Wax Trax Records

Record store · Capitol Hill

Wax Trax Records

Record store · Capitol Hill

2

638 E 13th Ave, Denver, CO 80203

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Wax Trax Records by null
Wax Trax Records by
Wax Trax Records by null
Wax Trax Records by null
Wax Trax Records by null
Wax Trax Records by null
Wax Trax Records by null
Wax Trax Records by null
Wax Trax Records by null
Wax Trax Records by null
Wax Trax Records by null
Wax Trax Records by null
Wax Trax Records by null
Wax Trax Records by null
Wax Trax Records by null
Wax Trax Records by null
Wax Trax Records by null
Wax Trax Records by null
Wax Trax Records by null
Wax Trax Records by null
Wax Trax Records by null
Wax Trax Records by null
Wax Trax Records by null
Wax Trax Records by null
Wax Trax Records by null
Wax Trax Records by null
Wax Trax Records by null
Wax Trax Records by null
Wax Trax Records by null
Wax Trax Records by null
Wax Trax Records by null
Wax Trax Records by null
Wax Trax Records by null
Wax Trax Records by null
Wax Trax Records by null
Wax Trax Records by null
Wax Trax Records by null
Wax Trax Records by null
Wax Trax Records by null
Wax Trax Records by null
Wax Trax Records by null
Wax Trax Records by null
Wax Trax Records by null
Wax Trax Records by null
Wax Trax Records by null

Highlights

Denver's Wax Trax is a Capitol Hill gem, stacking walls with new and vintage vinyl, CDs, cassettes, and a serious local music vibe.  

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638 E 13th Ave, Denver, CO 80203 Get directions

waxtraxrecords.com
@waxtraxdenver

$$

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638 E 13th Ave, Denver, CO 80203 Get directions

+1 303 831 7246
waxtraxrecords.com
@waxtraxdenver

$$

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Last updated

Jul 30, 2025

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On the Grid : Wax Trax

"A Capitol Hill staple, Wax Trax is an indie record store, filled to the brim with music both new and used. Hint...there are two spaces, one on the corner and one two-doors down." - Jarrod Stanley

https://onthegrid.city/denver/capitol-hill-congress-park/wax-trax
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@onthegrid

"Wax Trax, Capitol Hill Congress Park. A Capitol Hill staple, Wax Trax is an indie record store, filled to the brim with music both new and used. Hint...there are two spaces, one on the corner and one two-doors down."

Denver
View Postcard for Wax Trax Records

Normandie Records

Google
One of the more diverse and impressive record selections I've ever seen. They've been around since the 70s and it shows. Stellar shop. 6/5 stars.

Patricia Linderman

Google
Great experience selling my old record albums to their used store. Dropped them off and got a quote the next day, they paid me via PayPal. Adam and everyone there was helpful and patient with my questions. Highly recommended!

Justin DeGeorge

Google
I hadn't been here in 25 years. It still looked the same to me. I would ditch school with my friends in the 1990s. We'd take the 0 bus downtown to Colfax and walk to Wax Trax. The selection is wonderful. I even found two of my friends' bands in the local section. I also now realize I should probably invest in a record player.

Patrick Jones

Google
With a limited amount of time to hit up record stores while in Denver, I'm glad I made a point to get to Wax Trax. Really cool shop(s)... new stock shop on the corner and used records a few doors down. Friendly and helpful staff. Ended up having a nice conversation with one of the guys working about Gil Scott-Heron and Bill Callahan... IYKYK. Records were well organized and fairly priced. There was a lot of variety in the new stock. Highly recommend supporting this place.

Reid Wilkof

Google
Love this place. One of the great record stores of America. Their previously loved record room has one of the best selections I have ever seen. If you like diversity in your music. This is the spot.

John Lewandowski

Google
Came here today after maybe 25 years away. Service and selection were phenomenal. I used to come here probably once a week when I was in High School in the 80s. Like great wine, this place aged well and the staff here made an impression that great service can still be found. A+

Neal Landauer

Google
*The* classic record store of Denver hasn't lost a beat since my first pilgrimage there in the 80's. Glorious vibes and helpful, knowledgeable staff who never act cooler than you but who are in fact really cool.

Lucy McChesney

Google
My friend from out of town and I popped into here randomly. We instantly fell in love. The workers here are so sweet. They have a fantastic selection of records, and I love how organized everything is. They also have a sensational selection of discounted records as well. I highly recommend coming here.
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Chantel C.

