I live in Florida and just got a call from my daughter in Ct.telling me that I should look at the vulgar and phoney reviews that were written about Merle"s Record Rack in Orange Ct. My daughter is well aware of my dealings with this store and Mike the owner, and she knew I would be shocked to read the garbage that was written by these pinheads. I do a lot of business with this record store and Mike and I continue to do business by phone from Florida. I also enjoy going to his new store when I visit Ct, twice a year. The owner of the store is a honest and decent man and has more expert knowledge about records and music than anyone I know in the record business. He stocks a huge collection of records and will take the time to obtain special orders for you, if they are not in his store. He even repairs old phonographs and electronic components. He fixed my old 1964 Benjamin MiroCord phonograph16 years ago and it still runs perfectly. He also can change old tapes and vcrs into today's discs. As I understand it, one of the vulgar and nasty reviewers works in a record store in the next town from Merle's and was on a deliberate mission when he and his other teenage idiot friends wrote their garbage about Merle's Record Rack. I had to write this review as soon as I read their shameful untruths. I'm sure they know nothing or could care less about "Bearing False Witness".I know this store has been doing a wonderful business and has a loyal following far too long to be hurt by these trash reviews. Visit the store and see for yourself. He moved right across the street to a brand new and bigger store at 307 Racebrook Road- Orange Ct. 06477 telephone 203-795-9033 read more

I'm disappointed to see so many negative reviews of Merle's. I've been going here for YEARS and have never had a negative experience there. The owner, Mike, is very knowledgeable of his collection and has always been very helpful. The staff also always goes out of their way to find what I'm looking for, they've never neglected helping me out or provided bad service. The atmosphere of the place is very cool, and very retro. The collection at Merle's is diverse, and I've often found music at this shop that I couldn't find anywhere else. Mike and his staff provide a warm atmosphere, I've never felt out of place at this store. As for the people complaining about the lack of pricing on the records, a lot of the records are old and price stickers would ruin the cover. Most of the time the pricing that I receive from the owner are reasonable, and better than a lot of the other stores that I've been to, especially the chain stores. I went to FYE recently and looked at the recently added record station, and I couldn't get a record for under $30. While this place does feature a lot of used items, the majority of them are in good shape. The staff offers to check the quality of any record that you buy as well in front of you. There has been one instance where I bought a record that was a bit beat up, upon bringing it back to Mike, he offered me store credit, a refund, or to trade it in for another item. I'm sad to see this many negative reviews of such a great place. I recommend to anyone that may have had a bad experience at Merle's to come back because of all the years I've been there, I've never had any trouble! read more

This place is quite unique. In a time when music is becoming nothing more than digital exchanges it's so great to actually see and touch original vinyl and even old reel to reel. My niece had been looking for an old Italian song for a wedding dance with her grandfather. We had looked everywhere and had searched on-line. If we could find a listing for this song we had no way to hear it or to burn a CD for the DJ. Not only were they able to find the song but the woman behind the counter actually knew what we were talking about. They have access to artists and songs that have been out of print for years. We had a completely enjoyable experience. I really question the other reviews that have been posted. In browsing I found the store to be well-organized and enjoyed the stroll down memory lane. Yes, I had to ask the price on an old Monkees LP, but at least I didn't have to peel a price sticker off the front and damage the album. This was a refreshing change from the big box stores that only carry what their corporate headquarters send them, and then never restock again. I will be returning to Merle's in the near future to have our old family films transferred to dvd. All of this work is done on site so I don't have to worry that the originals will be lost. They provide MANY services and I love that I am patronizing a local, small business. read more

I disagree completely with my fellow reviewers. I've been to a lot of record shops in the northeast and they all have their little quirks. If you don't like how a store is run, simply stop going. Today was my first time at Merle's, and I was there for about 2 hours. I didn't mind sifting through the vast collection of albums. Some things aren't marked but how hard is it to ask, I mean are you serious? The guy there was very helpful and nice and on top of that he didn't breathe down my back like I was going to steal something. The best thing about this place is the selection. I had 2 albums in mind that I wanted to buy today and within 5 minutes of my arrival I found them both. I wanted to write about my experience because I had read the other reviews here and they dissuaded me from venturing forth. I happened to be near Orange today though so I thought I'd check for myself. Completely different experience than what was suggested. (I mean come on, if the record has a scratch and you're not sure, just don't buy it.) I hope that this helps somebody down the line, because honestly, it's a great record shop and I'd hate for somebody to pass it up because of a couple of douchebags who don't have time to look for a record. read more

I enjoy visiting Merle's. They have a pretty good selection of LPs and 45s. I don't peruse their CDs much, but it seems like a decent collection. The owner is very nice and knowledgeable about his shop and its inventory. He always knows exactly what he has and where to find it. Sometimes I find great deals there, but I normally find their LPs to be quite pricey for my liking (hence the 4-star rating). However, I have found some steals. It's true that they don't put price tags on their LPs which makes choosing records a bit frustrating, but they do it so the records don't get ruined from the sticky residue that price tags leave behind. Also, they don't want customers switching price tags to get items at a cheaper price. Overall, I think that Merle's has a decent selection, a very knowledgeable staff/owner, but can be pricey. There is a pretty good amount of bargain bins ranging from $0.99-$5.99. I've actually found some mint condition LPs there for $0.99. Also, the owner and other employees might be willing to lower a price a bit if you barter, which is nice. Merle's is definitely a fun record shop to visit in the area regardless of some overpricing. read more

