Walking in was like a blast to the past. Literally every space in this store is packed with records! (No CD's) I didn't know a record store like this existed anymore! I'm a total fan of LP's, and I get all giddy when I find places like this. You gotta support this dying breed of store. I'd give it 5 stars and buy more records if I could afford them! read more

U2 - Joshua Tree was $25 and around the corner at another place it was $8.95. I know you're trying to keep the doors open and everything, but c'mon. read more

I visited the store this past weekend during the Food Festival. It brought back memories of the past,but, the staff was not attentive to the customers and the owners did not look excited to welcome the people. I was hoping some oldies but goodies would be playing as you entered to give it more of a feeling of nostalgia. In addition, with so many records there, lowering the prices would definitely move some of the inventory. One would think,maybe the owner does not want to part with a few of the records. Remembering,not to many people buy vinyl. If you look hard enough at garage sales and swap meets you may find the same collections. read more

I've been here a couple times. What can I say. They have records. Collectible records but...nothing is really organized jus alphabetical. No genres. The prices on the vinyl are "kelly blue book" collectors prices. Example a Go-Go's album normally $5-$8 for sale for $15. The shop is small and tight. Its awkward if theirs more than 3 shoppers in there. If you're looking for hard to find 45s and don't mind paying a high price and enjoy the digging hunt. Then this place will satisfy your "Vinyl Fetish" read more

The prices here are a bit steep, but the music selection is great and well-organized. The owners/staff of this shop are also knowledgeable and friendly. read more

I went in one day when I was in the area, and was thrilled to find a box of classical vinyl. While the non-classical records were quite expensive, I got about 15 records for $35. I took those up to the register, and the owner mentioned that he had more classical records behind the counter, which he showed me. I walked out of there with a huge haul. read more

A great little record shop located in the Orange Circle- Added a vintage 45 to my collection and another for wall art. Loved the stories the owners had to share on some of the signed wall records at the front counter. Will visit again next time im there. read more

What's cool about Mr. C's Rare Records is not their location near Plaza Square near Orange Circle in Old Town Orange, the fact that the store was used as a part of the Tom Hank's movie "That Thing You Do" and not even the album covers mounted to the wall with binder clips like the art that they are. What's truly cool about Mr. C's Rare Records is their walls of 45's. They may have the largest selection of vinyl singles in Orange County. In an era when bigger is better and digital music is king, us 'kids' who graduated high school in the early to mid 80's can still appreciate the power singles had back in the day. read more

It's hard to find a parking space here, but the store rocks. They had a second stage beatles butcher cover album here. Found a trunk cover yesterday and today. Staff is not only awesome, but friendly as well. Sure, it's a bit overpriced, but the records are in great shape. Worth it. read more

I had never been to Mr. C's Rare Records and what a joy. Wall to wall records displayed on the walls of this collectors paradise. I didn't have a lot of time, but was able to find a nice DEVO 7" from France to add to my collection. Next time I visit Orange County, another visit to Mr. C's is on the list. read more

I don't know how you would rate this place anything but five stars the woman working there is extremely kind and is so willing to help me with any questions I have. Some people say the prices are to high but every record in there is top quality. This place is like waking into a portal to 1976. I will be sure to come back for all my vinyl needs. It's sad that small family businesses such as this one are disappearing. read more

I want to address something I see in a couple reviews here about prices being "steep". I can say this. I came across two albums that I purchased via amazon, used of course: Wings Over America and Wings Greatest Hits. I spent more on those two records in worse condition on Amazon than I would have spent on better condition albums at Mr. C's. So to those who say Mr. C's is pricey do not know the world of vintage or classic Vinyl or maybe vinyl in general. A lot of the classic albums he has are cheaper than new albums that are being released on vinyl. Now, to Mr. C. He and his store are phenomenal. I was looking for George Harrison's All Things Must Pass, it was not in the bin and he asked what I was looking for and I told him. He didn't say anything just oh ya that's a god album. A few minutes later he pulls out the classic analog, no remastered to digital back to vinyl crap, boxed set of All Things Must Pass. This is a wonderful find. I didn't care how much it was, very reasonable it turned out, I bought it. Mr. C's is a must if you like vinyl like my wife and I do. He is such a great guy and will help you until he makes you happy and if he can not he'll do what he can to get what you want TO make you happy. I will continue to come here and if the day comes, I will mourn the closing of Mr. C's. read more

Been coming here since I started collecting vinyl its tucked away in the last stretch of antique shops on the north side of the circle. Cute old time record shop packed with vinyl from U2 to the rare and obscure artist from the 40s -80s. Great spot if you shopped around and can't find it online and this is the last resort. Stuff is priced way to high but its only for the must have items last thing I boutlght there was Jack Nitzsche's "The Lonely Surfer" I'm not sure if ill come back :/ read more

