For Those in LA
- Thread starter MylesBAstor
- Start date
Going to be in LA soon, so this article's timing was perfect!
Anybody got other tips, outside of this list?
Thanks,
alexandre
Anybody got other tips, outside of this list?
Thanks,
alexandre
The only one to go to is Amoeba. If it is anything like the Amoeba in the SF Bay Area you will find almost anything there
Oh, I've been to Amoeba in LA, a few times already actually. If anything, it's BIGGER than the SF stores. I had to come back multiple days, covering different sections of the store. Good thing they stay open until later.
alexandre
Amoeba is big, but big isn't always better my beef with them is they mishandle the vinyl. their buyers at the front desk slam them down like so many old newspapers. what vinyl they do sell is, imo over-priced equal to high ebay pricing - even if its scuffed to death (VG+) with split seams. compared to the stores mentioned in the article, Ameoba's used CD selection is better than their vinyl. for film buffs their DVD section upstairs is unequalled but again expensive
otoh, there are some stores on that list (no, i'm not saying which
) put out everything and price it below ebay/discogs and they know it, its smart business in my opinion and keeps them coming back. I know it works on me and they're getting to remember what I like and save it for me when I stop in - just like the good ol' days.
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the attached pic of Ameobas' Hollywood store is from the 2nd floor looking down, the middle section with the yellow colored dividers are CDs (majority of the store) the section left of the pic is new vinyl and the opening at the back leads into another room that's primarily used jazz/blues/classical CDs and collector vinyl hanging on the walls. not shown is the section to the right, with more music and ephemera.
otoh, there are some stores on that list (no, i'm not saying which
) put out everything and price it below ebay/discogs and they know it, its smart business in my opinion and keeps them coming back. I know it works on me and they're getting to remember what I like and save it for me when I stop in - just like the good ol' days._________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
the attached pic of Ameobas' Hollywood store is from the 2nd floor looking down, the middle section with the yellow colored dividers are CDs (majority of the store) the section left of the pic is new vinyl and the opening at the back leads into another room that's primarily used jazz/blues/classical CDs and collector vinyl hanging on the walls. not shown is the section to the right, with more music and ephemera.
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I agree, if you're going to run a brick and mortar store, keep it in the store. I've seen stores that actually put the LPs they auction on eBay on the wall, but then refer you to eBay if you want to buy them... It's likely these guys are not around anymore.
As for Amoeba, I got quite a few bargains at in the $3-7 range for vinyl. Not the most pristine condition, and not original first pressings of course, but worthwhile for those gaps in the collection that must be filled The CDs are indeed interesting, specially the jazz section...
alexandre
As for Amoeba, I got quite a few bargains at in the $3-7 range for vinyl. Not the most pristine condition, and not original first pressings of course, but worthwhile for those gaps in the collection that must be filled
The CDs are indeed interesting, specially the jazz section...alexandre
it's the crate diggers code of silence, no self-respecting 'digger will hand that kind of intel over on a silver platter - unless you're fellow digger and qualify them by evidence of dirty fingers and pant knees soiled from grimy floors. a disheveled look often completes the image.
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Record Surplus in Santa Monica is a fairly large, used vinyl store that I frequent. I have yet to venture to Silver Lake and go to all the Origamis of the world. Its hipster paradise over there which isn't my thing.
KeithR
I checked out the santa monica blvd store recently, its a mere shadow of their former location on Pico Blvd (one of my favorite haunts years ago) . there aren't many record stores left on the Westside, imo silver lake and eagle rock are your best bets and the hipsters don't bother me
. theres a new vinyl scene around NoHo/arts district out to Burbank that's worth checking out. I think poo bahs in Pasadena is still around I cant say its still good I haven't been there in ages.
The best overall vinyl shopping experience I have had was in Tokyo. Japanese pressings aren't always the best for sound quality, but the experience was a real trip... just too much digging fun
Oh yeah, Tokyo is really something else. There's nowhere else in the world like it, I guess. A trip to a Disk Union will bring back your hopes for the music industry!
everything about those stores was awesome. The diversity is staggering, the average condition of the records was amazing, 70s albums that looked no older than a brand new LP.
and prices for local pressings were reasonable! In my experience, the next best thing to an original is the Japanese pressing....
The only problem is actually locating the stores, since the address system in Tokyo is too damn weird, and most of the stores are tucked away in huge galleries.
everything about those stores was awesome. The diversity is staggering, the average condition of the records was amazing, 70s albums that looked no older than a brand new LP.
and prices for local pressings were reasonable! In my experience, the next best thing to an original is the Japanese pressing....
The only problem is actually locating the stores, since the address system in Tokyo is too damn weird, and most of the stores are tucked away in huge galleries.
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