Upon entering, the two gentlemen behind the counter offered a rather wide-eyed reception, carrying a slight energy of putting on airs. The rock section proved an eclectic affair... with pop artists like Taylor Swift and Sabrina Carpenter tucked in among the records and no dedicated Pop section in sight. When we inquired about used vintage players, one staff member simply pointed us toward Best Buy down the street, ending the conversation there. Despite these quirks, I did find a vinyl I'd been hoping for, and my friend also made a purchase. It's a three-star experience. read more

Record Surplus - Music & DVDs Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Terrible experience here over the weekend! They have construction in the area and plead with people on social media to come and shop. Then, they treat you poorly! It was a pain to get here, lots of construction causing Terrible traffic and delays since we don't leave on Westside. When we went to check the movie section a store employee was sweeping around customers in that area. My husband went to look at movies and he called him out, insulting him as "oblivious". The employee was too concerned about some in store concert, moved things around. But not about getting business from customers. Rude customer service! Well, that's why folks shop online. Who needs this crap? You go through difficulties to come and support a local record store and that's what you get. No respect! On top, not enough merchandise, poor selection. Dusty. We left what merchandise we were planning on getting and left. To never return! Stay away! read more

Twenty years ago I read an Ohio State University paper about improved cognition and feelings of well being in cardiac rehabilitation patients who exercised to Vivaldi's "The Four Seasons". All in the study reported feeling better post exercise but those who listened to "The Four Seasons" said they felt even better; performed even better in cognitive testing. Well, that was enough for me to trade in my vinyl for the aforementioned piece in CD format so I could listen in my car (remember it was twenty years ago). I played "The Four Seasons" as I drove to and from work, wrote reports, did my taxes (similar studies show improved math skills in children), or simply relaxed and like those in the non-control group Ohio study, I felt better even recruited long forgotten vocabulary! Mere weeks ago that very same CD bit the dust; skipped over way too many movements. I washed it, talked to it but it was gone... Yeah, I know there's a myriad of more technologically advanced listening platforms but I'm old school. Enter Record Surplus (The Westside's Amoeba equivalent?) for replacement and much, much more. This place is HUGE! If you can't find disks, vinyl here perhaps it doesn't exist. Ah, but it does! Knowledgeable staff will help you find what you seek. Found Itzhak Perlman's performance of "The Four Seasons" and some Mozart. Recycle or trade your unwanted CDs and vinyl here. Parking on Santa Monica Boulevard. read more

Record Surplus - My purchases! - Music & DVDs Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Best gosh damn record store in LA hands down. Great people, incredible selection always, good pricing, a healhty mix of vintage and new vinyl. Go hang out here, browse and enjoy. read more

Very solid record store. Lots of gems in the budget section as well. Electronic music section (my specialty) was decent with new-arrivals and lesser-known stuff but definitely dwarfed by the other sections. Great vibe and very knowledgable staff too. read more

Great Soundtrack and Broadway CD section. I find something new every time I'm there. There's also an extensive collection of DVDs and Blu Rays. Chris is doing an outstanding job of continuing the excellent Customer Service that's long been the hallmark of Record Surplus. read more

I had a amazing experience! It's easy to get lost in here! For the most part this place is fairly quiet which I appreciated, giving me a meditative experience as I shuffle through the vinyls occasionally a customer come in with a big pile of vinyl or CDs to sell and they would be a little bit of communication at the counter, but easy to tone out, I unfortunately placed an order at a restaurant across the street just before stumbling in here so I didn't allow myself enough time to properly shop, but I am blessed this amazing record store is local to me. What I didn't notice is that many of their prices that they use are the same or similar pricing you would get that at say Amazon for brand new however some of the vinyls that they have available or not available on other sites and also you're supporting small business... for instance they have a Grateful Dead collection, which I called back for two days later and unfortunately it already sold and it was into the hundreds a collectible and unopened. So they have phenomenal items if you're looking for great collectible pieces, and they had some quite affordable used as well. read more

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Great selection and friendly staff. Always bargains to be found. Prices on used Blu-Rays are reasonable although not super cheap.

Chris the owner took his time and helped me take all my records out of my car. I had many old vinyls! They were collecting dust and needed to be played and enjoyed. Some were pretty warped but the others were valuable enough to be resold. I made $80 and I'm glad they will be loved and played by their new owners. Very good experience! read more

Record Surplus - Chris the owner super knowledgeable - Music & DVDs Near Me - Los Angeles, California

I love coming to Record Surplus, and I always find myself leaving with something I didn't expect to find. They have quite a big selection of records, CD's, and tapes, and this store is my usual destination for Record Store Day. In terms of rock and pop records, the selection skews towards new/sealed/reissue records as opposed to vintage records. However, for other genres it is mostly vintage. I find Record Surplus' blues, comedy, "Moog-ish" (experimental), and classical (particularly composers of the 20th Century) sections to be some of their more unique offerings, and with very reasonable pricing. I was able to snag some of my favorite records in my collection at this store, such as Luciano Berio's Sequenzas, "Two Synths a Guitar (And) a Drum Machine" compilation, some Bob Newhart sets, Park Hye Jin's "Before I Die", Nick Drake's "Pink Moon", Mulatu Astatke's Feb 1 2009 live recording, and the "New Music for Electronic and Recorded Media" compilation. I highly recommend coming to Record Surplus! read more

