Yamaha Sonogenic SHS500 Black main image

Yamaha Sonogenic SHS500 Black

$323.74 Price Tier: Standard

5.0 (1)

3 Critic Reviews

1 wishlisted

5 saved

Page last updated Jul 04, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated July 4, 2026.

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$323.74 2 available New

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Average Price: $324

Standard/Professional

$100

$601+

Price Tier

In the Portable & Arranger Keyboards category, Yamaha Sonogenic SHS500 Black is priced in the Standard/Professional range. This is quality gear at a fair price point, suitable for beginners, hobbyists, and pros alike.

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Description

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Unleash your inner rockstar with the Yamaha Sonogenic SHS500, a 37-key keytar designed to put the joy of music-making at your fingertips—literally! Whether you're a seasoned performer or a budding musician, the Sonogenic offers an exciting blend of creativity and accessibility. Thanks to its innovative JAM mode, you can focus on nailing those rhythms while the keytar ensures every note is pitch-perfect, making it ideal for those still finding their musical footing.

This portable powerhouse comes equipped with Bluetooth MIDI, allowing seamless wireless connectivity to your iOS devices for an immersive music experience. The built-in speakers provide the flexibility to perform wherever you are, or you can connect to an external PA system via its professional-grade 1/4" AUX Line outputs for a more robust sound. Lightweight and easy to carry, the Sonogenic is perfect for on-the-go musicians who love to improvise and experiment.

With 30 different instrument voices at your disposal, you can effortlessly switch from synths to drums, expanding your creative potential. The modulation wheel adds another layer of expression, letting you tweak effects to suit your style. Complete with a USB-to-Host port, this keytar opens the door to a multitude of educational and entertaining musical applications.

Key Features:

37-note keytar with Bluetooth MIDI for wireless iOS connectivity
JAM mode for intuitive rhythm play without music theory
Built-in speakers and 1/4" AUX Line outputs for versatile sound options
37 mini keys designed to mimic a full-sized keyboard
Modulation wheel for effect control
USB-to-Host port for educational and creative applications
Lightweight design at under 3.5 lbs, with included neck strap and AC adapter

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 SHS500 suitable for beginners?: Yes, the Yamaha Sonogenic SHS500 is designed to be user-friendly for beginners with its intuitive controls and lightweight, portable design, making it a great entry-level keytar.
Can the Yamaha SHS500 be used as a MIDI controller with a computer?: Yes, the Yamaha SHS500 can connect to a computer via USB MIDI, allowing it to function as a MIDI controller for your favorite music software.
What are the standout features of the Yamaha SHS500's sound engine?: The Yamaha SHS500 features a variety of sounds, including synth leads, basses, and drum kits, with the ability to layer and customize sounds for versatile performance options.
How portable is the Yamaha Sonogenic SHS500?: The Yamaha Sonogenic SHS500 is highly portable, featuring a compact design with 37 mini keys and a lightweight build, making it easy to carry and play on the go.
Does the Yamaha SHS500 have built-in speakers?: Yes, the Yamaha SHS500 is equipped with built-in speakers, allowing you to play and perform without the need for external amplification.

Videos

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muzykujkropkacom

Sonogenic SHS-500 Keytar SOUNDS NAMM SHOW 2019

muzykujkropkacom

Yamaha Sonogenic SHS-500 Keytar Demo — Daniel Fisher

Sweetwater

sonogenic Keytar 「SHS-500」 INSTRUCTIONAL VIDEO

Yamaha Global

Yamaha SHS-500 Sonogenic Unboxing and Review

Pink and the Keytar Cat

YAMAHA SHS-500 SONOGENIC ALL SOUNDS (TONE) DEMO IN INDIAN STYLE | 9033773457 | YAMAHA KEYTAR

V ROCK AND POP MUSICAL

Sonogenic SHS-500: It’s your turn to be the star!

Yamaha Corporation of America

Yamaha Sonogenic SHS-500 Keytar Demonstration & Review | Rimmers Music

Rimmers Music

Applying effect on the sounds: SHS-500 Video manual

Yamaha Global

Yamaha sonogenic "SHS-500" Keytar: JAM FUNCTION

Yamaha Global

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

Long & McQuade Musical Instruments

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 Sonogenic SHS500 Black.

Features and functionality

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The pitch bend wheel moves in reverse compared to traditional keyboards, potentially requiring adjustment for experienced players.
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Effect controls require resetting the knob to zero when switching effects, which may hinder on-the-fly changes during performances.
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The jam button's placement is poorly designed, leading to accidental activation; a simple cover or tape can prevent this issue.
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Software and compatibility

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The SHS-500's wired connection to iOS devices offers seamless integration with Garage Band, providing access to a wide range of instruments without latency issues.
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Android apps have been reported to suffer from latency, even with wired connections, making iOS the preferred platform for this keytar.
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User experience

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The placement of octave buttons near the pitch bend wheel often leads to accidental changes during play, particularly for users with larger hands.
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The single built-in speaker is not very loud, but using headphones can improve sound clarity and volume for personal practice sessions.
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The SHS-500's small keys may hinder skill transfer to full-sized keyboards, making it ideal for casual play rather than serious practice.
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Comparisons

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The SHS-300 is noted to have more optimized button placements and a better overall design for avoiding accidental button presses during use.
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The SHS-500 offers value compared to more expensive keytars like the Roland Axe Edge, though it lacks features found in full-sized keyboards like the Yamaha PSR-E373.
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Use cases and applications

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Owners enjoy using the SHS-500 for its expressive flute sounds, which are noted to be haunting and suitable for ambient or creative performances.
Source

Critic Reviews

Yamaha SHS-500 Sonogenic Keytar Review - Is It A Toy?

keyboardkraze.io

The Yamaha Sonogenic SHS-500 is a playful keytar that shines in its jam mode, allowing even novices to jam along effortlessly. However, its lack of professional features, like sample pads, limits its appeal to serious musicians. While its lightweight design makes it portable, the overall sentiment is that it's more of a toy for kids rather than a serious instrument. With middling preset sounds and unclear Bluetooth capabilities, the SHS-500 risks being overlooked in a market dominated by more versatile competitors. Fun for casual play, but not a must-have for serious players.

negative

Full Review

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

sandsoftwaresound.net

The Yamaha Sonogenic SHS-500 is a solid performer with good build quality and a commendable range of sounds, particularly for its price point. While the internal speaker leaves much to be desired and the DSP effects can feel a bit overdone, the overall sound quality rivals that of higher-end models. Its key feel is notably better than cheaper alternatives, making it a viable option for rehearsals. However, the lack of a direct voice selection and some limitations in sound dynamics might frustrate more seasoned players. In essence, it’s a worthy investment for beginners and casual musicians, but pros may find it lacking in certain areas.

positive

Full Review

Yamaha Sonogenic SHS-500 Keytar | Jazzwise

jazzwise.com

The Yamaha Sonogenic SHS-500 keytar shines with its lightweight design and impressive interactive features, particularly the Chord Tracker App that encourages playalong sessions. While the 30 onboard voices provide a decent range, they deliver mixed results—some sounds, like the saxophone and trumpet, fall flat. The absence of an organ voice is noticeable, yet the inclusion of rhythmic kits enhances its funk capabilities. Ultimately, the SHS-500 proves itself as a viable solo instrument in a band setting, offering versatility as a keyboard controller. A fun, albeit imperfect, addition for aspiring musicians.

positive

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