The level of information, history and just straightforward love you uncover and dedicate to these otherwise old, clunky keyboards is phenomenal and infectious - which is admirable. To make something most people would otherwise just overlook immensely interesting is hard, but with the talent you display in bringing them to life, it all seems so easy (I'm sure it isn't!). Bravo!
There are bad instruments. But of course not this Yamaha, which sounds great. But many sample based home keyboards from 90s until now - Casio, Yamaha and nonames are boring and sometimes even terrible.
This was my introduction to music. My Dad bought one when it came out. It begat my passion for playing music. I went on to study piano then major in guitar, went to music college to do a degree and have been a professional musician and teacher ever since. I look back so fondly getting up early aged 11 to come down and practice those playcards. Thanks for the memory! Great video.
I got one of these when I was about 10. I would say this instrument kickstarted and boosted my musicianship. Prior to getting this, I had joined band as a drummer/percussionist, but this gave me an idea how melody and harmony worked. By the time I was 16, I played the clarinet family, guitar, and bass as well. I’ve led an active life as a musician in my adult years. My favorite play cards were “Summertime” and “Killing Me Softly With His Song.” I’ve even released music available here on RUclips as the “The Spread Eagle Sound System.”
Back In the day and these are STILL NOT bad sounding keyboards ESPECIALLY putting them through an EFX unit. I’ve owned loads of keyboards over the years. These days I proudly own a STUNNING Genos Yamaha and others. Hey U play keyboard VERY VERY nicely. WELL DONE!
I have the PC100 in pristine condition that my grandma bought when I was a kid. I just took it out of our attic because my kiddo was asking to play it. I couldn’t figure out how to make the placard work, then I found this video, thank you!
Awesome, we just bought one that is in pristine condition from an OP SHOP, we had no idea that it was so old and would still work perfectly after 38+ years !
I know it has been said several times already, but big big kudos(ses?) for creating those amazing videos with those old keyboards. I love how you transport the knowledge about the inner workings, about how to restore those lovely little machines. And how you are able to create crazy good music with those. Really inspiring! Lots of Love!
Somehow i saved up around £300 for this as a child! That's easily probably a thousand pound in todays money. I think my mum was probably struggling to put food on the table back then - and i drop a grand on a keyboard (saved over years of birthday and Xmas donations)
My grandma had this which she eventually let me keep, it was about 20 years ago i reckon when it was handed over to me. a few days ago I thought of buying a new cheap piano but remembered that I have had one and ultimately thought of trying to restore it. Im so hyped watching your vid, having just fixed mine, albeit the minor damages from wear and tear.
I'd love to find out more about the playcard data format. There's a simple mod you can make to the PC-100 to archive the playcard data, and a properly placed phone pickup suction coil driven by a loud amplifier can be used to inject such archived recordings back into the keyboard. I actually have an archive of 192 cards that exist as .wav files. Interesting stuff!
The quality of your videos is just amazing ! I just subscribed ! A little question ? I find hard to figure out Whitch series are analog vs fm synthesis Is the PCS and PCR series also working with this analog core ? So PC 100, PC 50 are analog, the PS series is also analog for the most part, the PCS seem to bee analog to in the continuity of the PC? Thanks Leo
This is clearly an analog synth. Just imagine they would have added controls for the synth engine, like VCO, VCF envelopes and filter control, instead of the goofy patches. This would be such a classic today!
I've enjoyed a number of your painstaking efforts the last month, and this time I must say: I'm surprised you didn't degauss that read head! 🤨😉 Are you going to do the Yamaha VSS-30 at some point?
Quick question: what do you use to clean the key contacts? And also what do you use to grease the keys? I'm buying one of these on the weekend and think I might go ahead and give it a quick restoration, thanks to your fantastic video!
hello, thank you for this very informative video. In the third part "Sounds 7:20", the musics are they improvisations or known musics? In that case, would you have the name of each of them? Thanks again.
Thanks for restoring these old toy keyboards they deserve it. These where the introduction to keyboards in the 80's/90's for many of us that play the big advanced synths today. Wish I kept my old Yamaha PSS keyboards. Watching these demonstration and restoration vids of those old boards make me long for them again.
