Step out from behind the keyboard – a 1.5 kg keytar with real Yamaha sounds, speakers and USB/MIDI. The Yamaha SHS-500 (Black) is a keytar (“key”board + gui”tar”) with 37 pro-quality mini keys, 30 voices, a built-in speaker and battery power. It is made for music lovers who want to join in making music – and it doubles as a MIDI controller.
Why customers choose it
Who it is for
Stage performers and band keyboard players who want to move around, guitarists trying keys, beginners who want a fun way to play along with songs, and producers who want a portable MIDI controller with its own sounds.
What’s in the box
- SHS-500 keytar
- Strap
- MIDI breakout cable
- AC adaptor (Yamaha says it may not be included in every area)
- Owner’s manual
Specifications
| Keys | 37 mini keys; touch: Soft, Medium, Hard, Fixed |
|---|---|
| Tone generator | AWM Stereo Sampling |
| Polyphony | 48 |
| Voices | 30 |
| Effects | DSP 9 types (assignable to knob), master EQ 4 types |
| Controllers | Pitch bend, modulation, control knob, panel sustain |
| JAM function | 5 modes |
| Transpose / tuning | -12 to +12 / 427.0-453.0 Hz |
| Display | LCD |
| Connectors | DC IN 12 V, headphones (stereo mini), LINE OUT (mono), AUX IN (stereo mini), USB TO HOST (MIDI/audio 44.1 kHz 16-bit stereo), MIDI (mini-DIN) |
| Amplifier / speaker | 0.7 W / 3.6 cm |
| Power | PA-130 AC adaptor (or Yamaha-recommended equivalent) or 6 x AA batteries; 3 W |
| Auto power off | Yes |
| Size (W x H x D) | 821 x 65 x 121 mm |
| Weight | 1.5 kg (without batteries) |
| Colour | Black |
| Type | Keytar |
| Touch Sensitive | Yes (Soft, Medium, Hard, Fixed) |
| Connectivity | USB TO HOST, MIDI (mini-DIN), AUX IN, Line Out, Headphones |
Good to know
- Bluetooth MIDI may not be included depending on the country, Yamaha says – this page does not promise it.
- Batteries are not included.
- Yamaha makes the SC-KB350 soft case for the SHS-500 and SHS-300.
- Headphones plug into the stereo mini jack for silent practice.
FAQ
Can I use it as a MIDI controller?
Yes. Use USB TO HOST with a computer, or the MIDI (mini-DIN) terminal with the included breakout cable for hardware.
Do I need an amplifier?
No, it has a built-in speaker. For stage use, connect the LINE OUT to an amplifier or PA.
Is it hard to play?
No. The JAM function with the Chord Tracker app makes your notes match the song, so beginners can play along.
Talk to Suhavi
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