound MK-100 by A Forest Productions

Yamaha PortaSound MK-100

A Forest Productions

A Forest Productions

Video thumbnail for Yamaha MK-100 multitracked demo by acreil

Yamaha MK-100 multitracked demo

acreil

acreil

Video thumbnail for Yamaha MK-100 Jam by Late Night Beats

Yamaha MK-100 Jam

Late Night Beats

Late Night Beats

Video thumbnail for YAMAHA MK-100 | Programming and performing "Cantaloupe Island"! by Stefanos Kozanis

YAMAHA MK-100 | Programming and performing "Cantaloupe Island"!

Stefanos Kozanis

Stefanos Kozanis

Video thumbnail for Yamaha PortaSound MK-100 (1983) Demo by Robert Saint John

Yamaha PortaSound MK-100 (1983) Demo

Robert Saint John

Robert Saint John

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Yamaha PortaSound MK-100.

Features and functionality

  • The Yamaha MK-100 offers multiple envelope options and variations for crossfading between oscillators, enhancing its versatility compared to similar models like the Casiotone MT-65/68.

    Source
  • The MK-100 allows limited sound editing and reprogramming of drum patterns and accompaniment bass lines, offering some customization despite its age.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The MK-100's basic timbres are comparable to other PortaSounds such as the PS-55 and PC-100, providing a recognizable sound palette among Yamaha's portable keyboards.

    Source

User experience

  • The onboard sequencer lacks quantization, making it challenging to achieve precise timing, which may result in recordings sounding less polished than intended.

    Source
  • Playing to a drum machine with the MK-100 is described as unforgiving, highlighting the importance of precision in timing during recording sessions.

    Source
  • Glitching occurs when certain elements are in the signal chain, but the MK-100 returns to normal after removal, indicating potential signal interference issues.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • When multitracked with external effects like a Roland SRV-2000 reverb, the MK-100 can produce complex soundscapes, showing its potential beyond basic use.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Using a buffer, ground lift, or isolating transformer may resolve the MK-100's glitching when using line or headphone outputs.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Yamaha Portasound MK100 (EMM Jul 84)

muzines.co.uk

The Yamaha PortaSound MK-100 attempts to stand out with its user-programmability and a decent selection of sounds, but it ultimately falls short of expectations. While the Multi Menu offers creative possibilities, the sound quality and limited polyphony reveal its toy-like nature. Many preset tones are underwhelming, and the keyboard's miniature size may deter serious musicians. Despite its affordable price point and some clever features, the MK-100 lacks the depth and quality needed for serious musical endeavors, making it more suited for casual play than as a professional tool.

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Money Mark uses Yamaha PortaSound MK-100

Money Mark

Keyboardist, Music Producer

Beastie Boys

...
Verified via Photo

In this Instagram video you can see Money Mark with a Yamaha PortaSound MK-100.

See how Karen Gwyer uses Yamaha PortaSound MK-100

Karen Gwyer

Music Producer

...
Verified via Fact Magazine

One of the studio photos from the FACT article shows the MK-100 propped up behind the JP-8000.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Yamaha PortaSound MK-100, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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1
Moog Mother-32
Moog Mother-32 Tabletop Synthesizers
1
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Korg Volca Bass Synthesizers
1
Siel Cruise
Siel Cruise Synthesizers
1

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