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Average Price: $382

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$500

$1501+

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Description

Unleash your musical creativity and stage presence with the Yamaha Sonogenic SHS-500 37-key Keytar in striking red. Whether you're a seasoned musician or just beginning to explore the world of music, this innovative instrument bridges the gap with its unique blend of functionality and playability. The SHS-500 isn't just a keyboard; it's a keytar, allowing you to groove to the music freely without being tethered to one spot. Imagine the freedom to dance and move with the music, engaging your audience like never before.

At the heart of the Sonogenic SHS-500 is the Jam Mode, a feature that transforms music playing into a truly interactive experience. Connect it to your smart device with the free Chord Tracker app, and suddenly, you're playing along with your favorite songs. Notes automatically align with the music, regardless of the keys you press, ensuring you never miss a beat or play a wrong note. It's not just about playing music; it's about being part of it.

Designed for the musician on the go, the SHS-500 is lightweight, compact, and battery-operated, making it your perfect musical companion wherever inspiration strikes. With 30 different instrument Voices, from the rich textures of synthesizers to the punchy attack of drums, this keytar empowers you to express your musical vision across genres. The 37 expressive mini keys offer premium feel and response, ensuring your performances are both dynamic and nuanced.

Key Features:

  • Jam Mode allows for instant playing along with your favorite tunes through smart device connectivity.
  • Portable design with battery operation for music making on the move.
  • 30 different instrument Voices for versatile playing across musical genres.
  • 37 expressive mini keys for dynamic and nuanced performances.
  • Pitch Bend and Modulation wheels, plus an assignable knob for expressive control over a wide range of effects.
  • MIDI (mini-DIN) terminal and Bluetooth MIDI connectivity for integration with digital instruments and smart devices.
  • USB connection for 2-way audio and MIDI with a computer, expanding your creative possibilities.

Product specs

Brand Yamaha
Model SHS-500 37-Key Sonogenic Keytar
Finish Black, Red
Year 2019 - 2025
Categories Keytar MIDI Controllers
Analog / Digital Digital
Key Size Mini
Keyboard Action Synth Action
MIDI I/O USB MIDI
Number of Keys 37 Keys

FAQs

Is the Yamaha Sonogenic SHS-500 keytar suitable for beginners?

Yes, the Yamaha Sonogenic SHS-500 keytar is designed with beginners in mind, offering easy-to-use controls and a user-friendly interface. Its lightweight and portable design make it ideal for those new to playing keytars.

Does the Yamaha SHS-500 keytar have MIDI connectivity?

The Yamaha SHS-500 keytar features USB MIDI connectivity, allowing you to easily connect to computers, DAWs, and other MIDI-compatible devices for expanded musical possibilities.

What type of keys does the Yamaha Sonogenic SHS-500 have?

The Yamaha Sonogenic SHS-500 keytar features 37 mini keys with synth action, providing a compact yet responsive playing experience suitable for various musical styles.

Can the Yamaha SHS-500 keytar be used wirelessly?

Yes, the Yamaha SHS-500 keytar supports wireless connectivity via Bluetooth MIDI, enabling you to connect to compatible devices without the need for cables.

What are the standout features of the Yamaha SHS-500's sound engine?

The Yamaha SHS-500 keytar includes a variety of built-in sounds and effects, making it versatile for live performance and practice. Its sound engine offers a wide range of tones suitable for different musical genres.

muzykujkropkacom

muzykujkropkacom

Sonogenic SHS-500 Keytar SOUNDS NAMM SHOW 2019

Video thumbnail for Sonogenic SHS-500 Keytar SOUNDS NAMM SHOW 2019 by muzykujkropkacom

Sonogenic SHS-500 Keytar SOUNDS NAMM SHOW 2019

muzykujkropkacom

muzykujkropkacom

Video thumbnail for Yamaha Sonogenic SHS-500 Keytar Demo — Daniel Fisher by Sweetwater

Yamaha Sonogenic SHS-500 Keytar Demo — Daniel Fisher

Sweetwater

Sweetwater

Video thumbnail for sonogenic Keytar 「SHS-500」 INSTRUCTIONAL VIDEO by Yamaha Global

sonogenic Keytar 「SHS-500」 INSTRUCTIONAL VIDEO

Yamaha Global

Yamaha Global

Video thumbnail for Why Yamaha SHS-500 Sonogenic Keytar is DOOMED ☠️ from the Start? by Jeremy See

Why Yamaha SHS-500 Sonogenic Keytar is DOOMED ☠️ from the Start?