I bought one. Question: If I slide arpeggio volume completely off and play regular notes on the right hand side at the exact same time when arpeggio volume hits zero, the notes don't play. Pushing the keys makes no sound at all. Is mine broken or does it happen with each one of these keyboards? Great video and great channel. Honestly in the top 10 RUclips channels that I have watched.
MY FIRST KEYBOARD! I got it for Christmas 1982. Still have it, it's sitting in my closet. Do you know if the mini-keys are the same ones used on the Yamaha DX-100? One of my B keys is cracked and I'm trying to find a replacement for it.
I still have this from new in '82...with a bunch of cards...(Greensleeves, Cielito Lindo etc.) about 45 cards...It is still in its hard plastic case with storage room for them cards...
my brother in law has one of these still in the box, and it's bascially new, coz he never played it as a kid. i've been bugging him for years to let me have it, before he gives it to his kids, coz it'll be in 35 pieces within minutes.
That headcleaning card for sure still works if it was stored in the box....Just a slightly(!) abbrasive, material....Just like cleaning cassettes...way softer than the heads so no issues..
Does the synth with the wooden-finish produce a better sound than the same plastic model? I think “yes”. Try placing a wooden plank underneath any synth, and see the difference. Drum-sounds, Pipe-Organ and Brass Section will all start to sound brighter!! (Same settings, same volumes, same ADSR ...)
Hey. Thanks for the nice video. PC-100 was my first keyboard in my childhood years. Playcards were very instructive things. I want to add one thing to this video. :) In those years, my friends had their keyboards. Most of them had FILL-IN button on them and I was sorry about why my PC-100 had no FILL-IN function on it... One day, I don't remember the moment but I accidentally discovered how to do a FILL-IN while playing. Actually yes, there was no a FILL-IN button or something but there was one "technique" to make PC-100 a fill-in while playing. >> This step is kinda risky and don't try this at home (if you still have PC-100)
Is this FM synthesis or not? I would like to buy this PC-100 but it sounds pretty like cheap 2 OP FM synth. So is this Yamaha's PASS synth? Or PS-3 has PASS ? I am very confused.
The level of information, history and just straightforward love you uncover and dedicate to these otherwise old, clunky keyboards is phenomenal and infectious - which is admirable. To make something most people would otherwise just overlook immensely interesting is hard, but with the talent you display in bringing them to life, it all seems so easy (I'm sure it isn't!). Bravo!
I love the way you bring out the best of these synths. There's no such thing as a bad musical instrument.
There are bad instruments. But of course not this Yamaha, which sounds great. But many sample based home keyboards from 90s until now - Casio, Yamaha and nonames are boring and sometimes even terrible.
Trust me buy a cheap guitar from China and say that again I've had cuts from the frets and shocks from the bad wiring
bag pipes: hold my beer
True
This was my introduction to music. My Dad bought one when it came out. It begat my passion for playing music.
I went on to study piano then major in guitar, went to music college to do a degree and have been a professional musician and teacher ever since.
I look back so fondly getting up early aged 11 to come down and practice those playcards.
Thanks for the memory! Great video.
This channel deserves 10x more subs.
I got one of these when I was about 10. I would say this instrument kickstarted and boosted my musicianship. Prior to getting this, I had joined band as a drummer/percussionist, but this gave me an idea how melody and harmony worked. By the time I was 16, I played the clarinet family, guitar, and bass as well. I’ve led an active life as a musician in my adult years. My favorite play cards were “Summertime” and “Killing Me Softly With His Song.” I’ve even released music available here on RUclips as the “The Spread Eagle Sound System.”
Back In the day and these are STILL NOT bad sounding keyboards ESPECIALLY putting them through an EFX unit. I’ve owned loads of keyboards over the years. These days I proudly own a STUNNING Genos Yamaha and others. Hey U play keyboard VERY VERY nicely. WELL DONE!
I have the PC100 in pristine condition that my grandma bought when I was a kid. I just took it out of our attic because my kiddo was asking to play it. I couldn’t figure out how to make the placard work, then I found this video, thank you!
the piece that you play in the look inside is amazing
I love it, and your background tunes are incredible. Time to visit your Bandcamp page again. :)
Awesome, we just bought one that is in pristine condition from an OP SHOP, we had no idea that it was so old and would still work perfectly after 38+ years !
