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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The owner was extremely rude when I walked in hoping to browse. Well I can understand hoping that customers walk in knowing what they want ready to purchase something. A huge part of the record store experience is browsing looking for different cool record you may or may not buy. The owner asked me my favorite music to which I told him I don't have any because I listen to many different genres, to which he proceeded to tell me I can leave it if I don't have a list and asked if I was even serious about music. This was extremely insulting as someone who plays multiple instruments and does enjoy listening to music new and old alike. Furthermore the owner proceeded to lecture me on how they have "international clientele" and that the shop wasn't just a garage sale for anyone to browse before once again urging me to leave and only come back once I have a list. Unfortunately, because of this experience, I'd never return or buy anything from here even if I did have a list! 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

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

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

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

DO NOT COME HERE the people are very smug and rude and when I asked if they have Astrud Gilberto they said "get in line with everyone else". How is it that a jazz based record store that doesn't have someone as simple as astrud gilberto and ps watch out for the pointless two inch step that they have in front of the record store because I tripped on it. SO RUDE NEVER COMING HERE AGAIN. Every other record store that I go to has first press Astrid Gilberto! Seems like they don't want to mar sales because I was prepared to spend a good amount of money here! MAYBE NEXT TIME 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

Owner is incredibly rude. The second you walk in, you are interrogated as to what you're looking for and if you are just browsing he tells you to get out. read more

We walked in with a list of specific artists and albums, both men (Sandy and Henry) were instantly helpful and intensely knowledgeable. Sandy kept pulling more and more rare records out the further into our list he got, and Henry kept offering random selections of odd ball albums in similar veins. Classical is really where Sandy gets interested. Henry, the older of the two gentlemen, got up on the ladder multiple times to show us something we might like. If you read these other reviews, it obvious how to approach the shop; just know what you want and be polite! I went years ago randomly, it's true they were pretty brutal, but on this second approach I ended up with an experience far beyond getting some rare records. Sandy went into detail about his studies in violin, his 87 year old teacher, the jazz club he ran. Stories of booking Herb Ellis and days of Les McCann coming into the shop etc. Once we got into it Sandy even showed me some hi fi equipment of his, and talking of the master tapes he still has from shows he recorded himself with legendary names. He bought Cannonball Adderley's record collection directly from his wife when he passed, because she trusted only Sandy to treat it with care. The shop has amazing records, first editions and everything a jazz or classical fan can imagine; but through their strict rules and bitter demeanor these two men are some of the last great witnesses to the true greats. Absolute treasures waiting to be unlocked. Give this place another shot, with some care, and I promise you will get more out of it than any shop in Los Angeles. read more

I went with some friends to the store, cause I was very eager to see such a huge collection. I've been to hundreds of Records stores all across the country and overseas. I was told I could not browse and look around at any of the records and take them out myself. He asked do you have a list I said I know all the artists that I'm looking for. He was unpleasant and said come back with the printed list , I said are you kidding? He mumbled some unpleasant things and me and my friends left. We went and explored other Records stores and I picked up a lot of great records that I could browse through myself that were labeled graded and priced. This guy treat it like his museum, and you have to follow his rules. From what I saw or was allowed to see most of the records are not in very good condition. None of them seem to be in sleeves and not graded not priced. The definition of a grumpy , sour record store owner read more

Ever wanted to know what the Simpson's Comic Book Guy would be like if he was real and sold records? It's the guy who runs this shop. Why 5 stars? Because everyone should experience what a joke this owner is. Like, know you will be going in and get treated with disdain for sure, combined with misogyny, ageism, racism, or homophobia because he's THE record collector. The only true fan of music. What a pretentious character. Worth the poops and giggles. Tick him off and watch the fun happen. read more

