Yamaha PSS-470

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$82.00 Price Tier: Budget

3.5 (11)

1 Critic Review

2 Reviews

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Page last updated May 11, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated May 11, 2026.

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5.0 (1)

$82.00 3 available Used

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Average Price: $82

Budget/Beginner

$100

$601+

Price Tier

In the Portable & Arranger Keyboards category, Yamaha PSS-470 is priced in the Budget/Beginner range. This is great gear to get started with or for creators on a budget.

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High-end

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Description

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Experience the classic charm and versatility of the Yamaha PSS-470, a staple in the world of portable keyboards. Perfect for both budding musicians and seasoned players, this keyboard brings together a blend of traditional and electronic sounds, offering a robust playing experience. Equipped with 49 mini-keys, the PSS-470 is designed for portability without sacrificing playability.

This dynamic keyboard features a broad range of sound options, including 21 preset voices that cater to various musical styles. The onboard synthesizer section allows for real-time sound shaping, giving players the creative freedom to experiment and personalize their music. Its intuitive interface and logical layout make it accessible for users of all ages and skill levels.

The Yamaha PSS-470 also comes with a built-in speaker system, ensuring you can perform or practice without the need for external amplification. Additionally, the inclusion of a rhythm section with multiple patterns enhances your compositions and practice sessions. Whether you're at home or on the move, the PSS-470 offers a reliable and engaging musical companion.

Key Features:

49 mini-keys for a compact and portable design
21 preset voices to explore a variety of sounds
Onboard synthesizer section for sound customization
Built-in speaker system for convenient audio output
Rhythm section with multiple patterns for added versatility
User-friendly interface suitable for all skill levels

Product specs

Brand	Yamaha
Model	PSS-470 Synthesizer
Finish	Black
Year	1987
Categories	Digital Synthesizers, Keyboard Synths
Analog / Digital	Digital
Key Size	Mini
Keyboard Action	Synth Action
Number of Keys	49 Keys
Polyphony	9 Voices

FAQs

What type of keys does the Yamaha PSS-470 have?: The Yamaha PSS-470 features mini keys, which are smaller than standard piano keys and ideal for players with smaller hands or those seeking a more compact keyboard option.
How many voices of polyphony does the Yamaha PSS-470 offer?: The Yamaha PSS-470 provides 9 voices of polyphony, allowing you to play up to nine notes simultaneously, which is suitable for simple arrangements and layering sounds.
Is the Yamaha PSS-470 suitable for beginners?: Yes, the Yamaha PSS-470 is suitable for beginners due to its user-friendly interface, compact size, and versatile sound options, making it a great choice for those new to playing keyboards.
What sound generation technology does the Yamaha PSS-470 use?: The Yamaha PSS-470 is a digital synthesizer, utilizing digital sound generation to produce a variety of tones and effects.
Can the Yamaha PSS-470 be used for live performances?: While the Yamaha PSS-470 is primarily designed for home and practice use, its portability and range of sounds can also make it a fun addition to casual live performance setups.

Videos

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8-Bit Keys

Creating the Intro music on a Yamaha PSS470

8-Bit Keys

Yamaha PSS-470 Keyboard

KeyboardKrazy49

Yamaha PSS 470

Copperfox (The Band)

Making music with a £40 Synth - Yamaha PortaSound PSS470

Alex Dudley

Yamaha Portasound PSS-470 Electronic Keyboard

shaunjohnuk

Yamaha PSS-470 Overview

Nonsonic

Lofi Dawless Looping w/ Yamaha PSS-470

Cruel Buddhist

The 1980s Sound Blaster Synth in 2022? Introducing the Yamaha PSS-470!

Mad Gear

Reviews

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PROS

Authentic 1980s-90s Soundblaster soundcard tones for nostalgic audio
Features the Yamaha YM3812 FM synthesis chip found in classic sound cards
Durable sliders and controls for reliable performance
Dual RCA and headphone outputs for versatile connectivity
Battery-powered option for portability, suitable for practice sessions
Ability to blend sounds and record classic drum rhythms
Evokes nostalgia for MSDOS games and early computer soundtracks

CONS

Stripped-down sound quality compared to high-end synthesizers like the DX-7
Lacks advanced features like MIDI, patch storage, and multiple FM operators

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Yamaha PSS-470.

