Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 2 stores. Prices updated .

Average Price: $21

Budget/Beginner

$100

$601+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

The Yamaha PSS-130 is a compact yet powerful addition to any musician's toolkit, bringing a blend of vintage charm and modern convenience to your creative process. This 37-key portable keyboard is perfect for musicians on the go, offering a range of sounds and rhythms that inspire creativity whether you're at home or on stage. The PSS-130 shines with its user-friendly interface, making it accessible for beginners while still being engaging for seasoned players. Its built-in speakers deliver clear, robust sound, ensuring that your music is heard in all its glory, no matter where you are.

This keyboard includes a selection of instrumental voices and preset rhythms, providing a versatile palette for crafting unique compositions. Its compact size doesn't compromise on functionality, offering a hands-on experience that lets you experiment with different musical styles effortlessly. Whether you're composing a new track or just jamming with friends, the Yamaha PSS-130 is designed to keep up with your creative flow.

Key Features:

  • 37 mini keys for a compact and portable design
  • Wide selection of preset voices and rhythms
  • Built-in stereo speakers for clear sound output
  • User-friendly interface suitable for beginners and experienced musicians alike
  • Battery-operated option for ultimate portability
  • Headphone output for private practice sessions

Product specs

Brand Yamaha
Model PSS-130 Synthesizer
Finish Black
Year 1987
Categories Digital Synthesizers, Portable Keyboards
Analog / Digital Digital
Key Size Mini
Keyboard Action Synth Action
Number of Keys 32 Keys
Polyphony 2 Voices

FAQs

How many keys does the Yamaha PSS-130 have?

The Yamaha PSS-130 features 32 mini keys, making it compact and portable, ideal for beginners or musicians on the go.

What type of sound engine does the Yamaha PSS-130 use?

The Yamaha PSS-130 is a digital synthesizer, providing a range of electronic sounds and effects typical of digital keyboards from its era.

Is the Yamaha PSS-130 suitable for children or beginners?

Yes, the Yamaha PSS-130 is suitable for children and beginners due to its small size, simple interface, and ease of use.

What is the polyphony of the Yamaha PSS-130?

The Yamaha PSS-130 has a polyphony of 2 voices, allowing for two notes to be played simultaneously.

Does the Yamaha PSS-130 have built-in speakers?

Yes, the Yamaha PSS-130 includes built-in speakers, making it convenient for immediate sound output without additional equipment.

8-Bit Keys

8-Bit Keys

Square Wave Delight - Yamaha PSS-30 and PSS-130

Video thumbnail for Square Wave Delight - Yamaha PSS-30 and PSS-130 by 8-Bit Keys

Square Wave Delight - Yamaha PSS-30 and PSS-130

8-Bit Keys

8-Bit Keys

Video thumbnail for Yamaha PSS-130 Review by Keen On Keys

Yamaha PSS-130 Review

Keen On Keys

Keen On Keys

Video thumbnail for Yamaha Portasound PSS 130 Demonstartion by Baum Inventions

Yamaha Portasound PSS 130 Demonstartion

Baum Inventions

Baum Inventions

Video thumbnail for Vintage YAMAHA PortaSound #PSS-130 Portable ELECTRONIC KEYBOARD Synthesizer by Brian Tubbs

Vintage YAMAHA PortaSound #PSS-130 Portable ELECTRONIC KEYBOARD Synthesizer

Brian Tubbs

Brian Tubbs

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Yamaha PSS-130.

Mods and upgrades

  • Circuit bending is popular for enhancing percussion tracks, offering unique sounds from the basic square wave preset.

    Source
  • Adding a low pass or multi-stage filter significantly enhances the sound quality and enjoyment of the keyboard.

    Source
  • With DIY skills, a 1/4 output can be added to the PSS-130 for easier recording.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The Yamaha PSS-130 is known for its simple digital pulse generator, using square waves similar to old video game sound chips.

    Source
  • The Yamaha PSS-130 lacks direct audio outputs, requiring users to mic the speaker for recording purposes.

    Source
  • Despite its small size, the PSS-130 includes MIDI I/O capabilities, allowing it to control other sound modules and equipment, a rare feature for keyboards from its era.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • When run through guitar pedals, the PSS-130 can produce surprisingly diverse and complex sounds, enhancing its basic functionality.

    Source
  • It's often found in thrift stores, making it a sought-after collectible for those interested in vintage keyboards.

    Source
  • The PSS-130's FM synth capabilities make it suitable for creating extreme pure tones and harsh digital noise, ideal for music producers exploring retro or experimental sounds.

    Source
  • Owners recall the PSS-130's demo song as memorable, contributing to its nostalgic value for those who used it during childhood.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Users compare its sound generation to NES/Famicom chips due to its digital pulse wave implementation, offering a nostalgic and distinct audio profile.

    Source
  • The PSS-130's MIDI functionality is comparable to using a modern MIDI controller, enabling external sequencing and playback through its onboard sounds, unlike many keyboards from the same period.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners recall the PSS-130 as a nostalgic piece from the 80s, often being their first keyboard and leaving lasting memories.

    Source
  • Owners enjoy the nostalgic tone reminiscent of Nintendo's Popeye game, highlighting its appeal for retro-game music learning.

    Source
  • The drum pads on the PSS-130 are noted to wear out quickly, affecting long-term usability, especially for those interested in its percussion functions.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Many users report paying between $40 and $90, suggesting that the asking price of $130 is significantly above market value for this keyboard.

    Source

2.5 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 3 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
abstractlion

Eh, it's a toy.

Although it looks cool and very 80s There's not alot of practical use for the PSS-120 or PSS-130. There's no sound output jacks for one and secondly it features possibly the worst built in drum machine I've ever heard . I usually love yamahas portasound series but this one just is mostly just a kids toy . The only reason I'm giving this 3 stars is for the cute 8bit soundchip it has onboard , and the ability to record and sequence notes easily .

From Gear Setup

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Tyson Ritter uses Yamaha PSS-130

Tyson Ritter

Singer, Bassist

The All-American Rejects

...
Verified via YouTube

Tyson plays it during this performance

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Yamaha PSS-130, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Yamaha DX7
Yamaha DX7 Synthesizers
1

Community setups

Show yours
abstractlion

abstractlion

Gear IQ 492

1 alternative for Yamaha PSS-130, curated by the Equipboard community.

Yamaha PortaSound PS-3

 

high-end alternative

The Yamaha Portasound PS-3 is a much better alternative with audio output jacks , full polyphony , sustain pedal support, a cleaner sounding onboard drum machine , and overall a prettier soundchip

More Yamaha Portable & Arranger Keyboards