the story
Our new obsession. 1991. Somewhere between a black-tie gala and a back-alley mixtape trade, Sony slips this one into the world like it knows exactly how good it looks. The WM-FX30 doesn’t shout, it just stands there, composed, Made in Japan precision in every line, and then that cassette window catches the light and gives it away, beveled and glossy, hitting like a cut diamond, reflecting just enough to captivate without trying too hard. This one is mint, the real kind, the kind that feels preserved rather than restored, like it’s been waiting for its moment instead of surviving the years. Drop a tape in and the auto reverse keeps the momentum alive, no breaks, no fuss, just a seamless flow from one side to the next while the tuner pulls in stations with that calm, locked-in Sony confidence. It’s been fully serviced and dialed so it doesn’t just look right, it moves right, sounds right, and carries itself like the legend it’s always been.
What You Get
• The unit itself — near perfect external condition, fully serviced and ready for use, you’ll only need to supply 2 AA batteries (see pictures)
• 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
• Intact “It’s a Sony” sticker
• Iconic Sony Sound - arguably sounds better than anything on the market today
• Legendary APD packaging with a custom sticker pack for a gift-worthy unboxing.
Features + Highlights
• Cr02 tape support.
• Auto-Reverse - no need to flip.
• Pre AVLS - gets LOUD. 💥💥💥(they are your eardrums after all).
• Analog AM/FM radio.
• 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 and radio functionality tested
Condition + Character
• This reborn legend has near perfect cosmetics with almost no visible wear happening in it’s 35 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.
FCC information: This vintage Walkman is sold as a used device. The FCC’s adopted online-marketplace FCC-ID display rule exempts listings for used devices (47 CFR § 2.803(c)(3)(iii)).