Popped by Hi-Voltage Records to scope their selection with my family. It's really clean and well organized. Easy to locate each genre, and they have a wide selection of different genres! Indie, alternative, punk, metal, rock, pop, reggae, funk, soul, jazz, blues, and even some hip hop. The pricing varies - obviously newer albums and popular artists are pricier, but nothing is overpriced for what it should be here. $30 for a newer album, and you can score on some good used records for a few bucks if you're looking to grow your collection. They also have other merchandise like CDs, DVDs, t-shirts, books and more. There was only one staff member behind the counter, sort of tucked away behind a computer. It was alright, no one asked what we were searching for or if we needed help, but that's ok because we were browsing. Great selection with a wide variety! read more

See all

Been going to this record store for years. Spent quite a bit of money with them, and have always had a decent experience. Until I started trying to bring in my own music from local bands that I play in. I've tried to bring in two separate projects from two different bands on two separate occasions. I walked in and politely introduced myself and presented the situation. I said, "I play in such and such local band, and we made some physicals of our last project", and then I'd ask if they'd be willing to sell some copies at their store. The first time, the employee literally laughed at me and said "I mean, I guess", and took out $1 price tag stickers and put them on my cassette tapes right in front of me. The second time, the owner Bryan, didn't even return my hello, audibly groaned under his breath and told me "he's super busy right now". He barely even looked at me, let alone check out what I brought in. I understand if the demand for local music isn't as high as other things. But the way this store goes about turning people away has 100% ensured that I'll never spend another dime here. Whatever they've got going on at this store; they certainly don't care about local music. read more

Amazing selection of everything music. I really don't understand why records have gotten so expensive, I'll never pay 50 bucks for a single record, that you see in some stores.... but this store makes sure to have bargins, deals and good prices. I did like their bargain Ben, which had some great albums with slightly more beat up sleeves for just a couple bucks. I also like the 40 records for 20 bucks deal, about half were garbage, but I kept about 20 and for a buck a record you can't beat that. We will definitely be back read more

Hi-Voltage Records - Music & DVDs Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

I travel the country stopping at record stores in every city. This shop was recommended to me by some Seattle locals. The store itself is well-stocked, organized and has an overall amazing vibe. They play GREAT music. They have a really well curated collection of stuff and I was super impressed by their collection of funk/soul/r&b. I found a number of cool stuff. I will say, their prices are really high, especially with condition of records. They were asking $25 for a vinyl with a shredded cover that I purchased in VG+ condition for $20 elsewhere. I would have bought WAY more from them, but why would I pay $15 for a record i could buy for $8-10 elsewhere that's probably in better condition? I know there's a premium on all records up here but with sales tax so high, it really prices out the base consumer. I had a stack of 30 records I wanted, but ended up only getting a few. I got two t-shirts and 3 records and it was $120. Ouch. Their "bargain bin" was anything but a bargain. Thrashed records, asking $15-25. Still a cool store, with great selection of genres. The lady that checked me out was really nice. read more

See all

Overall a nice shop for records and related music items! They have a good selection of books, band shirts, and adorable little trinkets as well. This place is street parking only, but it's easy to find a place in the neighborhood. read more

Great selection of various genres. Hard to believe they have such a huge stock in a place this size -and a bookstore! Found some obscure albums I was unable to find in Seattle stores. Reminds me of what Amoeba Berkeley was 25 years ago. This place is now my go-to. read more

An amazing selection of records, books, and CDs. Always guaranteed to walk out with something great, even if it's not what you were originally hunting for. read more

While they definitely do have a great selection of records. There are plenty of problems. The staff are very antisocial, and only like barking at you when looking at their "overstock" that isn't closed off or covered up. Also, their prices for the most basic records are just ridiculous and unnecessary. Also, beware from the clearance bins. They throw the trashy records in there and still charge a price without even a warning of skipping or clicks. Also, they refuse to let you try a record before buying which is sleazy since they don't even warn you if the record sucks to begin with. read more

