Whenever I go to the farmers market, it's always a must to check this place out! Reasonable prices on records and the selection is very, very interesting! I have purchased a good amount of records here and the staff has been very friendly! read more

Great record store with a healthy indie vibe and nice employees. Excellent selection of new and old releases. Prices are equivalent to other shops in the area. read more

Sonic Boom - Frame your albums - Music & DVDs Near Me - Seattle, Washington

The store kinda sucks ill stop in there if I'm in the area to see what they have for vinyl once in awhile ill find something decent but not too often. Go to silver platters sodo not to far from there and way better selection of vinyl read more

Mid at best. Organization is a cluster. Pricing was expected for a Ballard location. Solid sale pricing though. Service was non existent, three employee stood behind the counter gossiping as you waited patiently to be helped. Selection of records is hopefully better normally than what I saw available today. If you're in Ballard already, sure stop by and see if they have something you're hunting for. read more

One of my favorite things to do when visiting a city from out of town is to go record shopping. I had heard high praise of Sonic Boom, but to be honest this just feels like a pretty average store. They have a lot of records, but stuff you see everywhere. Nothing very unique or a big draw to return imo. Compared to the other shops I visited while in Seattle, this one felt the most cookie cutter. Employees were the grumpiest and unfriendliest of all the stores I visited too. read more

Service. Selection. Value. Boom! Sonic Boom bringing all 3! Best record store in Seattle. Knowledgeable and friendly staff, wide selection and almost 100% of the time, some kick ass tunes being blasted on the in-house stereo. Careful tho, that's how they hook ya. For better or worse, Sonic Boom takes 85-93% of my discretionary spending. That said, I'm actually the better for it. Don't know where I'd be without this store. read more

I sold the rest of my record collection plus CDs and cassettes today. Mind you this is stuff I was about to donate to Goodwill. With two loads of maybe 150 records I made $380. I highly recommend this place for being easy to work with, honest and fast! Cedar is the appraiser and he is a straight up great guy who knows his stuff. I got $20 alone for a Nina Simone album. He even bought some obscure 1970s Turkish pop music 45s I had! read more

Have been here twice and also purchased from them on Discogs. Great shop, easy browsing. Great new and used selection. Hit it up, you won't walk out empty handed(prices are average). read more

Sonic Boom - Music & DVDs Near Me - Seattle, Washington

I collect mainly used jazz records. Pressings from the 50-70's. This store has a small jazz section and the quality of the selection was sub par for such a big store. Definitely focused more on rock/indie, which I guess is what sells nowadays. read more

It's a good store and if I'm in the area, sure, I'll stop in. But the prices are seemingly very high. read more

Sonic Boom - Music & DVDs Near Me - Seattle, Washington

By far one of the best record stores I've visited in Seattle. The shop itself is well decorated, the music they play is well-picked, and the staff was friendly and helpful. They have a wide selection of newer vinyls, but used ones in good condition as well. They don't overcharge too much and sell a few other useful things (LP covers, slip mats, vinyl cleaning solution, cool merch, magazines etc.). Will definitely be a regular here. read more

Sonic Boom - Music & DVDs Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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Really fun place to check out if you collect physical music. I can't speak for the vinyls, but the CDs were decently priced. I was able to pick up two Fiona Apple albums and one Bleachers album for under $20. Bonus, some kind person left a bunch of Taylor Swift friendship bracelets at the register for people to pick up, which was very cool! read more

I was a bit early for a dinner engagement elsewhere in Ballard and thankfully the rain let up for a bit! (11/21/17) So I decided to walk over to Sonic Boom to kill some time. Smallish store with a low key, chill counter person. Wandering around, this shop may be tiny, but it is packed full of variety in the used and new CDs and even vinyl! I bought two new CDs from Halsey and Mark Lanegan Band. The latter from the founder of Screaming Trees and was featured in the recent Anthony Bourdain Parts Unknown Seattle episode on 11/19/17. read more

Sonic Boom - Halsey and Mark Lanegan....that's different (11/21/17) - Music & DVDs Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Great Seattle record store with large inventory of new and used vinyl and CDs. Plenty of mainstream music as well as more esoteric selections. They actually have a lot of interesting used choices. Local music also featured. read more

