Bach & Rock was a shop we just stumbled across while we were out and about in Astoria. It was a part of downtown we haven't explored too thoroughly prior which is the explanation I am going with. This place is loaded with musical instruments, they sell CD's and other physical forms of music that have long stopped seeing new prints in a broad way. For movies they have DVD's, VHS and probably any other form of physical media I am not mentioning for movies. On top of that this place is kind of an incense heaven. The selection is huge and there were at least five different spots I found in the store where they had incense sticks. I bought quite a bit and was pleased with finding so many scents I don't normally come across. The atmosphere is quirky to say the least. Not only is their windblowing instruments everywhere, it's loaded with plants and other decor that definitely gives this place a unique signature. And of course the fact that a real parrot was here only enhanced that. And of course we had to swing by and say "hi" to the bird. read more

See all

At the time of writing, there are no 3 star reviews and I was tempted to give one but I'm giving a 4 star review. First off, I'm the only person, apparently, to notice all the wind instruments in this place, mainly brass instruments. I don't think I've read another review that even mentions the wind instruments. HELLO! The place is packed with them...every shape size and sort. Lots of trumpets, alto/tenor horns (really cool), piccolo trumpets, trombones, valve trombones, tubas, at least one bassoon, and much more. I give it five stars for the instruments. Absolutely dazzling to look at. I asked the "guy" where they source them from and he shot back "all over the world." I plan to go back and buy a trumpet. Great incense section. And yes, the records, cds and tapes. Very impressive. I actually did not see a cat, dog or bird. And I lost part of my smell-o-factory from covid so I didn't smell any pet smells. So why the 4 star review and not a 5 star review? Well, it's an odd place and it is somewhat restricted. You can't browse the wind instruments really because they're in a closed off area. (Did I mention the brass instruments? They're amazing absolutely beautiful). It's an odd place, and maybe not the most welcoming, but to me I love the oddity. You'd be hard pressed to find any store any where like this one. read more

See all

To be fair, we didn't even make it into the shop. We came by around 1pm and the place was locked, even though the sign said it was open. The owner (I think?) came around the corner and asked us what he could help us with and we said we just wanted to look around. And he said: "I don't have time for 'looking around.' I have other things to do. You can come back in an hour." It was weird. We came back later in the day and it was still locked. This place is probably interesting, but it doesn't seem as if the owner wants people to visit. read more

He is a prick and told us that we can't hangout here while we were looking at the movies it was a cool collection but I didn't buy anything because of how disappointing the customer service was never ever going back! read more

This place is a paradise for brass instrument players and people who like to explore hidden gems. I say hidden because I can't find any sort of website or even SM site. The man who helped me look at instruments was very helpful, shared cool info about rarer types of brass which he had for sale also. If I remember correctly it's also a place to play brass with others and learn. It's a smaller city/town, so a great service to the area. I was a tourist and didn't buy anything, but if you're in Astoria and at all a musician or cultural treasure hunter, get on in there. read more

Visiting this place the once and only time we ever shall was an unpleasant experience for about 8 or 9 different reasons. The CDs, which are kept in locked display racks where the customer must request assistance from the smiling, happy customer service expert (oh wait! I was wrong, he's an extremely surly and unhelpful worker who acts as though potential customers browsing the establishment's wares are like maggots in his sandwich) to open the rack with a key so that the disc may be examined, are priced at about 1994 prices ($17.99, $15.99, and so forth), in spite of this format's obsolescence and undesirability. I mean, maybe if the discs were priced at $2 or $3, there might possibly be something worth gambling on. But if it's going to take wading through a dusty, poorly unorganized, unfriendly-staffed wasteland. Oh, the records for sale appear to be rather stinking and definitely priced as though they're all in mint condition and also (and this is where it all breaks down) actually desirable. read more

Bach & Rock - Bach to Rock record store and the most extraordinary dust collection on the North Coast - Music & DVDs Near Me - Astoria, Oregon

Great local resource. Only place around for fixing instruments, and a great selection of musical instruments and parts. In addition to the vast collections of vinyl and CDs. read more

The main man that works then got very man at me and my girlfriends for looking through the records. It's like we were not even allow to look at them. Also way over priced. Never bought a record and never will go back. read more

This place is unique and rather cool. It sells used DVD, CD's, tapes and lots of vinyl records. There's also used musical instruments for sale. The best part of shopping here is knowing that your money is going to a cat rescue that takes in hard to adopt cats like blind ones, elderly, and cats that have medical issues that nobody else wants, etc. I feel good spending money here knowing it's going to help felines in need on the North Coast. Highly recommend buying here. read more

The man behind the counter was as rude as a person could possibly be. First we were there about 20 minutes before he asked us what we wanted, then he allowed my husband into the " secret do not touch" album zone, I wasn't even allowed close enough to have a conversation with my husband. I guess he thought I was going to steal his scratched up, overpriced albums. I really wanted to like this place but no, I will spend my money elsewhere. read more

My teens are collecting 80's rock band vinyls so while in town we decided to stop in to see what we could find for them. The sign on the door read "masks highly encouraged." However, to get to a "special" area where the vinyls we were looking for required a mask and only one person was allowed at a time. It was absolutely ridiculous that I could not join my husband in that particular area. He asked the odd man behind the counter if he could take pics to send to the boys to see if it was what they were looking for and he apparently doesn't allow pics. (We don't understand why this is the case.) The store was set up very odd. While large, there were areas that were roped off but could be accessed from another way. My husband did find one album he would have liked but decided to not give Mr. Grumpypants our business. The door says the proceeds benefit an animal rescue but having that guy running the busines isn't going to make them much. On a side note, I found the vinyl on ebay for cheaper even with paying for shipping. read more

Was on a road trip with my boyfriend and we always stop at different record shops along the way. Driving through Astoria this one looked pretty cool... WRONG. I have a SMALL service dog and upon entering the man who ran the store immediately berated us and assumed we didn't have the paperwork to back this up (even though my dog was wearing a vest that clearly designated this). When we were prepared to show his official ID card the man was very rude and still would not let my service animal in so we just left. read more

This place is what I'm now calling a Zoo forest. Plants floor to ceiling all the way around the room. At least 4 dogs, one of which looked like it was about to die. The "guy" picked it up and carried it to the other side of the store which had an indoor bathroom area for the animals. Which totally grosses me out. Did I mention they sell coffee and tea?? Yuck! I don't know how the health department allows that. Did I mention the cats?!? Saw at least 3 or 4 of those. One of which was hiss-hacking at me. The whole place smelled like a litter box, until you get to the in-scent section, which is strangely large considering there in-scent's. The whole reason I went to this store was because my husband is an avid record collector and he wanted to check out the cheap vinyl. He did indeed score some cheap records but you have to be willing to wade threw the zoo forest. read more

Bach & Rock - Music & DVDs Near Me - Astoria, Oregon

See all

I mostly use Yelp to write 4-5 star reviews, so I sometimes wonder if my good reviews come across as easily earned. I assure you, they are not. I'm pretty much just as picky as any other white privileged PacNorthwesterner, so I expect great things from small businesses. Honestly, I write reviews for the amazing places that make a positive impact on my life, on others' lives, and on the surrounding community in general. Bach & Rock makes the cut. As I'm sure many of you have done/are doing, Astoria's a wonderful place to escape Portland and explore. Aside from all of the great Goonies gems to be found, the neighborhoods are filled with beautiful and old houses, winding roads with gigantic trees, delicious seafood and beer, and this place. I've never been anywhere like it. I knew from the outside I wanted to go in, but it was still unassuming enough that I could have easily walked right by it without a flinch. I'm glad the rain coaxed me in. Bach & Rock is the following rolled into one (which still blows my mind): -Music store with CDs, vinyls, and cassette tapes -Video rentals of DVDs and yes, VHS -Coffee shop -Head shop (pipes and a large array of incense) -Gift shop (vintage items of all kinds, antiques, bird cages, plants, you name it) -Animal rescue You walk in to a happy family of unlikely friends, and you find yourself not wanting to leave. An arrogant, fat black cat was totally comfortable hanging with a happy German shepherd, annoying chihuahua mix, adorable basset hound, even more adorable Australian shepherd, and a crazy hyper greyhound mix.. and those are only the animals I saw. I'm sure you didn't know before that every music store, coffee shop and head shop you've been frequenting was missing an array of rescue animals, but now you do. Go to there. read more