If you go in to buy anything, it's all Extremely Overpriced. If you go in to sell anything, you'll be guaranteed to be insulted with a very underpriced offer. They'll buy a quality/near mint LP from you for $10 and sell it for $75. I went in with over 50 classic R&B LPs, some in rough shape and some practically mint. They offered me $225..... I was able to sell them on eBay for over $1430 The moment you walk in the door, you get glared at as if you're a burden. Not only are they socially awkward, they all seem very angry and unhappy. I've been going here occasionally for over a decade, but I won't be going back. The people who run the store are the perfect embodiment of why people flee and depart from Washington. They have about as much charisma and personality as people who spend their entire life working for the DMV. They oughta change the store name to Pasty Inept Killjoys, cause that's exactly who runs it. read more

Super cute shop with tons of new and used records from all genres, books, stickers, and more. Great selection of vinyl

So far I really like visiting this record shop. Had a great time on RSD 23'. My only annoyance is they fully cash in on the reseller feats of rare records, the more popular things become this is honestly inevitable. I'm glad this place is around and I'm also glad there are other shops that still allow those who search and search for rarities. The people that work here are so kind and helpful. Love this place. read more

I have tried time and time again to give these people the benefit of the doubt, but it just isn't worth it anymore. Minor grievances include the usual impersonal service stated in several other reviews and high prices (some of which are completely out of touch with going rates and speak to a general greed that highlights the discrepancy between their actual motived and their false image as an institution serving the community). But look--I am no stranger to the record store clerk position and its accompanying doldrums as the masses trample in to buy yet another copy of Rumours or boomers harassing you over bullshit details of a Dark Side of the Moon pressing. It sucks, I get it; it's a day after day cumulative wearing down of the passion that brought you to this line of work in the first place. But guess what? That's when you leave this line of work. The group of people running this shop have completely lost their reverence for music, and they have lost the plot, which is that, as a record store, you are the middleman for other people's art. It's a beautiful and important (and hard) position. An uncaring attitude is not only disrespectful to the folks coming to you with enthusiasm about music, but it also shows that you don't really give a shit about the music itself. It shows that this is just a means to an end for you. Which is fine, but can't it be so much more? Didn't you intend for it to be so much more? Yes, you did. The final straw was a very impersonal, rude, and straight up dismissive response to a question about a local (LOCAL!) artist that the clerk confirmed was in stock. He couldn't locate it, so he just threw his hands up and said "whatever, I'm busy, come back another time." I don't doubt that he was busy, but dude. What part of your job is more important than helping a person find the art they're looking for? Is that not literally your job? Isn't everything else kinda in service of this type of interaction? These guys do not deserve what they have, and they know it and they do not care. And I do not feel bad for telling the truth, but I do feel bad for the people that have to deal with them on a regular basis for any reason. I, for one, will not, and I encourage anyone that truly loves art to support the shops that reflect this love--names JANKU LAND (seriously; Janku Land, Janku Land, JANKU LAND!), but also Turntable Treasures (love you Pete). Choosing who you support is the only way to incrementally change who wields the power in terms of being the middlemen of art. Let's give that power to those that actually care. Hi-Voltage, I do not wish ill upon you guys, but the way things are being run is not right. You probably think I'm being overly optimistic or idyllic in my judgements, too dreamy, but in the words of a certain someone... "i'm not the only one..." wake up guys. read more

great people and great vinyls + books. a bit on the pricier side with some items but all around great place. also has a bathroom! read more

See all

Brought in a bunch of ozzy records recently to sell. The owner was very standoffish. He seemed pissed that I would even try to sell him my beautiful condition ozzy records. I was definitely willing to negotiate something but he acted like he really wasn't interested in them at all. Whatever, obviously it's up to him if he wants to make a deal but at least be a good sport about it. Going to a record store should be fun. That's the main reason I was there. Whether or not we made a deal was secondary. He really gave off a weird vibe. This is exactly why I usually buy and sell online. read more

Cool spot. Tons of records, CDs, lots of cool t-shirts, books and knick knacks. Friendly owners/employees. read more

Hi-Voltage Records - We stopped in to browse books, cd's, and records. - Music & DVDs Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

I ordered the album 'Why Lawd' from them in June of 2024. The sleeve was heavily damaged. I documented it and sent pictures. They never responded at all. Not a word. I always liked them before this and thought it was very strange they wouldn't respond. It's a great album too. Bummer all around. read more

Hi-Voltage Records - Music & DVDs Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

