I've always found the staff here to be friendly and helpful. Prices are very reasonable too.

They have a diverse selection across genres, and what I love most of all is that if you can't find a new release, they will order it for you! I love their fun chalkboard of new releases and recommendations of new arrivals as well. They have an excellent section of new and used record players and audio equipment near their listening station. The staff is always friendly and helpful, not uppity or acting bored and unhappy to be there like some other record shops you might be unlucky to go into. Oh, and they're dog friendly! Tip: follow their IG if you want to call dibs on new arrivals and a chance to win tickets to local shows. read more

What a great shop! Nice mix of genres, selection. Great vibe, just a good ol' record store. Their Instagram system of new stock seems fun too. Love their shirt designs and art also. All in all, just a perf neighborhood funky rekkid shop! read more

Econo Jam Records - Vinyl Records Near Me - Oakland, California

See all

The selections are excellent and varied. The staff is chill and helpful. You're bound to find something that you like. Highly recommended.

I have been a vinal collector for decades. I go to many different record stores looking for records. I have never been in such an outstanding record store. There selection of records in incredible. The owner, Tom, is as nice a person you will ever meet. He is very personable and knows a tremendous amount about vinyl. They even sell used stereo equipment. Check them out. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! read more

I was pleasantly surprised shopping here for the first time. This place is extremely well organized. Every single album has a label on that explains what the record is and its condition. They also have a section organized by price going down to just a few dollars. I feel like there are some genuine bargains to be had alongside a great variety and selection of new vinyl. The only downside is the parking, Telegraph is a mess these days but that is not the store's fault. read more

Dope little spot, outgoing, knowledgeable and friendly employees. Great selection of vinyl and some rare gems that always peak my curiosity. Really good stereo system and listening station (I think?) to boot! Glad I've become a repeat customer... you should too! read more

Great to see that Tom is weathering the storm during the COVID-19 pandemic. Looking forward to when the doors will be open for record browsing and listening but in the meantime you can checkout what's available on discogs or jump on Instagram and DM for purchase and pickup ! read more

Econo Jam records is my favorite record store in Oakland. They have a very friendly staff and they usually have everything I am looking for and MORE! Their instagram is epic and often leads me to discovering all kinds of great music! read more

The staff were cordial and followed safety protocol as I walked in. Gave me some gloves and that showed me that they care about their safety and also the clients' too so I felt safe. Also they were professional and helpful with answering my questions. I interreacted with Jafar and Dave and I will go back again. The store had various selection ranging from Jazz, Soul, Rock, Metal to Ambient and Experimental. They had a section were they sold record players that was a nice addition. Also they had another section for new releases alongside classics and in demand collectors items. It was my first time to a records store ever and they made me feel comfortable and would recommend this store to anybody! read more

ECONO JAM RECORDS is the store that you WANT to support. After a trip to ECONO JAM you feel like you're a fully accepted member of the family, and as such, you feel compelled to spend your money there and tell everyone you know about the place. Here's a few (of the many) positive aspects of the store. 1. Tom (and staff) is one of the most genuinely helpful and down to earth record store owners I've ever dealt with. He has ALWAYS given me the best possible service he could, and I've personally witnessed him give copious amounts of information (and precious time) to people just because they had a question. Clearly, he does it because he loves it, and not to rip people off, or make a million dollars. 2. The store has a great selection of all types of genres, but personally I feel like they have a really great curated selection of Punk/HC/jazz, and experimental stuff. 3. This is the ONLY store that I will take high dollar records to and actually get cash, rather than credit. I have taken all of my heavy-hitter records into Econo Jam because they pay TOP DOLLAR (within reason because they have to make money too) for your rare, and collectible records. NO OTHER store in the Bay Area will give you as much as Econo Jam. I've sold stuff to all the other major players in the area, and they don't even come close. 4. They have a listening station so you can check out any used record in the store before you buy, which shows you that they put people over profit yet again. They care that you get the record you want, and provide you with all the necessary equipment and help to get you there. That's real service. If you visit the store, you will find that everything I've written is true. You will certainly want to go back. The East Bay needs more stores with such a committed staff, and customer-centric ethics. Econo Jam is a treasure. I hope they thrive for years to come. read more

