Yamaha PSR-36 - Amazing FM capabilities in this old war horse! 

Glad you liked the video sir! Gearfacts

Thanks for sharing and I'm glad you enjoyed the video!

So many people message me with AMAZING things in their attics and garages! Dig it up, man, you won't regret it :)

That is a cool story man! Great find, too :) GF

lucky find man.

Glad I could help!

haha sooooo true! I've still got a crusty old tape with a terrible instrumental I wrote when I was 14. It was done on a Yamaha PSS-480 :/ Gearfacts

going to run the output into my eventide H9 and just record 30 min changing settings & see what comes out

@@hettovennik2887 waiting for it!

@@ebasswah :-)

A modern dsp device makes the difference doesn't it. I got a cheap line mixer off Amazon. £70 with a 16bit dsp processor.

Wow a tenner? Bargain for sure. I agree with your other comments too. Gearfacts

Nice! I've just copped one for 75 quid, bit more than 60 but still definitely worth it

Nathan Furman , lol what a piece of junk

The PSR-36 works well with MIDI, i used to play MIDI files from my laptop into the PSR and it sounded great

Ah so that's how it works - Thanks for that! I think my very first keyboard back in '89 had a similar feature, it was a PSS580 if I remember correctly. Thanks for your excellent comment :) Gearfacts

Gearfacts bro, I actually really love this keyboard. Its midi works surprisingly well with my 2017 Korg Monologue. If I do midi out from the PSR to Midi in on the monologue, the monologue’s sequencer and the PSR’s drum machine will sync up, with the PSR controlling the tempo. If we switch the midi’s, the monologue can give its sequencer to the psr, so you can sequence sounds from the PSR. However, you can’t sync up the drum machine, which I find weird. I plan on getting another Midi cable tomorrow and seeing if that allows me to use the full midi connection between the keyboards. I find this keyboard to be a lost gem.

I totally agree. I've had a few FM synths come my way lately and this one sounds the best even though it only has a few basic waveforms to play with from the get-go. And yes, sequencing sluggish old gear with turbo-charged new gear is always fun :) Gearfacts

@@Kuzo53 hi ! just bought one yesterday, I want to record the keyboard through Ableton live via an m audio sound cards do. you know what type of cable and jack I need to do it please ? Thanks

Wow, that was lucky and totally unintentional :)

C’mon Baby light my fire!

Noticed that, too. Which then became one of the leading factors why I got one a few years ago. The G-101 will still solidly be my favorite organ of all time, however a PSR-36 is a heck of a lot cheaper than a $3000 G-101!

Ah ok, all very good comments, thanks for that. I remember the Outrun Soundtrack from the late 80's, it was ultra cool and advanced at the time. I'll definitely watch out for a PSR-70... Gearfacts

what is detune option?

Hej, i got the PSR-36 because i had the PSS-460 (the same as 470 but in a more boring color style) and i love the brasses from it. When i got the PSR-36 i was thinking i was going to get more or less the same sounds with the same or even more control flexibility over them but i actually have less control as here i have only "envelope" instead of "atack" and "decay". Also the drumbox is programable only on the drums but not on the bass or harmony (like on the DSR-2000, which i also have and like very much). Do you think i'm crazy because i don't feel satisfied with the 36 or do you think i may be doing something wrong with it?

Glad it was helpful, Wijnand :)

Nope I would pay that amount if it was in my neighborhood :-)

Rare!

Glad you liked the video :) I don't know of any Yamaha that fits those specifications, but you might want to look at something like Novation's XIOsynth which comes in 25 keys and just does a great range of sounds. There's also Arturia's Microbrute and Minibrute analog synths. What else.... The Korg Monologue is good too

@@gearfacts Yes, I saw your video for Novation’s XIO synth and I did like it but I then saw, your video for the M-Audio Venom and thought it had crazier sounds [which I’m into]… a lot of options. Thank you for replying, I appreciate it - I’ve acquired more music gear, with your videos than anybody else’s. Cheers!

