It's a record store so automatically two for me... no such thing as a bad one... and the staff is amazing... they'd get five stars but I'm here for the music... so having said that tho the way they store their albums is atrocious... Many of the album sleeves are strait up creased in half... A quarter of the selves are (G) to (G+), those sitting in the front of the bin... a quarter are (VG) to (VG+), maybe ones that have been flipped through for a while, with no reinforcement from the vinyl having been removed but not at the mercy of being at the front of the overpacked bins. Second best case scenario is a fresh release on the floor, not in the front and not subject being flipped through for a while and those are still only (NM) to (NM-) having already been opened... hopefully it has a blue dot in the corner indicating there's an unopened one behind the counter, maybe again the top quarter of their stock... that's your only shot at a (M) album.. so lame... such crap... and overpriced to boot for the half of their stock that is going to be worth 10-25% of the sticker when you walk out the door... again 10% more expensive for something that's going to be worth a tenth of a mint copy... to a collector this translates to a no go on almost all... credit where credit is due, they do carry a ton of unofficial presses... those are $40- $60 generally but that's the market for bootlegs... so they better be cherry... Other than that since moving the hip-hop/rap to the front of the store, the problem of poor condition became much worse... so while they do have a great stock, it's only because they're overpriced and the "me" buyers out there aren't buying.. IE the ones with a dozen cubbies at home... guess it's the tourists... I have no problem going on the internet and not supporting a mom and pop for this reason... they could find a better solution to theft... sorry not sorry read more

Great service, excellent selections. Staff was very helpful. The place was packed for 4th so f July weekend but they found a way to manage everything and help everyone, while remaining friendly & helpful. Left with about a dozen records, 3 that were on my hard to find list. read more

As a local, I waited in line to donate an entire box of CDs today. I was a little disappointed that I wasn't greeted and immediately got some kind of a lecture about donations because I think she assumed I was going to ask for something for them. Then she handed me a sticker and shewed me out the door without even a verbal thank you. I didn't expect anything but at least an appreciation. I get that it's busy, but what a turn off. There's no space in the store to speak to a staff member aside from the cashier because there's so much stuff all around the checkout stand. I know it's a small store, but maybe have a separate area for drop off then? read more

I was in the Carlsbad/San Diego area for the weekend and wandered into one of the best independent record shops on the west coast. Spin has everything! Huge CD selection for those (like me) who don't have room for a turntable. Hard-to-find/out-of-print titles. And reasonable prices too! Spin Records is a hidden gem! read more

Really good selection of indie, heavy music, and hip hop. A lot of records for such a small space. It's packed in. I got Sepultura, Black Angels, and EPMD. Good prices. I wish I lived closer, but then again, I'm glad I don't live in an area heavily populated by Proud Boys. This store has better selection than the stores in LA. The owner is chill, nice and not a condescending jerk. He has an interview on YouTube, check it out! read more

Workers are amazing, great spot! deff will be coming back. Thank You so much! So happy with my purchase and experience.

Spin has an excellent selection of records. When they did not have what I was looking for, they were very helpful and placed an order. They followed up with me when my order came. Great customer service! read more

This store rocks, literally. They always have cool music playing and the staff is super friendly & helpful. Sometimes I'll just ask them to throw on something obscure that the staff likes and I'll end up buying it. They have a good selection of used cd's too. The best part is the owner lets me bring in my dogs while I shop, which is so helpful as when I'm in Carlsbad I always have the dogs (can't be leaving 'em in the hotel now can I? They like music too!) How cool is that? Nice people. Cool music. An Independent record store just like the old days. I love it! It's also good to note that if they don't have what you want, they'll gladly order it. Go support this place & keep this independent record store alive! read more

Spin Records - Electronics Near Me - Carlsbad, California

Great record shop in a nice, convenient location. I visited Spin Records two months ago while in Carlsbad, in addition to checking out the beach, Submarina and It's a Grind. I only ended up buying one thing at the record store. I purchased a copy of Giant Robot magazine. I still haven't read the entire magazine. It's a great magazine but I have a bunch of other magazines piled up to read: Bloomberg Business Week, Marie Claire, Fortune, Details and some titles I can't remember. The store sells other magazines such as Rolling Stone. I recall that distinctly due to the cover subject and photo of the impressive Lady Gaga. Credit cards are accepted here, even for such a small purchase as a magazine. Hey, what can I say? I forgot to visit the ATM before heading to Carlsbad. I would revisit this store the next time I'm in the area. read more