Yelp
Great location and decent parking nearby. They have a decent variety of tunes. I loved how they had it set up. I've been to some stores and you barely have anymore or organization to browse. I found a few gems to add to my collection. Whenever I'm out or tien I try to makw a purchase and I was happy to find 4 new albums. I do feel they were a little higher in proce then some other vinyl stores I've visited.
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Jason A.

Yelp
Pretty strong Amoeba/Streetlight feel here. Wax Trax has a New and Used-Trader store on both ends of the building to cover a variety of music tastes--streamline radio, alternative at the corner front and hip-hop singles, 70s-80s-90s rock at the other end's what I found. As long as you keep your Notes lists in alphabetical order you shouldn't have any issues finding what you need. They keep their NEWs in pristine display; felt kinda bad I almost knocked a heavy boxset to the floor -___-".

Nick A.

Yelp
I was big fan of this store as a small business owner myself, I always like to support them as opposed to going to Amazon or something. I ordered a brand new record from them and it had some damages on it that I sent pictures to them just asking for a replacement, not a refund, and the owner Pete Stidman replied to me in the most humiliating and insulting way. I was trying to give this as a gift to a friend that is an artist and loves music and cover art, well the cover on the back and front were damaged pretty good. I asked if I could just replace it and this is the responses I got: "Okay and you'd rather not have this record to listen to because it has a light scuff on its cover. I think I understand now. It's been an adjustment to understand some of our record buyers these days. " "Hey man everyone's entitled to their opinion. We've been in this business a long time and all I'm saying is that the manufacture of records is a craft, it's done by real people, not machines and there are always imperfections. Is there some rule that I need to kow tow to you in every respect or can I just talk like a human being with their own view. "I don't really want to discuss this anyway, let me know what you want so we can move on. ?" I'm in disbelief. My opinion was to get a record that didn't have scuff marks all over it as its a gift to my friend who likes cover art and music, not asking for much but a replacement. I've bought tons of vinyl and this has never happened so don't know what he's talking about imperfections, I've bought 100s of records and this is the first time this has ever happened. I understand how it works. What a way to talk down to your customer. I attached the picture there are some on the back too. I loved this place and brought me so much joy to go to and have purchased a lot from here. I'm glad there are still other places that sell vinyl around town that are nice and respectful. I'll be going there now and skipping this place. I feel if they treat people like this its only a matter of time that Amazon or something puts them out of business. Also I should mention that if anyone has a problem or issue it seems like Pete can't handle it and berates the customer. So can't wait to read what he'll say to this reasonable request. He will say he offered a refund which is true. However he berated and insulted me in the process go look at his responses. Red flag. Here are some better places to go who care about people. Support this small business and shy away from this one. Twist and Shout is amazing and so welcoming. They really appreciate their customers. Invisible Vinyl - this is small but so good and the owner is amazing and sweet. He talks music with you and also plays great music.
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Harmony M.

Yelp
This was an okay spot. My fiancé is really into record collecting but he likes his record to be in very high quality condition. We found wax trax to be a cool place to see and stop by but we didn't feel super motivated to purchase any records based on the high quality condition my fiancé usually looks for. I say everyone should stop by here at some point just for the nostalgia factor. Or if you are okay with older records
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Joel S.

Yelp
Between the new and used records, I'm pretty sure you can find what you are looking for. You could probably find something you aren't looking for as well. They have all sizes, so if you're looking for a 45 your chances are pretty good. Highly organized and labeled clearly (although the print on some of the dividers is small) makes it really easy to find things. Read the dividers because the descriptions are both informative and sometimes hilariously accurate. Record prices are good considering everyone has decided to become a vinyl collector in the past few years. Also check the backroom for super discount records (not always in tip-top shape) CD's and cassettes. Staff is nice and not pretentious. Also check out the merch in the back! It is super cheap!
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Rebecca M.

Yelp
I've always been both a fan and frequent customer of Wax Trax. I stopped in again yesterday to pick up some presents at both the used/vintage shop and the new merch shop. Everyone is always helpful, friendly and I get to browse as long as I like looking for records I didn't know I needed. I've been going to Wax Trax for 20+ years and am so glad it's still around. In a time when all the old haunts seem to be replaced by chain/corp/overpriced BS, Wax Trax continues to be a neighborhood gem and what Capitol Hill is all about. There is no better way to spend a Saturday morning than getting a breakfast burrito, hot coffee and then digging through the stax at Wax Trax. Long live old school Cap Hill!
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Cody P.

Yelp
One of my favorite spots in Denver to find great vinyl. They even have a selection of cassettes if that is your variety of music nostalgia. The staff is knowledgeable and the owners are truly awesome.
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Charlotte C.

Yelp
I got three really cool records here for a reasonable price. I highly recommend to those who are in town and like to collect records
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Maria B.