@@maxwarfield6699 Thanks for the nice feedback - and yep the Venom is probably my all-time favorite :)

Yep, how could one not be charmed by its playful retro style. Thanks for watching Gearfacts :)

Really? Cool. I'm not surprised I guess, they're great-sounding and very upwards-compatible. I'm going to so videos with high-speed arpeggios and its best sounds digitally recorded. Stay tuned.

Gearfacts that will be cool . That will be my next one if I can find one !

Kim Thompson I picked up mine for £30 best investment I ever made

Ethan Bennett nice I’m looking for one ‘ enjoy brother !

Kim Thompson keep your eyes peeled on eBay you never know

This is a useful thing to know, thanks Willeh :) Gearfacts

That’s ironic - I just returned a DX27 to the seller because they sent me the wrong synth (with dead keys too). I ordered a PSS-560 with the same digital synth sliders. So I’m swapping a DX27 for that 560 synth beast PLUS a PSR-36 for the price of the DX27. These late 80s Yamaha PSR/PSS FM synths RULE!

Yep especially for those who like a bit of rough FM (like me!)

@@gearfacts I’ve owned loads of different models of keyboards over the years though I still say the old ones are very good including the Roland keyboards with their linear arithmetic sounds.

I personally love RCA because they are so solid and dependable. If your interface has mid then that's good too, but only for controlling synth sounds, not for recording audio :) #gearfacts

Mid 90s I think

1988 says the internet

Agree with both comments. Thanks for watching Gearfacts :)

Gearfacts thanks for posting this video. The PSR-36 and PSR-41 are the two most underrated keyboards on the market. They are regarded as toys by many, but really they are a great DX-7 alternative for someone who doesn't want the extra complexity (and price) of a DX-7.

I run through some of the synth possibilities in this (boring) video ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-cdCgR0X2_VY.html

Wow you got a great deal there, LG :) GF

Check the auctions that have finished on ebay, this will indicate its value. Aim your price high (not crazy) and be patient, you should be able to get a good price for it I think. It's a classic and there are ppl out there who really want it :) Gearfacts

Agreed! Thanks for watching Gearfacts :)

With the custom drummer you play the notes on the higher octaves there are marks to indicate

Yeah I think you can do loops too, right?

Gearfacts yeah on the custom drummer you can loop a beat with up to six percussion sounds there abouts. I'm not sure how that chord sequencer works though

Thanks for watching Gearfacts, man :)

I'm interested, but I have a feeling I'm in the wrong country :(

@@gearfacts yeah, you're a little far away. I have no idea how much it would cost to mail the synth to Australia.

Bargain definitely! Gearfacts

Totally! /Gearfacts

Yep

@@gearfacts i have it now but it didnt match with normal headphones

That was just me improvising ...I must have got lucky and hit the right notes :) GF

It's not a simple comparison but yep I'd say it's right up there :) #gearfacts

Awesome deal!

Yeah they really led the way in this era.

Yep, and the speakers would be been a handy bonus. I live having speakers around, even if they just provide the absolute basics.

I have both, and I don’t think they’re in the same ball park. The PSR-36 is sexy in a primitive kind of way with more options to edit the presets. The CT-670 only has 4 parameters to edit, but way more presets (100 vs 16), of which several sound more advanced and 90s. There’s a few nice strings and fantasy sounds, but very silly guitar and bass sounds. Also, the rhythm presets are uniformly cheesy and bad, all 100 of them, and you can’t customize those. You can customize rhythms on the PSR-36. But it’s primitive and rudimentary. Hence, the Casio is more elaborate and advanced in its presets, but it’s also less versatile. I think the PSR-36 has more resell value.

Agreed ↑ Go with the Yamaha PSR-36. More options, more versatility, better rhythms & synthesis all round.