For as long as I can remember, Spin Records has been my sanctuary! LOOOOONG before the resurgence of vinyl-- Ken Kosta and his staff have been firmly planted in the heart of Carlsbad Village, faithfully serving the community through their amplified, high fidelity tunes! You might not guess it based on the relatively small size of the store, but the inventory is IMMENSE!! Offering a seemingly endless supply of LPs as well as 45s of nearly every artist, decade, and genre. Browse through their bins and you'll find everything from the latest top 40 to the timeless classics, hidden gems, local bands, loads of rarities, live albums and more. Though over the past years, their selection of used vinyl has grown exponentially, they still carry a great selection of older, used vinyl-- usually in mint or near mint condition without the hefty price tag. Apart from vinyl, Spin also carries endless rows of Cds and shelves stacked with just about ebery movie you could imagine. Not just Hollywood hits but classic cult films and, of course, incredible music films and documentaries. Spin is also a huge supporter of local bands and shows. Walking in, the first thing you see is the entire front wall covered floor to ceiling with show fliers and concert posters. Spin has acted as my musical guide since I was in middle school. I'm 26 now and have been a professional musician for almost 10 years and I give full credit to the people and music I discovered through Spin records! This place offers so much more than any online store ever could. This place not only offers the incredible gift of true music produced in the greatest format of all time- vinyl- but it also offers a community, a home, a refuge in this crazy thing called life! Lol I don't mean to over-exaggerate, but Spin has, does and will always hold a special place in my heart-- as it does for all who have set foot inside! read more

Spin Records - Can't wait to get spinning!! - Electronics Near Me - Carlsbad, California

i don't write a lot of retail reviews but SPIN RECORDS deserves the mention. if the pop offerings at WALMART don't float your boat, SPIN RECORDS is a good place to check out. and, if they do float your boat, step out of your comfort zone and take a walk on the wild side and stretch your musical horizons. picked up BILLY BRAGG and WILCO (MERMAID AVENUE) and some VELVET UNDERGROUND CD's for CHRISTMAS gifts. wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling, what a local treasure. this is what retail should be. read more

LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE!!! I personally just got a record player and I am so happy that this place is literally steps away from my new hangouts in the Carlsbad Village area. I came here the other because my friend had purchased a new record for me here and I wanted to see what their library consisted of! There are SO MANY DIFFERENT CHOICES!!! It's so hard to pick, but I am so happy that this place is here and if you are looking for a good CD or a new record, I would recommended giving yourself a good chunk of time to browse! read more

I actually came across this place by accident, but I'm so glad I stopped by. This place is packed to the brim with vinyl, cds, cassettes, etc. They have this system were the sleeves are in the stacks to look through, but the actual vinyl is in a back area for staff to grab when you decide to purchase. I've never seen this in other stores but thought this was a cool idea. While they definitely have a big variety of genres they carry here, I'd say the most selection I saw was for classic rock/ indie rock/ indie pop (???) Overall good experience and I'll definitely be coming back here! read more

I really like Spin Records in Carlsbad. I love the area it is situated in! Slightly more expensive than the record stores I visit most, but so close to PCH in a very touristy area, I really would suspect as much. Not TOO expensive, at all. I did buy a few albums from Spin, and a bright pink t-shirt, because it just rocks. I would prefer a better organization of used vinyl, but the store has soooo much more than vinyl. Also - super friendly service is a plus. I found a cardboard cut out of Barry Manilow tucked in the corner - so I had to pull him out and pose with him. (Looks Like We Made it!!!) Oh my gosh I wore his music out in the 70's. And that is why vinyl is so freaking awesome - I can time travel with a drop of a needle. I prefer vinyl to ALL other forms of music. Half of the fun...or is it 3/4's??? Is just looking at the awesome album covers of days gone by. I just love it. This is a hobby of mine, browsing vinyl stores, and playing the records DAILY at my home. Thanks, Spin Records...for being here. read more

See all

Sorry but I'm not paying new prices for vinyl and CDs that have been opened and are stored behind the counter. Is shoplifting that bad in Carlsbad? No greeting, I was in and out in 5 minutes. Go to Lou's or Moldy Toes in San Clemente for a much better new music experience . read more