The store has shelves and many isles of hard to find records you can think of. The store had records from the 1940's till the time the 33 rpm records were discontinued. The store has an excellent variety of records from artists that your parents and grandparents would listen to. The drawback to the record stores like others have mentioned is the prices you pay for the records. The records you get will be in good quality along the albums they come in. read more

I like the vintage record shop feel when you walk in. Old wood bins that house the records, old carpet, old RCA dog statue, and some music loving old men behind the counter. I agree with other reviewers; this place is on the pricey side. Many of the LPs I've looked at are way overpriced. This place does have a great selection of 45s, and some of those aren't too bad price-wise. These guys price accordingly, so if it's not in the greatest shape then it will be a few dollars less. The Staff is ok, not super friendly, and for many 50s and 60s songs dealing with the issue of LOVE, these guys sure don't show the love to the customer. I called to see if they would buy some records. They said yes. We get there with albums in hand, and then someone tells us, oh we only buy FULL COLLECTIONS of albums. What a bummer and wasted trip!! Finally, they still dine out on the fact that the outside of the place was shown in the 1996 film That Thing You Do. Big movie poster on the inside above the door shows us that. Worth a look if you like LPs but otherwise, look elsewhere read more

First, you have to be a vinyl lover to get this place. You won't find shiny new fixtures and sexy marketing programs on the end caps. You won't even find slickly labeled dividers for the records. But you'll find rare, rare records in fantastic shape at market prices. Yeah, market -- the price you need to pay to get quality. And if you show any knowledge about the music you're looking for, Mr. C will have a conversation for you. . . a tid-bit of trivia you didn't know about your favorite band, or label, or whatever. Guys like Mr. C are few and far between, and stores like this just DO NOT EXIST anywhere. . . And next time you drop in, you're going to spend your cash. You may not have planned to, but you will, trust me. The best records in my collection were purchased from Mr. C. Oh, if you can't find something, ASK. Mr. C knows every bin, and every pseudonym, related band. . . he will find it for you. read more

My husband and I had the most incredible experience at Mr. C's! We popped in with an idea of what we were looking for and the owners spent a lot of time with us bringing out options that they thought we would like. Not only did they nail it, but they even played the record for us! They were incredibly knowledgable and personable. Prices are incredibly reasonable and they really, really know their stuff. I can't wait to go back! read more

I stopped in for the first time today and will definitely be back. The clerk was very nice (Mr. C I presume), and even brought us a stack of records from the stockroom when we couldn't find what we were looking for out on the floor. The prices are good considering the hard to find records are in great condition. For me, condition matters because a large part of enjoying a record is enjoying the album art. Later in the afternoon I found the same record in a nearby antique store for $10 cheaper, but the jacket was in bad shape. I actually really liked the general alphabetization, as I didn't have to run back and forth like a chicken with my head cut off like I normally do inside such stores. I did notice that the soundtracks had their own section. read more

Located withing spitting distance of the orange circle in old towne orange, this record shop, like most everything around the orange circle, is very overpriced. The selection isnt very impressive. If you are into 1940-1960s caucasion pop and country and folk, this is your place. If you have more eclectic tastes and if you dont like to pay for overpriced records, look elsewhere. read more

I went to this record shop today for the first time and I have to say that it's really cool to see a store that is been operated the same for 40 years. There are a lot of collectible vinyl they're mostly 50s and early 60s R&B and pop that she had showcased on the wall. When you are looking for a title she has it alphabetically by the first letter of the last name make sure you know that or you might get her upset she really is a nice lady. The prices are MSRP so be aware but you can still find some nice gems in there for a good price. read more

Place has a variety of vinyl records, but that attitude the owner has is terrible, I felt like he was being a bit racist, and he kept keeping his eye on me like if I'm some kind of criminal. Not to mention, they were being really nice to my boyfriend (who looks caucasian) but they were ignoring the crap out of me. Would not recommend . read more

I took records to Mr. C's for evaluation and to see if he would like to purchase them. I had called him a few times and told him what I had and he said to bring the collection down for evaluation. There were 45's and 33lps things such as Little Richard, Fats Domino, Ricky Nelson, some jazz, various artists, He was so rude he told me he had no use for this genre of music. When I asked what style of music he was looking for he then he began quizzing me on artists in the 50's that sang rhythm and blues. I named off a few and he corrected me each time. I didn't know I was going to be quizzed or I sure would have studied. He then asked me where I lived and when I told him, he said "don't come back and waste your time". Cantankerous does not even begin to describe this old man that works or is the owner of the store. I WILL NEVER RECOMMEND HIM or go back to his store in the Orange circle. People like him should go to the old folks home and stay there. RUDE, CRUDE, and a totally useless excuse of a human being. read more

I love visiting but the prices are way over market price these days. And the staff isn't terribly welcoming. I'll always stop in but will rarely buy anything. read more

