This is a great vynil record store in the City. They have a great selection of records from spanish language, techno, hip-hop, and many more. You can also sell records too. They have two sets of record players you can use to preview records before you purchase. The store is decorated with classic original records around the walls and ceiling. Price points ranged from $15- 150 dollars, depending on the artist and album choice. Staff is very laid back. They allow you to openly and freely roam the store and they're always playing great records over the speakers. read more

I visit this store every time I'm in NYC. I always leave with 20+ albums. It has one of the BEST R&B selections in the city. Also had a huge Rock selection. Last time I was in NY, they had a sidewalk sale. Off the chain GREAT digging... See you next time! read more

All of my favorite NYC record stores are gone: Adult Crash, Throb, Other Music, Fat Beats, Deadly Dragon Sound, Jammyland, Sound Library, Breakbeat Science, Satellite, Turntable Lab, Rockit Scientist, Mondo Kim's, et al. A-1 was never at the top of my list, but there are reasons why this record store outlived so many others. First, the curating of vinyl here is not stuck in any particular niche, and not only is the rock selection good, but the hip hop, soul and funk selections are all high quality. Also, there are other genres besides these. You will always leave the store with something you really like. There is more than one listening station, so you never have to wait long. It's great to see A-1 is still around. So many record stores come and go, but I think consistency and keeping it simple explain the longevity. read more

Great selection. Groovy vibes. Affordable prices. Only negative is the $10.00 credit card minimum. read more

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Yes, great record store to rebuild your collection, great prices. Employees really helpful and everything is labeled. Great experience

Amazing selection and they pay pretty fair prices for used records. Dealt with them 20 years ago and dealt with them last week.

Came by before lunch in the area. Workers here were so nice & knowledgeable at both counters. They have a nice selection of stuff. Pretty organized. There are tables outside and tons of boxes inside. There's a record player for you to listen to what you are interested in buying. A1 records was pretty packed on a Sunday around noon even in the cold NYC winter. Got 2 Ella Fitzgerald vinyls in good condition for a fair price. Would come back here if I am in the area again. read more

A well-organized record store is a must, and A1 Records does it well. This tiny, ridiculously stocked shop is a must-visit for all audiophiles who come to New York City. There's a well-curated variety of secondhand records that's worth your time. Since I'm one of those weird music lovers who loves to browse vinyl shops while traveling, I made a point to stop off in this East Village record store. The employees were cordial, if not friendly (it's NYC after all, at least they weren't surly)! The shop is tiny and can get really crowded, so watch those elbows as you flip through the stacks. Vintage 45 collectors will be in heaven too, so get ready to spend some serious time and dive in! Prices are on par with other vinyl shops, so don't expect many bargains. Jazz lovers will especially love the selection, I came home with 4 hard-to-find (in my area) used albums in near-mint condition! Every time I spin them, I'm reminded of my trip to New York. Now that's a cool souvenir! read more

I ask my son: A1 records, good or bad? Dad, A1 records is the bomb diggity! As soon as you walk in, there are wall to wall records. Every genre of music all at one hip location. To the left is the hip hop section. Its ranked alphabetically and very very fair prices. The records we purchased were not scratched or broken. 45's go for a buck a pop. The staff was playing some kick ass music when we walked in. Everyone was helpful in our search for both Jazz records and Hip Hop. A1. Tops in my book! read more

A1 Records - Very cool store! - Vinyl Records Near Me - New York, New York

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Pro: Great record store! If you're ever in the east village and in need of a selection of vinyl, this is your place! The store's sidewalk is adorned with crates of bargain items; I pulled some Gregory Isaacs, Hall & Oates, Pointer Sisters, and Otis Redding classics from the bins with childlike delight and enthusiasm! Altogether, a stack of eight records set me back $29. Not too shabby, A1! Con: A small and popular record store can get crowded rather easily. Be courteous to your fellow audiophiles as you're digging through the crates. Bottom Line: I shall visit again the next time I find myself in the village...with childlike delight and enthusiasm! read more

