6 Best Vinyl Record Stores In Seattle

I have been meaning to get into vinyl records for some time now and finally took the plunge. Meenakshi gifted me an Audio Technica Turntable last month and just like that, it was time to embark on a quest for a record collection. There is something so freeing about placing your favourite record on the turntable, dropping the pin and listening to the warm tones that come out of this completely analogue way of playing music.

Recent years have seen a massive resurgence of vinyl and this has sent the prices skyrocketing. Fresh copies of highly sought-after music are either regularly out of stock or run upwards of $70 – $90 a piece. For newbie record collectors, looking to build up a collection and don’t mind used records, I have put together the perfect guide to go record hunting in Seattle.

Al’s Music Video & Games, University District

This hidden gem on ‘The Ave’ in U-District is chock full of video games, music CDs, cassette tapes, film DVDs and of course, hundreds of records. You’ll find a lot of jazz, classical, pop and rock records, all reasonably priced. Take the time to look under the tables to find more crates full of records. The staff are super knowledgeable and true music and gaming nerds.

Pros: A very diverse and broad collection of genres, friendly staff.
Cons: Could use some more organizing and sorting. 

Website | Location

Spin Cycle Records Movies and Games

This Capitol Hill store, on Broadway, is the perfect place to go crate-digging, and you might just surprise yourself with what you find. Be sure to climb down to their lower floor, to find more Rock titles.

Pros: Good prices, regularly have 1 dollar crates
Cons: Couldn’t find too many Classic Rock/Rock titles in the store.

Website | Location

Sonic Boom Records

This place is a Seattle institution. Located in artsy Ballard, not only is this store very roomy and bright but also crammed with new and used records from a very large variety of genres. The staff is super friendly and non-judgemental. These folks genuinely care about curating and celebrating music and I loved the vibe of this store a lot.

Pros: Huge store, amazing collection.
Cons: A little on the pricier side.

Website | Location

Lifelong Thrift

This is one of the best thrift stores in the Capitol Hill area, with a huge variety of records among other things. They have a huge book and media section on the lower level, with several shelves of used records.

The collection is not super organized but, every once in a while you will find yourself audibly gasping at what you find here, especially after you look at the price tag! Crate digging at its finest.

Pros: INSANELY GOOD prices, I found a couple of Moody Blues records, for 50 cents each.
Cons: You have to hit this store often and be there at the right time to score good record hauls.

Website | Location

Goodwill

Not all Goodwill stores sell records, but the Capitol Hill store does. They have a very limited collection, (a couple of crates) of used records. I found a Lightfoot record for a dollar, but it was very crackly when played. Best avoided unless you are in the store for some other shopping.

Pros: Used records for cheap.
Cons: Records might not be well maintained, please remember to check the record physically for scratches before buying.

Website | All locations

Selector Records & Apparel

This is a small store in Capitol Hill with a very good collection of House, Electronic and similar music. Definitely consider visiting if you are into those genres.

Pros: Huge collection of house/techno.
Cons: Couldn’t find too many records in the genres I was looking for.

Website | Location

Keep checking back this space for new updates, as we will add more to this list. You can also check more things to do in Seattle and other neighborhoods of Washington State.