SABA - CP 22 'Joggy Line' Portable cassette player

A remarkably well-preserved example of late-1980s portable audio design, the SABA CP 22 Joggy Line combines compact analogue technology with the bold graphic language that characterised personal stereo equipment at the end of the 1980s.
This model is documented in the official SABA 1989 catalogue, page 27, where it appears among the company’s portable audio products. The catalogue confirms the CP 22 as part of the colourful Joggy range, created during the height of the personal stereo era. A digitised copy of the 1989 SABA catalogue is still accessible today.
The design is particularly attractive from a collector’s point of view. The front is dominated by two large circular forms recalling the reels of a compact cassette, while the distinctive triangular transparent window provides a strong geometric accent. The white casing contrasts with the black upper controls and side elements, while the red JOGGY LINE typography and raised STEREO lettering complete its unmistakably late-1980s appearance.
Rather than being merely a piece of portable electronics, the CP 22 reflects the period in which music players became true personal accessories: compact, lightweight, visually recognisable and intended to accompany the user outside the home.
Manufacturer and Model
Manufacturer: SABA
Model: CP 22
Series: Joggy Line
Type: Portable stereo cassette player
Period: 1989
Country of manufacture: Korea
Marked: MADE IN KOREA
Brand origin: Germany
Colour: White / black with red graphics
Features
- Stereo cassette playback
- PLAY function
- STOP function
- FAST FORWARD function
- Rotary volume control
- Automatic tape stop
- Two headphone outputs
- Rear belt clip
- Battery operation
- Power supply: 2 × 1.5 V AA / R6 batteries
The presence of two headphone sockets is a particularly interesting feature, allowing two listeners to use the player at the same time without an external splitter.
Approximate Original Specifications
The period SABA documentation lists the CP 22 as a compact portable stereo cassette player with dimensions of approximately:
11.5 × 9 × 4 cm
Weight approximately:
180 g
The catalogue also records an original German retail price of approximately DM 31.
Tested Operation
The cassette player has been tested with batteries and is working.
The following functions have been checked:
- cassette playback works
- volume control increases and decreases the sound correctly
- FAST FORWARD works
- both headphone outputs have been tested
- both headphone sockets produce audio correctly
The unit was also tested using two separate sets of headphones, confirming operation of both audio outputs.
Condition
The player is in excellent vintage condition, especially considering its age.
The casing is very well preserved with:
- no cracks
- no broken plastic parts
- clean front panel
- well-preserved SABA branding
- clearly preserved Joggy Line graphics
- intact rear belt clip
- clean transport controls
- very good overall cosmetic presentation
Only minor signs compatible with age and careful storage may be present.
Please examine all photographs carefully, as they form an integral part of the description.
Complete Original Presentation
One of the strongest aspects of this example is the survival of its original packaging and documentation.
The lot includes:
- SABA CP 22 Joggy Line cassette player
- original SABA cardboard box
- original moulded polystyrene packaging
- original instruction booklet
- original SABA guarantee / Geräte-Pass documentation
- one set of period headphones / earphones
- rear belt clip
This level of completeness makes the set considerably more interesting from a collecting and design perspective than an isolated cassette player.
The original packaging itself is a fine example of late-1980s graphic design, featuring a black background, oversized blue SABA lettering and a stylised yellow outline drawing of the cassette player.
Original 1989 Catalogue Documentation
The SABA CP 22 Joggy Line is illustrated in the official SABA 1989 catalogue on page 27.
The period catalogue page shows the CP 22 together with other portable audio products from the Joggy range and helps document the model, its date and its original commercial context.
The catalogue imagery also demonstrates how SABA marketed portable audio as part of an active, youthful lifestyle at the end of the 1980s.
The catalogue and advertising images shown in the listing are included for historical, documentary and illustrative purposes only. They are not part of the sale.
Design and Historical Context
The CP 22 belongs to the final flourishing period of the compact cassette as the dominant portable music format.
During the 1980s, personal stereo players fundamentally changed the way music was consumed. Listening was no longer tied to a living room, radio or hi-fi system: music could be carried on the street, on public transport, while travelling or exercising.
The name “Joggy” itself reflects this changing culture of portable music.
Its belt clip, compact dimensions, battery operation, lightweight plastic body and dual-headphone arrangement place the CP 22 firmly within this important period of consumer and industrial design.
Today, examples surviving with their original packaging, documentation and accessories have a particular appeal for collectors of:
1980s design, cassette culture, portable electronics, retro audio and postmodern consumer design.
Important Notes
The player has been tested and is working as described.
Batteries are not included.
Music cassette is not included.
Due to the age of vintage electronic equipment, no guarantee can be given regarding future long-term performance of belts, capacitors, lubricants, mechanical parts or other components after transport or prolonged use.
Colour tones may vary slightly depending on lighting, photography and individual screen settings.
The buyer is considered to have carefully reviewed all photographs and the description before placing a bid.
Period catalogue photographs and advertising images shown in the listing are for documentary and illustrative purposes only and are not included in the sale.
The item will be carefully packed, with particular protection given to the original player, box, documentation and accessories
By placing a bid, the buyer confirms that they have carefully reviewed all photographs, read the full description, and understood the stated condition, functionality, inclusions, exclusions, and any age-related signs or limitations of this vintage item.