A vinyl junkies delight. To me a good record shop is a place that when you go into and you can lose track of time. Spin Records has just the right mixture of nostalgia, vinyl record smell, and cluttered disorganization to give it validity as a record shop where I want to be. If you need authenticity in a record store, look no further. Now here's the deal with the staff... sure they might come across as a little cold or standoffish, but in actuality they are willing to help if needed. The truth is that they understand that the music shopping experience is an immersive journey where the customer should be left alone without being bothered. If you need them, they are there but they'll let you explore and not pester you - just they way it should be. If you're talking selection, Spin has a very worthy inventory on hand. They stock many CD's as well as Vinyl so there's plenty of physical inventory to peruse. If you love music shopping and appreciate the ability to wander and discover, spend an hour or two at Spin and lose yourself. read more

Spin Records - Ask me about my 12" - Electronics Near Me - Carlsbad, California

I've lived in Oceanside my whole life and for some reason never went into this store. Until about 6 weeks ago. For a relatively small store, they carry a large selection of new and used viny. I've now been back four or five times and I always find something I want. All the staff are knowledgeable and will answer any questions you have, but they let you look around and don't bother you. If your looking for that hard to find vinyl record or cd, go into this store. I'm guessing they'll have what you need. But more importantly, what you want. read more

Lots of selections in very small, cramped interior. Friendly, helpful customer service. Parking in rear.

This is a treasure for those of us that love records. You could spend hours going through everything. The selection of used and new records is amazing. The place is packed with everything media and at times I felt a bit claustrophobic. The aisles are very narrow and every space has something on it, even the walls. With that being said, we did buy 5 records and I'm sure we will be back. The people working there were not particularly friendly, in fact they didn't even speak to us until it was time to check out. An initial greeting would have been nice but it won't stop us from going back. read more

Spin Records - Electronics Near Me - Carlsbad, California

For a good 26 years, I've shopped at Spin Records. While I've gone to other shops in the county (and others in So Cal), I ALWAYS return to Spin. Why? Well... The owner, Ken, is the simple answer. He knows the music, the stock, and there's something about the quality of what he brings in. When I buy used LP's other places, I've found WAY too many times that they have issues... I'll pay $10, $20, or $30 for a used LP only to find it has a skip that I didn't notice upon examination in store. Say what you will, but I think if I'm paying more than $5.99 for a used LP, it better be playable. The sleeve can be ratty, but it BETTER play. In 26 years, I have NEVER had an LP skip. If I hit the cheap LP's, it's going to be because it's a common used LP, poor quality sleeve, something that's beat up, etc... I'll take some pops and such, sure, I'll get what I pay for. For you audiophiles, I think you know what I mean. Anyway, I'm happy that Spin remains in business, has a GOOD selection of records, and not just what is going to sell five copies per week of - there are gems to find if you're willing to dig. Plus, they're always getting a regular supply of used "stuff" in to peruse. Keep checking, 'cause you never know what you might find. I'm one of those guys who likes to go to record stores and look through every. single. record... What's there? Oh, I didn't know that live album existed... Oh, I didn't know that was re-released... That kind of stuff... Enjoy the browsing. read more

This place is pack with so much media!!! Records, cds, cassette!! The aisles are really tight, and unfortunately when I walked in the store the place was full of customers and it made exploring difficult. Hopefully I can go back and spend more quality time. One thing that did bother me was, that all they're new records, were opened and all that was on the shelves were the sleeves. With a stick that said the record was behind counter. I didn't ask but I guess it's to prevent theft. For me, if I buy a brand new record, I want it sealed, that's just me. Hopefully I can go back and review again, and give it a better score. read more

Spin Records has a wide variety of records! They keep their record covers in great condition, but I was not expecting to go to the front counter to see the vinyl record itself. It was fun to look around and see many of my favorite bands and artists available in vinyl! I will be back! read more

Did not expect to find a record store gem like this in ritzy Carlsbad! Upon a trip to Lou's in Encinitas, the iPhone directed my boyfriend and I in the direction of Spin Records! Was well worth the extra gas to get there! Parking is no issue here, hooray! Spin is large but slightly cramped with all of their stuff up for sale. They have everything from magazines, stickers, cds of all kinds and types, vinyl, posters, shirt, pins, dvds, etc. etc. etc. They carry a wide variety of music! Everything from Bear Vs. Shark to Hot Water Music! The staff was cool and very helpful. Well priced for everything for sale! I must have spent a good hour or two in there looking at everything! Spin is the place to take an afternoon spin to! Love it! read more

It breaks my heart to see what downloading has done to record store culture. I'm sure Spin is on borrowed time but as long as they're there I'll keep shopping there. Lou's looks like they are winding down so Spin is the only place in North County (maybe San Diego county) that has CDs/DVDs/Vinyl and the good old record store vibe that is disappearing. Hit this place and remember what was fun about music before technology destroyed it. read more

My husband and I love to go there and look for old and new vinyl. Professional and friendly staff.