I happened in this area so I decided to stop in for a look. They have a great selection of a number of genres, however, I was looking for gospel specifically and that section is very small and all in English. Surprisingly I found at least 6 gospel albums in the Latin section and this made me happy. Prices range, however, I do agree that 3 and 4 dollars for an album sitting outside on their table bins is a bit much. Considering that are many with covers that are torn. Those bins should be no more than $2. However, I also found $2 records in the store. I saw that they have an extensive 45 rpm selection, but I did not get a chance to look. The store was not crowded, but the rows are hard to get by and your search gets interrupted by people wanting to go down the aisle. Nevertheless, I would go back. I like to browse and find interesting albums. read more

The Mecca! Absolute one of the best record shops in NY. They have an outstanding house and techno section. All very reasonable prices. I picked up classic NY house, Chicago, plus some random leftfield tracks. Definitely recommended! read more

Really fun to shop here. Excellent selection of records I didn't expect to see. Staff was kind and gave me a cash discount. Happy camper. Thanks! read more

A1 Records gets 1 out of 5 stars on price and 4 out of 5 stars on selection. Just know that you'll have plenty to browse through but you'll go poor pretty quickly building your collection here. Prices on used vinyl are double the price of other vinyl shops or online. It really makes it difficult to support your local vinyl shop when an $8 mass produced used record, that few people want, is selling for $20. They have crates always sitting outside the store. The crates mostly contain $3 vinyl in Poor-Fair condition. A lot of albums have trashed covers or really scratched up vinyl. The albums are also sitting in the elements like 95 degree sun every day. You're basically buying table coasters. Definitely not a store for treasure hunters. It's alright to sell this stuff but at least make them $1 bins like other shops. Selection wise this store does have something for everyone. They have a surprisingly large Hip Hip section as will as R&B, Rock, etc. Whatever music style you like, they probably have something for you. And each artist typically has multiple albums. So they have a pretty nice selection to browse through. read more

I love this place; any record store where they still sell vinyl is A-OK with me. Although most of the records I buy here come from the bargain bins out front (Lene Lovich,) I've gotten some amazing stuff from inside (Rapper's Delight!) The bins outside are so seductive, of course, because you can browse it even when you didn't mean to. The thrill for me in buying records I wanted but couldn't afford when I was a kid (Lace and Whiskey) has cluttered up my apartment pretty good. But yes, I do have a couple of turntables and some Discwasher. read more

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What a great place to buy vinyl. So happy here. Warm tunes (Isaac Hayes...Barry White) on the turntable. Well organized. Inviting. Not intimidating in the least. It almost feels like you are in someone's well organized garage and there happens to be loads of vinyl there. Felt as if the vinyl was more up for adoption than sale there was so much love for a music medium that died-and then came back to life because people loved it that much. read more

I stumbled upon this record shop the other day when I was getting my bike hooked up next door. They have a huge selection of different vinyl, and they also have a lot of new wave/punk/goth. Why did they section them in the same area though? So much to go through, and I did end up spending over $80 here too. Geez. My addiction to vinyl is getting a little insane! Right before I paid, I found two little boxes of 45s and they were filled with Hardcore and Punk, nothing of interest to me though. I would totally give this place five stars, but minus one star for unfriendly shop keepers that looked pissed off, and minus one star for beat up technic MKII and the player to the right had a pre-amp/grounding problem. I asked nicely for help with it, and the man gave me a dirty look and told me to use the one next to it. UGH read more

Tons of used vinyls are waiting here for music fanatics to unfold them. This is a heaven for DJs and collectors who are looking for some rarities and cool oldies but goodies stuff. There is plenty of good reasons to go visit this shop, but if you need only one, here it is : this independent shop has been around for more than 15 years! This is really a performance and you need to bring your contribution to its survival, so go there and buy! This store sells only used vinyls, so prices start very low. There is no website available at the time i'm writing this post, but you can contact Michael for info at looking4wax@gmail.com read more

One of the best vinyl stores in the City and definitely a "must visit" for fans of Hip-Hop, Soul, R&B, Jazz, and Downtempo. New DJs can find a great selection of foundation sounds and experienced DJs won't be disappointed with the large selection and crates organized by Label. This is a true vinyl store. It's completely unpretentious and all about the music. Stop in and show them some love. read more