Came in for the first, and last time today. This review is solely on the employee's interactions with customers, I.e myself and my daughter. Stopped in to look around and inquire if they were hiring. My 17 year old daughter's dream is to work in a record store- watched Empire Records a bit much. I went up to the counter and asked the lady what the age requirement was to work there. She looked like a deer in the headlights so I rephrased my question- she yelled back behind her to the guy working at the desk- the owner maybe? He rudely answered "We are not hiring, leave your resume". Try a little humility!!! Great first impression for my daughter trying to find her first job. Too busy to interact with your customers- maybe find another line of work. read more

Quite possibly the best record store in the area. Always a great selection and friendly staff that are helpful. My wife and I stop in anytime we are in Tacoma. read more

This place was super neat! They had a great selection of records, cds, and books! They had a selection of items from bands that are not well known which I liked considering I can usually only get them online. I will be returning in the future with my partner who loves collecting music. read more

Hi-Voltage Records - Music & DVDs Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

See all

I wanted to look for some albums to add to my collection and take my 8 month old on a daddy daughter date. So I went to Hi-Voltage records. An excellent inventory across most genres and well organized to make it fairly easy to find your band. I was happy to find some live concert LPs. Prices are fair and moderately priced and they do have a descent bargain bin for the real bargain hunters. Friendly staff, clean and a punch card reward system. Worth the stop over. read more

See all

Way overpriced, the staff isn't very friendly, and the aisles are too narrow for more than one person to shop. I see no reason to go back.

Best record store in the Seattle Tacoma area hands down. Incredible selection across all genres and great staff

Can't fault these folks for a large and excellent selection of records, including plenty of jazz, soul, world music and general weirdness that you can't find at many other shops. That being said, their prices are really out of line compared with most other stores. Obviously they need to pay rent and make a living, but across the board records are priced from 2 to 3 times higher than other record shops. Fun to browse and maybe score a rare find, but not a place to really stock up. read more

This place has an amazing selection of new and used records, unfortunately, they think extremely highly of their inventory and their prices are just too high. You can purchase almost everything at their store, online (Discog or record company website) for a fraction of the price. read more

Service was amazing and I found some sweet used country records(David Allan Coe) that were in mint condition. Bought some used hip hop (Jurassic 5 and Blackalicious) that was also in great condition. The store has a great variety of selection and something for anyone. The staff was awesome and cool to talk to. This was my favorite record store in Washington. I hit all record stores in Seattle, Olympia and Lacey on my trip. I highly recommend this store. read more

Great selection and super friendly staff.... usually have everything i am looking for record wise plus great selection of things like gifts and books! a must stop every time we get on 6th Ave. read more

This record store is a favorite of my eldest who is at school at the University of Puget Sound. I was visiting from Chicago this weekend and got to stop in. Wow! The inventory is massive! And the two staffers are super knowledgeable and enthusiastic about music. You can even listen to songs before you buy. We had a blast! Free parking. Great ice cream store down the street. read more

See all

Best record store and glad that their stance against jerks make a**hole reviewers soil their pants. Plus, the staff there never makes me feel disrespected or bad about my music taste, and I should know because I buy Phil Collins albums. read more

I've never been to a record store, well maybe Tower Records or Warehouse Records back in the day lol. My son wanted a record player a couple of years ago and now he collects records. He took me to Hi-Voltage on 6th Ave. It's a nice shop with a lot of records. They only allow a few in at a time so we had to wait until people left to get i but we were not rushed and he found what he wanted. The Staff was really nice and it had a vintage feel to it. Definitely recommended if your a vinyl junky!! read more

Hi-Voltage Records - Music & DVDs Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

I had been dying to stop at this shop and my boyfriend and I finally came for a "date night" a few weeks ago and I was blown away. Let's hold off taking about the AMAZING stock for a minute - but, they were SO kind. They treated us like regulars, said hi to my shy pup and could tell I was nervous he would bark or worse if petted and they read the room and just let us walk while I held him. I felt totally at home and they were playing such great music, I felt like I could have bought the whole store. They had artists I had been looking for & stuff I had forgotten I wanted. They have new stuff sealed and a variety of used in different conditions to shop for your price point and your level of scratched sound nostalgia. It was my dream record store. They were helpful, easy to ask questions to and just all around nice and invested in their work. I'll be back to spend my money again soon. read more