Wow another channel that looks at old keyboards, thanks for making these videos.
My dad bought this when I was a kid, I remember we would bring it out around Christmas time and play Christmas music!
I'm so glad I've discovered this channel I have a few old Yamaha PSS and PSR keyboards I've accumulated over the past few years:) Great videos!
the way you used the transposer to repitch/detune that chord in the final performance was madd clever! awesome work as usual 🔥🔥🔥
I know it has been said several times already, but big big kudos(ses?) for creating those amazing videos with those old keyboards. I love how you transport the knowledge about the inner workings, about how to restore those lovely little machines. And how you are able to create crazy good music with those. Really inspiring! Lots of Love!
Somehow i saved up around £300 for this as a child! That's easily probably a thousand pound in todays money. I think my mum was probably struggling to put food on the table back then - and i drop a grand on a keyboard (saved over years of birthday and Xmas donations)
No regrets
Awesome ending tune! The transposer trick is cool too. Cheers!
My first keyboard ever. Thanks for the memories.
I just got it .I paid $35.(grage sale) I trying. I like it pretty much. Sounds good.
Your videos are brilliant , so uplifting and love seeing you get the best out of them . Thankyou for sharing :)
My grandma had this which she eventually let me keep, it was about 20 years ago i reckon when it was handed over to me. a few days ago I thought of buying a new cheap piano but remembered that I have had one and ultimately thought of trying to restore it. Im so hyped watching your vid, having just fixed mine, albeit the minor damages from wear and tear.
Fantastic Video as Usually.... History and Technology, the perfect balance!
I loved that keyboard as a kid.
Lovely video! I love watching this!
I'd love to find out more about the playcard data format. There's a simple mod you can make to the PC-100 to archive the playcard data, and a properly placed phone pickup suction coil driven by a loud amplifier can be used to inject such archived recordings back into the keyboard. I actually have an archive of 192 cards that exist as .wav files. Interesting stuff!
Can you please preserve those files online. Thankyou if you already have.
Fantastic and in-depth review. Thanks for sharing. Subd!
The final performance is so cool! and very informative video!
Your content is incredibly good!!
I impulse bought this keyboard yesterday at a second hand store, and I found this video very helpful. Thanks!
This was my first instrument!!
Great video and great channel!
Your video editing is very good....
I still have my PC-100. I bought it when I first left school and started my first job 👍
The quality of your videos is just amazing !
I just subscribed !
A little question ? I find hard to figure out Whitch series are analog vs fm synthesis
Is the PCS and PCR series also working with this analog core ? So PC 100, PC 50 are analog, the PS series is also analog for the most part, the PCS seem to bee analog to in the continuity of the PC?
Thanks
Leo
The PS-6100 (1984) was the first and only FM keyboard of the PS series. The only Playcard keyboard that uses FM synthesis is the PCR-800.
@@KeenOnKeys thanks a lot for your knowledge !
Excelente video! Thanks for Share!! ♪♫
This is clearly an analog synth. Just imagine they would have added controls for the synth engine, like VCO, VCF envelopes and filter control, instead of the goofy patches. This would be such a classic today!
sounds great!
I've enjoyed a number of your painstaking efforts the last month, and this time I must say: I'm surprised you didn't degauss that read head! 🤨😉 Are you going to do the Yamaha VSS-30 at some point?
I would like to but I haven't found one so far. I am going to have a look at the VSS-100 and 200. But that will take a while.
丁寧に分解清掃して生き返らせてあげて、PC-100も嬉しそう。😊
Quick question: what do you use to clean the key contacts? And also what do you use to grease the keys? I'm buying one of these on the weekend and think I might go ahead and give it a quick restoration, thanks to your fantastic video!
I use isopropanol alcohol for the contacts and a thick grease for the keys, to make sure it stays in place.
@@KeenOnKeys Thanks a lot!
hello, thank you for this very informative video.
In the third part "Sounds 7:20", the musics are they improvisations or known musics? In that case, would you have the name of each of them? Thanks again.
just improvisations
Thanks for restoring these old toy keyboards they deserve it. These where the introduction to keyboards in the 80's/90's for many of us that play the big advanced synths today. Wish I kept my old Yamaha PSS keyboards. Watching these demonstration and restoration vids of those old boards make me long for them again.