Total bargain there :) #gearfacts

@@gearfacts I just got one for 39$ but no ac plug,so to test it,I put in 6 "D" sized batteries and everything worked! The ac to DC plug is only 10$. Cheers👍

The Duet function adds an extra voice when you play along with an accompaniment. I think it only works when the chord function is on, but it might work with the beat on its own. Anyway, that's what it does,and it can sound fairly interesting sometimes :) Gearfacts

As seen on a Reddit forum: “Duet plays in harmony with the note you're playing if you're using a specific chord mode. If the keyboard knows you're playing a C major chord with the left hand and you're playing a G with the right, it knows that it can either play an E or a C to harmonize along. If you change the chord, you get another note; if you keep the chord but change from a G to an A, you might get another note. This is ultimately very simple arithmetic in software terms but back then it was really cool and a feature on more high-end units. Chord modes can be single-finger (i.e. press any key by itself to get a major chord, press any key and the nearest lower black key to get a minor chord, press any key and a nearby semitone to get a major seventh chord) or fingered (you have to play C-E-G with your left hand to get a minor chord).” Hope this helps!

it records only the rhythms.

Ah okay. Thanks

Well, a demo is a demo :)

Not that I'm aware of mate. I just had a quick search for the manual online and had no luck, but it might be out there somewhere...

Hi Chris, nothing against the PSS380 but I'd definitely go for the PSR-36, it's in a completely different and much higher class :) Gearfacts

I have a PPS-390 which is the same. The only thing that's better than the PSR36 is that the sliders have more notches and more parameters on the fm synth and you have 100 presets from which to edit, so you can get WAY crazier sounds. however, it doesn't have midi and has quite frustrating mini-keys. it doesn't have a custom drummer, it only has a headphone output, ecc. ecc essentially everything else is better on the PSR36

TheSactoSmile thank you very much!

It’s a little-known marvel :)

Not at all. It has a hard, gritty sound that is definitely not suitable for most churches :)

Thank you for your honest idea!

Totally agree. Much more ergonomic than knobs

Love those bargain messages! Cheers from Gearfacts

MickGyver Lucky you!

Not easily

Sorry, i don't own this keyboard anymore

@@gearfacts oh its OK:-)

I love hearing about bargains!

Thanks for all of your videos! They help provide a lot of great info about some of these sometimes overlooked keyboards from the past.

@@lukeimontv7086 My pleasure, we've gotta keep the retro dream alive. There's so much good gear out there just heading to the scrapyard! And hey if you especially wanna help me out, feel free to share Gearfacts on social media ;)

I think the DSR-2000 has a lot more sounds to start from :) #Gearfacts

$20! Bargain of the week right there

cool! It's funny how these things happen sometimes.

Ohh It's been so long since I had this one. You can still get the manual by searching up "Yamaha PSR-36 PDF"

Different sound engine altogether, but personally I'd say yes, it's way better :) GF

Yes. Keyboards are very forgiving when it comes to power and there’s no chance of causing damage. I can’t guarantee it’ll work though - there’s always the question of polarity (whether + and - power are in the correct wires) and if it has a plug that fits (80% chance it’ll be fine). So try it out, and if it doesn’t work I suggest just going to an electronics store and getting a multi adapter. They’re not expensive and are just a really useful thing to own as you can set them up to power almost any appliance. Good bargain you got there!

@@gearfacts Hi, ok many thanks! yes, the unit works with the adapter i have now and the specs of it are close to the original, and within the 9-12 range. +1 on the multi adapter anyway. my parents used to have one. I don't currently ;-) . Thanks again and have a nice weekend

I don't, sorry, but I'm sure you can get the manual by googling "Yamaha PSR-36 pdf". Gearfacts

Hmm could be worth fixing, it's quite collectible now.

Cool, hopefully I can find one and review it one day. Thanks for watching Gearfacts :)

I also noticed that they look really the same but i actually don't know the difference. Could you tell how the 41 and 36 are diferent please?

I think it's a good balance of enjoyable sounds and easy playing. If you are just starting out I don't think you'll find the 61 keys too restrictive :) GF

@@gearfacts Thx for the reply. I agree. At least i can use this as a MIDI keyboard through my computer etc. for different sounds i think.