I was a fan before I even walked in the door. The racks on the sidewalk were filled with LPs in the $1-$5 range, including many that were in decent condition, and many titles that were (IMO) worth listening to. I scored a couple of gems for $4 (total) before I even walked in the door. The stock inside was more expensive, but seemed to be in very good condition overall, and the selection was also quite good. There are multiple listening stations if you're not sure whether to drop the cash on an album. Definitely worth a visit. read more

Pros: Best place in NYC for all your hip-hop vinyl needs. Cons: The prices are through the roof. read more

This store has tons of good used vinyl. The prices are a little high, but the store has 3 turntables so you can listen to the records before you buy them. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable. Despite the high price, I recommend checking this place out. read more

Nice record store with lots of selection for you to browse through. But the main problem with this store is the price, they are EXPENSIVE. It's great that the locals here are willing to spend the extra cash to support the store but when I can find a record for a dollar elsewhere marked at 8 dollars here, that really tells me something about the store. And also just because an album is popular doesn't automatically means the price is 1.5 or more of the actual price it really goes for. But the records are organized. I guess if you're not willing to walk to other stores and live a block or two away from here, it's worth to check them out. Otherwise save yourself a trip and some money by going somewhere else. read more

Really nice store on the LES if you are into records. I am always looking for new records to add to my collection and have been digging in this store on different days. I really like the fact you can listen to your purchase before you plop down some cash. Cause you dont need to get home and have pops, scratches and loops of scratches. This really eliminates this problem. I really am into many genres but always on the look out for rare and obsolete records, overall a great spot for some used vinyl which is hard to find in this big city. read more

This messy store is a treasure trove for collectors of all genres. You gotta stretch to get to all the records, shoved in various crannies as they are, but you will be rewarded. I found a VG- copy of a Blue Note Liberty Three Sounds record for 8 bucks! Other records were more expensive and played worst, but a good clean on my VPI and all is well. Owners are friendly and will offer discounts if you buy over $150. Just don't be a dick about it. Be cool, like A1. read more

This is the kind of record store that I have to come in with a list or anything I'm looking for will go right out of my mind and I'll get consumed with something else. The first time I went to A-1 I was looking for The Futures Castles in the Sky LP, and boom it was there...so I figured that was a good sign. I happen to like their style of music categorization and find them to be more accurate in their shelving than most places- which in terms of Amoeba, can be cruelly frustrating but elating at the same time. How else am I going to find 99¢ deals at Amoeba in the bargain bin because whoever tagged it had no clue? A-1 isn't the biggest bargain bin, but the selection and variety of it does keep me coming back fo mo. As long as I have a strong idea of the value of records I'm looking for to begin with, I can exercise restraint in putting that ME-WANT-NOW record down because I know that soon enough I can find it cheaper. But for the impulsive/Japanese record freeeks/ca$h burners, CON CUIDADO and WATCH OUT! read more

Just an unfriendly, unwelcoming bordering on hostile place. The place is crowded and people are squatting on the floor but the staff get annoyed when they're trying to pass through the aisles - try asking more politely! They also have a credit limit - so after I bought a stack of records, I found something else in their discount bin and they wouldn't let me charge it unless I spent $10 more... crazy! Don't you want people to come back? I gave them a second chance regardless and the guy at the front was such an uptight grump, I walked out and didn't buy the records I wanted during my second visit - it's a shame because they have great prices but I'm not willing to put up with the behavior here. It should be fun buying records. Go over a block to E 5th to Stranded Records... it's more expensive but I guarantee the experience will be better. read more

For second-hand hip hop vinyl, this is really the place to be in NYC. A1's stock has a tight, curated feel--I'd say about 8 in 10 hip hop records there are critically acclaimed. They also have a good amount of jazz, soul, disco, and rock. After a few years of frequenting A1, I find the quality of the service to be hit or miss. The store is a bit pricey but not out-of-reach. It has three listening stations but they're all poor (par for the course I guess). Overall, not to be skipped if you're into any kind of rhythm-based music. read more

Completely rude!! Ridiculous!! I've been to many record shops and they don't even take the time to greet or answer questions properly. Most of their vinyls were not in good condition and received complete attitude when I asked a question. As we left the store they mocked us. Worst store ever. Do not waste your time. read more

