This is the friendliest place on earth! Especially for the novice collector. I would encourage anyone who is just starting their collection to go in and ask lots of questions. The owner seems interested in helping people learn about Jazz. He'll be more than happy to recommend some basic albums and engage in a loooooong conversation about music. What a guy! He let me know that he loved visiting with young out-of-towners. I felt nothing but respect emanating from this wonderful human being. I see lots of negative reviews going on and on about how he has dementia! Wow! That couldn't be further from the truth. This guy is a stellar human and needs to have his store full to the brim with people just starting their collections. Well done, sir. You're really something! read more

I went in looking for a Beethoven record by Erich Kleiber, the owner, Mr. Chase was extremely helpful, even recommending other recordings from Kleiber. I will most certainly be returning to The Record Collector for my classical music needs! read more

I popped into this store a few weeks ago on a HOT day, just to look because I love anything historical. When we walked in, Chase was a whole crank monster and behaved EXACTLY the way everyone in the reviews is communicating on here... That being said, I realize where dude is coming from. He is an OG that doesn't have time and doesn't want people touching his stuff. After my friend donated $20 to his store, he finally opened up and was "kinda" nice. I asked him if he was from NY cuz that nasty attitude -Ha Ha- then he said "naw, I am an LA guy but my family were from Brooklyn"! I responded, I can tell - and he proceeded to compliment me on my thick skin! Ha Ha. Overall, I enjoyed the experience. I will go visit him again, just to piss him off! read more

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Much like most of these reviews, as a music lover, I was walking by and thought I'd try this shop! The owner sitting at the front was so rude and pushy the second I walked in. This man ranted for 30 minutes about how my generation is directionless and went out of his way to point out things about ME (my clothes, hair, headphones) that he believed aligned with his opinions? He wouldn't let me get a word in, which he claimed was my fault, too. Incredibly bitter and insulting off the bat, I actually had to laugh. When I didn't buy anything, he told me to "Go f*ck yourself!" and "don't ever come back!"--which isn't a problem, considering his store will surely go under soon due to the lack of customers within the span of time I was there. Not sure why the owner takes his anger towards the new world out on young people, but it was the worst record store experience I have ever had. Shame, cause the skinny old man in the back was very kind and interesting. DO NOT GO HERE IF YOU WANT A GOOD EXPERIENCE! read more

Man oh man. I've honestly never had an experience quite like this. I truly believe music is a universal language that should be shared with everyone, but unfortunately this store gave me the exact opposite impression. The store itself has so much potential, and I'm sure there are some incredible records here. However, I found the owner's attitude to be incredibly off-putting and honestly contradictory. You have such an awesome record store, yet you actively disrespect your customers. Lock in. This isn't the kind of place where you can casually browse or discover something new. It feels like you have to know exactly what you want and strictly follow the owner's rules (which can be anxiety inducing.) I honestly don't understand how that creates or sustainable environment for a record store. To top it off, the owner was rude to my friends and I. He dismissed us by saying, "Have a nice day," while gesturing with his hand for us to leave. LOL. It was an incredibly uncomfortable experience. For those who left good reviews you probably caught him on a really good day bc damn. read more

I'm so surprised, have never had such an awful interaction with a business before. I wanted to find a record for my parents 25th anniversary but when my friend said that we were just browsing the old man said to come back when we were actually serious about music and he could tell we were not. I laughed thinking he must've been sarcastic and then he mocked my laugh he shooed us out saying "goodbye!" Maybe he was having a bad day, but it was disheartening! Wouldn't recommend going here read more

I usually don't write reviews but I just wanted to say that the owner in there is a really rude grumpy old man. My friends and I walked in curious to find some cool records. Nothing was labeled or organized. My friend was curious on a record and had asked him if they had it. He gave the wrong one and my friend still debated on getting it eventually he said just put it back and leave. While walking out he mumbled something's and said Jesus. Don't know how this place is still open! read more

The owner is worse than the Soup Nazi from Seinfeld. At least the Soup Nazi had great soup and prices that weren't works of fiction. I wish I'd read the reviews before walking in. If anything, they understate the shopkeeper's spectacularly asinine attitude and talent for insulting potential customers. I believe the store opened in 1974. Today, it is filled with records, wildly optimistic price tags, and the most unpleasant shopkeeper I've encountered in a lifetime of record shopping. Nearly 52 years in business is impressive. Making a customer want to leave without buying a record may be even more so. read more

The owner literally the worst kind of person. Fortunately for him, he's an old man. I wouldn't tolerate his attitude by anybody 50 and under. read more

This is my first time writing a review. Doing it specifically to warn of the bitter old man who owns this shop. Entire store is extremely unorganized and has bad energy overall. Owner is very rude and pretentious about who walks into his store. Was just in your shop 10 mins ago, if you see this I hope you learn to appreciate young people walking into your store being curious about records instead of talking shit about them to other customers. Don't know how this place is still running! read more

Anyone who leaves a positive review saying the others are mistaken. They are the ones mistaken. 99% of the people that go to the store are insulted for no apparent reason. If you experienced the treatment I got at the store, you would never in good conscience recommend anyone to go there. The guy pretends to care about music but they only care about money, if you don't buy anything they'll insult you. The guy there is clearly judging me by my appearance, he proceeds to ask me to name "jazz artists" I took maybe three seconds to respond, as this question obviously caught me off guard. He quickly says "didn't think so" to which I finally snap and name "miles Davis, John Coltrane, Alice Coltrane" he then says "oh we have that". At that point I obviously didn't want to buy anything. Then he called me a moron as I left. Like some positive reviews say "friendliest place on earth" read more

Upon my arrival, I was bombarded by the store owner who would not let me simply explore the store instead I had to give him a specific band I was looking for, or he would refuse my business. I've never been to a record store where they don't let you go in explore and look for a record. I don't see how that's profitable for the store. Additionally, you are constantly followed by the old curmudgeon employees who get mad when you don't buy something immediately, bad vibes. The most hostile vinyl experience of my life. I recommend the punk store across the street. read more

Charmingly horrific :) There is, tucked along Melrose, a particular kind of cultural artifact no pressing plant could replicate: the curmudgeonly record dealer whose temperament has aged less gracefully than his inventory. My visit to The Record Collector felt less like retail and more like an immersive study in ego and taste. The proprietor--swift, encyclopedic, and unmistakably unimpressed--retrieved selections with impressive precision, only to bristle at the modern instinct to verify via Spotify. Browsing, it seems, is no longer browsing unless it ends in immediate, unquestioned purchase--hesitation being the ultimate offense. "Move. Come back when you're ready," is delivered less as guidance and more as doctrine. And yet, there is something perversely compelling about it. A former saxophonist by his own account, he carries the air of someone who has distilled years of proximity to greatness into a rigid philosophy: taste must be instinctual, decisive, and efficient. The warmth is absent, but the character is undeniable. In an age of frictionless politeness, The Record Collector offers resistance--less a store than a fully realized persona. Not recommendable in the conventional sense, but as a study in human texture, undeniably... collectible. read more

This is the worst service and person running a store I have ever met. Very arrogant and entitled old la j**kass. Interrogates you right when you say enter making you spit out what music you like and then dissing you for claiming to like all music or being open to all... essentially pressuring you to name a record bc he only treats records like a commodity and business. Once he figures out you just want to browse (which I had to ask 5 times "am I allowed to browse/look?", to which he dodged the question in the most condescending way, I finally felt free to browse to which I felt watched like a hawk. I then asked where I can find the prize of the records... to which he gives me a whole rant about true lovers of music/records (to which I shared I was an artist and he started to condescend me "well as a lover of the arts, you should know that stickers cause acid rescue...") know the price or refer to me. I then told him I would have bought something if he didn't make me uncomfortable and if I wasn't turned off from the whole situation. He then (couldn't really hear bc the music was so loud and he talked too soft) said "let me be honest with you...." And started to say something about me (probably again insulting) and the only part I could hear him say was "so you can leave." The audacity of this old man and his worn out records... if he TRULY CARED about the arts he would let people look and put the records in PLASTIC SLEEVES. If you want a hellish, anxiety inducing experience go here is all I can say (zero stars). read more

Based on the 2-star rating of this place and the recent reviews, it seems that many others have had the same experience that I did. I took 2 steps into the store and immediately a voice barked "ok what are you looking for?!" (no "hi, hello, or anything resembling a greeting). I honestly didn't have anything specific to search for but replied "rock" just to respond. I was then told that rock started on the "bottom shelf in alphabetical order" (convenient, you have to basically crawl to see the selection). The 2nd of 2 crotchety men working there (the first being the gem who barked at me as I came in) was sprawled on the floor right in front of said rock selection, so I couldn't get close enough to see. I attempted to clumsily peruse other selections but nothing was labeled and there didn't appear to be any logic to how records were arranged. It was essentially like browsing the records in a thrift store (selection and organization-wise). I started to feel uncomfortable (I was literally the only customer and felt like I was under a microscope), so I started to walk out, at which point crotchety man #1 exclaimed "You're not serious about your music are you? Get out of here!!". I thanked him for his hospitality and exited before he could cane me. With so many other record stores around, there's really no reason to come here. The owner has apparently been here since 1974 and missed the memo on retiring. read more

Rude rusty old b*tchy white guy at the front desk. Very rude and he should retire. No manners and no customer service whatsoever. He might be the owner. Do not go here not worth it. His collection is as old as he is and his attitude. Went inside and told him we will just browse. Along the conversation, I asked him to repeat what he was saying and just mimics me and mocking me coz as if I didn't understand English. He did it twice. No patience at all. I beg you, do not go here. Not a pleasant experience and no customer service at all. Stay away. read more

As the reviews mention in detail the lack of customer service and lack of human decency from the owner I won't add to much more to that other than what people are saying about this man is true. It's a shame, considering record stores like these are few and far in between. However, if you do happen to check out the store, be prepared to be judged on your taste in music, harassed about personal details you haven't even shared, and lectured. Oh and sexism! Do not waste your time here. read more

I literally just walked in there and he greeted me nicely and he asked what he could help me with and I said I was going to look around because I wanted to see what he had and he immediately kicked me out and said he said he doesn't do " looking around" and that it's a waste of his time?? Like first of all, you're kicking out a lot of potential customers here just because you assume that they won't buy anything. I would've bought something if it wasn't for his gross attitude. Improve your attitude old man read more

What a gem!! Opened for 50+ years.. Walked past this place on Sunday and had to stop in from seeing through the windows the floor to ceiling filled shelf's full of records.. As soon I walked in the owner said hello welcome, what type of music do you like? I replied a little bit of everything, he then replied what's that supposed to mean? He said give me an artist or genre I said ok do you have jazz or blues, he then replied saying he had over 2k records in just jazz alone.. I settled on asking if he had any Al Bowlly, he said yes I have Al Bowlly.. He walked down one of the aisles and called down the hallway to someone.. All of the sudden a frail old man came out, the owner said can you get down the Al Bowlly records, the old man sighs ok, the owner in return gave him a ladder, which the old man un folded and struggled to push it down the aisle, he climbed up to almost the top of the ladder looking through the albums un able to find any records, after struggling the owner comes over and said here let me help you!! The old man climbs back down the ladder and the owner pulls the ladder further down the aisle and says here this is where they are, the old man climbs back up to the top and finally finds the records and struggles to start pulling the records off the top shelf handing them to the owner.. I would say he took down maybe 20 or so records I found one I was looking for paid 25 bucks for it and was on my way.. The record by the way is in amazing condition almost new.. If you are looking for a specific record I definitely suggest coming here.. The owner is very knowledgeable.. I can see where he would come off rude, he wants people who know what they are looking for.. read more

The older man that either owns that spot or works there was extremely rude right when I came in and assumed I would not be buying anything which was a weird way to communicate to a customer when I would have actually purchased if he didn't have this terrible attitude and assumptions that he made up in his own head. To the older man, stop being bitter and work on treating people with kindness and love and see how much more business you actually get instead of turning actual business away because you think someone is "worthless". read more

I walked in and couldn't afford a record he showed me. I said I would come back which I actually was going to do, but then he said no you won't and proceeded to call me cheap. His tone was really disrespectful so I walked away. read more

