YPPY Series

(1996)

For one season only Sony offered the YPPY series Walkman for sale in the UK. Technically a basic machine (it featured auto reverse, Mega Bass, AVLS and a normal/Metal tape selector only) the design stood out because of the unusual “fashion” styling of the ten different models. There were three basic types, the YP-ES ones being finished in plastic, the YP-ER ones in metal and the YP-EW ones in fabric. Text copyright © Walkman Central. Unauthorised reproduction prohibited.

The YPPY series is quintessentially Japanese in concept and execution but did not sell at all well in the UK. Part of the problem was the Sony products were much cheaper in Japan than they were here, for the UK market the almost disposable fashion Walkman was too expensive for the young people two whom it was intended to appeal. The YPPY name was not used again in the UK after 1996. Text copyright © Walkman Central. Unauthorised reproduction prohibited.

The complete UK model line comprises: