Do not buy the grab bags at any cost. They say they are jazz, comedy, etc. but in reality they are spoken word lectures about diabetes and shit. $15 worth of total garbage. read more

KILLER record shop specializing in new and used electronic based music. I spent upwards of 5 hours rummaging through the bins and listening to records on one of the three turntables available. Cool music was pumping through the sound system as I browsed and there were a few albums that I had to ask for more information. After stating that this is the style I liked, one of the shop owners named Max stepped in and pulled some options from the bins for me to checkout. This was a godsend as I'm still figuring out artists and genres that I like. Was checking out and briefly spoke with Max and found out that he was originally from LA. We briefly spoke about Bay Area record shops and I was happily on my way. Special thanks to Max for providing recommendations ! read more

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When I travel, I try to stop in random record stores because you really never know what you're going to find. Personally, I'm not a specific collector of any genre or artist other than, if I like the specific album, I'll pick it up- I'm not going there for one set thing. Anyway, while in Chicago, I bookmarked a few shops and unfortunately, Gramaphone wasn't on the list for some reason. Fumbling around town I walked by and decided to walk in. Thank God I did. I immediately fell in love with this place. While it's not the biggest, it's well organized with the collection well laid out for your browsing pleasure. One of the guys who worked there came up and asked if I needed anything. I asked a price for the record I was holding and he showed me where to find it. Instead of labeling the cover, which is something I absolutely hate, they put the price tag on the inside on record or sleeve which made me very happy. The prices were reasonable to high, you know, depending on what you needed. They have so many genres and each has a vast assortment to choose from in its library. While being rung up they asked to see if they wanted me to have them look up anything in their system to see what they may have in their back room that I would want, which I thought was great. I wish I lived here solely so I could be a regular here. Everything about it is what I'd want in my hometown vinyl shop. read more

Gramaphone Records - Music & DVDs Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Vinyl! Vinyl! Vinyl is back. All you need to know. And see the owner at Smart Bar DJing on weekends.

I love this joint!!! I think its great that a store like this exists... They have all sorts of House & Electronica music which is cool! The people that work here are very helpful and knowledgeable about music. You can listen/preview underground CDs to make sure you are buying some quality joints. I bought a house music CD (Roy Davis jr) the other day and it was cracked. i brought it back and they ordered another one for me as they had sold me the last one. The new CD made it to the store the next day and they called as soon as they got it. They have a DJ booth in the back playing some of the best House music today. I notice a lot of DJs come and get a lot of their vinyl here. This is like a throwback to the golden days of record stores. My only hope is that they don't have the same fate as most record stores that have gone out of business read more

First time visiting Gramaphone Records and it was an all-around pleasant experience. The initial impression as I walked in was that it was relatively spacious and I enjoyed the music being played - certainly a good sign. Excellent selection of House, Techno, Indie, Hip-Hop, some Footwork & Juke, among others. I liked the selections featured on the wall; tasteful. The staff was friendly and knowledgeable too. I will be returning for sure! read more

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This is an excellently curated record store, focused on dance music but covering all genres. The selection is great. You're not going to get many low priced records here, but if you're willing to spend a few bucks there's a lot here to enjoy. read more

I barely stepped in the store when I was accosted by an employee who told me I had to hand over my backpack or I couldn't shop there. I've been to other stores with a similar policy, but I was never treated so rudely. I have to wonder if they also demand to take women's purses too. If not, that's a ridiculous double standard. The store's hours are already crap, but if this how they treat their customers, I'll stick with Reckless and all the other record stores in town. Plus, I can shop Discogs on my own. read more

A Mexican accent led the clerk to ask to hold my best friends bag? My friend refused and left. Funny, didnt seem to be a problem until he spoke. We. Wont. Be. Back. And will let friends know as well. Shame. read more

Legacy. No doubt, one of the most iconic and best record shops. I'm always walking away with a handful of my new favorite Chicago and NY House--surprise finds, generally $4-6. Friendly staff, always courteous and amicable, helping us find parties that weekend. Excellent old-world creperie next door, too. Lunch, records, dispensary--boom! read more

don't buy any gift cards!!! they won't take them and they dont state expiration date! thank online juno.... word! phi read more

The greatest house music record store ever. Period. You might try to say, blah, blah, blah NY, LA, SF. Wrong. Wrong. I've been a lot of places in the world seeking out records and NOBODY can get with this place. Yes, the old location was great but I can actually breathe in the new spot. 10 times the listening stations make the lines (that do exist) a little more bearable. Same huge selection. Awesome wall that is filled regularly by people that actually know what they are doing. Good used selection and discount bin. I don't know about you (and I don't really care) but there is something so perfect about vinyl and MP3s will never have that. A subculture developed just around seeking out great music and the download culture killed that. You won't meet real new people with your mouse clicking download. There was just such an amazing feeling putting your hands on something you were seeking. I don't care if it's old school and outdated, vinyl will always be king to me. The hands on aspect of Mp3 will never be the same no matter what gadgetry you invent. Browsing is friendly, nobody is up your ass to buy something. (though it would be nice if you did you cheap bastard) It's just across the street from a great DJ equipment store and is easy to get to on Clark by bus. Parking sucks, but there is a pay garage across the street, it's better than the old days of getting your car towed out of McDonald's lot. Absolutely top flight sales team. Nobody out there knows more about house music or music in general than this team. So friendly! They save the snooty record store act for Reckless and cut the crap. When I'm in Chicago, I go out of my way to get into this store, even if I have only a few hours. One of my favorite stores ever. My first and last record store choice. "This Gift certificate is made out to ____FRANKIE KNUCKLES____" read more

I would say that Gramaphone is probably the most popular record shop in Chicago. Anyone who spins or is just a music lover, knows that this is the place to get it all. Grama and I go waaaay back like more then 10 years which is a little scary. In that time we both have changed a lot but I can say that I can always rely on Grama for even the most obscure vinyl. The selection is great, House, Techno, Jazz, Trance, Trip Hop, you name it, and even foreign records. The staff and crew are pretty cool too. If they don't carry it, they will order it. The prices are pretty fair for most items. I'm not sure if they still do but back in the day local DJ's used to spin in that back booth all the time. I even took a whirl for an hour or so once. That feeling of watching everyone bob their heads is like nothing else. read more

By now, readers may know the story of how I do my reviews--I've reviewed 40 record stores in the Chicagoland area over all at this point. So when I make comparisons, they are based on my actual experiences with the stores, and they are based on the real-world experiences I've had with stores located throughout the greater Chicagoland area. I tend to rate based on selection, quality of product, and pricing relative to other stores in the marketplace. Here's my take on Gramophone Records. They have been around quite a long time (I'm pretty sure the first time I came here was back in the mid-1990s!) and are a bit if an institution. On the plus side, as others have also noted in their reviews, the selection is very nice if you are interested in the kinds of records Gramaphone tends to specialize in carrying. That is house, techno, electronic, rap, and r & b. Prices are fair for the condition of the records, although the condition of the records can definitely vary. On the minus side, as already mentioned, although the selection is good on the things Gramaphone specializes in, the selection is really not all that good on any thing beyond these genre. Folks looking for rock or pop, jazz or blues, and classical, will need to look elsewhere, as there isn't much for you. Also, the condition of records here can really vary, as other reviewers have already mentioned. Some are definitely well worn and well played, others are in better shape. In summary--If you are looking for house, techno, electronic, rap, and r & b, you will find a good selection here. Beyond this, however, the selection is quite limited. Quality of records can vary, so you'll want to take the time to check condition with the LPs. Because of the variation in quality of LPs and limitations of the selection, I'm willing to give Gramaphone a healthy 3, but not more than that. read more

This is a cool record store. They specialize in House/Dance music. But they also have a solid selection of Soul and Hip Hop. The prices are a little expensive, but they have tons of records for only $0.99. The employees are super friendly. And The store has 7 public turntables! So you can listen to as many records as you want, before purchasing. read more

After driving by Gramaphone Records for a few years, I actually decided to stop in. I knew they sold records, but not aware of what kind. My visit was less than 2 minutes and don't think I'll ever go back. Wait, what!?! Yes, they have tons of records and deejay equipment. If you love crappy techno and destroying turntables with your mixing and scratching, you'll probably like this place. If you are not looking for techno, then your visit will be short like mine. If I don't like this place, then why in the hell am I giving them a 4 star? Just because I hate techno, doesn't mean it's a bad place. You'll find a big selection to look at. All of your house and jungle freaks should have a good time here. I'm more a Dave's Records type person. Then again, if you have any recommendations of some techno records to try, I might be open to exploring something new. "J-J-Jamin...J-J-Jamin on the one..." read more

This place is an amazing institution and anyone who is passionate about dance music needs to visit.