This was single-handedly probably the worst retail experience I've ever had. My boyfriend and I (who are both musicians) stopped in to check out the record selection and were immediately met with a condescendingly rude individual. I greeted him first by saying hi and he immediately proceeded to tell both of us that "this store is not open for people to shop" which made me believe that it was either not actually a store or that it was a Members Only type of establishment. I immediately responded by saying "oh I'm so sorry.we will leave" but instead of allowing us to just leave, he then says. " no, you have to tell me what you want - what you're looking for." So I said ok and named an artist (from the 60's) to which he pointed to another older gentleman that was down the aisle, and he proceeded to tell that gentleman to look down on the bottom of that aisle. The man starts looking through and seemingly swearing under his breath. I told him don't worry about it. It's OK thank you anyway and he just kept going then he finally hands an album to me by that Artist, but that is the one that I already have so I proceed to say oh that's when I already have. I just got that last week - to which the original extremely rude gentleman yanked it out of my hand, hand it back to the other older gentleman on the floor and says "here! she already got it last week" then turns to me and says "so GOODBYE!" I wanted to give a sharp retort, but I refused to lower myself to his rude and downright mean demeanor. This man gives off such evil energy . Do not go to this shop! * *and also... for the record (pun intended) I am well aware of pricing and values on vinyl and that most could be $30 and up into the hundreds, etc.so he truly did lose money on our visit (if you can even call it that) but I'm also certain that he doesn't even care and clearly does not want to make any money. Potential customers will not spend money if their kind greeting is responded to with insults and rude behavior..** read more

Traversing Melrose, I come upon a storefront visibly brimming with vinyl. I enter, moth to flame. I try to orient myself: are the records organized alphabetically? By genre? By mood? It's difficult to tell. The space isn't large, but it feels as though it stretches vertically and horizontally with dense vinyl for miles. A tall, gray-haired man materializes beside me. "What can I help you with? Looking for anything specific?" "Just browsing," I say. "You browsers are killing my business!" he snaps. "Well, I don't want to kill your business," I answer. "How do you suggest I shop?" "Give me something I can work with. An artist, a genre, something!" "Okay. Anything by Bill Evans? Sunday at the Village Vanguard?" "Everybody's looking for Bill! What about Miles? Coltrane?" Well, I'm already a Coltrane completionist and own many of my favorite things of his. Miles, less so. "Maybe On the Corner?" "Here's some Miles," he says, flipping through a few LPs before moving on to instruct two nearby customers on the proper way to handle records. It occurs to me I've been looking for a clean copy of Gould's Goldberg Variations. "Everybody's looking for Goldberg! What about The Well-Tempered Clavier?" He calls to his assistant, who produces near-mint LPs, books one and two. Sold. While he rings me up, he tells the history of the shop (fifty years, a half-million records!) pausing only to scold two kids asking for a Benson Boon LP. Six out of five stars. read more

We were just walking by on a lovely Saturday and made mistake of walking in. I was looking at the decorations and records and within 1-2 min got interrogated by the owner of manager. He kept on quizzing me and even though I kinda stopped responding starting insulting me and beyond aggressive. Based on my experience and other reviews it looks like he wants to go out of business. Business schools should study this guy as an example of bad & hostile customer disservice. read more

Awful experience! Don't bother with this place. My visit was less than 10 minutes. The older male staff member hovered the entire time and made the visit extremely off-putting. He had a purely transactional mentality. If you want to browse, he'll dismissively kick you out with a rude wave of his hands. Complete lack of customer service skills. People browse in record shops, just like they do in book stores. But this guy is not having any of it. So for any music lovers who want to spend some quiet time browsing a shop and discovering gems... AVOID this place. You'll be treated poorly by staff that need a lesson in basic human interaction. read more

Unbelievable. There appear to be 2 men who run this place. One is older, very frail, and appears to be a fairly nice guy. The other, a larger, somewhat younger goateed man who claimed to be the owner, is in serious need of mental intervention. One of the most obtuse, self-important, and downright nasty individuals I've ever encountered (and I've been around a while). Stunningly horrific. I'd strongly that suggest you avoid entering this establishment at all costs. read more

They kicked me out just because I didn't have a list ready of what I wanted to buy, but they allowed another couple to browse. No sign up that I saw where it said,"No Browsing." Could be they were being racist since another couple was there browsing. Not sure. I saw the old guy wave some young white girls in a few days before when I had stopped for a store next door. Weird and confusing. So racist or not....Whichever it is, I won't be back. There are other options and places. read more