First, Staff: THE. BEST. I mean... they are ALL shining bright like diamonds in there. You LEGIT WANT to be friends upon entering and leaving this place. So much knowledge there, folks! If I could, I would be in love with them. Unfortunately I have a dog and am incapable of now loving humans, but the people at this shop are so close to filling the void! Second, selection: URRY THANG! If they don't have it, ask for it, or they will guide you towards it somewhere in the universe. No worries. If they don't have your coveted album, dig through the MASSIVE selection. GARE-OHN-TEED you will find something you will be loving for the rest of your days...or hell, sell it back later when you are done. They have a listening station, too, Incase you are unsure. Third, everything else: location is rad, sometimes there is a 4 legged friend running around (see above. This makes your experience better) and is always going to be yo best fren. Go here now. You'll pat yourself on the back for doing so. THIS RIGHT HERE is an OAKLAND LIGHTHOUSE for records tapes and all things music. A beacon of hope! The best, hands down! read more

Very friendly, knowledgeable staff. Got some gems at very good prices. In my opinion they are really conservative with their grading system. Definitely coming back! read more

Some bullet-points, so you don't have to read all my shit: -They actually have turntables, plus accessories and parts -There's a diverse and wide selection of music. -Their inventory is listed online at Discogs. -If a record is listed online, it's actually on the floor, and not in some secret vault that only bearded nerds have access to. -The staff here are as helpful as they are friendly. There are no arrogant hipster attitudes in this place, just enthusiasm for music. I don't really post yelp reviews, but this place deserves the effort it takes to write one. My credibility is probably suspect, due to my other review being of a vape shop. Fuck me, It's hard to quit smoking. This is a fantastic store, and I've had nothing but great experiences here. My first time in here was a little over a year ago. In addition to picking up some great records, I was able to get replacement screws for my headshell. I don't recall exactly, but I was either charged nothing if maybe a nickel for those little screws. Most shops that sell vinyl, the usual ones that pop up in revitalized downtown areas or near college campuses, would happily have you fling crosley after crosley into the pacific every few months. The fact that they keep turntable parts around is incredible and convenient. My last experience here was amazing and the catalyst for this review. I showed up looking for a record I saw listed on discogs. It had been moved into their marked down section, and not unlike any other marked-down section, it wasn't organized. I flipped through it a couple times, but I couldn't find the record. When the owner Tom saw me struggling, without solicitation, he volunteered to flip through it. After having no luck himself, he took my name and number, and offered to let me know if they came across it. While I appreciated the gesture, I didn't have a lot of optimism for a bargain bin record turning up. Lo and behold, by the very next afternoon, I got a text from Tom with a pic of the album cover and a confirmation he had found it. That amount of effort to help someone get a random discounted record is just rare and noteworthy. They definitely care about their customers, and I'm certain to be a longtime and loyal one because of this. Anyhow, do yourself a favor and buy a record from this place. read more

I've been frequenting Econo Jams since 2014 and its still one the best Bay Area record stores. I've transitioned orders via discogs and Instagram since the pandemic. The customer service and friendliness has always been consistently superb. I will likely be a loyal customer for life at this stage. Highly recommended! read more

Great selection, knowledgeable staff, lots of local artists too. Records cassettes stereo equipment

I love the way each record is so clearly labeled here- it makes it easy to quickly identify what you're looking at while flipping through them. Prices for new records are fair (maybe $1-2 more than Amazon, which is reasonable) and prices for used records are absolutely stellar, with many under $5. They also have a decent selection to choose from, though be warned that the vast majority is rock or rock-adjacent and I wouldn't come here expecting to see much mainstream pop, for example. There are some other genre sections (including records in other languages), but they're sparser. Lastly, I like that they carry records from local musicians. I'll definitely be back! read more

