The First Walkman - Sony TPS-L2 (1979)
1979 Sony TPS-L2 Portable Cassette player with MDR-3L2 headphones and Leather Carry Case
Designed by Akio Morita, Masaru Ibuka and Kozo Ohsone of Sony Corporation. Made in Japan. Serial No. 38929. Pre-branding model. Excellent working and cosmetic condition. Drive belts and headset foams have been replaced. Please inspect photos carefully. This device is 45 years old and has been used.
The Sony TPS-L2 was launched in Japan in July 1979 before it had even been given a name. Across the world, the device was marketed under names such as Soundabout (US), Stowaway (UK) Freeway (Scandanavia) before Sony settled on 'Walkman' later in 1979 (adding it to the metal casing after about 150,000 units had been produced).
Many believe the development of the lightweight MDR-3L2 headphones was equally as important as the player design itself in ensuring the success of the TPS-L2. Distributors struggled to cope with demand, and within ten years of its release, 50 million Walkmans had been sold.
Amazingly, the TPS-L2 has two headphone jacks that enabled friends to listen together whilst the Hotwire button served as an intercom. Interest in the Sony TPS-L2 has surged after featuring in the Marvel Comics film Guardians of the Galaxy - with Cosplay enthusiasts seeking an original TPS-L2 to complete their Star-Lord costumes.
Free UK Delivery. For Non-UK delivery please request quotation.
1979 Sony TPS-L2 Portable Cassette player with MDR-3L2 headphones and Leather Carry Case
Designed by Akio Morita, Masaru Ibuka and Kozo Ohsone of Sony Corporation. Made in Japan. Serial No. 38929. Pre-branding model. Excellent working and cosmetic condition. Drive belts and headset foams have been replaced. Please inspect photos carefully. This device is 45 years old and has been used.
The Sony TPS-L2 was launched in Japan in July 1979 before it had even been given a name. Across the world, the device was marketed under names such as Soundabout (US), Stowaway (UK) Freeway (Scandanavia) before Sony settled on 'Walkman' later in 1979 (adding it to the metal casing after about 150,000 units had been produced).
Many believe the development of the lightweight MDR-3L2 headphones was equally as important as the player design itself in ensuring the success of the TPS-L2. Distributors struggled to cope with demand, and within ten years of its release, 50 million Walkmans had been sold.
Amazingly, the TPS-L2 has two headphone jacks that enabled friends to listen together whilst the Hotwire button served as an intercom. Interest in the Sony TPS-L2 has surged after featuring in the Marvel Comics film Guardians of the Galaxy - with Cosplay enthusiasts seeking an original TPS-L2 to complete their Star-Lord costumes.
Free UK Delivery. For Non-UK delivery please request quotation.
1979 Sony TPS-L2 Portable Cassette player with MDR-3L2 headphones and Leather Carry Case
Designed by Akio Morita, Masaru Ibuka and Kozo Ohsone of Sony Corporation. Made in Japan. Serial No. 38929. Pre-branding model. Excellent working and cosmetic condition. Drive belts and headset foams have been replaced. Please inspect photos carefully. This device is 45 years old and has been used.
The Sony TPS-L2 was launched in Japan in July 1979 before it had even been given a name. Across the world, the device was marketed under names such as Soundabout (US), Stowaway (UK) Freeway (Scandanavia) before Sony settled on 'Walkman' later in 1979 (adding it to the metal casing after about 150,000 units had been produced).
Many believe the development of the lightweight MDR-3L2 headphones was equally as important as the player design itself in ensuring the success of the TPS-L2. Distributors struggled to cope with demand, and within ten years of its release, 50 million Walkmans had been sold.
Amazingly, the TPS-L2 has two headphone jacks that enabled friends to listen together whilst the Hotwire button served as an intercom. Interest in the Sony TPS-L2 has surged after featuring in the Marvel Comics film Guardians of the Galaxy - with Cosplay enthusiasts seeking an original TPS-L2 to complete their Star-Lord costumes.
Free UK Delivery. For Non-UK delivery please request quotation.