This place represents. I've been visiting Spin Records for more than ten years now, and have found some of my rarest gems here: Nirvana's Oh, the guilt CD single. Dwarves Blood' Guts & Pussy 1990 promo poster. PJ Harvey's Rid of Me promo poster. I love Spin Records! read more

A record store pet peeve of mine- LPs are crammed together, it's impossible to go thru them. Spin Records is a struggle. When I could pull out an album, the cheapest one I could find was $20. "Where's all your used vinyl?" I ask. "Underneath." And as if reading the "I'm not sitting on your floor to go thru these crammed records" expression on my face, the clerk volunteered- "I'll help you look for anything." No thanks. Not returning. Booooo. read more

This here is what I call a love/hate situation. In the good old days, I would go to the bank and see my money procreating and living lives of scandalous affairs and child rearing. These days, I find that my joyous bills are sickly and tired from their years of adulterous living. My bills are weak, and easily swayed. They find themselves happily leaping into the cash register at Spin, relieved to have found a safe haven, where they can jam with their rockin' pals, to the great tunes which accompany Spin's betchen atmosphere. I then find myself alone with my wallet, sitting on a couch, weeping; then, suddenly, we are struck with the realization of the many fine tunes which we have recently acquired, with the help of Spin's rockin' staff. The wallet and myself turn on the goods, and immediately are revived. It is a happy day indeed. read more

All the CDs are removed from sales floor so what you get to look at is a copy of the artwork. Their prices are full retail even for used discs which is mainly what I'm after. How is someone suppose to enjoy thumbing in the used bins if all they put out is paper Xerox copies of the artwork? Also the crappy Punk Rock playing is super annoying, doesn't anybody listen to good old Rock and Roll anymore? Waste of time really but at least they're trying to keep music alive and they seem friendly so that's more than most places I guess. read more

First time going in there. HARDLY HAD ANY Dance/House/Electronic/Techno!!! What they did have only had DUST all over the cd's!!! NOT FOR ALL GENRE MUSIC!!! read more

Carlsbad just got a few stars cooler. This modest record shop has select pickings, general "well-yeahs" and sparkly wonders. I found used: Lazarus, Mountain, Klaatu and Necktar (I was totally looking for anything resembling "Barada"..no dice). The CD section is key as well. I picked up a used album I hadnt been able to find for nearly 10 years. A grand wall of casettes. Stickers and tshirts a plenty. Spin even has incense matches and punk rock zippos. A few drawbacks though. -No listening station for vinyl. So we're supposed to take a wild guess? -All new music is kept behind the counter. I understand they want to keep shrink down. But going as far as to re-package the CD inserts. whoa, dudes. It was pretty funny that each slip read: "CD is not in this case. That means you have to ask for it at the register. Please dont steal this" If I'm ever lost in Carlsbad again, I know where to kick it. read more

The staff is always friendly, helpful and knowledgeable. Most recently, I needed to pick up a Calabrese CD, but did not have time to order it from the band directly (which is what I usually do so the band gets all of the money). I called Spin, they had one in stock - 13 Halloweens, so I went by on my lunch break to pick it up. Doesn't get much better than that when you're in a pinch! Spin carries a wide variety of music. There's something for everyone. They also carry a pretty large collection of vinyl, considering the size of the place. The location is great and there are lots of other places to check out within walking distance. read more

I just got back from this place... My girlfriend found out about Spin as she was trying to find an alternative to Lou's since that WAS the only decent record store around outside of Fingerprints in LB or Amoeba, and to my surprise this place is FULLY stocked with a killer inventory of LPs new and used...much better stocked than Lou's from my experience. Jazz, Alternative, Metal, Indie, etc, this place had it all...even some hidden hiphop in the back where I should have picked up that Tribe Called Quest album that was calling me...oh well... I went strictly for xmas gifts and ended up getting some great new vinyl including Metallica's "Master of Puppets (new)," Pinback's "Summer of Abbadon" (new) and a great Glen Miller LP box set for 4 BUCKS! I didn't even bother looking at the CD's but they looked like that had a TON new and used as well as a decent section of DVDs in the back. Not to mention it's all under one roof unlike Lou's who split their stores into two sections, which is lame. The prices aren't bad and the two dudes working were cool. I highly recommend this place as it's my new local record store even though I live in San Clemente. Show your support and check this place out! read more

