Yamaha PS-20: A Retro Keyboard from 1981
The Yamaha PS-20 is a vintage electronic keyboard, part of the iconic PS (PortaSound) series released in the early 1980s. Launched in 1981, this compact instrument encapsulates the innovation of Yamaha’s analog era, making it a beloved piece for both collectors and retro sound enthusiasts.
The PS-20 stands out with its simplistic yet charming design. Equipped with a 37-note keyboard, it offers a surprisingly rich analog sound palette for its time. It features four instrument voice presets—clarinet, organ, brass, and piano—providing a diverse range of tones ideal for hobbyists or those experimenting with lo-fi sounds. While it lacks complex synthesis capabilities, the warmth of its analog output, combined with onboard rhythm patterns, lends it a nostalgic appeal.
A distinctive feature of the PS-20 is its auto-accompaniment section. It includes rhythm and bass patterns that provide users with a full, lively sound even when playing solo. This adds depth to the keyboard’s performance potential, making it fun and easy to create songs without much technical expertise.
The Yamaha PS-20 remains a cherished piece for anyone interested in early ’80s electronic music, offering a blend of simplicity, warm analog tones, and unmistakable retro character.
Technical Sheet ABC (Automatic Bass Chord Synstem)
| Manufacturer | Yamaha |
|---|---|
| Model | PS-20 (PortaSound series) |
| Year Released | 1981 |
| Type | Analog electronic keyboard |
| Keyboard | 37 standard keys |
| Polyphony | 4-note (maximum) |
| Voice Presets | 10 instrument tones: The presets on this keyboard offer a range of sounds with varying quality. **Organ 1** delivers a basic pipe organ tone, while **Organ 2** stands out with a more percussive, punchy attack. The **Trumpet** is decent, though it lacks the roundness and fullness you’d expect. The **Strings** preset has some odd harmonics in the lower octaves, and overall, it feels a bit flat. **Clarinet** is typically based on a square wave, but here it includes some off-sounding overtones. On the other hand, the **Oboe** preset is well-executed, with a nice, reedy quality. The **Piano** is probably the best among the presets, better than most electronic emulations. Unfortunately, the **Harpsichord** falls short, while the **Accordion** has too many harmonics, making it sound overly rich. Finally, the **Vibraphone** impresses with its warm tone and gentle modulation. Overall, the presets are solid, especially considering the price point. |
| Sound Generation | Analog |
| Rhythm Patterns | 6 preset rhythms (Rock, Swing, Waltz, etc.) |
| Auto-Accompaniment | Bass and chord auto backing |
| Manual Functions | Manual bass/chord function for real-time play |
| Controls | Volume knob Accompaniment volume knob Rhythm selector buttons Sustain switch Auto-bass chord switch |
| Connections | 1/4″ Mono audio output Headphone output DC input (for external power supply) |
| Power Supply | AC Cable |
| Dimensions | 84 cm (35″) Depth Height 29 cm (12″) 33 cm (14″) * : 9 cm (3-3/4″) 25 cm (10-1/2″] |
| Weight | 5.8 kg (without batteries) |
| Additional Features | Built-in speaker system Compact and lightweight design for portability |