the story
It’s 1995. You’re supposed to be home by six, it’s 7:17, nobody has a cell phone, and frankly this sounds like a problem for Future You. Present You has a Sony WM-FX211, a fresh pair of AAs and a cassette that absolutely requires finishing Side B before any responsible decisions can be made. Compact, simple and built to leave the house, the FX211 comes from that legendary stretch when a Walkman wasn’t retro technology, it was how you carried your entire emotional support system around in your pocket. This one has been remarkably well cared for, although a few little bumps suggest it occasionally participated in actual 1995 instead of spending thirty years waiting for us in a climate-controlled vault. Eventually it landed in the APD lab, went through our thorough restoration process and emerged sounding fantastic and ready to make somebody late for dinner again. Press play, ignore your responsibilities and go disappear for a few hours. Nobody needs to know where you are.
What You Get
- The unit itself — in good external condition with minor bumps and bruises, fully serviced and ready for use, you’ll only need to supply 2 AA batteries. Pictures show the exact unit you’ll receive.
- Your choice of a freshly curated APD 80’s mixtape or a retro prerecorded tape from our archives
- A pair of period-correct headphones (new)
- Original Sony belt clip
- Iconic Sony Sound - sounds better than anything released new on the market today
- Legendary APD packaging with custom sticker pack
Features + Highlights
- Cr02 tape support
- AVLS - save your eardrums if you want
- Digital FM/AM tuner with 5 preset channels
- Medium-sized format Walkman build — sturdy, built for real use
Service Provided (Nerd Stuff)
- Full off body cleaning and restoration
- Belt pathways fully cleaned and new premium belt installed
- Motor lubricated
- All contacts cleaned (crackle free)
- NAK-T100 Speed Adjusted, wow and flutter within spec
- Capstans and pinch rollers cleaned
- Head cleaned and demagnetized
- Transport cleaned and lubricated
- Full playback tested
Condition + Character
- This reborn legend has great cosmetics with some minor visible wear happening in it’s 31 years of life (see photos).
- Controls, sliders, knobs and tape door feel rock-solid and responsive.
- Cassette porthole clean and clear.
- Clean and corrosion-free battery contacts.