First on the attic pile, my Yamaha shs-10 electronic keyboard, aka “key-tar”. For the stage performer who wants to show off the results of all those years of piano lessons without having to miss out on any of that dynamic frontman real estate that keeps you on the forefront of every mind in the crowd. Run back and forth and share you hair growth just like everybody else (’cept your poor drummer) and never have to worry about being out of tune. It also acts as a midi controller, putting an unlimited number of sounds at your free-roaming fingertips.

Specs: 32 keys, 45 voices, 45 background rhythm styles, each with intro, ending and breakdown variations. Effects: pitch-bend, vibrato, portamento, sustain. Can be used as a self contained keyboard with standard ‘80-s built in FM synthesized sounds, or as a fully featured 16-channel MIDI keyboard. Intuitive, uncomplicated operation ideally suited to live performances on stage. Powered by 6 AA type batteries (not included), or 9 Volts DC mains power adapter (included). The remaining details can be found in the included original user manual. If you’d like to see, you can download it free from the Yamaha manual library. Goto http://www.yamaha.co.jp/manual/english/index.php, search for SHS10.

Package includes: the original box & packaging (cardboard age is showing, styrofoam is dusty), keyboard unit (clean, all functions fully operational, volume slider sometimes causes a bit of static-like feedback on movement - a problem that has existed since it’s purchase back in 1999), original Yamaha power unit (perfect condition), original Yamaha key-tar strap (leather ends of strap are quite worn from use, but still functional), original user manual (very dog-eared, no pages torn or missing).