Two star review for the old lady working the shop today. Went in with my parents and old lady starts complaining to a guy that my mom didn't put the records stack back the right way on the shelf even though she was still looking through them. WE CAN HEAR YOU. My mom ended up buying one but I wish we didn't give the store any business for the condescending treatment. Why even let customers in the store if you abhor them so much? Why be in business at all? Rude. read more

I don't see how any one can give this place one star. The owners of this place are awesome. They are super polite and willing to answer any questions you have about vinyl or turntables. The reason most of the records here are pricy is they are original not reissues. The owner of this place has been collecting records for 60+ years. This store stocks everything from nickel bin albums to Elvis picture disc costing up into the thousands. read more

Been coming here for almost 20 years. Takes me way back to when you could listen to what you purchase BEFORE you bought it (and got the wrong piece of wax). This is the place to go if you are looking for the hard-to-find vinyl! While the prices are a bit high, keep in mind they "don't make them like they used to". Each time I go in, I swear to myself I won't go overboard but ...well you know how it is. Guys at the counter are knowledgeable and friendly...and they have gift certificates. Have to go back again soon. read more

By far the WORST customer service I have ever experienced! Came in here as given the name of the place "Rare Records" I figured I could find records typically not found at other locations and when I requested some assistance to find a record the older woman sitting behind the counter (prob the owner) said they probably did not have it! "Probably" to me means they most likely don't have it but there is a potential that they do! Waiting for her to get up and assist me, she just starred at me, so given the awkward silence I just took matters into my own hands looking for it and what do you know eventually found the record I was looking for! Given the lack of help and overpriced records I decided to take my business elsewhere and advise others to do the same. To put icing on the cake of this situation, parking was a hassle for this business complex so I ended up parking behind this business to be approached by the old lady from rare records telling me she would have me towed away for parking there.... I was shocked to walk into there store finding out the lady who hassled me about parking was the one who was no help (go figure) way to treat your customers! Given by the terrible reviews of this place it doesn't surprise me with what others are saying. Take your money and business elsewhere. read more

Been coming here for over 2 years and it has always been a good experience. Every time I visit I chat with mr. c for quite a bit and he's a pretty cool guy. I like how they have all kinds of records. They even have 45s with picture sleeves which is what I like since they are not too easy to find. Overall great store and the owner seems to know what he's talking about. read more

Always the most helpful guys that will point you in the right direction, especially if you're not 100% sure what the next step into (insert artist or genre) is. I mean just spend an extra 5 minutes chatting with them and you've suddenly gotten your moneys worth. Keep it up guys! read more

I've always wanted to come here, but it's never open during the week they close like at 3 and on the weekend at 4. So we made it to the circle early, walking around the shops like we do, getting food and then some coffee at Portola, so far so good. We walk into the record store and there was an old lady who looked so mad. I Didn't say hi or nothing cuz she looked mad. We were browsing and what not and I look over and I hear "HEY NO PICTURES HEY" I look over at my girlfriend and she was talking a picture of her coffee to share on social media. This old bat got up so fast and covered so much ground I thought she was gonna pass out. My girlfriend says oh sorry just taking a pic. And the old broad goes "WHAT" And leans in thinking my girlfriend was giving her lip, when she was apologizing, pretty gangster move on the old lady's part. But thats as far as I'll go to compliment her. I stared in disbelief at how rude and bitter this old old lady sounded. So I said let's get put of here and she scowled at us. I recommend everyone pretend it's the 1920s when you walk in here because they apparently hate free publicity, social media and technology. We'll go elsewhere for records where they don't hate money, people and phones. read more

Visited in March 2015 and found two 45's that I needed badly (that Norwalk Records did not have) and all have to say, this place is wonderful. The prices are a bit high, but this place is geared for serious record and music collectors and their copies are VG+ or better. Staff was extremely knowledgeable and friendly. If you are looking for that long lost song on 45 RPM, chances are this place will have it. TONS and TONS of 45's here, with a good selection of LP's as well. The 45's are in artist order A to Z on a wall. They will even play your selections before you buy it, to make sure you are satisfied. They also sell 78's and collectors items. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!! read more

My dad is a great lover of old vintage music. He never misses a chance of buying vintage music and old records especially those of 1920's or ealier. Past three months he had been looking for Dear Heart a composition of the famous Jean LeFarve which was released in the year 1919 or 1920. One day while passing through Glassell St, I thought to give a look around the store, Mr C's Rare Records. And guess what I found Jean LeFarve's composition; the one my dad was looking for. This shop not only had Dear Heart but there were lots of other vintage music records. I just cannot tell you the happiness I had seen on my dad's face when he saw the small gift from me. My dad is now a regular customer of the store. read more

I've shopped here since the late 80's-super selection of 45's- ask to see the "special" records behind the counter ! I've always thought his prices were fair. read more