Best Places For Vinyl In Los Angeles
For many, it is about the hunt, and for others it's more in the discovery of nostalgia when shopping for vinyl records. Perhaps it is a Baby Boomer thing, but today's younger listeners are also finding value and pleasure in perfect sound and classic record jacket art. LA has a robust selection of music stores that sell old school vinyl records, along with other entertainment merchandise. These five record stores have been narrowed down as the best in Los Angeles.
Amoeba Records
6400 Sunset Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90028
(323) 245-6400
www.amoeba.com
Widely known around the world, Amoeba Records is one of the best places to explore used records. In addition to vinyl records, the store also offers CDs, DVDs, as well as movie and music posters. Amoeba Records is definitely a source that fills the collector's itch for great album artwork which one misses when they buy a song or two from iTunes or listen on Spotify. Shoppers won't be disappointed when they see 10"s, 12"s, 45"s and LPs from over 25 musical and entertainment genres as Amoeba is one of the only record stores offering such a wide selection. Throughout the years, the store has gotten a lot of buzz when musical artists perform as well. Check Amoeba's website for show listings.
Record Surplus
12436 Santa Monica Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90025
(310) 979-4577
www.recordsurplusla.com
As a great stop for collectors, Record Surplus gives shoppers quite the selection. Located in Santa Monica, the store is well organized by genre and the used records are surprisingly in terrific condition. Record Surplus restocks LPs, 45"s as well as CDs on a daily basis and also provides in-store turntables and CD players to check out the music as you browse. In addition, the store also offers in-store performances by various artists. Make sure to check out the store's website for their upcoming events.
Atomic Records
3812 W. Magnolia Blvd.
Burbank, CA 91505
(818) 848-7090
www.atomicrecordsla.com
Atomic Records shares the same philosophy as audiophiles. Vinyl is preferred because not only is the sound quality exceptional, but the sound can be tweaked. There is so much you can do to alter the way the needle tracks the music in the record grooves from trying different cartridges to altering the arm or isolating external vibrations or even altering the tracking force or azimuth. Atomic specializes in buying and selling used vinyls, CDs, DVDs and reel-to-reel tapes (talk about old school). When visiting the store, be sure to check out its crates for 50-cent vinyls and 99-cent CDs.
Related:Best Music Stores In Los Angeles
Jacknife Records & Tapes
3149 Glendale Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90039
(323) 661-4533
www.jackniferecordsandtapes.com
Located in Atwater Village, Jacknife Records & Tapes is a great discovery for used, rare and select new vinyls. The team from Jacknife is very personable, offers great customer service, but most importantly, they offer great knowledge about vinyl records and music. Interesting genres, record titles, album art and cassette tapes can be found here which is difficult to find in this day. Customers are transported to another era when they listen to the authentic sound of cassette tapes, which are sold here. Patrons will find Jacknife to be reasonable in price with lots of merchandise on the cheap.
