This week I pulled it out to use some new sequencing software on my Mac, and found 2 dead keys, which I remedied by opening it up (tedius, many screws), removing the keyboard circuit board strip (pop each little plastic clip, every inch or so) and no screws hold it down, then cleaned both the typical mated-E type (computer keyboard) switches-two for each note so as to sense velocity with a pencil erasor and alcohol. Looks like mine had a drink of milk at some point or another. So now it's fixed and I'm happy! And all th_ mus_c I play do_sn't com_ out sound_ng l_ke th_s!

Think I have a manual somewhere...wish there was a .pdf format somewhere and also wish there was a translator for dump>gmidi, more detailed technical/engineering data on this unit from Yamaha would have been helpful, but then I don't guess they want to give all their (consumer, especially) design secrets away!

The PSR-85 and the PSR-500 are IDENTICAL. The only differences are the colors of the buttons. The demo songs are the same, the patches are the same. You can even do a midi bulk dump from one to the other. Even the manuals are EXACTLY the same.

For that matter, I think the PSR-84 and the PSR-400 are the same as well.

It's been a great keyboard for me in my ministry of visiting nursing homes and children handicapped homes. I use the feature of being able to record chords on the auto-accompaniament and then use my violin to play on top. Most other keyboards I know of only allow ONE track of auto-accompaniament chord recording. With the PSR-85/500 you get five tracks X 4 pages! Not to mention that the sounds are great for things like piano and strings.

cents in. The PSR500 is an OUSTANDING keyboard for the money. As far as physical

attributes go, keyboard responsiveness is excellent. Physical layout is as

good as any hardwired (by that I mean, static sounds) keyboard could be,

minus perhaps a slightly more informative digital display. String sounds are (as with most Yamaha kbds) quite good. Brass is a bit

muddy, and woods are a bit washed out. Effect sounds are an odd assortment, but

some are interesting enough. Perhaps the single most annoying factor is

the high polyphonic appetite of the effect sounds (you max out at 4 or 5 keys,

and forget about split boards with them). Memory and playback is acceptable, except for its tendency to drown out

percussion on downbeats. The mod wheel stinks (too much dead area in the

center position). Let's face it, this is an OLD keyboard, and people are still writing about

it... what does that tell you? It holds up from beginner to intermediate, and

I know quite a few advanced players (myself included) who simply use it

to drive their PC config and leave the standalone keyboards to things more

modern. For those of you who's biggest problem is lack of a manual -- that's not

the keyboards fault (hint, hint).

and control functions, so if you can get your hands on a PSR-85

manuel it may help you figure out how to use your PSR-500

for practise)and am now learning th 500. I think it is a great keyboard for the money ($50.00 at a yard sale). Since I have not used any other

me. As I have not used other eyboards, I can not not really review it. I do

have the owners manual whichh I can copy and send to anyone who needs it. Just cover the cost and shipping, which

should not be more than $15.00.