It's great to see a mom and pop store survive! I had Merle's transfer photos from hard copies and digital copies, put them to music, and make a dvd of my daughter's graduation. It came out GREAT! They were in contact with me about what I wanted and did a fantastic job personalizing it--and they comleted it within a couple of days. I've been shopping at Merle's for years, and recently they began pricing all of their lps. It was frustrating that you had to go to an employee for a price on every record, but that is changing. There are hundreds of records marked $5.99 or lower, and they are willing to negotiate when you buy several records. Their prices are reasonable and the service is good. I highly recommend this place to anyone who wants that old school music store feel. They can't compete with Walmart prices, but the knowledge and service is worth a little more. read more

Merle's was a hidden gem! I stopped there on a whim and it was a great decision. I ended up finding tons of great records and a few memorabilia things I hadn't seen since I was a kid. Most things were very reasonably priced. I pulled a few Beatles records that were mono and those were around $25, but most of the records I grabbed were $7.99. The owner clearly knew his stuff. It's not a conventional store, and it's a bit annoying that not everything is priced, but it seemed like Merle's would definitely go the extra mile to help a customer. I can't wait to stop in again next time I'm going through the area! I might have to make a separate trip! The owner said they get in new stuff all the time! read more

I have been a customer of Merle's for years. I find his prices very fair and many of the albums are in immaculate condition. If you have tons of free time and can spend days looking through crates of bargain albums you might find an album cheaper, but Merles has bins of great albums in great condition. When I had an album that skipped, I brought it back and they exchanged it with no questions asked. As far as the albums not being marked - I was glad when I found a mint copy of a couple of Pink Floyd albums they didn't have a price tag stuck to them. I will keep shopping Merles because I like the merchandise, like the customer service and like the convenience. A++ in my book. read more

I go to this awesome store around once a month. The staff is knowledgeable and friendly and courteous. I buy jazz records and always manage to find one I love at a fair price. The store has an incredible selection of vintage audio gear (tube amps and so forth) and if you are having problems with your gear they can service it. Mostly though it is a small but big hearted Vinyl and CD paradise close to my house that I love to visit. Right now I am listening to a beautiful and clean copy of Charles Lloyd's Forrest Flower I picked up for $10! Also, just like all good old school record shops, you can listen before you buy. Strongly recommend this place! read more

Very cool store. Everybody who said for collectors to avoid this store at all costs is clearly just trying to hide a gem. This place, while it does not price, has hours upon hours of gold. The picture disks alone will keep you entertained for days. Though it is annoying there are no prices, it would be next to impossible for the owner to price everything that came into the store on a daily basis. That's part of the fun. There's new stuff every time you come in, regardless of how freqently. Anybody who skips a trip to Merle's based on the vindictive reviews by others is truly missing out on a store that's withstood time. read more

I'm not really sure what some of the reviewees of Merle's were talking about. I've had nothing but great expriences at this shop and I've been shopping here for years. Yes- the records aren't priced - but you could just ask the owner or an employee for the prices. I never feel they "make up" a price once they see you want an album. The prices are very fair. And the customer service is wonderful!!! Mike the owner is so helpful. I once called to see if he could check if he had a certain album. They did and he held it for me until the next day when I could pick it up. Love this place!! I will be a customer forever!! read more

The other reviews of this place are out of line because they're written from the perspective of collectors. I went in here for an actual player, receiver and speaker bundle, and as a vinyl beginner, all I can saw is that this place couldn't have done a better job. I left with everything hooked up and ready to go and am happy with my set up to this day. Also, when I was having some technical issues I came in and was helped for free. Love this place. Super nice guy working there who knows his stuff. read more

What a shame that these "specialists" do not give credit for the amount of detailed work Mike and his staff do in preserving decades of memories for any and everyone. My experience was more with the other phase of the business (audio tape conversion ) and I give him 5 stars for patience and caring about pleasing me as a customer! Thanks to Merles Record Rack,I am able to hear voices recorded on obsolete machines 50 years ago.Without this help,these treasures would be lost.Thanks again Mike! Judith read more

Huge selection of vintage vinyl and CDs. This is where I go to fill the gaps in my collection or just to look around. Lots of other things besides music like used electronics, video transfers, memorabilia , etc.. I buy something here about once a month. I get fair prices for the occasional record I buy. The last one was Grateful Dead, Terrapin Station in good condition. read more

I will not do business with this guy anymore. He is rude, impatient and appears bothered by customers. Dude, I wouldn't have to keep asking you for prices if you had things marked like a normal place. I come into your place in an effort to patronize small business. The hell with you. Since you don't appreciate my business anyway I will buy from Amazon and save money. read more

Merles is a Great place for vintage stuff and Mike is a good guy! He will always help you out and bargain with you on price plus he can find anything! There are not too many stores left like this so we should support our local shops!! Good experience and cool place. Check it out you won't be disappointed!! read more

I usually do not review online, but Merle's has become my favorite store. It is a fun place, the staff is very friendly and knowledgeable, and the inventory of used records and CDs is large. I always find new and interesting vinyl when I visit. read more

All these posts are right, owner is completely rude and an egomaniac. He takes advantage of everyone because he is the only business in town . His prices are the highest ive ever seen around. he is waiting to take advantage of you read more

Fantastic mom and pop store, fair prices, and great service. It's hard not to love this place, with their great selection and awesome employees. Please find time to support such a great place! read more