Inventory is the main positive when it comes to this place. Its not a big place but it is full to the brim with selection every time I go in, and its appreciated! They keep it somewhat classified alphabetically in different genres. They gave me credit for two cassette tapes I turned in for a new LP. That was also appreciated. I would say if you are a music lover definently come support this place! read more

good tape selection. fun to dig around. liked the music they were playing too. cool spot

I really didn't find anything here that appealed to me. I like alt rock and old classics and hip hop, all sorts of stuff. But even if CD's were worth buying today (what with the internet), a lot of it was stuff I had never heard of. Employees mostly ignored me, which is pretty typical of locally-owned record stores. read more

Nice staff and baller rock/pop selection of CDs and vinyl. Yay! I try to pop in whenever I'm visiting in the area. I've also bought tons of awesome posters here -- sweet shots of Patti Smith and Elvis Costello that are hanging on my apartment walls as I type. Since Lou's has started downsizing, this is pretty much my go-to music establishment south of Fingerprints. Dig the decor, too. Say hi to Barry Manilow when you stop by! read more

Spin Records is the real deal. Ken is a legend. The employees are all professional. It smells like incense. During the corona virus quarantine they are posting a lot to Instagram and doing curbside orders. They always have new releases. Lots of used inventory and LPs. And the tshirts are $8. Give 'em ALL of your business! read more

Been coming here for years. Owner, Ken Kosta is good-hearted decent businessman. His generosity gave me courage to fund-raise for my terminally ill brother a couple years back and I will always love him and his store for that . . . In more recent news, I went in to buy back my missing Steely Dan CDs and they had a great selection of new and used. The clerk was funny. He said "I used to hate Steely Dan because my Mom liked it...then I started working here and now I appreciate them". Ha-ha. Young wise-ass. You have to love them. Spin Records has personality and a warmth to it. Not to bash Lou's but, come on. There is NO comparison. read more

Looking through thousands and thousands of jewel case spines can be a bit fatiguing, yet it is intuitive as you look for key words - bands, labels or titles - with ease of sight. Having to browse through jewel cases set with spines not facing you is more of an active endeavor, but still not too problematic since you learn how to flick through cases with fluidity; the clacking of those cases coming together as you browse past them a rewarding stimuli in and of itself. Not employing either system, Spin Records has the jewel cases in giants shelves behind the counter with only the booklets or some other visual representation of the covers filed on the store floor like some sort of giant index card system. Box sets and other irregular cases are on a second tier of shelves, all of them empty until you pay, and vinyl is off to the side. Now, for the store, this case-less system makes absolute sense (maximizes the little space the store has with less clutter and there is a lower likelihood of items getting stolen) but for the customer it can be overwhelming and quite difficult to browse without having to go through every single card-stock thin item (it sometimes feels like trying to flip through a moist dictionary since some of the items stick together). Store set-up aside, the selection at Spin Records is pretty good. There is a great selection of both major and indie label releases from pretty much any genre and across decades (any record store that has separate Goth/Industrial and Folk sections probably and hopefully knows what they are doing). The box set selection was one of the best I have seen this side of Amoeba, and I was very pleasantly surprised by how many singles I found. Additionally for those interested, they had a fairly large collection of assorted bootlegs. Pricing is decent, with some albums as low as $2.99 (maybe lower, I didn't check the clearance prices) but most albums starting around $5.99 used and $13 new. Box sets and deluxe reissues are pricey: upwards of $25 for 2 disc sets and boxes with 4 discs or more at $40-plus. Overall, Spin Records is pretty awesome, and although I have a bit of an issue with their store set-up, I found their selection expansive enough to warrant a recommendation. I understand that space is at a premium, and therefore it makes sense to try out their different system, but unless one goes to the store with a few hours to spare (which, on any planned trip there I could give - I ended up visiting Spin Records the day we ran the Junior Carlsbad 5K and did not stay long as I had to travel to Bakersfield), the index card system can be frustrating. Purchased: Magic Happens by The Family Cat (Used, $2.99) The Slow-Motion World of Snowpony (Used, $9.99) Stars are Our Home by Black Hearted Brother (New, $12) read more