Twice now I've dropped by to visit, and each time it's been a pleasant experience. I bought a Japanese pressing on vinyl of something the first time, and that's one reason I really dig this store. For the size, this is 3/4 records, with a wide variety of genres, especially rock and jazz. The other 25% is refurbished electronics, especially turntables, amplifiers, and cassette decks. We're talking 60s through early 80s stuff, made of metal, with cool VU guages and knobs. Sansui, Nakamichi, Sony, Akai et al. You want a classic look in your listening room? You might find it here. Everything is immaculately clean and all records are graded visually and sonically. One appeal for Japanese vinyl is the brilliant production and quality of the pressings on virgin vinyl. Sonically they have a nice appeal, too. The vintage gear lends another dimension, and the owner is the tech guy, also. He showed me a box of vintage vacuum tubes, all graded by strength, and balance, which are important considerations for audio use, and in guitar amps. The old stuff was primarily built for military usage first, and commercial applications second. New Old Stock (NOS) will outlast tubes made today in Russia or China. But prices are high due to dwindling availability. Great shop, because my collection is so big, i usually just browse the newly arrived section,and what's on the walls. read more

Boogie Maru Sounds is one of the most underrated vinyl shops I have been to in SoCal. This spot is a gem in the South Bay with a solid selection of different Japanese vinyls and pressings. This spot is located in a plaza with a good amount of parking spots. Inside, they are a smaller shop but have lots of crates to dig through. Their crates are well organized and their vinyls are priced fairly. All of the staff here are friendly and welcoming. I would definitely recommend stopping by to see what unique gems you could find! read more

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One of the most memorable experiences I've had at a record shop and I've been to a lot! Stumbled upon this place after grabbing a coffee at Starbucks and so glad I did! Nori (owner) was very helpful and even played records that I had in my shopping cart, thoroughly breaking down the quality of the record (pros/cons) and giving an honest take on each item. The prices are very reasonable, considering the fact that Nori takes such great care of the merchandise and goes above and beyond in packaging and presentation! Definitely coming back! Truly a hidden gem of a place! read more

Such a charming shop- perfect for vinyl music lovers! I had so much fun listening to music while sorting through their wide collection of vinyls. I picked up Stevie Wonder's Original Musiquarium album. I believe I got it for a reasonable price. Can't wait to come back and see what other records I may find. Highly recommend a visit! read more

Boogie Maru Sounds - Vinyl Records Near Me - Torrance, California

Tiny but mighty. Love this place. It is a small space, but well stocked with Japanese City Pop vinyls and other jazz categories. The service is chilled and relaxed. I believe it's owned by a husband-wife team, and are very KNOWLEDGEABLE of music, especially Japanese, Jpop and jazz. Some of the vinyls are not cheap, but they are hard to find. I got Kate Bush, Best of Astrud Gilberto ($38), Seiko Matsuda, etc. read more

Boogie Maru Sounds - Best of Astrud Gilberto. - Vinyl Records Near Me - Torrance, California

We were looking for a local record shop and found boogie maru to be a great stop. There was a moderate selection of vinyl, record players accessories, a few cds and tapes in the front section of the store by the glass case. Ample room to get through the shop and browse the maze of records. On the smaller side but well organized and easy to find genres. Good to see other customers buzzing around this little shop. Owner was friendly and welcoming while keeping things organized as customers shopped. Right alongside Starbucks it's in the mix among a strip of shops and restaurants. Ample parking but during rush hours it can get crowded. A great spot to check out for some new records. read more

Boogie Maru Sounds - Front entrance - Vinyl Records Near Me - Torrance, California

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If you are into Japanese Citypop, you NEED to visit this place. This is an amazing Japanese-owned indie record store, specializing in Japanese pressings of famous albums, high quality turntables, and casettes. I had no idea such a hidden gem existed in Torrance, but I'm glad it was introduced to me by a friend. It may seem a little small, but you'll end up poring through and finding quality records after record. The best part is, if you follow them on Instagram you'll see all of their new stock. They get new records in every week and it's a blast seeing what's coming in. The owner, Nory, is very friendly and is always playing some very groovy music I'd never heard of. He'll also play whatever record you ask him to play, even the ones that are displayed on the wall (the more expensive records). Funny enough, the first time I visited, I was going to leave empty-handed because I wasn't ready to drop $100 on a citypop record. But as I was leaving, I was talking to my friend about "Summertime Romance" and how I'd buy it instantly if it was here. I DID NOT expect Nory to pull it out of a stack and say "it actually just arrived today." What a magical moment. I can't stress enough just how much I like this place. Every visit I make, I end up leaving with at least one record. Some amazing hits I've purchased: Tatsuro Yamashita's "COME ALONG" Toshiki Kadomatsu's "SUMMERTIME ROMANCE" Ryo Fukui's "SCENERY" You'd be hard-pressed trying to find those anywhere else. Please make your way here! read more