Features and functionality

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The Yamaha PSS-470 offers hands-on control with 6 sliders, while the 680 includes MIDI and allows fine-tuning of operator parameters.
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The PSS-470 contains the same chip as the OPL3, known for its sound in early 90s DOS games, appealing to retro gaming enthusiasts.
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The PSS-470 includes an auto bass chord feature, allowing users to play bass notes with accompanying chord patterns, similar to some Casio models.
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Comparisons

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The 680 is noted to have additional features like a pitch wheel and extra effects compared to the 480, including both chorus and reverb.
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The PSR-36 and PSR-41 have the same FM chip as the PSS-470 but with MIDI capabilities, appealing to those seeking both the retro sound and modern connectivity.
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Value and pricing

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Some owners believe the PSS-470 and 570 are worth $40-60 due to limited sound design options and lack of MIDI.
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User experience

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Owners describe the 680's physical build as smaller and more solid than expected, likening its shape to a Lamborghini Countach's front end.
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Some owners express nostalgia, describing it as their first synthesizer, implying a strong emotional connection to its unique sound.
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Use cases and applications

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The 680's 2-op FM synthesizer is seen as an entry point for learning FM synthesis, though users eventually seek more advanced 4-op/6-op models.
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Owners utilize the PSS-470 for creating lo-fi and ambient music, emphasizing its retro FM synthesis capabilities.
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The inclusion of a detune control in some models allows for stereo chorus effects, enhancing the richness of FM sounds for creative applications.
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Mods and upgrades

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It's noted that the PSS-470 is highly suitable for circuit bending, making it a popular choice for experimental sound manipulation.
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Other

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The PSR-31 and PSR-32 models use the YM3812 chip similar to the PSS-470, but lack the synthesizer slider controls, offering less direct sound manipulation.
Source

Critic Reviews

Yamaha PortaSound PSS-470 | Vintage Synth Explorer

vintagesynth.com

The Yamaha PSS-470 is a nostalgic nod to 80s beginners' synths, blending simplicity with a hint of Yamaha's DX series digital FM synthesis. Its lightweight build and toy-like appearance may deter serious musicians, yet it offers a unique charm with basic FM sound shaping via manual editing sliders. While its 21 preset sounds and rhythm patterns are more novelty than serious tool, the "Custom Drummer" feature adds a touch of personalization. Despite its limitations, the PSS-470's affordability and potential for creative circuit-bending make it a quirky addition for synth enthusiasts looking for retro experimentation over professional performance.

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Full Review

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3.5 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 11 Ratings

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k_g_b_

363

almost 10 years ago

The Sound Blaster

In the 80s and 90s, home computers and game consoles had built-in synthesizer chips. Instead of coming with pre-recorded music as a the soundtrack, a game cartridge would send MIDI data to the computer's synthesizer to tell it what sounds to make, and what notes, and when. Ad-lib and later Creative made a sound card called the Sound-Blaster which became very popular with the Amiga and other home computers of the early 90s. If you spent any time at all playing MSDOS games as a kid, you heard this synth. The sound card had on-board a Yamaha YM3812 FM synthesis chip, which it used to make all in-game sound effects and music. This keyboard, the Yamaha PSS-470, has that same synth chip in it! To put it plainly, this keyboard evokes a sense of nostalgia in me, and allows me to harness that nostalgia and create music with it. That is an intoxicatingly powerful thing, and I can't be more happy with it. To describe its sonic character: Think of a DX-7. Now strip away the hi-fi sound quality, four of the FM operators, MIDI, patch storage, and the nice, chunky keyboard. You lose a lot, but gain something intangible. At $40, there was no reason for me not to buy it.

andreleme

485

about 7 years ago

My first synth!

Just recently I realised it's a true FM synth!

Roles:

Keyboardist

Genres:

Electronic Rock Pop

Artist usage

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Tom Misch

Guitarist, Singer

Verified via Photo

In an Instagram post captioned "Organised mess. My debut album is gunna be a bedroom album," Tom Misch is shown using the Yamaha PSS-470, highlighting its role in his creative process.