Glad to see i'm not the only one that had the same experience. Got yelled at as soon as I walked in through the door. When i walked in I saw the man at the front, acknowledged him saying hello and started walking towards the shelves to look around. Then I get startled by a "what are you doing???? hello?? miss??? hello???" I got thrown back because i thought i was genuinely doing something terribly wrong like something was about to fall or get knocked over, but no. He asked what I was doing and I said I was just wanting to browse, and i got the same "not the business model here, we sell records to music lovers who actually wanna buy records". I did actually want to buy one, and had specifics in mind but always like to browse because you never know what you'll find (i think it's part of the experience). The whole thing already gave me a sour taste so I walked out. read more

owner was very rude and me and the family were just trying to look around but he yelled at us. He also smells bad.

Within the first few minutes of entering the store, I was met with an older man I assumed would help me find something I would be interested in, due to the store being mostly oldies that looked like decent condition. I don't often listen to older music (anything past late 80s) so I didn't know what to expect when I walked in and saw so many old records I had never heard of. I was so interested in looking through them and seeing if anything was something I would be able to get for my sister, who likes older Sinatra and Otis Redding. But, this was not the case I was approached by an older man (I'm assuming is the owner based on the other reviews of this place) and asked what he can do for me. I said I'm not really sure what I'm looking for, but that I was mostly shopping for my sister. Then, he asked if I had a list or anything to reference. I got a little baffled with how upfront he was being due to us being the only two people in the store, but I nervously answered that no, I didn't prepare a list of records that I was specifically looking for. He then said "oh, so you're just wanting to wander around. That is not our business model, so you need to leave". I laughed and smiled at him, assuming it was a little joke he likes to say to new customers. But he persisted and said that I had to leave. I then walked out the door and sat on the curb, so confused about what had just happened. This is one of the most pretentious record store owners I have ever experienced. Music does not have rules or expectations, it is for everyone. His store is not for the common people, it is for the music snobs who believe they are better than others because of their "better" taste in music. If anyone wants to go meet this guy and give him a taste of his own medicine, please do so. He ruined my day in a small 10 second conversation and based on these other reviews, I'm sure other people will agree that he needs to be closed down. read more

Yes the owner is rude, Yes he will let you know this place is not for "digging" But if you can come and let him know what you're looking for and are ready to buy records and ask for suggestions he will give you great ones. I let him know I just started by Jazz records and that I take suggestions but I am interested in anything that's on Blue Note or Mainstream. The first record he suggested was a Jackie McLean re issue. He let me know that it wasn't packaged like that again. Double Vinyl and in great condition.. I told him I'd take it. It was $60. When I was paying he started telling me the history of the store, that there were 500,000 vinyl records in his collection there at the store and they had been open since 1973. I congratulated him on being open that long he said thank you and to come back anytime . If I was a record collector for over 50 years I think I would be a little protective of the craft and the music. Great collection, get passed the initial interaction, really be serious about buying, and you'll have a fine time read more

Service was terrible, if I could leave zero stars I would. If you're looking for a pretentious man to mansplain music and taste to you go here! read more

Holy S#?!... I should have read the reviews before going there. My young 12 year old Daughter loves music and vinyl. Went in looking for something to peak her interest but what a mistake. He approached her and asked what she wanted. She replied she doesn't know yet but wanted to look around. He then replied well looking is not going to help the store. He comes to me and ask what she wanted. I explained she loves records and music and once she finds something she will let me know. He then says to me that if that's the case this shop is not for our kind? What the? I took exception to that because we are Asian. I confronted him about that statement and he went off... I haven't heard so many racial slurs and profanity and all in front of my daughter. I then took out my phone attempting to record him saying all this when he sees the camera he then proceeds to close the shop. I cannot believe this guy is still in business. Worst of all this kind of traumatized my daughter and can't believe this place is still allowed to operate under this context. read more

The Record Collector - Vinyl Records Near Me - Los Angeles, California