I bought one. Question: If I slide arpeggio volume completely off and play regular notes on the right hand side at the exact same time when arpeggio volume hits zero, the notes don't play. Pushing the keys makes no sound at all. Is mine broken or does it happen with each one of these keyboards?
Great video and great channel. Honestly in the top 10 RUclips channels that I have watched.
I love the intro, you should review something from Zoom!
MY FIRST KEYBOARD! I got it for Christmas 1982. Still have it, it's sitting in my closet.
Do you know if the mini-keys are the same ones used on the Yamaha DX-100? One of my B keys is cracked and I'm trying to find a replacement for it.
I do not know, unfortunately I don't have a DX100 (yet!)
@@KeenOnKeys I did some researching and indeed they are the same keys! They are Yamaha style 19U keys, if anyone is curious.
excelente video colega saludos desde tijuana
Made me buy one. 10/10 video
Ah, the soundtrack of my childhood. I had a Ps400 which sounded exactly the same but it lacked the playcard bit. Even the case was the same.
I still have this from new in '82...with a bunch of cards...(Greensleeves, Cielito Lindo etc.) about 45 cards...It is still in its hard plastic case with storage room for them cards...
Ending song is greate
Thanks
Can you do a review for the pcs-500 as well?
Im trying to figured out if this old mpdel can be connected to pc to directly record or do I really need a good mic?
You don't need a mic. Use the headphone or aux output and connect it to your audio interface.
@@KeenOnKeyswhat does the aux ouput take because i tried a 3.5mm trs and i had no luck
LIKE SOUND OF ORGAN, PIANO, CLARINET, OBOE, HARPSICHORD & PICCOLO
my brother in law has one of these still in the box, and it's bascially new, coz he never played it as a kid.
i've been bugging him for years to let me have it, before he gives it to his kids, coz it'll be in 35 pieces within minutes.
Have you got it yet?
Buy a cheap modern keyboard as present for his kids…
That headcleaning card for sure still works if it was stored in the box....Just a slightly(!) abbrasive, material....Just like cleaning cassettes...way softer than the heads so no issues..
Does the synth with the wooden-finish produce a better sound than the same plastic model?
I think “yes”.
Try placing a wooden plank underneath any synth, and see the difference. Drum-sounds, Pipe-Organ and Brass Section will all start to sound brighter!! (Same settings, same volumes, same ADSR ...)
@13:48 Nice!
4:42 "PICH" :D
The form factor reminds me of a CS-01.
Matt Greer Music Yep. And the key contacts are similar.
Can anbody tell me please what the keyboard at 0:07 is ?, the one with the ASDR function....
The Casio CT-410v
I remember when I was 8 years old I just follow the lights to play Summertime and Night Fever without knowing how to read the partiture
Love the theme of your channel. Subbed. But please, lower the music volume. It completely overpowers your ASMR delivery. Thanks.
No leave the volume where it is. The music is the best part.
I was going to say the same thing actually, especially the first half... It was really hard to focus on the voice for me
How much...
Mine came with the stickers as well...
Hey. Thanks for the nice video. PC-100 was my first keyboard in my childhood years. Playcards were very instructive things. I want to add one thing to this video. :) In those years, my friends had their keyboards. Most of them had FILL-IN button on them and I was sorry about why my PC-100 had no FILL-IN function on it... One day, I don't remember the moment but I accidentally discovered how to do a FILL-IN while playing.
Actually yes, there was no a FILL-IN button or something but there was one "technique" to make PC-100 a fill-in while playing. >> This step is kinda risky and don't try this at home (if you still have PC-100)
hi, that can be used with batteries?
Yes
@@KeenOnKeys 👏🏼👏👏
I had the PCS-30
8:44🔥
Is this FM synthesis or not? I would like to buy this PC-100 but it sounds pretty like cheap 2 OP FM synth. So is this Yamaha's PASS synth? Or PS-3 has PASS ? I am very confused.
Music for Dendy play
this prodact no hav in Bangladesh
I think that thing sounds only good with the cards, otherwise nope
Work on your audio mix ... makes it hard to hear commentary if music is overpowering it!!