Do not sell to this guy, I was flat broke so I called his shop and told him I had some rare Rolling Stones and Jim Hendrix picture sleeve 45 records. His employee said to bring them down. I got there on my last drop of gas, went into his store, and showed him all the records which were worth all together around $1500 Dollars. He offers me $100 for all of them, wouldn't budge on price, and wouldn't buy just one. I was out of gas in my car and had no money at all so I had no choice but to sell to this crook. He ripped me off and took total advantage of me and my situation. DO NOT SELL TO HIM!!!! read more

Needed to update my review of this record shop. In the last few years I've been to 20+ different record stores in Washington and other states. This is 10/10 the best there is. Awesome used records and awesome new records. Their selection is just perfect. Prices are totally fair. I've found stuff in their bargain section that I still have in my collection. I wish I could go here every week, this is my all time favorite shop. read more

My experience buying and selling from them is mixed. Overall their prices for CDs are comparable to Seattle and Portland. But they offer next to nothing when they buy from the customer. Usually a dollar or maybe two for popular releases, which they then sell back to the public at a 300-400% price increase. This is based on personal experience. That doesn't happen in Seattle or Portland. They recently re-opened as part of our local COVID19 "Phase Two" process, whereby one can browse their on-line catalog, pay on line and then collect the purchase at curbside (calling ahead). Only problem is that - this is for vinyl only. Even though they have a relatively robust CD collection in the store (it occupies a modest section in the back of the store) the clerk told me "people don't buy CDs anymore, so we just don't bother listing them on line." Well, with that sort of attitude its no wonder people don't but your CDs that much. Its called a self-fulfilling prophesy, Hi-Volt Records. Sad. read more

This place is great. I've been in to buy albums a few times, and the selection was pretty good for the records I was looking for. It's also fun to browse for anything I didn't know I wanted. I've also sold them quite a few records and they do pay a good price for them, especially for records that will sell easily in good condition. Now, I've had to purchase records from them online due to this Corona thing. I have them shipped, as I live in Port Orchard, and they ship very quickly. All records have been packaged very good and records in as good or better-than-expected condition. It's a nice record store & I really like supporting small businesses. read more

They do have quite a large selection of stuff but mostly new, very helpful staff prices are a bit high. They also over books on one side as well as some music merch like socks. read more

Hi Voltage is right off of sixth amongst other quirky and fun shops! They have a fantastic selection of vinyl and CDs! They are primarily a music store that sells used product and you can go in with your own records and CDs and get cash for them. I am not sure if they sell new merchandise or not. Everything it looked like they had was music material that had been released for a while. They do have a very impressive selection though! Looking forward to going back! read more

Been going there since they opened back in 2005 and I watched the store expand Brian the owners of very good guy they are friendly and helpful. read more

1st off.. shout out 2 all my Yelp friends 4 my 250th review! thank u all 4 ur support n reading my reviews; love you all! this place may b 1 of my favorite record stores, if not my favorite b/c of the way things r laid out n the selection + they don't bother u n let u look (regarding brand new records) - I don't buy + those records r expensive as hell.. especially if they r hip-hop/rap or just brand new records in general 4 this store; it's like Sam Goody didn't go 2 hell yet lol (meaning real sticker prices or even above 4 those brand new records) anyways.. their bargain bins I like b/c u can find treasures in them like some good ol': AC/DC, Billy Joel, Carly Simon, Miles Davis, Paul Chambers, Cannonball Adderley, Aretha Franklin, Marvin Gaye, Chic n all sorts of good stuff, but I haven't looked in2 those 4 a while.. as it is a young man's game (my knees give in when trying 2 kneel n look @ lower bins) 2 much work n stress 2 have fun! I sold my cds here couple yrs. back n had no issues the store plays some pretty good music every now n then.. where they introduced me 2 Jazz artists: Lee Morgan (The Sidewinder) and Mose Allison cool record store on 6th Ave. read more

Thin Lizzy's Fighting and a sealed copy of the Wailing Souls Firehouse rock Awesome selection of music. Great Reggae section that includes a rare Charlie Chaplin album that I sold to them years ago. A bit pricey, but worth it if you're about that vinyl read more

See all

In my opinion this is the best record store in the state of Washington. They always have new records coming in daily and I always leave with something awesome read more