Description
The SHS-500 features a 37-key mini keyboard that feels responsive and playable, even when held like a guitar. It comes pre-loaded with 30 high-quality voices, covering synthesizers, guitars, basses, pianos, strings, wind instruments, and drums. Playback and tone-shaping are made expressive with assignable controls, including a control knob, pitch bend wheel, and modulation wheel.
Thanks to its built-in speaker and battery-powered operation (or AC adapter), the SHS-500 is extremely portable travel, busking, or practicing on the go is a breeze. It also supports USB Audio & MIDI and Bluetooth MIDI connectivity, making it easy to integrate with computers, DAWs, or mobile devices. With the Yamaha “Jam” function, you can use the Chord Tracker app to play along with your favorite songs easily: the SHS-500 will match the chords automatically, so you don’t have to worry about hitting wrong notes.
Key Features
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37 Mini Keys – Compact, responsive, and great for performance while standing.
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30 Voices – Includes a wide variety of instrument sounds like synths, guitars, pianos, and more.
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48-Note Polyphony – Handles layered sounds without cutting off notes.
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Live Control – Pitch bend wheel, modulation wheel, and a customizable real-time knob for expressive performance.
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JAM Function – Connects with Yamaha’s Chord Tracker app to play along with songs; notes are auto-aligned to the song’s chords.
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Connectivity – USB Audio & MIDI interface + Bluetooth MIDI (for compatible regions).
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Portability – Weighs just 1.5 kg; runs on six AA batteries or AC adapter.
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Built-in Speaker – Small onboard speaker provides sound without needing an amp.
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Assignable DSP Effects – 9 types of effects that you can control via the knob.
Specifications
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Color / Finish | Black / Red |
| Dimensions (W × H × D) | 821 mm × 65 mm × 121 mm |
| Weight | 1.5 kg (without batteries) |
| Keyboard | 37 mini keys |
| Touch Response Options | Soft, Medium, Hard, Fixed |
| Polyphony | 48 notes |
| Voices | 30 instrument sounds |
| Tone Engine | AWM Stereo Sampling |
| DSP / Effects | 9 effect types + 4 EQ types |
| Transpose | –12 to +12 semitones |
| USB Audio / MIDI | Yes – 44.1 kHz, 16-bit stereo audio via USB |
| Bluetooth MIDI | Yes (region dependent) |
| AUX In | Yes – stereo mini jack |
| Line Out | Yes – mono jack |
| Headphones | Stereo mini jack |
| Power Supply | 12 V DC or six AA batteries |
| Power Consumption | 3 W when using AC adapter |
| Auto Power Off | Yes |
| Included Accessories | AC adapter, strap, MIDI breakout cable, manual |
What Makes It Stand Out
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Portable and Fun: Lightweight keytar that’s super easy to carry and play standing up.
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JAM Mode: Great for beginners or casual players lets you jam along with songs and always sound in key.
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Versatile Sounds: 30 versatile voices make it suitable for many music styles.
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Connectivity: Can connect to a computer or phone for recording, plus Bluetooth MIDI for wireless control.
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Design & Awards: Its sporty, modern design is not just functional it won multiple design awards.