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My partner actually found Boogie online while looking for local record shops. We decided to check it out and were impressed. The shop is small but carries alot of import titles ranging from blues and jazz, to Heavy metal and obscure Japanese show soundtracks. The shop owners are always courteous and are happy to help with any questions you may have. They have a newly installed listening booth for audiophiles but I haven't been inside yet. Another neat detail I like are the wall mounted record holders so you can hang on to what you want to buy while browsing. You will find that some of the records here are priced a little higher but the condition of the records are far superior to any other shop I've been to. You will definitely get a high quality press worth the money. The records have been well taken care of and curated by the shop owners. So far I have bought 3 or 4 records and each have been in Pristine condition. Boogie also offers a record Unwarping service! I brought in a record that had severe warping and was unplayable. I left it overnight and picked it up on my day off. The record sounded like new and did not have the wobble it came in with. I was impressed. They also have turntable parts and audio equipment for sale among other things. Boogie maru is definitely a Must for audiophiles and collectors. I will continue to come by whenever I am in the southbay. read more

Incredible shop, lovely selection, great vibe, if you love vinyl records, please support this establishment.

AOI This place is great place to find gifts for those most absurd people in your life, the CITY POP VINYL COLLECTORS. The aesthetic of the store is very cute, and you will find things those clumsy doofs have only dreamed of. I saw Meiko Nakahara's Chaki Chaki Club with my own eyes, for example. They don't have any CDs and I was hoping for more out of their Brazil section, but that doesn't take away from this place being a top destination. read more

Boogie Maru Sounds - Vinyl Records Near Me - Torrance, California

The owner is the sweetest man ever!! I came here specifically because they have a good selection of Japanese records. I'm still a baby in my record collecting career but the owner was very helpful, providing recommendations and letting me hear a bunch of different records in real time. Thank you again! I wish I lived nearby to stop by more often read more

If you want someone who knows a lot about turntables, receivers and music, this is your spot. The owner is so knowledgeable about everything vinyl, he is willing to take the time out and explain it to you whenever you ask. He also sells equipment! They have a selection that is mostly from Japan. Ranges from rock, soul to Japan, which is super unique. It is a bit pricier for vinyls but for me, its uniqueness is where it stands out as a music fan! read more

If you're a vinyl record enthusiast, then Boogie Maru may be worth a visit. While it's the smallest record store I've been in, most of what they have is on the higher end, or specialty side. If you're just looking to drop a few bucks for an album, yes they have those, but not really the best selection of such. That last part is subjective. If you're into jazz or Japanese import albums, then that they definitely have. Not cheap, but also not uncommon for a store that knows the worth of such. Well maintained records, good vibe, and they also have CDs, which is nice. read more

Small family-owned vinyl store that has high-quality vinyl and more. Its the best! And the owners are super nice, knowledgeable and passionate. They're willing to play anything you see if you just ask. They have tons of options on Japanese Pop, Jazz, Rock and more (just ask if they have anything in the back on anything). read more

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Great service and excellent selection of records. Picked up a used Santana vinyl with poster!

Been shopping there since 2019. Probably one of the best spots in the South Bay! Out of all the way too many vinyl albums purchased from them, only one had a quality issue and they took it back no problem. Best selection of Japanese pressing around. And they are fairly priced as well. Most of the record stores around will add a 10 to $20 price hike if it's japanese. Highly recommended!! read more

Okay, I confess I have walked by this shop many many times as it's in my neighborhood. Finally went in this evening, and wow, what was I missing!!! Selection of Jazz, pop, rock, and Japanese "city pop" genre LPs. Music equipment (they buy and sell used hi-fi equipment), Japanese prints of vocal artists and western musical artists. Really cool shop. My daughter was like, "I think I need to come back here." Check it out! read more

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So I'm watching that legendary dude who runs The In Groove out of Phoenix list out his top 100 vinyl albums in print on YouTube. Once again I'm entranced by the entire vinyl magic. Even though I'm primarily digital first, I have a reasonable little collection of vinyl. So I've got the bug to get some more records and what's this I find? Boogie Maru. Actually right in the next block from my favorite ramen house. (Josui). This I got to see. It's a super cool hole in the wall. Racks of retro components including Krell and Sansui are spinning vinyl. They've got some tube amps behind the counter too. I immediately recognize there's a man my age behind the racks working on something and I already love it. This is legit old school. There's about a half dozen or so bins of Jazz so I go straight to it and let my fingers do the walking. I found two prize LPs, one of Coltrane's Ballads (which was in the top 100) and a live recording of Yellow Magic Orchestra (Public Pressure). I got six more plus a T-shirt. When I'm checking out, I realize I hadn't even looked up to see some more extraordinary collectable albums behind the counter. I'm really happy to have found this place. Great selection. Excellent JP imports. I had to stop myself. Next time I'm coming back for some Cibo Matto and Naganuma. Fingers crossed. read more

cool collection of japanese music and non-asian music in vinyl, cds, and cassettes. they even have audio equipment for sale. i went for the cds, they were a reasonable price. the man at the desk was quiet but attentive and quick to help me with my purchase. the music selection while i perused the store and bought his wares was obviously lovely too, i think some sort of japanese bossa nova support small music businesses! this is a treasure!! read more