Bach & Rock - I met an awesome lady pup while picking incense and browsing music and pipes. Fantastic. - Music & DVDs Near Me - Astoria, Oregon

Shopping here supports animal rescue/non-profit. Great selection of vinyl records, tapes, CD's, DVD, VHS, incense, concert band instruments, (flutes, trumpets, tubas etc.) He also sells espresso/coffee and much more!! It is like a music nerds dream mixed with a variety store. The guy who runs it is kind of shy and not the chatty type. Yes he may keep a close eye on you as the Astoria area has recently had an increase in shoplifting. Yes the store is a bit dusty and crusty and has the aroma of the incense that he sells..... but I challenge you to open your heart and mind. Dig deeper --not only for great vinyl records and that hard to find mouth piece for your trumpet....but dig deeper to realize that the owner is not only running a store he is also caring for special needs animals in the back of the store. That is what it really is all about, selling music items to support the special needs animals. Check with owner if he takes donations of records, instruments, and various media as I can't comment on the policy regarding that. Shopping local keeps Astoria unique and shop here to support special needs animals. read more

Bach & Rock - Music & DVDs Near Me - Astoria, Oregon

See all

My friend went into the Bach N' Rock store today weeping with his purchase of a French Horn that he had acquired there two days previous in his hand. He began to explain to the salesman that on the day he had purchased this French Horn, as my friend had told him that day, which the salesman assured him that he remembered today, he (my friend) had lost his job on the day he had bought the French Horn just previous to having arrived at Bach N'Rock, and that, because of being a person with documented mental disabilities, he confessed to the Bach N' Rock salesman, was not in a state of sanity when he made the purchase of the French Horn due to having just lost his job and his mental disabilities and illnesses having become flared-up because of the fact. My friend, due to this and also the fact that he believed that if he did not receive a refund of the French Horn in question that he would be at much greater sudden risk of experiencing suicidal episodes and homelessness, and explaining these facts to the salesman in Bach N' Rock, began to very humbly and gently ask for a refund for the item as it had almost entirely remained in it's case. My friend was swiftly and unquestionably that the item may not be returned and he simply would not receive a refund because the store does not do returns; and no matter how much my friend begged, wept and fearfully trembled in a panic attack in the store, humbled in front of the salesman at Bach N' Rock, the store salesman continued to tell him that Bach N' Rock would not return, nor refund the French Horn -and he added, "Whether or not You have mental problems is between you and your counsellor. The animals are more important than the humans in our minds here at this store and the proceeds of our sales go to the animals. We will not return the Horn and We will not release any funds to You!" My friend kindly continued to tell him that he direly needed the money so that he doesn't lose his home and reiterated that he was not in a state of sanity when he bought the French Horn from the salesman at Bach N'Rock. Of course, the salesman continued to tell my that it doesn't make a difference and that, even though my friend didn't play the instrument while it was in his possession, he would not be receiving a refund. He left the store crying with his head hanging. I will remove this post if the Bach N' Rock store refunds my friends purchase of the French Horn in question as a kindness to him, because he is a very evidently learning-disabled person! This is not right!! Once My Friend Tells Me that Bach N'Rock allowed him to return the French Horn to them for a full refund of $250 then, I will remove this review. read more

Whenever I'm in Astoria, I stop into B&R. This is a great place for those looking to relive their ill-spent youth in record stores searching for vinyl gems. The knowledgable staff is quick to assist you to locate a record, genre, or something obscure they can find through their distributor. They also sell CDs and DVDs. Their selection of digital media looks good but my interest is in vinyl. They also have many limited edition albums and high quality pressings. I never walk out empty handed. The owners of the business are animal lovers. As I understand it, the profits of the store go to help stray animals. They usually have a few cats an dogs in the store too. These people have big hearts. You can buy with confidence knowing that your purchase makes the world a better place. They are open very late so this is the perfect after dinner stop. read more