Nice one, H'bert! Gearfacts

Good price, nice work!

Gearfacts thanks it truly is a keeper .

Oh dude have I got a TREAT for you! ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-BlfqxhqQkcc.html

@@gearfacts yo I don't know what to do man. Im in NZ. I bought one of these on our version of ebay. Got it for $17. But its in the south island and I'm in the north. Just got a quote today. $240 to get it shipped to my city. I don't know what to do man..... Feels fucked to pay $240 shipping on a keyboard I paid $17 for. On the flip side one of these just sold in my city for $310....Im not sure I want to spend $240 on shipping... Any thoughts man? Do you think it's worth it or should I just forget about it....

@@nvoid2597 ah this old problem! Maybe see what services are available- I mean there’s the general postage, but there’s also Sendle and maybe some courier companies you could try. There’s also Airtasker - offer to pay someone to bring it to you. Someone might be traveling your way and might be able to do your pickup for you. Hmm, I think that’s all the ideas I have :/

That's a total bargain, LL. I love bargain stories from viewers :) Gearfacts

Yeah I found it at a garage sale and had no idea what I could do with it lol

The 36 is slightly ahead. There is also a PSS580 which is a serious contender, though. It's reviewed on my channel. Gearfacts

I dare to disagree: the PSS 480,680 & 780 are true (and possibly the cheapest) FM synthesizers. Creating a sound is in theory exactly the same as with the DX7, but with only one (and cut-down) algorhythm and thus thinner sound. In that department the PSR 36 is king with its 4 operators compared to only 2 on the 480,680 & 780. But the synth capabilities are down to a few "steps", just like with the 580 (which is not part of the 480,680 & 780 synth family). The 480,680,&780 on the other hand offer 16 steps of frequency for both, carrier & modulator (thus changing the c/m ratio), plus modulator self-oscillation in several steps,64 steps of individual attack & decay (again: for both, carrier & modulator) and 100 steps of modulation strength - all that with 99 different instruments, including a pure sine-wave. * The PSR-36 sounds better (4 operators), but has limited sound-creating capabilities. * The PSS 480,680 & 780 (2 operators) are true synthesizers with rather complex sound-creating capabilities. * The PSS 580 lacks the 4 operators of the PSR-36 AND the true synth capabilities of the PSS480,680 & 780. jm2c

@@gearfacts what does FM mean?

@@jquest43 Frequency Modulation

I think so. But didn't the PSS480 have a kind of one-bar looper for user drum patterns?

Gearfacts yes but unfortunately mine doesn’t work lol so I can’t speak to it’s usefulness lol

oh ok, I remember that looper being one of the best bits. Loved those long evolving FM screams, too

It's on this keyboard too if you never figured it out ... just turn custom drummer on clear pattern and then play the drums the highest keys become the drum sounds

haha, a wish far beyond the capabilities of the PSR-36 I'm afraid! :) # Gearfacts

I don't think so, but Thanks for watching Gearfacts :)

Thanks for answering! Also, do you happen to know to what synth parameter the exp pedal in is mapped?

I'm afraid that's way beyond what my memory can hold. I suggest you download the pdf manual online from Yamaha and check the midi implementation chart. Best of luck!

R de R it only controls overall volume.

OMGGGGG IT HAAAAAS 😩😩 super praying I find one, as well! Huhuhu

13:24 dude, midi in and out :)

Yeah I've reviewed most of the PSS series, they're great. Check out my videos :) Gearfacts

There is a 'piano' button at the top of the instrument selection area, but you are right, it' doesn't really sound like a real piano. I think this is because all of the sounds are synthesised rather than sampled. So you're hearing an electronic imitation of a piano, not a recoded sample of a piano. It's great that you got it for free though, a lot of people really want this keyboard :) Gearfacts

Have you see the Yamaha DJX? It's nearly as old as this one but it has oodles of controls.

Yea only I’m only goin for fm programming not mixing I’ll probably get a reface dx