Friedrich Nietzsche once wrote, in Twilight of the Idols, that "Without music, life would be a mistake." And while I'm as guilty as the next person of embracing many of the technological innovations that my proximity to the Silicon Valley affords, there's something to be said for tradition. There's something to be said for purity. And there's something to be said for ritual. At the end of the day, there's nothing quite like a needle dropping onto vinyl, the dusty scratchiness of empty space that's suddenly filled with hi-fidelity music, the melodic voice of Taylor Swift (or, you know, whoever) filling the room through a pair of wood-grained speakers, enveloping you and altering your emotions and your mindset instantaneously. So come to Econo Jam, pick up some vinyl. Grab your favorites, new, in pristine condition, and get a few from the dollar bin while you're at it. Check out some art. Chat with other patrons and learn what they're listening to. See if it might be something you'd want to enjoy as well. Embrace vinyl, and save your allotted internet monthly bandwidth for cute cat videos and gay porn, as God intended. read more

Great shop, nice guy working and played some of the live albums i wanted to buy as i shopped. Rap section was not to big and i was looking for Older Bay Artists. Prices where very reasonable. read more

Been ordering online via their super active Instagram all through COVID! Quick response time. Amazing selection of new and used. Total gem!

Our fave place for vinyl in the Bay Area. Tom & his employees are fantastic. They are knowledgeable about music. Always playing interesting cuts from the crates on the shop sound system. There is a listening station to check if a mark on a used piece of vinyl is a no go. They have a handful of turntables & replacement needles & other supplies too. They have a great range of genres from rock to hip hop, punk, hard-core, experimental, jazz, blues, soundtracks & more. Lots of used 12" sgls & EPs as well. And art for your eyes...they host a new visual artist each month including an opening in first Friday. This place is not to be missed if you are shopping for vinyl. read more

While on vacation to the area we decided to pop in for a browse...and ended up with an arm full of vinyl that we had to figure how to get home. They have a great selection from pretty much every genre and right at the back the $1-2 records where, if you dig through, you may well find some gems. I seem to recall a few record players around so you can test and listen to something before purchasing. If I lived locally, I could imagine being in here all the time. Definitely worth a visit if you're into vinyl and looking to just see what you can find. read more

Love this spot. One of my favorite record stores in the bay (and I've actively tried to visit all of them within a 40 mile radius). Solid jazz section. Great on rock too. I always find a record or two in world/reggae. They sell restored music equipment, very nice items for sure. I also come here for my plastic protectors, needles, cleaning supplies. Always very helpful staff. I do miss their listening station but I get it, precautions for covid. read more

Cool little record spot with some great priced hidden gems. I reached this store ten minutes before closing and the Pixies were jamming on the speakers. My friend was able to find some hip hop gems for an awesome price. I'll definitely be back to dig. This place has a great vibe and the guy working up front was a cool dude. read more

See all

One of the best record shops I've been to .I planned on stayng longer but i found so much stuff i wanted that i hit the budget ceiling pretty quick! Best selection and decent prices, i think everything was fairly prices. Ill so be back here! read more

This was my first visit to Econo Jam. I came to sell some vinyl, and the experience was great. The assessment of condition and prices offered were TOTALLY reasonable and fair. There was no nitpicking the hell out my records or making lowball offers whatsoever. The owner Tom is an upbeat and super friendly guy who clearly has a genuine love of music and records and is eager to please his customers. The shop has a laid back vibe with cool jams playing though vintage gear. There's also some vintage gear on display that's for sale. I'll be back to check out the vinyl selection and post an update on that soon! read more

THIS IS THE BEST RECORD STORE IN THE WORLD. great prices, great selection, friendly staff. go spend all of your money here.

BEST RECORD STORE IN OAKLAND BAR NONE! I cannot give this establishment enough praise. First and foremost, the staff here is always welcoming and understand the importance of building a rapport with the customer. I was relieved to find the absence of the stereotypical "pretentious record store owner / music snob" behind the counter as is commonplace these days. Secondly, the inventory here is outstanding. Econo is a dispensary of old school blues, punk / indie rock, 90s hiphop and new releases amongst many other genres. I've spent countless hours browsing through the selection here and have always managed to leave with a few golden gems in my bag. For instance, last week I found Odessey and Oracle, Liquid Swords, The Human Expression, and What's Going On all in one setting. "But wait PimpDaddy" you ask, "What about the prices? Can you please reign in on this insanity and clear it all up for me. Im so lost!". Well rest easy friend because you will simply not find a better bang for your buck at any other record store - and trust me I've been to more than I'd like to admit in this region. Most new vinyls are under 20 dollars and I've typically saved about 5 dollars per itemized purchase here compared to other venues. In short this is, in my opinion, the best record store in Oakland. The only problem with this store is the location. EconoJams is inconspicuously hidden somewhere around 25th and Telegraph between a cell phone shop and like 20 Ethiopian Restaurants. I am confident that this is the reason this shop does not get the attention it deserves. This place is a diamond in the rough that is definitely worth your time and money. read more