Probably the rudest, most despicable store owner I've ever encountered. I was inquiring about a band and looking through a bin of their albums. After not finding the one I was looking for, he asked, "How many do you want?" When I told him I hadn't found what I was looking for, he replied, "What a waste of my time." I was genuinely shocked that someone -- let alone the owner of a store -- would say that to a customer. I stood there with my mouth open, and he told me to get out of his store and again said that I had wasted his precious time. I have never been treated with such hostility, arrogance, and contempt by a business owner. Avoid this store and this man at all costs. Instead, walk a couple of blocks down to Headline Records, where customers are actually treated with basic decency and respect. read more

The owners body language gave the appearance of not caring about us as soon as we walked in. Raised his voice because he didn't like where I sat my drink at the front of the store. Out of respect for the records, I placed it in the front, not realizing it was wood, so yes that wasn't good. It's all in the delivery of the message, man. A "please don't sit your drink there, sit it here instead" would have went better than being outright rude. Couldn't greet us with a smile before asking what music we were looking for. We did tell him sone genres we were interested in, but it didnt seem good enough.He did let us browse though, which led us to find something unexpected. Wasn't thrilled that we didn't want to make impulse purchases. He questioned what we did for a living in order to be able to afford to look at records. Why does he need to know that? This is after trying to talk to him about the personal music collection we already had. The other people who walked in after us didn't get questioned about what they did for work mind you. Also argued with us about whether or not we had met Music Man Murray. The gentleman who had the misfortune of working alongside of him was very kind though. Much more of a pleasant interaction with him. Owner told us that gentleman would be 80 this month. After we made a purchase, the owner then said he'd show us more next time. Pretty sure I overheard him saying to someone else that they wouldn't be there for much longer though.... read more

Zero stars if I could! I'm echoing the other reviews that the staff were dismissive and rude. Was told to leave while I was browsing because they have "millions of records" and to come back with a list of what I want (the store was empty). I was told I could "only take one photo"...which made me laugh because 1) I wasn't even taking pictures and 2) my phone wasn't even out genuinely wanted to browse but will not be returning. I think they stereotyped me because I'm a younger woman and they didn't believe that I'd like records?? Take your business where you're wanted! read more

The rudest people I've ever met. Get your records from literally anywhere else to avoid a terrible experience.

If I could give 0 I would have loved too. I rarely leave negative reviews, but I feel compelled to do so with how negative of an experience we had. We walked in wanting to browse as it was our first time ever visiting this store and at first it seemed like a usual record store. We had a specific artist we were looking for and they were willing to show us their collection. We ended up choosing 1 record to buy and as soon as the older man(the owner I believe) up front heard we wanted to buy only 1, he immediately started bullying us and pressuring us to get more or he would not let us buy anything. When we mentioned we only had the budget today for 1. He started becoming even more hostile and kept guilt tripping and shaming us for not getting two and for wasting his time. He started calling us names and screaming at us to get out of his store, which we gladly did. I will never come back to this place. I feel bad for the lady and the other even older man at the store, they seemed nice, unlike the owner of the place. The audacity that man has is beyond. I am surprised his store is open with how bad of a customer service he provides. read more

Takes away the experience of crate digging . The owner wont let you freely record shop ! He has a man on the ground crawling to help who is like 90 btw - was uncomfortable and not welcoming read more

The rudest man I have met in a long time. He asked me what genre I was interested in, I told him I like several genres, He told me that was the wrong answer, said I get an F, and told me to leave his store, said the same thing to my daughters, and screamed and me and called me names. He was so abusive. Terrible human being. read more

worst customer experience ever! they are like predators and hate anybody who doesn't know exactly what they're looking for down to the birthmark on the artist's left leg. browsing is not allowed and don't even dare to not buy a record or he will tell you to get out. beware y'all (i had to download yelp just for this review) read more

Beware The owner sucks so bad. He told me browsing was not allowed and when my friend told him he'd come back later to buy a vinyl he told us to get lost and said "don't waste my time." Left a very sour taste in our mouths. Old man needs to learn a thing or two about customer service. How is this place still around ...? Go ANYWHERE else. Seriously. Don't give this guy your money. read more

I would rate this place zero if that was available!!! There are two guys that work there one is super nice and the other one shouldn't be allowed to even come around that place. He is extremely rude to customers, I'm surprised this place hasn't gone bankrupt with such a bad representation for customer service. Why go to work so bitter every day?? Go find a job that will make you happy dude!!! read more