Sonic Boom has a long history in Seattle. They have a new-ish spot on Market Street in Ballard with a small, but well curated collection of used and new vinyl. New vinyl is way too expensive (understandably so because I have produced my own), but as a vinyl loony like myself admires, they have an excellent collection of used vinyl that is reasonably priced. I found a live Les McCann Double LP, Big Joe Turner double LP, and two Zappa records. All in all, it was less than 40 bucks. It would have been 5 start if their used jazz collection was larger, but the local music selection is well done. read more

I walked in expecting to hunt for a set of records on my list, but there was a group of people blocking a section i wished to view. At first I was mildly frustrated, but then realized I was now in the crowd of a small concert. Live music and restricted sections made me look a bit harder in the areas not blocked. I found a wonderful album behind the register that I've never seen in person for a reasonable price. Excellent place, excellent atmosphere, and plenty of music! read more

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Unfriendly jerk, no smiles despite buying lots of records there. Recommend trying other stores, like daybreak

Great local business with a huge section. This is one of the great record stores of Seattle. If they don't have what you want, they can get it. I bought my favorite Agalloch album here. Fuck Amazon and big box places, SHOP LOCAL! read more

Sonic Boom - Music & DVDs Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Sonic Boom is a must stop if you're doing record shopping in Seattle. Each time my partner and I have stopped here, we've found some of the best record selections in the city. And we've walked away with records that you don't normally expect to see in a US record store. Last time we were there, she picked up a Trembling Blue Stars LP. The time before that it was a Cinerama album. Plus, if you're visiting this store, you get the side bonus of getting to enjoy the rest of the Ballard (ripe with bars, restaurants, etc.) Tip: make it a day and check out Jive Time (another quality record shop) in Fremont on your way towards Ballard! read more

I've read several reviews here describing Sonic Boom as a small record shop. It's actually one of the larger ones I visited when I was in Seattle and I went to over a dozen of them. Sonic Boom has lots of new and used vinyl, that are positioned on opposite sides of the store, which I appreciate, as I strongly prefer digging through the used bins. I found several albums I wanted, including a couple for just $5. Most things seemed to be in terrific condition. I also appreciated that this store had lots of used 45s that are just to your left as you go through the front door. I also found quite a few things I wanted there. There are a couple of record stores in Seattle that I'd probably rate a little higher than Sonic Boom but that's based solely on my limited experience with the stores in town and it's also no slight, as Seattle has lots of good record stores. read more

Awesome place for CDs and records in Ballard. Anytime I'm in Ballard, I check out Sonic Boom, for their great collection of music, particularly indie bands that you wouldn't find at most places. Since I like a lot of music that isn't mainstream or popular, Sonic Boom is especially useful in searching for these albums and more often than not, they have it. And if they don't - they always can look it up, just to see if there's any in stock or soon to be. The collection is also easy to sort through, as it's divided by genre in alphabetical order, so you never feel overwhelmed going through the hundreds of albums here. As a bonus - for some of the bands you're looking for, they provide recommendations for other bands with a similar style, as it'll be indicated on the label in the assortment. It's easy to spend some time in here, browsing through the CDs, records and even cassette tapes! Don't forget to also check out the featured titles they have, where you can preview the album before buying. There's also a chalkboard list of albums that are soon to be released, reminding you that Sonic Boom is serious about their music; hence, another reason why to shop here. read more

just moved to Seattle over the summer, and I've been trying to get to know my local record stores... I went from having 1 to having approximately a thousand. But I went to Sonic Boom for the second RSD drop this year and loved it. They were super friendly, organized, and COVID safe, and they dropped a few goodies into my bag along with my absolutely epic Brandi Carlile/soundgarden record. Definitely coming back as soon as I can! read more

Sonic Boom - Music & DVDs Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Prices are a little steep, but they're just so nice there :) I bought the Twin Peaks soundtrack and they decided to give me a free poster with it. Thanks guys! read more

Amazing! This was the 4th and best record store we visited and found what we were looking for. That's not the only reason for the great review; the place is well organized with categories That make sense and are orderly. They have great posters and rare records posted around giving it a nice flair and decor. Bright and colorful. read more

Sonic Boom - Music & DVDs Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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Good selection and new options. Often plays music that really really sucks when you happen to be looking for good music-makes it hard to shop. read more

One of the best local spots to hit for a large selection of new and classic albums on vinyl. Staff is super friendly and knowledgeable.

