YAMAHA's toy went berzerk! The PSS-680 MUSICSTATION

What better way to begin my break than a session on a workstation that I had as one of my very first keyboards in the late 80's: The truly classic Yamaha PSS-680. It's the speediest synth synth engine I've ever used, even though I don't think Yamaha intended for it to be seriously used for synthesizing.
It's solid, bold, and an open door for creativity. Enjoy!

[pianokeyjoe]

My favorite of the Yamaha Music station keyboards. I own 2 of the 49 note version the PSS480. I used these to compose all my music before I could finally afford real gear lol!

[torbenanschau]

It was my most desired instrument when it came out and I had to save up about. a year until I could buy it for 750 DM. It was a professional instrument with mini keys. And that was the Intension.Hence the name "Musicstation" which was a hint for the new trend of Workstation just introduced with the Korg M1. Remember, by that time Yamaha didn't have a professional workstation, the V50 was about to come. So this was the first PSS with 61 keys and a pitch bend. No other before had that and only 780, 790, 795 and 51 had it as well. The FM Synth was the most advanced of the PSS-Line, beating also most of the PSRs actually. Especially since you could store 5 user voices.Then the rhythm section with 32 PCM-Drumsounds. They had RX21 quality so pretty pro. Plus a sequencer with 5 melody and 5 chord tracks. Also the accompaniment was next level, the styles had more complex arrangements. And then 100 of them, the whole PSR line didn't have that at the time. And let's not forget the midi implementation which put some pro synths to shame. Depending on the mode, that thing 16 times multitimbral. Did Program Change, Sysex and even reacted to velocity. The first PSR to match it was the 4500 which came about 2 years later.

[wavetimeaudio]

This beast needs a D-Beam for those high-pitched notes. It would be the perfect Yamaha Roland lovechild.

[ove]

I had this keybord for about 2 years and i've only used as a midi keyboard because i liked the look. Last week i've discoverd what i really have .

[Palooka]

I only just discovered you so I'll just spend the time going through your back catalog! Enjoy your break!

[GrahamBland-yw]

Thanks for this!
I'm sure you'll admit, for its age its a pretty amazing machine. I love mine. Pushing it through FX and it's mind blowing. Shame they couldn't relaunch this - probably cost too much

[johnearthheart]

I had the PSS-780 back in 1990, which was more or less the same keyboard. I had a lot of fun and made a lot of music using this!

[ronnyb]

these yamaha mini key keyboards were and are great little technical wonders, i still have a PSS 51
it does'nt have that synth functionality, at least i don't think so
i also have a yamaha QY20, but alas, it's dead, at first the screen went, now it's dead completely, very sad
it was a cool little thing with great sounds, cheers mate

[bestrickie]

I’m just listening to more and more of this video and it is absolutely amazing the results you’re getting via that arpeggio device and the effects you have got on including reverb and other I seem to be hearing. What is the name of that midi device you’re using for the creation of the arpeggios? I’ve got modern keyboards including the Yamaha Genos which has its own arpeggios built-in but I’m not sure if I could send the arpeggios from the Genos via a midI signal to Yamaha PSS 680 whereupon, the 680s sounds could then be arpeggiated like yours is. I’d certainly love to get my hands on another PSS 680 as I gladly owned one of them years ago.I very recently managed to salvage a stunning Roland E 30 linear arithmetic music keyboard synthesiser and I will not be parting with it. I gladly owned one of those years ago but seriously regret selling it hence the reason I’ve managed to salvage one from eBay and I am ever so pleased.

[itsmegrace]

Love your detailed comments on your synths, the best channel for this!Just yesterday purchased a pss470 in a charity shop for £30. Great condition. So after that I began researching, watching your vids on these synths. That inspired me to buy a pss480 on ebay for £30 too! So pleased. Apart from the drum pads, is the 480 the same as the 680? I still have my Casio SK-1 from christmas 1985, which I still use for my music, so cherished! I'm hoping to get a vss200 soon. Byeee.

[Chaoskasi-sw]

What is that? I had that in the 80s. That was my first keyboard. Then I bought a Kawai K1

[bestrickie]

Hello, I gladly owned one of these years ago, liked it very much and I wouldn’t mind getting one again. The digital synthesiser on board is excellent. Put through an EFX processor will totally enhance and beef it dramatically. Gee I love the arpeggio. Other than that device you are using creating the arpeggio, what other can be used?

[dawnr]

Market is flooded with Yamaha keyboards, but there are some gems available sometimes. It is the right time of year, so ya going into the Outback detecting for gold for a few weeks? Good luck if you are and be careful too. :)

[dalxenon]

Wot is the device u are using to generate the arps