Yamaha PSS170 PortaSound

$58.50 Price Tier: Budget

1 Critic Review

This product is Vintage or Discontinued

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Page last updated Jun 10, 2026

Pricing and availability

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5.0 (2)

$58.50 2 available Used

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Average Price: $59

Budget/Beginner

$100

$601+

Price Tier

In the Portable & Arranger Keyboards category, Yamaha PSS170 PortaSound 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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Description

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The Yamaha PSS-170 is the successor to the PSS-160 and PSS-150, the entry level keyboard to the Portasound PSS line. 100 voices, 10 drum rhythms with fill-ins and an accompaniment section. Voices are based on a 2 operator FM synthesizer chip (the Yamaha YM2413) that can be slightly altered with sustain, vibrato, or portamento effects. There's a single mono speaker, but it does have a headphone/aux connector. Item weight ‎2.5 Grams Model name ‎PSS 170 Style ‎Modern Connector type ‎3.5mm Jack Connectivity technology ‎Auxiliary Power source ‎Corded Electric Headphone jack ‎3.5mm Jack Instrument ‎Digital Piano Date First Available 8 Oct. 2016

Product specs

Brand	Yamaha
Model	PSS-170 Synthesizer
Year	1986
Categories	Digital Synthesizers, Portable Keyboards
Analog / Digital	Digital
Key Size	Mini
Keyboard Action	Synth Action
Number of Keys	44 Keys
Polyphony	4 Voices

FAQs

How many keys does the Yamaha PSS-170 PortaSound have?: The Yamaha PSS-170 PortaSound features 44 mini keys, making it a compact and portable option for musicians on the go.
Is the Yamaha PSS-170 PortaSound suitable for beginners?: Yes, the Yamaha PSS-170 PortaSound is suitable for beginners due to its simple interface and compact design, providing an easy entry point into playing keyboards.
What type of sound generation does the Yamaha PSS-170 use?: The Yamaha PSS-170 uses digital sound generation, offering a range of synthesized tones suitable for various musical styles.
How many voices of polyphony does the Yamaha PSS-170 support?: The Yamaha PSS-170 supports 4 voices of polyphony, allowing for simple chord playing and layered sounds.
What is the key size of the Yamaha PSS-170 PortaSound?: The Yamaha PSS-170 PortaSound features mini keys, which are smaller than standard piano keys, making it highly portable and easy to play for musicians with smaller hands.
When was the Yamaha PSS-170 PortaSound released?: The Yamaha PSS-170 PortaSound was released in 1986, offering vintage digital synthesizer sounds in a portable format.

Videos

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SynthMania

Yamaha PSS-170

SynthMania

YAMAHA PSS-170

Keyboards - review - repair

YAMAHA PORTASOUND PSS-170

Edgar Ponce

Yamaha PSS-170 : Testing.

atthakorn Pann Meesh

Picked up the Yamaha PSS-270 how does it compare to the PSS-170?

Nonsonic

Reviews

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Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Yamaha PSS170 PortaSound.

Software and compatibility

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To connect the PSS-170 to a laptop, use an audio interface via the headset output; select the interface in FL Studio's audio settings.
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Features and functionality

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The Yamaha PSS-170 lacks MIDI input/output, which limits direct digital connectivity to software.
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Implementing feedback loops around the amplifier circuit and experimenting with small value potentiometers can yield unique sound alterations.
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Mods and upgrades

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An audio interface, such as those from Behringer, is recommended for bringing PSS-170 sounds into digital audio workstations.
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Engineers suggest replacing the crystal timer with an adjustable oscillator circuit and adding a reset button to address potential crashes during circuit bending.
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Consider integrating analog filters, a CD4017 sequencer, or a patchbay to expand the PSS-170's creative potential.
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User experience

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Users have difficulty finding AUX to USB-B cables for direct laptop connections, indicating potential compatibility challenges.
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Use cases and applications

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Owners are interested in using the PSS-170 sounds for music production in software like FL Studio and Live10.
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Critic Reviews

Yamaha PSS-170 | Analog Relics

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The Yamaha PSS-170 is a mixed bag—offering decent FM sounds, particularly in brass and organ, but falling short with weak drum sounds and a frustratingly short keyboard. While the physical sliders for volume controls are a plus, the lack of a line out and the fixed portamento glide rate detract from its usability. The dedicated voice selection keypad can be cumbersome, forcing users to navigate through a lengthy list without ease. Ultimately, this keyboard may inspire some creativity, but its limitations make it more of a vintage curiosity than a practical instrument for serious musicians.

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