My boyfriend and I stumbled upon this store and as two people who love and collect vintage records.. we were very excited to have a browse and see what we could add to our collection! Immediately when we walked in, this older man who was sitting down (assuming it's the owner) asked us why we are here and we jokingly (and respectfully) went, "it smells so nice in here!" because older vinyls and books smell amazing to us, as collectors, and it reminds us of our parents. He then told us, very rudely, "this isn't some kind of coffee shop" and "the smell isn't his buisness model." Figuring he was joking and we were having fun banter - it then quickly turned into him rudely assuming we didn't know music, we didn't care about it, and that we should get out. We are saddened and disappointed in this experience. If this man had a different attitude, we would have most likely enjoyed this environment more and bought something. Out of principle, we won't support someone with such a rude and entitled attitude. Also, I've never reviewed on Yelp before this experience. read more

The owner literally called my wife a c*nt because we didn't buy a record. He said it's the problem with our generation (I'm 38).

The owner was one of the rudest people I've ever encountered. This was our first time visiting the store, and we were genuinely interested in browsing to see what they had. As soon as we mentioned we were just looking, he demanded that we leave. We hadn't even had a chance to explore or understand what the store offered. His behavior was extremely unprofessional and offensive, and he used inappropriate language that made the situation even worse. No customer should be treated that way for simply browsing. I would not recommend this store if you value basic courtesy and respectful service. Save yourself please never come here. Clearly he care so much about your money first than you having a great experience at his store or even finding something meaningful to you. What a waste of time!!!!! read more

As soon as you walk in this "archive" the type of welcome you receive won't be a warm one bc right away the owner will question why you're even going in there with his tone, choice of words and body language. My girlfriend and I walked in there respectfully, wanted to inquire about the records and store being it was our first time there. He does have plenty of records I can say that much, but what is a record store if we couldn't browse through the vinyl at all to see what we like or may be interested in. The owner or manager or whatever he was made it seem like he created the idea of music. Telling me my seriousness of music wasn't as serious as his. WTF does that mean when it's to each their own. WHO THE HELL is he comparing MY preference of music to his, when 1 we've never met before and 2 who is he to tell me my own taste and seriousness of music. His energy was off and it was actually funny when we walked out after our interaction with him like how is this store still in business?! For anyone that wants to be entertained with negative smart remarks from an old geezer, go in here. If you just want to see the "500,000 records" as he claims, at a glance and distance go there. Salute to anyone that goes in there for at least 10 minutes and makes a purchase. read more

Relieved to see that some of these reviews confirm the negative experience I had when I visited. I've never felt so unwelcome in a store. There could be a great selection there, but I have no clue because I got the impression I was not wanted there. Too bad, because I collect records and would've loved to explore their collection. read more

Nothing is priced in the store. So let's say there's a record you'd pay $15 for, and he tells you it's $35. You are now officially in a situation where you either overpay, or face the wrath of this crotchety, sweatpants wearing, old shlub. He is rude, vulgar, and inept when it comes to the art of sales. I would never recommend this shop to anyone I know, just so they avoid having to interact with this crusty bag of bones. Having said that, I look forward to one day browsing through his estate sale. Cheers, Sandy! read more

Rudest owner I've ever interacted with in my life. Do not come to this store. I've never experienced such a rude individual. Walked in and he immediately told myself and my partner that there is no browsing allowed, to do my research before coming in, and when i apologized that I did not realize walk-ins were not allowed, told me that he doesn't need to advertise that and to not waste his time. Also had a few choice words for younger generations. Horrible experience. Don't ever come to this store. read more

Same experience as other reviewers. Came to melrose for Headline records (would recommend) and thought we'd check out this one too since it was down the street. Got interrogated off rip like other people were saying. We also got yelled at for "taking photos" even though we were just holding our phones bc we had no pockets. He then kicked us out bc "browsing isn't a good business model". I would argue being rude to patrons is a worse one but ok. The selection of oldies is also not hard to find in other record shops so I wouldn't waste your time. read more

This man is the rudest man I ever met. Saying that our generation is so entitled and he kicked me out for just taking a simple picture just because I took it on my phone instead of a camera. Also saying that he only likes selling to rich and international costumers. He is a bitter old man it's beautiful inside but does not deserve anything! read more