Second trip to A1 and not disappointed. I scored some nice not easily found albums. You are going to spend $10-$30 for a nice LP. Its a cool scene, they were cranking dance tunes in the store and it is in the mix of the E village. If you are into LP's its a must. read more

Great sidewalk display and even better inside. "This East Village standby opened in 1996 after owner Isaac Kosman closed up his flea market stand in favor of permanent digs. A1 makes finding the city's best soul, jazz, and funk records from around the world a painless (if cramped) affair. There's a good chance you'll be elbow-rubbing with some of hip-hop's greatest producers as you comb through the supply of quintessentially cool vinyl. Fresh crates of vintage records arrive (and depart) daily, so there's reason to make multiple visits each month if you're trying to build up a solid home library. A1's prices are very fair, with many near-mint LPs marked at around $8. With a helpful and scholarly staff on site, you're bound to have one of the best record-shopping experiences America has to offer in a shop that's doing business for all the right reasons." read more

As record stores die, this lives on. The greatest part is the diversity of the vinyl they carry. From 90's house, to Hip Hop, Metal, and all sorts of classics. It's a record store. Just the way it's supposed to be. read more

Should be called F-0 record. Fails on all counts as a record store. Extremely rude, even hostile, staff of the "too cool for school" attitude. They ignored customers or simply gruffly barked one-word non-answers to questions. Completely ignored greetings. Checked this place out a couple weeks ago. Overpriced records in often awful condition, which can be had at half the price at a decent vinyl store. Filthy conditions. I would never support a place that treats its customers this rudely. I took my business to another record store in the neighborhood instead, and bought a stack of vinyl. I will never go back, and will advise other collectors to avoid this place like the plague. read more

I was looking forward to having a good time with my friends but no we got treated so rudely and the store was dusty af and messy. Also horrible selection. Find another store to go to. Wish I could give this negative stars. read more

Decent selection but way too expensive. And the guy who works there was very condescending and rude so unfortunately I have no interest in shopping there again. read more

Seriously, this is my favorite record store. My first time was on Wednesday night, I rushed over from work just to check out this place and ended up leaving with a good 5-6 records. I went back again last night and came out the store with 8-9 records. Yes! Very addicting finding a lot of classics. The staff is friendly and have a huge selection of records to choose from. Only downside is the pricing. There are two different pricing on the records and can sometimes get confusing to which is the actual price, but other than that it's a pretty dope record store - a nice hole in the wall if you would say. read more

A few years ago, I had a some boxes of records stolen from Storage. I was very fortunate, but lost a few limited edition and rare records. I found many gems and found replacements copies here! Prices are decent, and records are pretty organized. I can spend hours digging through the crates here. (I find it therapeutic) Once I even dug through crates next to one of my favorite djs here. (hate to admit it, I was star struck lol) Its a little cheaper if you have cash, but they take credit cards too. read more

Very good record store! I've been crate digging at A1 a few times since I moved to New York and I think it is definitely one of the best places in the city to buy records. They is a pretty wide selection of used vinyls in almost any genre you can think about: rock, funk, soul, disco, house, etc. I personally focus on the house and techno sections and I have found very good stuff (recently: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1FK9g9rLvN8 ). The prices are very reasonable, usually around $5 per record; obviously prices go up if its a rare vinyl, but I remember buying this record http://www.discogs.com/sell/release/2027437?ev=rb for $5 and it was over $20 on Discogs at the time. There are three listening stations and I have never had to wait more than 15 mins to get to one so that is good. The staff is ok, they definitely know their shit but every time I go I ask them about events and they say they don't know, but I feel that they DO know... Whatever that's not really important. Go shop for records at A1 read more

If your are looking for older used and rare selection of tunes this is your spot. This place is a dream for audiophiles, crate diggers, dj's and producers seeking the odd, out of print and awesome. You can come away with some gems if you don't mind the dusty racks. This is as New York as you get. One of the last remaining record shops of its type transporting me to yesteryear nostalgia as I happily drop cash on some jams. read more

Amazing place to find vinyl. Affordable, with well-categorized records throughout the store. I found a record I've been wanting for ages that I haven't seen readily available in any other record store, and also found Sade's "Promise" and "Stronger Than Pride" in a sleeve in the bargain bin for $2. Two dollars! Wonderful place, albeit a bit crowded. read more