Sonic Boom-in Haiku style Good sounds abound here. Both quiet and loud music. Visit and feel joy. read more

This is one of my favorite stores in Seattle, and I know them all. Or almost all. Continually updated used records in great shape and at fair prices. All genres. I'm not interested in new records, but there are many here along with books regarding music industry and performers. I love that they put their price stickers on the outside of the outer sleeves rather than the record covers. It is long past due that that become the normal procedure, IMHO. Comic books and baseball cards would never have price stickers applied to the artifact. This is a solvable problem for records. I will say one of the clerks is a bit rough on the records for my taste. Slams them down on the counter vertically to even them all up I guess? Stop that shit, man! My ratings (1-5 from crap to excellent) Location: 4 Collection: 4.5 Condition: 5 Staff 4 (docked for the vinyl violence by one guy) Labeling 5 (Great informative stickers not on the actual covers) read more

Nice record store. Great staff. My only wish is that they would combine new and used material by artist.

I like the selection, and the fact that they have a local section. Some of the staff are really helpful and friendly. I don't expect everyone to know or care about my specific sub genres. On the other hand, other employees, are seemingly always rude and sarcastic. It's like I'm on the set of High Fidelity. Why on earth would you be rude to someone who comes into your store every 2-3 weeks and politely drops $50-$150 each visit? I've just about had it with this record store and their attitude. I specifically avoid certain employees because of their shitty attitude, but now I think I will just avoid the store altogether for a while and make the trip downtown to singles going steady. read more

Sonic Boom - Music & DVDs Near Me - Seattle, Washington

One thing I love about Seattle is that you can still find record and CD stores. Sonic Boom has a great selection of vintage and new music. My wife loved the used CD section and I appreciate that they alter the price based on the condition of the CD. The staff is also very versed in Music and is happy to help. read more

I stopped by Sonic Boom today to hunt for records and pick up my first turn table! I've been a little intimidated trying to figure out which model to buy, but luckily I stopped into SB with a friend last week and saw how easy going this place was. I wish I got his name, but a kind guy working was able to give me some good advice on which model to go with. He was unpretentious and friendly. It was well worth the drive from the east side. Thanks for the great experience! read more

I like it here. The staff is friendly. I'm not even totally sure why. I like Ballard, so the location is perfect. They have a fun selection. Stroll the farmer's market, grab a coffee, and then go buy some actual physical freakin' music people. read more

The following observations are made by this very frequent but reluctant customer and curator of a 10,000-album strong collection. This contradiction is due to: 1) The wonderful, reasonably priced selection and proximity to home, and 2) Mostly passive staff with little interest in actively increasing the business's bottom line by selling records. Record store staff/owner: This can be fixed by: 1. Staff: If you can't get fired up about working in a record store, go do something else. If you're unhappy because you believed your parents' nonsense about how incredibly special and smart you are, but can't fit that with being 27 and selling records, make a change. Great record store clerks are valuable. Even if you're doing this temporarily, be the best you can be while you do it. 2. Knowing and listening to your stock. 3. Asking customers if they would like help. 4. Qualifying customers, as in asking what kind of music they like. 5. Asking customers if they are searching for anything in particular. 6. And then rattle off a few suggestions. 7. Backing off if the customer politely declines help; the customer will usually come back and ask questions about something unknown, and usually buy more stuff. This requires outgoing, friendly personalities, something lacking among Sonic Boom's staff. Most are mere register jockeys, with one or two solid exceptions. I usually peek in and see who is there; if either of the exceptions are there, I shop. Most of the time, I do not. If staff is just there to ring people up, fire them and get a self-checkout line, and save. There is one staff member in particular, as slight fellow, who appears he might commit suicide at any moment, even while ringing you up. I always let out a sigh of relief after completing a transaction without incident. The owner knows the perils faced by record stores from the internet (sales and streaming). The strongest defense against losing further sales to the internet is a strong, polite, knowledgeable, staff. The owner should know that customers buy much more when unknown product is suggested by friendly staff; we can't buy what we do not know about. Elemental salesmanship. I often triple my expenditures when helped by knowledgeable record store staff at Georgetown Records, Silver Platters, Easy Street, and Jive Time. So, owner, if you want to increase sales, focus on helping your staff become the proactive, knowledgeable, polite, salespeople they should be. Track staff sales. And watch the bottom line rise. read more