Yelp
As a new vinyl aficionado, I paid my first visit to the used shop. Like many people in 2020, this is now a new hobby. I love how old music sounds on a record player. Something cathartic about placing the record on the plate and letting the needle do its thing. The shop is small, and alive with so much history in the cases. There are clearly labeled sections and mostly organized alphabetically. You've gotta go with an idea of what you intend on finding or you can spend a good chunk of time browsing. Pre-Covid that's no big deal, but now, transactions should be efficient. The shop has strict protocols which i appreciated. Even though the shop is small and tight, I felt completely comfortable browsing. I hope to pay many more visits for other treasures!
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Karen A.

Yelp
Love these guys. I'm buying vinyl for my grandson who is coming in from out of state for the holidays. Wax Trax will play them for him.

Sergio N.

Yelp
I'm going to thank Marie for guiding me to the right part of the store. Found great gems under discogs priced in the middle of stuff nothing alike, for whatever reason. And In NM condition. The sales guy at the cashier almost ruined the experience. Strange and Sad angry man. Typical zero customer services. Worth mentioned. Definitely Space for improvement.
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Whitney G.

Yelp
One of the best record stores I've ever been too. They have such a wide selection to choose from and they are all priced super reasonably! We bought almost 8 records to take back home with us and we have not been disappointed. Great and diverse options! Loved it.
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Corina P.

Yelp
Not a bad selection of used cds and a pretty great selection of pins if you're into that sort of thing. I didn't let myself look through the vinyl since I'm living in my van in the summer heat and if I had seen something I liked I might have had to buy it. Ok I looked through the vinyl a tiny bit. Seemed like a good selection. Nice, friendly staff and good location so 5/5
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Matt P.

Yelp
Great record store. The new and used selection is absolutely massive. Friendly staff and great wide variety.

Psychic V.

Yelp
This was my last day on my vacation in Colorado. Was able to get down to the store after checking some of what they had online. If you're looking for imported international vinyls especially Japanese music they have a pretty good amount. The sections for Casiopea, Takanaka, and Tatsuro Yamashita were sparse. However amazing that this shop even carried their vinyls. Overall the store was well organized by genre, artist, and alphabetically. If you're into soundtrack albums they had a great section for soundtracks organized by year because of how many they had !!! Found what I was looking for and will definitely come again to look through everything when I'm back in the area. Fair warning though that some prices may be a little high.

Justin R.

Yelp
Wax Trax is Colorado's superior record store. The staff are kind, knowledgeable and, friendly. Their selection is enormous. They go a step above and beyond when it comes to special ordering music for you. The location is wonderful and the shop itself is a true gem. I love it here and I spend hours here each time I visit.
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Irina S.

Yelp
I love coming here! Everyone is so nice and willing to shoot the s*** about records. I was afraid they'd judge me for being new to vinyl as an adult, but we totally just chat and I discover new music, or old music that sounds best on vinyl (duh). I love their used store discounts so much, my classical collection is off the chain.
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Aaron D.

Yelp
I think this is the best vinyl stores in the Denver area. You can find gems in the used section and also new Vinyl too. I try to get here at least once a month. If I go more then that I will spend to much money. I like how they handle record store day. they are prepped but they don't appear to go crazy corporate marketing for it. Keep it up guys!
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Sonja A.

Yelp
It's like being a kid in the candy store, except this candy is some serious vinyl. The variety is incredible. I've been coming to Wax since the day I had my first paycheck in hand. I can find picture vinyl, demos, rare releases and even an old 8-track. Better selection than Angelo's and way more fun to browse through. I love how the manager keeps inventory in a spiral notebook....the old school way, but it works!Name a band and the staff knows what has been released and what is in stock. Quite the brilliant crew! Long live Rock n Roll!

Emma G.

Yelp
They had everything my group was looking for and more! There were vinyl's by artists that we didn't know made vinyl's and found some difficult to find ones as well.
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Matt B.

Yelp
Great little shop. I'd probably go often if I lived nearby. Big selection with good variety. Well organized although I will say the dividers with the artists names are a bit hard to read because there's so many and they're so close together. However I do appreciate all the effort put in to add a section for as many specific artists as possible, many shops don't have that. Prices are about average. Nothing shocking. Good vibes inside but personally I think it's silly that as of 10/21 they're still enforcing masks in store. Not a big deal though, its very much worth checking out and shopping here.
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Tom B.

Yelp
I just loved this awesome place. It's a must for the vinyl lover. You don't see many places like this nowadays, especially not in Sweden were I'm from, so to find this gem while strolling in Denver made me happy. Though the funk/soul section was weak it was a joy to soak up the atmosphere and chat with the friendly staff. I recommend a stop here. There is also a really cool bookstore next door.
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Thomas P.