Stopped in here on our way home from the OR coast. I got to pet a very friendly kitty and go home with some great vinyl. The cat is happy, I'm happy and the shop owner is probably happy. 10/10 would recommend. read more

Have shopped here for many years (am a local) & have always had a very pleasant experience. They even handled a request for something specific I couldn't find in the store. Very happy with that result as well. Another great reason for shopping there is they're in the business of helping our animal friends!! Kudos to you and keep up the great work, I'll definitely be back. :) read more

Great selection of used vinyl records (my "thing"), plus CD's and cassettes. Owner has sorted and organized well, knows what he has, and rated condition of vinyl, which I have found accurate for the near-mint and excellent ones I bought and have played so far. I was on an overnight road trip from Seattle, and plan to be back. Good place. read more

A lot of complaints about the animals and how dirty it is. Need I remind you all that it's a record store? Being a punk rock kid, I'm used to dingy record stores and enjoy it. If you think it's gross because of the animals and don't want to get a coffee..then don't. No one is forcing you to. The fact that Astoria has a record store that not only has good deals on used records, but is priced decently for modern records is a godsend. I was able to roll in on several occasions and walk out with the records I was looking for. I was recently in San Diego and went to a record store there and found myself wishing I was back in Astoria flipping through the records here. Now is it as cheap as Amazon for new records? Probably not, although it's competitive based on my searches most of the the time. But it's convenient. So you might pay more, you might not, but the fact that you can walk in and walk out with your record selection and go home and listen to it right away has to be worth something. As far as the store owners demeanor, I've had nothing but positive interactions. Then again, I'm not expecting him to come check on me or wait on me. I expect him to answer any questions if I approach him, and I expect him to take my money. That's it. read more

Since moving here I have been wanting to check this place out. I opened the door and before even getting a chance to feast my eyes on the interior I was bum rushed by a pack of wild dogs. I am an animal lover, but I do not want to buy a $30.00 run of the mill vinyl that is caked in pet dander. I also had to swipe up my kid who almost stepped in a giant puddle of dog pee. That is great that he wants to give all these pets a home but the whole experience is a bit much. read more

One thing most folks probably don't know ; Lois, the owner of Bach and Rock was the inspiration for the movie 'Short Circuit' which was filmed in Astoria in the late 80's. Lois has been rescuing pets for decades and that means a lot especially to the animals. Their selection of recordings is quite comprehensive as well. read more

In a word, meh. I'm a record/CD/media collector and I've shopped lots of places; this place is OK. It's better than average for a small town shop. New CDs are a bit overpriced, vinyl is hit and miss. Presumably there is some sort of theft problem locally that results in all the CDs being locked up which wouldn't be a problem but being the only person in the store and still having to wait five minutes just to get something out to buy it felt a little ridiculous. The guy behind the counter was a bit grouchy which is fine by me but not exactly inviting. read more

Well...I thought this place looked cool from the outside...then I went it. This place smelled disgusting! There are animals hanging around, which is fine and I go to a lot of places like this that have ONE pet hanging out, this was ridiculous though! Not to mention the dogs that kept barking, chew toys everywhere, and it was lighting was dark in there. Oh, did I mention they serve coffee? Think about that for awhile. I was looking all over the place for a price list (they sell DVDs, records, CDs, etc.) and couldn't find anything. So we asked the guy working there and he told us, so the new DVDs were priced differently and the opened ones were $10. Now, one of my hobbies is shopping in stores like this - a lot of my regular places have decently priced films and the used ones average at $6 or so. Bottom line, this place had ridiculous prices for everything. This place is supposed to be a non-profit shop where the money supports some animal project. If you're an avid thrift store shopper, you know that the ones that are non-profit are going to be very reasonably priced and the staff is mainly volunteers. Not this place. The whole experience here just sucked and it was so disappointing. I wish I had read the reviews before I walked all the over and wasted my time. read more

