Pricing and availability
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Average Price: $382
Budget/Beginner
$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
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Is the Yamaha Sonogenic SHS-500 keytar suitable for beginners?
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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.
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Does the Yamaha SHS-500 keytar have MIDI connectivity?
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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.
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What type of keys does the Yamaha Sonogenic SHS-500 have?
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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.
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Can the Yamaha SHS-500 keytar be used wirelessly?
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Yes, the Yamaha SHS-500 keytar supports wireless connectivity via Bluetooth MIDI, enabling you to connect to compatible devices without the need for cables.
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What are the standout features of the Yamaha SHS-500's sound engine?
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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.
Videos
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Sonogenic SHS-500 Keytar SOUNDS NAMM SHOW 2019
Reviews
PROS
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Portable and easy to carry with a neck strap for mobility
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Responsive keys with playable mini-key design
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Features multiple sound effects like pitch, modulation, and dynamics
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Built-in synthesizer offers 30 varied voices
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Includes MIDI and headphone outputs for enhanced connectivity
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Operates on batteries or adapter for flexibility
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Jam mode and demo tracks enhance practice sessions
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Solid build quality and ergonomics for comfortable play
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Affordable compared to other keytars with built-in synth
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Great for beginners and casual jamming
CONS
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Built-in speaker is quiet and lacks power
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Some synth sounds are muddy, especially with chords
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Requires menu diving for certain effect adjustments
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Sustain button doesn't work in MIDI mode
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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
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Users report dissatisfaction with the acoustic piano sound, describing it as inadequate and inferior.
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Users with larger hands report no issues with the mini keys, offering a different perspective on size complaints.
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Jam Mode is considered ineffective and of little value for experienced players, as it doesn't enhance the core playing experience.
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The SHS-500's 37 mini keys require more precise finger control compared to full-sized keys.
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Build quality
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The pitch bend wheel on the SHS-500 operates in reverse compared to traditional keyboards, requiring user adaptation.
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Software and compatibility
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Android app options for sound expansion are limited and often suffer from latency, contrasting with the seamless iOS experience.
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Wired connection to iOS devices like iPads provides access to high-quality instrument sounds with no latency, enhancing the SHS-500's capabilities.
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General MIDI soundset is inaccessible without an external device, and the current patch isn't displayed, only the last onboard sound selected.
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Bluetooth MIDI is disabled by default and activation disables the speaker, requiring external app configuration.
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Use cases and applications
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Accidentally hitting octave buttons is common due to their placement near the pitch bend wheel, necessitating thumb positioning adjustments.
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Features and functionality
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The effect slider requires resetting to zero before each adjustment to activate new effects, countering claims of seamless mid-song effect switching.
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The SHS-500's built-in speaker is positioned to face the user, limiting projection for performances.
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The SHS-500 lacks onboard organ sounds, which is a significant limitation for users who perform organ solos.
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The SHS-500 includes expression and pitch wheels, enhancing dynamic control during play.
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The SHS-500 allows octave shifting and transposing +/-12, useful for quick key changes.
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Comparisons
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Some suggest the Roland AX-09 Lucina as a superior option with more sounds, despite being in a similar price range.
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The SHS-500's sound library is limited compared to the SHS-10, which offers more voices and greater volume despite lower sound quality.
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The SHS-500 lacks a real sustain button and MIDI sustain message capability, unlike other keytars.
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Critic Reviews
4.5 out of 5
Based on 0 Reviews and 2 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artist
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.