Record Surplus - Some records I've bought from Record Surplus over the years! - Music & DVDs Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Record Store Day! First time here at this location, I remember them on Pico about 35 years ago. Very good selection of pre-owned vinyl, good prices and the guys here are very helpful. Parking is hit or miss. read more

Went to try and sell my collection just for the guy to turn around and tell me that he thinks I stole it how rude I told him I purchased storages auctions and if he wanted the bill of sale for the unit, I just purchased of in St. Louis Obispo. This guy is a crack of shit. I can't believe how disrespectful this guy is. I'm offended. read more

My COVID pandemic experience was more like 3 stars shopping here.* As soon as I walked in, there was not "welcome" or "hi." Instead, a younger, tall guy quickly approached with "Did you get hand sanitizer when you walked in?" After that, no one came to check on me. And I had a few questions. Figured them out. Sort of. Not really. But maybe next time. Later, an older gentleman at the counter was very personable and gave me a patch that I can only assume went with a Jon Pardi record I bought. Record stores are one of my favorite places. This place had a certain vibe that embraced my continued love for them. First, the building itself has high ceilings, so it's nice and airy. Even with my stuffy mask on, I felt like staying there much longer than I did. Second, as I sifted through the stacks, it was evident they care about the quality of their records. When I got home and played the several blues records I scored, I was more than happy. Joe Turner. Bobby Bland. Joe Louis Walker. Slim Harpo. Even a Canned Heat album... all in near flawless condition. *Hence, three stars up to four. Prices were reasonable. Some of the rock albums were steep. So, $80 for 6 records that I know I already love... all I need is a glass of whiskey and the kids not to whine when I crank them up and I've reached my own personal Valhalla. ;) I'll definitely be a repeat offender, but hope I can leave my sass at the door if I'm met with the mostly lack of hospitality and assistance I had on 12/20/20. read more

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Great selection and you can find nice deals if you take the time to shop a bit. Been a customer since 1988 when they were on Pico

Minus the busy street I love this location!!!! Great vibes love the setup inside. Great finds frond vinyls to cd, tape and 8 tracks. Found some great gems to sample. Found some classic Duke Ellington and George Benson. I always tell my producer friends from outta town to make sure they stop by!!! Love the customer service felt like I was family!!!! That's a priceless experience and has me as a life time customer. read more

Totally love this place! Little bit of a drive for me but it was so worth it. Was looking for a vinyl of a pretty obscure movie and found it here for under 5 bucks after prices on eBay are three times that. Will be coming back for more!!! read more

Record Surplus - Music & DVDs Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Really wide selection of vinyl. Spans generations but it particularly good with Gen X stuff from the 80s.

I have tolerated the high priced vinyl at this store for many years, because there is a chance of finding a good record, unfortunately I had the misfortune of coming to this place on RSD, and finding that this store is capable of treating their customers like sh!t .. and today they pissed away a good one. read more

What can I say, best record store in town. Selections are great, you can always find something. Prices are very reasonable. They even have a dollar section in the "attic" (reference to the attic in the old location). The staff is wonderful and friendly. Have been going to this shop for 20 plus years ( I may be dating myself here). Love, love, love this place. I always have fun and enjoy coming to the shop. If you haven't been go check it out. read more

I forgot about this gem in Santa Monica! Drove by it by accident and had to do a double take! New location but same great finds, great selection and a fun and productive bargain bin! Good, friendly staff, some incredible finds under the glass, and about $20 worth of 99 cent finds in multiple genres and a couple great soundtracks. Found a 3 disc Lindsey Buckingham 3 disc Solo Anthology (Thanks, Rhino Entertainment) for $12 (3 discs) - the guy was so prolific and had so many solo albums - didn't want to buy all his solo albums - this defines him (industry note: Rhino makes the best compilations - no one else even close to second place!). read more

Record Surplus - Another Amazing Rhino Compilation!!! - Music & DVDs Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Great selection with a lot of hidden gems at reasonable prices. You never know what you'll find!