I love this joint! The folks that work here are super nice, knowledgeable, and uber friendly. I had questions on turntables and they were more than willing to take the time...I could've easily ordered the item online at a better price but due to the customer service, I went ahead and bought it! I love their selection of vinyl for such a small store in Uptown Oakland. Although I'm hoping they will expand on their hip hop/soul section, they have a wide variety. This is my go to spot for records! read more

This place is a nice breath of fresh air compared to those other shops that mark everything up and extra $5-$10! They got a pretty wide selection of good music!! Even a lot of 45's which some shops don't even carry! The guys working were laid back and helpful. The little comfy couch with record player in front was an awesome touch! I spent an hour and a half finding gems for reasonable prices! Their hip hop selection could use a boost. Also wish they had more 80's and oldies 45's. I'd totally recommend shop to any vinyl lover!! read more

Great store. Everything is organized and the used records are very clean. Must be using a VPI which I think helps with the selling of records. They have a decent amount of Record Store Day releases and new reissues. He has a cassette section also! What I like most is that he does consignment for local artists. That's dope. The one thing I wish he had a wider selection of was funk, soul & hip hop. I can't be mad though. He's only been open less than a year. Great store man! read more

One of my favorite local record stores, specializing in almost every corner of the musical spectrum. You want original Blue Notes? They have them. Obscure German outsider music? Look no further. The latest local post-punk releases? Of course they're in stock. The staff is knowledgeable, and I love that they post some in-stock releases on their Instagram every night; I've been able to add some records to my collection that way. However, the real magic is coming in and spending time going through whatever genre you're into; I guarantee that you're going to leave here with something you like every time you visit. read more

What if everyone finds out about this place and I have to wait in line for the turntable? Just kidding. They're one of only a handful of stores in the Bay Area with a listening station. There's also a great selection of used gear and it has a lot more soul than the mall! Another star for the zines!!! read more

Do not buy anything from this shop! I spent over $270 there and they refused to take back a record player that was not working despite me buying it from them the night before and still having a receipt. They just lost a customer! Go to Ameoba and Rasputin instead. At least if there is an issue with those businesses you can get your money back. read more

Friendly staff, clean shop, fair prices, and they let dogs come in! This place has a decent selection, but the employees are the definitely the best part of this store. read more

What a find....Super friendly and knowledgable staff. Great selection of 180 gr vinyl and good prices. Parking can be a bit tricky. They've even offered to special order for me. So glad I found this little gem. Will always visit whenever in the Bay Area read more

I've been collecting vinyl for 20+ years and have worked at a few storied record shops in my time so I know a great record store when I see it. I'm consistently surprised by what I find here--almost always find something I've been hunting for. Staff are super nice, helpful, and most important the prices are decent. Great stuff on the wall. Good stuff in the bins. Happy digging. read more

This is an awesome new little record shop. They have a great selection and friendly staff. The selection was the best I have seen in years. The prices were the best I seen in years for what they were selling. I will most definitely be back. read more

This is my favorite record shop in the East Bay to buy vinyl for the following reasons: -Good selection of common and collectible vinyl (they conservatively grade the vinyl and jacket on the price tag and it's always an honest grade) -Reasonably priced. -Constant flow of new items on the floor. I always find something to walk out with. -Owners/employees are very friendly and helpful. No snottiness---just dudes that like talking about records. They also sell used stereo equipment and turntables that appear to be very reasonably priced. read more

Good selection and prices, friendly and interesting staff, and they pay the most for vinyl than any other store I've been to in the Bay.