Description

Dream sounds! Early 80s Yamaha PS-21 Automatic Bass Chord System, $349!

A compact, early 1980s portable keyboard aimed at beginners and home players, known for its simple analog sounds and rhythm features.

Overview
The Yamaha PS-20 is a 44-key analog home keyboard released in the early 1980s, positioned between toy keyboards and more advanced home organs. It belongs to Yamaha’s PS (PortaSound) line and offers basic sounds with analog charm, automatic accompaniment, and onboard rhythms.

Key Features

  • 44 mini-size keys

  • 6 preset voices: Piano, Electric Piano, Harpsichord, Pipe Organ, Strings, Brass

  • 6 rhythm patterns: March, Waltz, Swing, Rock, Bossa Nova, Samba

  • Analog tone generation

  • Auto-accompaniment with single-finger chord capability

  • Sustain and vibrato buttons

  • Built-in speaker

  • Headphone/line out jack

Sound Profile
The PS-20’s sounds are analog and relatively lo-fi, with a nostalgic character. The string and organ sounds have a warm, buzzy texture typical of early analog circuitry. The rhythms are punchy and primitive, making the unit popular with lo-fi musicians and circuit benders. The auto-accompaniment section gives a one-finger play feature, adding bass and chord backing in real time.

Build Quality
The case is plastic with a compact footprint, light enough for portability. The keyboard uses mini keys, which aren’t ideal for performance but are serviceable for casual play. The speaker is mono and modest in volume, but the line-out allows for amplification.

Country of Manufacture
Japan

Collectability and Market Value
The PS-20 has found a niche audience among circuit benders, synth collectors, and lo-fi musicians due to its analog circuitry and kitschy aesthetic. It’s often used in experimental setups or modded for noise/sampling use. It is considered a fun vintage piece rather than a serious instrument.