I visited the lovely small town of Astoria, OR a week ago when our cruise ship docked there. Since I am getting back to my audio roots and have just refurbished my audiophile-level turntable, I'm eager to visit stores that sell vinyl. I was delighted to stumble across Bach and Rock, and found a CD that I have been looking for on and off for the last 15 years. As I was paying for the CD, I noticed a copy of an album from my misspent youth and almost bought it. No sooner did I leave town and wished I had bought it. Once I got back home, I thought I'd Google Record Stores in Astoria, and voila! I just got off the phone with them and will now eagerly await the arrival of this record. Great service, knowledgeable help, and mind numbing selection of all vinyl, including 45's and 78's, plus, of course CD's, and even cassettes and 8 tracks! Yeah, the dogs are a little off-putting (to me) but if you're in town and love music media, you'll be in 7th heaven! read more

If you collect or are a fan of any kind of "media" (I gag a bit when I use that word) whether it be DVDs or Vinyl or CDs or even one of the even rarer cassette tape collectors, then Bach & Rock is your haven. This place is truly one to visit and patronize as their selection is vast and many rarities are sitting on the shelf waiting to find their soul mate in purchase. I've grown up all my life in Seattle, or a 'burb of the Emerald City, and we tend to pride ourselves on our music tastes and an availability of non-flavor of the week tunes in our stores. I've passively searched 7 stores over the past few months in Seattle looking for 'Quiet Riot III' on CD. NO store had it in stock nor could they order it, and I'm old fashioned in the sense that I don't like to order offline unless it's a killer deal or a last resort. Anyways, I'm browsing Bach & Rock and on a whim check the Q section. And he has in stock not 1, not 2, but 6 Quiet Riot albums including all 4 of their first studio albums, on CD brand new! Who'd have thought a small, beach front town music store would trump the stocking might of Seattle? I of course greedily snagged one of 1986's forgotten albums with excitement. I couldn't pay fast enough to own 'Quiet Riot III'. AND, the kicker, it was reasonably priced! It was the same price in store as online, and I'll support a physical human any day over a faceless machine. That's my Bach story. They had a many rare albums that appealed to me that most stores wouldn't think twice to stock. They have 3-4 Accept CDs in stock, 4 W.A.S.P. CDs new on the shelf. They stocked new vinyl (saw a cool remaster of KISS' 'Destroyer' on vinyl) and new cassette tapes (even a-ha!). It was a solid experience and every time I go back to Astoria I'll be making a stop at the Back & Rock. The pricing isn't what we're accustomed to with Best Buys and (RIP) Circuit City, but the prices aren't unreasonable either. And when you factor in the no tax variable, it's win win. And I hope you like dogs because if you don't then there's no hope for you. read more

I was really excited to check this place out, but, as soon as we opened the door, we were rushed by three or four dogs that were all barking and spiraling out of control. There seems to be some pretty cool vinyl in this place, among other things, but my comfort level never allowed me to relax and check it all out. The owner awkwardly carried the dogs off to a dark and desolate corner of the store, where he placed the more wild one inside of a crate, at which point it began to growl angrily at us as we shuffled through records and discs. We ended up calling it a day after about two minutes and decided to never go back, no matter what treasures may, or may not, dwell inside. If I wanna check out some vinyl, next time I'll do it at Commercial Astoria. There's a significantly smaller selection there, but they're priced a lot more fairly, and you don't have to marinate in canine stench while you browse. read more

This is one of the last remaining gems of the music industry supporting multiple formats--CD's, records, tapes, DVD's and videos. It is a solely nonprofit store providing support to a private animal shelter. The store's mascots will greet you at the door. Bach'N Rock music caters to a wide audience and you will find many older titles of music and movies not found elsewhere. This store is a landmark at the edge of Astoria's historic district surrounded by a large garden with more greenery inside. They like to decorate so don't be surprised if some things inside are not for sale. P.S. you might find them open after 10PM. read more