Oh, I'm so happy I saw this gem while picking up sushi in that plaza. That day I had to rush home but at least got a peek inside. Came back the next day. You know that small enthusiast run record store you hope to visit in Japan? That's what I felt here. And such a pleasant experience. I think I thumbed through everything. Can't wait to visit again! read more

What an amazing collection! Bought a few vinyls and labels and descriptions for used vinyl were en pointe. Each record was immaculately packaged. Staff member also helped me with selecting an album. I was visiting from out of town, and staff also gave me a vinyl shipping box to package up the purchase. Would come back when in town. Or better yet, order online next. :-) read more

I was looking for a local record store and was happy to find this one was a hop and a skip away from my home! It's a small spot with a variety of different music selections. I was perusing for some Blues records and when i decided on a few the employee offered to play some of my records on their sound system. I enjoyed that! Good to see there are nearby record stores without having to drive all the way to Los Angeles! read more

Definitely worth popping in. Super niche, but insanely fun finding Japanese variants of your favorite record.

This is the as close as you can to actually walking into an independent record store in Tokyo (more like Osaka actually) outside of Japan in the land of the US of A. Every record is cleanly presented in Japanese outer sleeves, and the selection is insane as Boogie Maru specializes in Japanese presses. Prices are higher but still reasonable considering you don't have to fly across the ocean to Japan. And almost every record that I pulled out to inspect before buying is either In Near Mint of at least VG+ condition. I actually found a copy of white label promo 1963 Japanese pressing of Kenny Dothan's Matador. talk about grail. If you are a record collector (especially Jazz), you owe it to yourself to check this place out. You can dig through the crates while your spouse/partner sip latte at the Starbucks just across the parking lot (you know what I mean haha). read more

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Just left this store and picked up 2 city pop records. Found out about this spot on Reddit lol. I messaged the owner on Instagram he put the stuff I wanted on hold. Really nice guy too! They got city pop vinyl, cd, tapes and Japanese imports. I wish i was able to stay longer but I'll definitely be back again! read more

Boogie Maru Sounds - Vinyl Records Near Me - Torrance, California

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One of the best hidden gems for vinyl in town! The jazz selection is incredible and the owner Nori has a wealth of knowledge on virtually any artist or album you can name. He also has a slick multi-turntable setup so that you can hear A/B tests of different pressings right in the shop. Prices are reasonable, and the shop is in a little strip mall near a Starbucks so parking is a breeze. A must-visit for anyone interested in jazz or Japanese pop records! read more

Boogie Maru Sounds - Vinyl Records Near Me - Torrance, California

Awesome merchant. Super friendly and knowledgeable owner. A hidden gem to have in the community. Picked up a city pop record "meiko nakahara- coconuts house, synth pop record - yellow magic orchestra - multiplies, and glam metal - ratt - out of the cellar. Not your ordinary record shop as the shop also specializes in Japanese city pop which is a gold mine for anyone who appreciates the funky genre. Keep in mind many of the city pop classics are $$$ but a bit cheaper than what you can find on discogs, which is understandable. Love that the inner sleeves come with static free inner sleeves. Will be a frequent customer read more

Boogie Maru Sounds - Vinyl Records Near Me - Torrance, California

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My new favorite record store in the South Bay. Solid curated collection and all of the records are in great shape. Sometimes buying used records is hit or miss, but not here! Almost all the records have ratings on them, whether they were cleaned, year of the pressing, etc. Prices are fair, especially on the imports which you'd have to spend $20 or more to ship from Japan or Europe. Owner is very nice, too. I will be going back regularly :) read more

Great little place, people that work there are very nice! Quality vinyl, nice atmosphere. You just have to do what we do, browse and find.

Owner is incredibly nice. I came to purchase a shipping box, and he provided me with everything I needed to safely mail my vinyl.

Highly recommend this record store! The shop owner is awesome and the selection is great.

They have an amazing collection and are really awesome people! They had great equipment and also helped me when I was just learning about turntables! read more

I have been coming here to purchase records for some time so this is in no way a bitter a review but an honest one. When I first started selling records here they never really cared for hip hop or USA pressing in general the owner likes to buy more Japanese pressing from the 70s-90s. Today I brought about 30 clean Japanese pressing of rock and roll. Keep in mind all of them have no scratches and are amazing rare records from Eric Clapton to The Bryds I wasn't expecting the world amount but to offer me $75 for the whole lot is just simply ridiculous I do not suggest selling your records here as they will low ball the hell out of you. Go sell your records either at Record Recycler, or even Amoeba they would give you a better price for your records. Besides that they do have good records but are extremely overpriced to what you can get online same records they have in store just search them up on eBay or even on any browser it will pop up for cheaper and in better condition too! Like I said this is an honest review to help record collectors get the most for their buck read more

My husband and son are avid jazz and rock music collectors. We found Boogie Maru to have an astounding collection of great jazz LPS. The owner Nori is knowledgeable, friendly, and honest. He has many original pressings, and Japanese pressings. We can't recommend him enough if you're in the market for Jazz records. Don't forget to ask Nori for recommendations; he has introduced us to wonderful musicians that we're not familiar with previously! read more