Love this store! Amazing and just great! I got two George Harrison records ( which I never find)! And two Beatles records for less than 13 bucks! Also two cds for around 6-7 dollars (with tax). The interior is so cool and great service. I strongly recommend this store for other record collectors. read more

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Never spending another red cent in this overpriced, unfriendly, bombastic westside locale. Recently purchased a new record from Record Surplus (they don't allow you to listen in store bc they don't have the means) which turned out to have a manufacturer's defect causing it to sound poor. When I asked if I could return it for store credit they told me to GFM. Real classy. Never buy from Record Surplus. read more

Record Surplus - Music & DVDs Near Me - Los Angeles, California

A well maintained, organized record store. Record Surplus has a variety of everything, you won't leave this place empty handed. Each time we come to Record Surplus we leave with cool finds, our most recent trip didn't disappoint. As soon as we walked in we sanitized our hands and began our search. I had my husky with me and was surprised to have the worker come up to me and offer Atreyu a treat. Aw, thank you! You can spend hours in here looking at everything. The records are also reasonably priced. What's really cool abt this location is their large section of movie soundtrack vinyls! How cool. My find this last trip was Donuts by J Dilla. Now to listen to it and burn a fatty :p read more

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An overall classic spot in Los Angeles. Parking is easy and is located right behind the store with plenty of parking, even on a somewhat busy day. The staff is friendly, without being overly friendly. They will not usually come up to you to check in on you, so if you want help finding something or have any questions it's best to go find one of them and ask. The records are all of high quality and the price is a direct reflection of Discogs (basically the market) thus mostly everything there is going to be well-priced plus in great shape. The only thing that is frustrating is that they put the price stickers directly on the jacket of the records. I know. Hence why the four stars, not five. In conclusion, the staff is friendly without being overbearing, prices are exactly where they should be, as the condition of the records/ CDs/ Tapes is phenomenal. A great place, and truly one of the last true record stores. read more

never had a good experience here. it's overpriced, they have a shit selection, and the people that work here make me want to never listen to a record again. elitists like the people running this place make music an unwelcoming community. save your time, energy, and money and go somewhere else. read more

Always something good and prices are great. Lots of good records across genres. Has been around for a while so please support!

Had high hopes. Maybe I was used tot he tower records and aomebas of old but this was a pale shadow of what a great record store would be. Fled with Santa Monica elderly and homeless types roaming the isles. Pennies on the dollar paid for vinyl. Couldn't wait to get out of there. read more

Came in during half-time just to browse. Found some cool stuff for a good price and the staff was laid back with helping me. Had a more quant, less commercialized feel than a lot of other record stores which is nice from time to time. I'll definitely be sure to hop back in at some point. read more

I don't mind they didn't buy any of my used CDs today. Their considerable attitude is another matter. 'We buy CDs, but we're really picky...". Tell me you're a snob, without telling me you're a snob. I saw plenty of Taylor Swift and Sheena Easton product, so maybe chill on the 'picky' branding. I'd love to return if my stage 4 cancer goes away, just to buy up the considerable Dub selection (King Tubby, Augustus Pablo, etc.) But the snarky bitching among grown men was too much. read more

They put price stickers right on the sleeve that leaves a sticky residue. They wrap most of their vinyl in plastic sleeves - put the price sticker on the plastic or at least stop using cheap ass residue leaving stickers. Amateurish. read more

Great prices, great selection. Always amazing stuff in the clearance section. Awesome stuff in soul, rock, jazz etc.

Had some time to kill wandering around Santa Monica and stumbled on Record Surplus. Very cool store, old school. A lot of great stuff. Definitely worth the visit (which I imagine will result in subsequent visits). read more

The owner was very rude and was sassy. We were taking a few pictures while browsing and planning to purchase something (I come here often) and the owner looks at us with a stank face and tells us to stop taking pictures .I think its fine if photography isn't allowed but maybe fix the attitude, we were unaware, since there is no posted sign indicating photography is NOT allowed . That would be very helpful to your customers. It ruined the vibe , we left with nothing in hand. Went to amoeba instead just to buy something, not take pictures. The Workers were very nice ! read more

Whoa, this place is FABULOUS!!! If you are a gamer, record collector, or old-school-converse-wearing hipster, this is totally your drum roll dive! Yes, they sell some new release stuff too and don't worry, they take credit cards. read more

Record Surplus - The last standing record store! - Music & DVDs Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Nice selection though limited stock. Basic rock, blues, country, etc. Used and new vinyl. Friendly staff. Organized pretty well. Easy to browse. There is a collectible bin. Fair prices. read more

I've spent many hours flipping through records at RS - and spent more money than I'm willing to admit [to myself]. Always a good dig; always friendly staff; always quality records at fair prices. It's nice to have a shop that excels at sourcing quality records using the apparent combined expertise of staff to bring enjoyable sounds to the people at the people's price point. My go-to on a day off - I think of them as a resource I will miss if I ever leave the area. A shop you can trust and enjoy. Def stop by! read more

Great, unpretentious used (and new) record shop. Nice selection of classical music as well!

Awesome selection. Pretty good prices on new stuff, best record store I've been in in LA thus far

The Staff is very knowledgeable and the store is amazing. I came in today with a box of old records..unfortunately I had not cared for them properly. The team member went through my albums and 45's Due to the condition they were not worth much and many were not in good enough shape for them to take. I was impressed and would highly recommend for anyone interested in albums and CD's. Great store, great staff! read more