The Best Record Stores in Los Angeles and Santa Monica, California

For record collectors and music-enthusiasts, Los Angeles can be a goldmine filled with rare gems--but only if you know where to dig.

If you are looking to sell your records for cash, this article shows you were to go in LA. Some of the best record stores are those that you wouldn't expect or have obscure names.

This article will investigate five of the best and worst record stores in Los Angeles, offering tips and tricks to make your record-hunting experiences as fun as possible!

What can I say about one of the most legendary record stores in California? If you're looking for a private place to dig records, this is definitely not your spot! But with such a vast selection of music in almost any genre, you're guaranteed to find something good at a reasonable price.

In terms of selling records, I think this place has it down. Unlike a lot of smaller record stores, there buyback system is very organized, logical, and most importantly, the people treat you with respect. Whether you're a tourist visiting California or a local record collector, Amoeba is a must visit.

RATINGS

Buying (out of 10): 7
Selling(out of 10): 5

Record player to listen to records?: No

In the artsy town of Silverlake in East LA, Rockaway Records seems to draw me in each time only to find that most of their selection is overpriced. My greatest finds have been some old CDs and videos--not to say their LP collection isn't great--I just can't afford it.

Just don't try to sell your records here; the employees are usually unhelpful and snobbish (I once was laughed at for trying to sell them some of my finest records).

RATINGS

Buying (out of 10): 5
Selling (out of 10): 1

Record player to listen to records?: No

This store claims to be the last true record store in Los Angeles, and they might just be right. With prices that would shock any collector, Record Surplus is a must-visit for any vinyl fanatic. Their vast collection spans across the globe, from Jerusalem to Japan. The owners have deep crates in every genre, and you're almost guaranteed to never pay more than five dollars for a mint-pressing of that long lost LP you've been searching for.

RATINGS

Buying (out of 10): 9
Selling (out of 10): 4

Record player to listen to records?: Yes

Poo-Bah Record Shop is Pasadena's source for underground hip-hop and experimental music. This is not your average record store, and the owners are very proud of that. A lot of record stores in Los Angeles feel picked clean, with little left for the new record collectors.

Poobah is nothing like that, with a wide selection of hard to find records at reasonable prices. You leave this place feeling like you just snagged a bunch of rare music for a really great deal!

RATINGS

Buying (out of 10): 6
Selling (out of 10): 3

Record player to listen to records?: No

At first glance, Pennylane Records might not seem like much more than a dollar bin record store. Compared to Amoeba, this store seems very small with little music selection. But the trick to this store is to ignore the top-shelf records and dig through the dollar bin records on the bottom shelf. I guarantee you will find good records.

True story, I once found a $200 dollar record in mint condition and bought it for $1. If you've got some extra time and aren't afraid to get down and dirty, Pennylane will surprise you with all kinds of secret music gems.

RATINGS

Buying (out of 10): 7
Selling (out of 10): 3

Record player to listen to records?: No