Gramaphone is a fantastic store. For over 35 years, the a dedicated group of dj's and producers have made this place what it is; The most relavent vinyl source in the midwest for underground electronic music. There's no other place I know where the buyers are some of the best producers, talented djs, and actually down-to-earth people. An enjoyable exception to the norm. You can listen to tracks before buy them - first come, first serve. The best records are seldom over-handled, since they move pretty fast. Never a surprise bad pressing when the store copy is fine. What you play is what you buy. Definitely recommended. read more

Bins and bins of the best vinyl god or whomever you believe him to be, put on this sweet earth. This was a dj clubhead staple for my mispent youth. You will bump elbows with the likes of Psycho Bitch, Teri Bristol, Derrick Carter, Mark Grant ,Diz and perhaps Mark Farina when he is home visiting the folks. If you don't know who these people are, this is not the place for you. Stick to iTunes. This is a house dj Mecca and a hip-hop holyland. And now you know. Cats outta the bag. read more

I've been a customer of Gramaphone Records since 1994, and it's hands down the best quality vinyl shop in the city. The CD selection is on point also, lots of artist stuff that you cant find (unless your buying online). Back in the day at the old store, they would order me super hard stuff that was hard to score. Super friendly staff that can answer any and all questions that you may have. 10 out of 10 times they are playing some dope music, and you find yourself jamming out. They have the best local and underground hip hop and house selection that you can find in the city with fair prices. You can listen to most of the music for you buy it, which is a huge plus. If you go on a lucky day you'll run into some big DJ's doing what your doing, and that's grabbing some new tunes. read more

Great DJs Record Store and has a great History as well as many legendary dis have walked through its doors and have worked there as well.

This place is legendary... so I mean cmon. HOUSE MUSIC!!! You can catch some legends in here from time to time and they'll typically have someone spinning some awesome tunes. The workers are all very insightful and willing to help with any needs. If you consider yourself a house head in the slightest bit you at least have to drop by. #wheninchicago read more

I will always have a love/hate relationship with this place. I give my review to the OLD shop located further south on Clark. This new one is pretty..but doesn't have the memories of the old one. I've been going to this shop since...82. Well not the new location, but the old location further south. Sad that most dance oriented music is going digital. The joys of shopping for vinyl will never truly be appreciated by DJ's today. All they need to do is click and buy (or download for free...sigh). Had this been the 80's, my review would go like this: I love this shop. I've bought almost all my records here. They have all the new imports at only $6.98!! I just picked up Koto's Visitors and a used copy of Lime's Angel Eyes. Their selection of Freestyle is top notch! They also have a nice selection of smokin' paraphernalia by the entrance. I like going Sundays here (thanks to the CTA's Supertransfers) and hanging out. The staff here will help you identify those songs you heard on WBMX the night before. They'll even play it for you to make sure you got he right cut. The one thing I hate is coming here with not enough money. I must add that their cut-out/promo selection is great! Gramaphones, I love ya. Well as time went on I had a car. If it's one thing that's frustrating about this area on a weekend (or anytime) is the LACK OF PARKING. In the mid 90's I stopped going to Gramaphones becuase they didn't carry the music that I enjoyed. Years passed and I started going back. I spent many afternoons going through store looking for jems. I've spent enough money here to buy a nice car... If you're a DJ and still buy vinyl AND like digging, this place place is pretty damn good. Haven't been there in a while, but if the cut out section is still like it was, then I give it **** stars. "ANDY LINE ONE!!!" read more

This place is one of the last remaining DJ pillars in the U.S. I bought a rack of records on my first an only visit a couple of years ago. The selection was great, the stock nice and the staff knew their shit. Top-notch record shop. read more