Jeremy See

Jeremy See

Video thumbnail for Sonogenic SHS-500 Yamaha DEMO factory & unpack new box by ORGAFORUM

Sonogenic SHS-500 Yamaha DEMO factory & unpack new box

ORGAFORUM

ORGAFORUM

Video thumbnail for Yamaha Sonogenic SHS-500 Keytar | Metal Riffs by Ram Sanchez

Yamaha Sonogenic SHS-500 Keytar | Metal Riffs

Ram Sanchez

Ram Sanchez

Video thumbnail for Yamaha sonogenic "SHS-500" Keytar: JAM FUNCTION by Yamaha Global

Yamaha sonogenic "SHS-500" Keytar: JAM FUNCTION

Yamaha Global

Yamaha Global

Video thumbnail for Yamaha Sonogenic SHS-500 Keytar by Dean Cummings

Yamaha Sonogenic SHS-500 Keytar

Dean Cummings

Dean Cummings

Video thumbnail for L&M @ NAMM @2019: Yamaha Sonogenic SHS-500 Keytar by Long & McQuade Musical Instruments

L&M @ NAMM @2019: Yamaha Sonogenic SHS-500 Keytar

Long & McQuade Musical Instruments

Long & McQuade Musical Instruments

Reviews

PROS

  • Portable and easy to carry with a neck strap for mobility

  • Responsive keys with playable mini-key design

  • Features multiple sound effects like pitch, modulation, and dynamics

  • Built-in synthesizer offers 30 varied voices

  • Includes MIDI and headphone outputs for enhanced connectivity

  • Operates on batteries or adapter for flexibility

  • Jam mode and demo tracks enhance practice sessions

  • Solid build quality and ergonomics for comfortable play

  • Affordable compared to other keytars with built-in synth

  • Great for beginners and casual jamming

CONS

  • Built-in speaker is quiet and lacks power

  • Some synth sounds are muddy, especially with chords

  • Requires menu diving for certain effect adjustments

  • Sustain button doesn't work in MIDI mode

  • Pitch bend direction is fixed and not customizable

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Yamaha Sonogenic SHS-500 37-key Keytar.

User experience

  • Users report dissatisfaction with the acoustic piano sound, describing it as inadequate and inferior.

    Source
  • Users with larger hands report no issues with the mini keys, offering a different perspective on size complaints.

    Source
  • Jam Mode is considered ineffective and of little value for experienced players, as it doesn't enhance the core playing experience.

    Source
  • The SHS-500's 37 mini keys require more precise finger control compared to full-sized keys.

    Source

Build quality

  • The pitch bend wheel on the SHS-500 operates in reverse compared to traditional keyboards, requiring user adaptation.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • Android app options for sound expansion are limited and often suffer from latency, contrasting with the seamless iOS experience.

    Source
  • Wired connection to iOS devices like iPads provides access to high-quality instrument sounds with no latency, enhancing the SHS-500's capabilities.

    Source
  • General MIDI soundset is inaccessible without an external device, and the current patch isn't displayed, only the last onboard sound selected.

    Source
  • Bluetooth MIDI is disabled by default and activation disables the speaker, requiring external app configuration.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Accidentally hitting octave buttons is common due to their placement near the pitch bend wheel, necessitating thumb positioning adjustments.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The effect slider requires resetting to zero before each adjustment to activate new effects, countering claims of seamless mid-song effect switching.

    Source
  • The SHS-500's built-in speaker is positioned to face the user, limiting projection for performances.

    Source
  • The SHS-500 lacks onboard organ sounds, which is a significant limitation for users who perform organ solos.

    Source
  • The SHS-500 includes expression and pitch wheels, enhancing dynamic control during play.

    Source
  • The SHS-500 allows octave shifting and transposing +/-12, useful for quick key changes.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Some suggest the Roland AX-09 Lucina as a superior option with more sounds, despite being in a similar price range.

    Source
  • The SHS-500's sound library is limited compared to the SHS-10, which offers more voices and greater volume despite lower sound quality.

    Source
  • The SHS-500 lacks a real sustain button and MIDI sustain message capability, unlike other keytars.

    Source

Critic Reviews

SHS-500: Snap review - Sand, software and sound

sandsoftwaresound.net

The Yamaha Sonogenic SHS-500 offers a compelling blend of portability and functionality but falls short in sound quality, especially through its internal speaker. While its build is solid and key feel surpasses lower-end models, the DSP effects can feel overdone, and some voices lack depth. The sound quality is comparable to good PSR E-series voices, yet enthusiasts might find it lacking compared to higher-end Yamaha models. With a few quirks, like limited direct access to voices and mono audio output, it’s a decent option for casual players but may not satisfy more serious musicians. Overall, it's a mixed bag that shines in some areas while dimming in others.

Yamaha Sonogenic SHS-500 Keytar | Jazzwise

jazzwise.com

The Yamaha Sonogenic SHS-500 Keytar offers a mix of innovative features and traditional limitations. While the lightweight design and interactive Chord Tracker App make it appealing for aspiring musicians, the sound quality of its 30 preset voices is hit-or-miss, with certain instrument emulations falling flat. Notably, the absence of an organ sound is a missed opportunity. However, it excels in providing rhythmic options and can hold its own as a solo instrument in a band setting. Overall, it's a fun and portable keytar that may not satisfy the purists but serves well for casual jamming and learning.

4.5 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 2 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Frank Iero uses Yamaha Sonogenic SHS-500 37-key Keytar

Frank Iero

Singer, Guitarist

My Chemical Romance

...
Verified via reverb.com

This Yamaha Sonogenic SHS-500 Keytar is owned by Frank Iero

This was the keytar played and then wielded by Kayleigh Goldsworthy against Balsac the Jaws of Death from Gwar in the Future Violents music video for "Medicine Square Garden". This same keytar was also used by Robby to defeat Blobby in the recently released L.S. Dunes video for Grey Veins. Probably two of my favorite videos I have had a hand in making." - Frank

Genre Usage

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

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