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Description
This keyboard sounds almost identical to the
PSS-160
(aside from a few very subtle differences), but includes support for
the Playcard system, and has an unusual dark brown case colour.
There are six available voices, and six rhythms, each with auto
accompaniment, both selectable using sliding switches. The Master
Volume and Rhythm Volume are also six-position sliding switches, but
while the Tempo control feels like a smooth analogue slider, the tempo
is actually stepped. This enabled the tempo to be set according to the
Playcard programming - something which is not possible with the
PC-100.
There is no "Synchro Start" function for the auto
accompaniment. The only way to get it going is to first start the
rhythm with the "Start/Stop" button, then press the "Auto Bass Chord"
button, then finally select the chord.
Other features of the PSS-160 which are missing from the PCS-30 include
the second variation for each auto accompaniment pattern and the
fill-in, both of which are available for Playcard music, but not manual
play. The PSS-160's recording function is also missing, and the
keyboard is also shorter.
All of the usual training modes for Playcard music are included, and
are also available for the three (disappointingly short) built-in
demos. After playback has started, the main voice, rhythm and tempo can
be adjusted manually, but of course will revert back each time there is
a programmed change.
The set of Playcards supplied with the PCS-30 include several
duplicate titles with the set supplied with the PC-100, but the
arrangements of these are very different.
The keyboard feels weighty and well-made, and the built-in speaker is
pretty good - but an output jack is available for using external
amplification or headphones.
This is basically a stripped-down PSS-160, with Playcard system added -
which is a very good thing!
My example has an "
Intasound
Organs" sticker attached, so was presumably either purchased from
or serviced by this Leicester music shop, which still exists at the
time of writing.
Audio Samples
Yamaha PCS-30
Demo A (Mozart's Symphony No. 40)
Yamaha PCS-30
Demo B (Dance of the Hours)
Yamaha PCS-30
Demo C (Chopin's Nocturne)
Instruction Manual
The Operating Manual for the PCS-30 can be downloaded from the
Yamaha Manual Library.