Yelp
Really cool used record shop with lots of awesome vinyls, I found a Halloween-themed Titus Andronicus record on sale, they also had a cool selection of movie soundtracks (lots of Miyazaki anime), and Nujabes vinyls (what?!) which were a kind of on the expensive side of things, but rightly so
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Martin S.

Yelp
Plenty of new interesting records. Next time I will look for more progressive rock type music. Fun to see MOFI stuff as well.

Madison ..

Yelp
Would give zero stars if I could. Order did not show up and they refused to contact the postal service. They are thieves. Go anywhere else if you want your order to actually show up and have a customer service base that actually cares.
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Jonathan F.

Yelp
Came in here for advice on buying a record setup, unsure if they sold record players themselves. I was a little nervous since the record collecting community is notorious for gatekeeping, but I had the exact opposite experience here. I explained to the employee that I had a collection and no player, and he lit up, excited to help me with finding the right setup for me. He went over each part in detail, explaining to me what the purpose of each one is, and gave me recommendations without putting ANY pressure on me to buy (which I ended up doing anyway). 5 stars for my experience with the staff (I wish I had gotten his name to shout him out), and additionally this has to be the largest record collection I've seen in Denver. You can tell these guys genuinely care about the hobby. I'll definitely be coming back periodically to look for more records for my collection.
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Thomas B.

Yelp
I stopped by here while I was in Denver for a weekend with some friends. The selection of new records isn't very big, but I did see quite a few that I wanted. Unfortunately I only had enough cash for one record while I was there. The staff were nice and gave me a couple of stickers though. I did find it difficult to look around because the place was so small inside, but otherwise it was great to visit a nice vinyl shop. I don't even have one in my town. So I highly recommend stopping by if you're in Denver. Also, one entrance has the vinyl, and another side has the CDs . I was a little confused at first, but I will return .
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Pam P.

Yelp
Wax Trax has been here in old downtown Denver since 1978 and is divided into 3 different sections, cd's, books, vinyls, each with separate door entrances into each store. As you enter the vinyl store you'll see 5 rows of bins as well as bins lining the walls full records. I thought their prices were very reasonable and saw nothing over the $40 dollars. Everything, all rock, metal, new wave and punk are all mixed in together. So you'd have to really know what you are looking for in this store but for some collectors it's all about the hunt, so you'll like searching here. The Vinyls have an informative history label, which some will find cool. At Wax Trax you won't find expensive or rare vinyls here. *Staff is friendly when you speak to them. Average knowledge. *There is limited street parking, so expect to walk unless you get lucky. Also if you can't parallel park keep going, lol, there is No Parking lot.

B R.

Yelp
This store scalps limited records at above MSRP. Totally lame and shady. Currently selling a Ween album for $70 online.
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Luke D.

Yelp
Definitely a top 5 of record stores in he US! This place has it all and my oh my it is pretty awesome.. it's exactly what a record store should be. You walk I , they say hi then let you browse. It's a pretty awesome place I must say!
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Lisa F.

Yelp
Welp, this place is pretty great! Recently for Christmas I got a record player and have done nothing but become focused on building a great collection of music (old and new) queue, Wax Trax Records. I recently read an article in the Cap Hill paper on this place and the owners and their amazing story - I was pretty excited to get there. One day after lunch we decided today was the day. Between the cramped aisles with records abound I was impressed with not only the quantity of material but it's general organization and most importantly even the prices. The assumption is and has to be that stores who specialize in anything mark up prices somewhat but from what I saw for a used record we paid between $2.50 - $8 for most popular (or desired in my mind) records, which isn't too bad! I think records are one of those things that you need to have no list of items to acquire - you simply stumble upon things you can't live without and to be honest Wax Trax is a great place to start looking. The sites, the smells, and quirky music all being place in the background just add to the scene and appeal of this store.
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Jezel L.

Yelp
On top of the covid game. Check your temp at arrival. Hand sani on deck. I browsed online the day before so I knew what I was looking for. Got a violent fem shirt and a gorillaz record for a gift for my man. Thanks Wax Trax
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Dæmien A.

Yelp
I was a fan of the Chicago-based Wax Trax! label in the late 80's - long before I knew of their history as an indie record shop in Denver. I was pleasantly surprised to find them here when I moved to Denver from Louisiana in late 2020. LOVE their selection of music - it's obvious that the team here loves music that's obscure, off the beaten path, or just otherwise unique. Each square foot of their TWO storefronts (one for new releases, one for pre-loved) oozes with authenticity. If you're a fan of vinyl , Wax Trax in Denver should already be on your short list of required stops. Say hi to Lemmy for me.