Gramaphone records is really great-if you're a fan of house, electronica,trance or techno. They've got some soul and hip-hop too. Both new and used. other than that, this is not going to be the shop for you. read more

Oh Gramaphone... Half of me want to give you 5 stars, the other half is a realist. This place is awesome. Beatport is awesome. I can find some things on Beatport that I can't here and vice versa. I don't have to go down to Gramaphone and park in my secret parking spot to get tunes. I also can't go on Beatport to ask people "What else do you have like this?" and get 10 vinyls of recommendations. I will say this though, I went into Gramaphone with a shopping list and they had zero of what I was looking for. Beatport had the same result. I don't consider myself anything even close to cutting edge, but I was pretty disappointed that day. Although I did find 2/10 of the things later on there at the store haphazardly, but that's really why Gramaphone is sweet. I can go there and take titles that look good off the rack or in the stack and stand there for 3+ hours and just go though it. Their hip-hop section is massive, they are one of the few places you'll even see a Chicago House section (is there another place?) The catch to Gramaphone I think is that it is excellent if you were into house music 15-20 years ago (are you gay? are you black?). Those types of tastes have seemed to uniformly transition into what that demographic of clubbers enjoys today (not necessarily gay or black.) I am not trying to dumb down that taste in music because it has flourished into multiple styles of house that appeals to a older clubbing crowd (Boom Boom Room instead of Darkwave Disco). If you love Green Dolphin with some Green Velvet, Gramaphone is your place for sure. Me, I am more into electro (DFA, Ed Banger, Pias...) and their electro section is meager. So... 5 stars if you are old or just starting out DJing house. 3 stars from me. Gramaphone can we still be friends? P.S. Ok after reading my own review I am a bit harsh here. Garage, Hard House, Club Cuts, Progressive... none of that stuff really fits in with my stereotype, but then again, a stereotype is never all-encompasing is it? Point is, Gramaphone doesn't really work for me anymore as well as it used to. Maybe someone can help me out? read more

House and hiphop giants. Absolutely the spot for new whitelabels never to be found again. Remix bootegged and legit. Good vibe for digging and listening for hours. Cheaper than Dusty Groove, with different crates, and with about six listening stations. Why do they have special order forms? Ive filled out many and never gotten a response? A small complaint for a solid fix. Only second to Mr. Peabody. read more

I miss the old location :(, but it was so damn tight in there you could barely breathe. But, I have to agree with Liz K, they need to bump up their "worthwhile destination" appeal when up against Beatport.com or Satellite Records. Granted, although music distribution is changing, there's still nothing like going into the store and just being there with all the different tunes playing, the people shouting, and the classic ghetto-booty house within arms reach. Gramaphone, you're still my top 3 music stores. read more

One of the few music stores that specialize in dance music, it has the best selection of 12" vinyl singles and EPs in the city. Definitely a haven for DJs, it recently moved up the street to a bigger, nicer space north of Diversey. read more

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For a non record novice like my self I really enjoyed my adventures into Gramaphone Records. I enjoyed leafing through the records and even more enjoyed the smells of the store. Something about old records! Now I'm hooked. Thank you to the friend that took me in and helped me figure out how to turn on the record player so that I could listen to the records and dance around. Oh and thanks for not laughing at me when I couldn't figure it out! The store employees are all very nice and really they don't bother you. Never once did someone come up and say "Can I help you?" However, I got the feeling that if I needed them they would have been more than helpful. We arrive a little before closing and left a little after closing but they didn't ask us to leave or hurry up. They even told one other patron to take his time! How nice! Most places don't do this anymore. I don't have a record player thing nor do I think I would use it but I do have an appreciation for those people who do get in to this kind of thing! BTW prepare to drop some cash here! But hey everyone has their vices. Mine just happens to be designer shoes and handbags. My friend probably dropped a little more that $60 on a couple of records but I could tell he was very happy with his purchases so I guess that's all that matters! read more