Moving to the Pacific Northwest has been a real eye opener for me! With Seattle being very tech savvy one would think this town would be ground zero for the death of record shops and video rental shops but both actually exist here still and seem to do relatively well! I moved from Colorado and these kinds of stores along the Front Range and Denver were dropping dead(going out of business) like flies. It's actually refreshing to see these kinds of places doing well and here and brings back that old 90's nostalgia in full force. Maybe it isn't nostalgia here in the Pacific Northwest. Maybe the 90's never really left here. Anyway Sonic Boom Records I have been to twice now and both times were great! The music selection is vast and their inventory contains new music and used music, a nice vinyl selection and a nice, crisp presentation of their store. Everyone that works here is informative and knowledgeable on a variety of music which is awesome! Great store! read more

I recently inherited about 200 vinyls and was debating between selling them and throwing them away. I heard that this place buys records so I went online to check it out. It says they give between $1 and $7 for records, but really common ones get $0.25-$0.50. I called and they said to bring them in so I hauled a hundred pounds of vinyl in three separate boxes into the store. They ended up only buying 15 of them, giving me $5... Not at all what their website described. The money I got for them barely covered the gas to get me there and back. I had to haul 95 pounds of plastic back to my car which I parked a block away because there is no parking by the shop. Now I have to figure out what to do with the rest. Do not plan on selling vinyls here unless they are all old school rock. That is the vibe of this place and that is all they are interested in buying. A huge waste of my time. read more

So having avoided this place for years due to my fear it would be like Easy Street Records in West Seattle, I am so pleased and relieved to say that this place isn't awful and even better the employees aren't absolute shits. I found what I was looking for, and even stuff I had no idea was out or that I needed. It was Ian's birthday so he picked himself out some CDs he's been ruminating on. I felt so out of the "loop" and could only, at first, meander around flipping through a few bands and artists that came to mind. But it was also the child's birthday and I had to think of her first. The one guy that helped me, though sullen, was extreeeeeeeeemely knowledgeable and found me what I wanted even though he claimed he didn't know what I talking about. And I was very impressed with the prices. Sometimes I am so wrong about a place but that's fine because nothing pleases me better then finding out what's right. read more

Some people can spend hours in a bookstore, others can get lost while shopping for vintage clothes. Me? I love me a good record store. See, I'm one of the last remaining people on earth who actually buys cd's. I love the physicality of cd's - the booklets with lyrics and funky pictures, the little plastic things that break within a day or two, the bonus dvd's that some artists still put out. So when we walked by Sonic Boom I had to duck in. Not only was there a great selection of used cd's, it wasn't the normal crap that you find at most used record stores. Fanfarlo for $4.99? The new Muse cd for $7.99? Fleetwood Mac for $2.99*? Thank you, come again! *a guilty pleasure...don't judge read more

Yeah.. I already wrote up this fuggin' ROCK STAR of an institution via the Fremont Loc already.. but I can't help myself. Ballard, here I GOOOOooo- 10 stars (they didn't all fit) b/c: *They will special order anything for you. *Best selection of music anywhere- HANDS DOWN! *Tickets for a number of venues w/ NO fees! *Great selection of used music. *They give you that 10% off if you're a KEXP member. *If you shop there like I do, you might just get a free t shirt sometime. :) *They friggin' respect those who know their tunes and will discuss with you, at length. *Big vinyl section. Bigger cd section. ***Get to know them real well and they'll invite you in for 'in stores' (past that long ass line) and let you hang out before they let everyone else in. Downloading is for shmoes. i don't get my music anywhere else. Buy your tunes here. Seeeer. read more

Honestly, I am a cheapo when it comes to buying CDs and vinyl. I don't like to pay a lot and am always looking for good deals. This place has great deals on used CDs and vinyl, but I find prices a little bit high on new copies of both. Regardless, I do like to visit this store. They have a HUGE selection of music, which is fantastic. I can spend a really long time browsing in this store. It's in a great location and I dig the fact that it's local. I guess this is also important........today I went into Sonic Boom to buy a new CD. I'm not going to share who the singer is, but she's a Top 40 artist and I know that it's pretty probable that no one likes her except for me....regardless, that doesn't mean you have to look at me with disdain the entire time I'm at the counter paying for the CD. Or continue to look at me oddly while I try to be polite and make small talk. I guess that's one of the few things that really bothers me about this store...a lot of the staff (and patrons) sort of give off this elitist vibe that their music is awesome and mine sucks. I shouldn't have to feel like an idiot for buying music that I like.... ...and I guess that's the main reason why this review only gets 3 stars. read more