Kenn F.

Yelp
Great selection, good prices. The used records especially, they don't try to be trendy and hike up the price on used. Good selection and taste

Doug M.

Yelp
Very fair and fast buying our records. Everyone was friendly and pleasant to deal with. Highly recommend these guys!
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Charles S.

Yelp
Figured I check out what Denver had to offer.. Hmm.. I didn't find any gems.. Great store though.. Not sure I'd go back.. The staff was cool and the place is well organized..
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Brian L.

Yelp
It's a pretty legit record store with a huge selection. Some of them are used, but some of them are new/resissues of the (old) albums you think you're getting.. so just try to be attentive to that. They're out of a lot of stuff too, despite having the artist placard there.. but I suppose that means someone is buying it. Vinyl dorks, obviously you'll like this place. Mp3 dorks, you'll probably like it too.. though of many a record store I have been to I don't particularly see this one as incredibly different or unique from others. It's got a history behind it though.. can't deny that. For that reason alone, it is worth a visit.
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Michael J.

Yelp
Very good selection of new and used vinyl. Well organized stock. Staff is very friendly and helpful. Have never left empty handed.
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Pennie W.

Yelp
This was my first and last visit to this shop. Firstly, I went into their shop in the middle of the day on a Wednesday. I was the only customer in the shop along with 3 employees. Not once, did anyone ask if they could assist me. They were very engaged in personal conversation. Second, the place smelled of mildew. I don't want moldy, mildew stinking records infesting my collection. Next, the condition of the records was poor for the most part. If your going to charge online prices for used vinyl, you should at least make sure the condition is playable and the sleeves aren't split. After a while of wandering around the piles, I interrupted the employees long enough to ask where their rarer and higher end records were, they literally pulled a cardboard box out from behind the counter that said collectible on the outside. It had about 20 common titles in it that happened to be from big name artists. Nothing I wanted for my collection. So I left. If your serious about records, or even a casual listener, skip this shop. There are plenty of clean and organized shops in the Denver area. Most of whom have better selection, similar prices and who's employees will stop chit chatting long enough to ask if they can be of help. This place sells thrift shop records at premium prices.
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Rough H.

Yelp
Despite the fact that this place started a movement that defined a genre the original location and record store are still banging. Their used section puts most stores to shame let alone the racks upon racks of cool hard to find CDS, Lps and DVDS. They support live and local music in the side room with performances by touring bands and local indies. If you are looking for the newest Britney single go elsewhere, but if you are looking for anything dirty, dark or indie they probably have it. The staff will not hold your hand nor will they follow you around the store asking if you need help every 5 seconds. If you need help ask, otherwise they will leave you alone. This place is as real as it gets.
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Jerome J.

Yelp
Best record store in Denver if you are into 45's. They have two sections that are organized by Artist and a few other walls that are organized by the alphabet. I tend to start at the organized walls first and then get down and dirty and dig in the other section. Their 12" selection is decent and they do sell new releases. They also have a sink for you to wash up after your digging session, no need to for hand sanitizer.
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Steven S H C.

Yelp
If you want vinyl, this is the place. They got lots of it and most of them priced at about $2. Kiss original at $100. Nostalgic trip back into time.
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Seabrook M.

Yelp
The staff is very helpful! seriously, really kind and in to helping you find whatever it is you are looking for. The 45s records range anywhere from 50 cents to 5 dollars. They are also categorized by name of artist and/or genre... or by when they came into the store.
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Penny H.

Yelp
Great selection and prices with all genres if music for everyone! Love traveling through different places and browsing at different stores-great customer service
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Ty W.

Yelp
Such a great place and experience. Nothing like buying new vinyl to further your collection. This place has a great feel to it and everyone is very knowledgeable. Highly recommended.
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Ivan R.

Yelp
I love this store! They have amazing rarities, and I love supporting small businesses, this place has been around for a long time, and again the selection is really good. I try to stop by every time I'm in the area.
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Anthony P.

Yelp
Can't go wrong with a record store that has a great selection of most genres. Check it out.
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Alf O.

Yelp
ew, feel those groves! fun record shop with perfect record shop atmosphere
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Matthew L.

Yelp
The selection here is fantastic! It has everything you could want: Jazz, Rock, Classical, R&B and more. The place has a nice chill vibe, and the staff is always ready to help and even recommend things. Parking might be a bit of an issue due to the fact that it's right on 13th street. But ultimately it's a great place to walk to on a nice day!