I've been shopping here since the 90's, it's truly a Chicago institution. Great helpful staff, multiple easy to use listening stations. Extensive selection of underground dance music geared towards DJ's and heads, house, techno, drum & bass, juke, freestyle, italo, hip-hop, and loads more. Great selection of local artists as well as hard-to-find imports. They sell record needles, slipmats, and assorted vinyl accessories. Selection changes weekly if not daily, with racks on the walls displaying the latest heat. Bottom line, Gramaphone rocks and is a true original. Support your local independent record shop! read more

What a cool little shop! Came in here earlier today to look for some new records for my new record player. While it takes time to look through all there records, and I didn't find as many as I was hoping, the price and the quality of used records that I got was right. I look forward to heading back and listening to some new stuff when I have more time to browse and listen! read more

I really liked this place! It's big enough to feel like you have some room to explore and there are listening stations set up for customers to use. The guy running the shop was friendly and I appreciated that he was approachable. They had some older stuff, but I was impressed with the amount of newer records and the volume of house/trance/techno the carried. I loved that they had various "grab bags" of records and I took a chance on trance... 15 records for $8. Can't wait to listen & see if I got anything good. I was really into what they were playing that day in the shop and I'm kicking myself for not taking it back to Columbus with me. read more

Been shopping here weekly since April 2021. Came in today and wanted to buy 3 records which totaled under 5 bucks. Guy at the register told me that they have a limit of 5 dollars if I wanted to pay with a card. I have never been told this or saw a sign which reflected that and I asked if he could be kind enough to ring me up today and next time I will be aware of the recent change in their payment policy. His response was that it wasn't a change in policy but rather a rule they recently started to enforce. At which point, I took the only bill I had which was a 100 and I asked if they could change it so I can pay. His literal response was its ridiculous to change a 100 for 3 dollars worth of records. So it appeared that ringing up records under 5 dollars was too much trouble and changing my 100 was also too much of an issue. I put the records back and ended up leaving. Not sure why or when they started to treat their customers this way but no need to return. read more

Stopped in there Memorial Day weekend - mostly EDM and dance music, but I thought I'd take a chance and see if they had any used classic rock items I'd like. I saw the debut Foreigner album and 'Double Vision' but decided to pass since I was visiting from out of town with more stops before getting home. I called 2 weeks later, they still had the discs, listened and rated them for me. I purchased both and had them shipped - total cost under $20. Staff was super helpful and sent me tracking info. Both discs are in very good condition and well packed for shipping. My only criticism is that the price tags they use on the disc labels are old fashioned 'tear-away' style that are tough to remove and leave a residue. Otherwise, the perfect experience! read more

If you love house/dance music this is your shop. Plenty of eccentric customers and staff to help you pick something outside the box or a record you have been rummaging tirelessly for years. Add the fact that they have (DJ)s spinning something different every time Garret David is a very talented house musician. He worked there and helped me gain some nice vinyl, but also open my eyes to the possibilities of this music! Will be back any time I'm in chicago! read more

Everytime we've been to Chicago, we make a pit stop here. I ALWAYS come out with a few new selections. Crazy nice guys behind the counter.

FANTASTIC homage to the birthplace of house music. Suberb selection of new and old electornic music, from the popular to the obscure. Great selection of posters, t-shirts, and other fair as well. If you love Chicago house music, you'll love this place. RIP Frankie Knuckles. read more

Selection niche but extensive, staff rude but available. Good selection of Chicago house, techno, and electronica, but very bad customer service. Uninviting staff member was the middle aged man with the short graying beard. Asked for recommendations and he was rude and frustrated with me because I gave him free range to recommend anything he wanted. Other customers were more helpful with recommendations then he was. I will be back, but I hope they are nice next time. read more

"...Beatport... has kind of killed Gramaphone for me..." Wow. Pointing and clicking your way to being a DJ? iTunes much? Gramaphone is the all time best. I respect a DJ playing vinyl far more than any laptop DJ. When you play records it shows us that you THINK about what you're going to play ahead of time. White labels can't be downloaded. True, some things are only available as downloads, but many things are only available on vinyl. When my hard drive crashes, my vinyl survives. Gramaphone, I adore you. You have the best employees, a great location, fair prices, and you satisfy my inner crate digging monster. I've spent all my grocery money with you. numerous times. You rule. read more