Where Can I Buy Vinyl? The Best Places to Find New and Vintage Records
Vinyl records are making a come back and more people are realizing the sound that analogue has to offer. Whether you are a veteran collector or just getting started, you should know where to search for vinyl records. From the traditional record shops to the online marketplaces, this guide will help you find where to buy the new and old vinyl records.
Independent Record Stores: The Heart of Vinyl Culture
One of the best ways to buy vinyl is from your local independent record store. These shops usually have a limited number of new releases, classic albums and rare items. Shopping in person is a great way to see what condition used records are in and what treasures you might not be able to find online.
"Nothing beats the experience of flipping through crates of vinyl and discovering a hidden gem you never knew you needed." – Mark B., Vinyl Enthusiast
Top Independent Record Stores Worldwide:
Rough Trade (London, UK & New York, USA) – Visit Rough Trade
Amoeba Music (Los Angeles, USA) – Visit Amoeba Music
Vinyl Tap (Huddersfield, UK) – Visit Vinyl Tap
Redscroll Records (Connecticut, USA) - Visit Redscroll Records
Why Shop at Local Record Stores?
- Encourages small business and and the artists that support them
- Expert recommendations and advice from the staff
- Some stores have limited edition products and exclusive Record Store Day products
- The feeling of actually getting to touch the physical records
- Share interest with other people who also love vinyl records
In addition, many independent record stores hold live performances, book signing activities, and listening sessions to foster a good music community. Some stores also have a loyalty program where they reward their regular customers with discounts or free products. Visiting a record store can be a fun activity for a music lover to interact with the staff and find products that may be of interest.
Online Marketplaces: A Wide Variety of Products at Your Fingertips.
If you are looking for a way to purchase vinyl records without leaving the comfort of your house, then online marketplaces have a vast array of records, from best-selling albums to hard-to-find collectibles.
"I’ve built my entire collection through Discogs—finding rare records from sellers around the world is a game-changer." – Lisa M., Vinyl Collector
Best Online Stores for Vinyl:
- Discogs – Browse Discogs
- eBay – Shop Vinyl on eBay
- Amazon – Buy Vinyl on Amazon
Tips for Buying Vinyl Online
- It is always important to check the seller’s rating and reviews.
- Look for condition descriptions that are more specific than just “good” (VG+, NM, etc.).
- Stay away from overpriced “sealed” vintage albums that might be reissues.
- You should consider buying from international sellers if there are some songs you want but cannot find them in your region.
- Post in vinyl collector forums to get recommendations and finder’s reports on sellers.
Buying vinyl online also enables you to get limited edition releases and rare records that may not be easily found in physical stores. However, it is important to understand the shipping policies as vinyl records are sensitive and may require special handling during shipment.
Record Fairs & Flea Markets: A Treasure Hunter’s Dream
For the person who enjoys the process of looking for things, record fairs and flea markets are a fun way to find vinyl at a lower price. Vendors at these events may sell the records at a lower price than those of the online stores and you can haggle for buying in bulk.
"Going to a record fair is like stepping into a time machine—so many incredible finds in one place!" – Tom R., Crate Digger
How to Find Record Fairs Near You:
- Visit Record Store Day’s website - Find Events
- Check Facebook groups and forums for local collector meetups.
- Look for antique fairs and flea markets in your city.
- Follow local record stores’ social media pages for event information.
Pro Tips for Shopping at Record Fairs:
- Get there early to get the best selection of goods.
- Bring cash, as some vendors may not accept cards.
- Check records under good lighting to see if they have any scratches.
- Speak to the vendors; they might have some stock with them that is not shown on the shelves.
- Find out the average price of the items you are buying to avoid being ripped off.
Going to record fairs and flea markets allow collectors to engage in the social aspect of vinyl collecting, talking to other people who have the same interest, and discovering items that they did not expect to find.
From Labels and Artists: Buy Direct and Support Musicians
A lot of bands and independent record labels offer their vinyl products for sale on their websites or Bandcamp. This is a great way to ensure that artists receive more money from the sales and also get some exclusive or limited edition pressings.
"Buying directly from an artist not only supports them but also gets you some amazing limited-edition vinyl!" – Sarah K., Indie Music Fan
Popular Indie Labels Selling Vinyl:
-Sub Pop Records - Shop Sub pop
- Third Man Records – Explore Third Man Records
- 4AD – Buy from 4AD
Purchasing vinyl directly from labels and artists comes with some additional advantages like signed copies, extra features, or digital content. Buying from independent musicians also helps them to go further and continue producing and providing great music.
Thrift Stores & Charity Shops: The Best Places to Look for Vintage Vinyl
If you are in the market for classic rock, jazz or classical vinyl records, then thrift stores and charity shops are the place to look. While the choice can be random, the prices are usually lower than in record stores or other online retailers.
"I once found an original pressing of Dark Side of the Moon for just $5 at a charity shop—best find of my life!" – James T., Vinyl Hunter
Best Strategies for Thrift Store Vinyl Shopping:
- Check often as the items kept changing.
- Take a portable record player or an app that can tell if the record is warped.
- Stay away from the records that have deep scratches or have a lot of dust trapped inside them.
- Do not forget about the classical and jazz sections; some real gems can be found there.
- Establish a good relationship with the store employees so that you can get early access to the new arrival.
Final Thoughts: Where Should You Buy Vinyl?
It depends on what you need when choosing the best place to buy vinyl. If you want to shop in person, then you should support your local record store. To find rare items, check Discogs or eBay. For cheap shopping, try your luck at thrift stores and flea markets. No matter where you buy your vinyl, it is a fun and enjoyable hobby that brings people who love music of all generations together.
Enhance Your Vinyl Experience with A2D2 Stream
Once you have built your vinyl collection, the next step is to learn how to use it properly. A2D2 Stream enables you to connect your turntable to wireless speaker systems and stream the audio output in high definition via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Whether you want to play your records in different rooms or enjoy the analogue experience of vinyl while using digital convenience, A2D2 Stream is the solution that connects the two. Read on to find out how A2D2 Stream can transform your vinyl listening experience!
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Vinyl Record Store Near Me: London
Notable Cassette Shops in Big Cities Around the World for Collectors