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

Spin Records..Great little independent record shop with a large selection of records and CDs, T-shirts, and other assorted nicknacks. The staff is helpful and friendly and not pretentious at all. I like this place and am thankful it's still surviving in this digital download age. Long live Vinyl, long live the dead! read more

Great music selection, accessories as well as nice, friendly people here at Spin Records. Having moved to North County fairly recently, one of the first things I need to know is where the nearest record store is. Thay have a huge inventory of DVD music concerts/documentaries, new/used vinyl records and CDs. I can tell a place is good if they have t-shirts of The Sisters of Mercy. Ok, I am a fan but it is hard to find a loval place that has one for sale around here. Come in on a normal day or better yet on Record Store Day to really have a good time shopping for music. 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

Large selection of vinyl that is well organized. I could spend quite a long time in here going through everything. Parking is not an issue because they have their own private lot. It's near a really cute area, where there are bars, coffee shops, and places to eat. One thing I look for when in record stores is a metal section. However, this place, there is no separate section of metal vinyl, it's just lumped in with all the rock/pop. I got some good finds from here though, but it's just on the more expensive side compared to other vinyl store I've been to. I just happened to be in the area visiting a friend, and it was a nice way just to relax with my coffee and browse vinyl. They keep the actual records in the back, so it's good insurance that what you buy is good quality! read more

Small little place with a friendly staff! Not enough independent record stores in North County so they get extra points for that. Their records were reasonably priced. read more

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

I researched online in genres I knew little about for special Christmas gifts. I was about to order when I found out the gift party was moved up to that weekend. I got nervous but headed to Spin after a quick map search in hopes that I'd find something, anything. I didn't want to give a gift card. I was shocked, absolutely shocked what they had. Everything I had researched about! In fact I was greeted by someone extremely helpful. She seemed to know what I was about to say and pulled out everything for me. I felt so taken care of I asked about some of the music I had trouble finding for some time, even online and they had it! When I looked at the prices I couldn't believe my luck! What a find! I will be buying from them again. It's so good to know I don't have to buy music online now because its not mainstream garbage. read more

Great record store. Fair prices. It's a little small inside so if there is more then 4 people searching for records it feels a little crowded. But that's the fun part about digging for old records right?! I dig the store and glad they are still around read more

One of the most ridiculous places for buying CDs, this shop has its racks filled with plastic sheets containing cover art. You then pick one, pay for it as if it were a new item, and them they slip cover in with the jewel case they've stashed elsewhere. I ask, with all due sincerity, when would any other business offer you an opened item, claim it's new, then charge you uncompetitive prices? It's all a tad mad. read more

A great selection at Spin Records. We wanted certain Reggae music, and The owner Ken Kosta helped us to the max! We will certainly come back again. So many interesting music items here at Spin Records read more

Love Spin, A place to find all of my favourites and add to the collection. Here at Spin I can find anything from the new releases to those albums that we all know and love. If ever I have an album that I "NEED" I know that Spin can find it and order it for me; that is if they don't already have it in their huge selection. Vinyl Cassette CD Posters T-Shirts. read more

Anybody that gives this place less than 5 stars doesn't know what they're talking about. Been coming here for years; this is my go-to place for CDs, vinyl, stickers, and more. Seriously in love with this place, I'd be devastated if they ever closed. Please come support one of the last true independent music retailers left!!! read more

Spin Records - Electronics Near Me - Carlsbad, California

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Great record store! Appreciate the new and used selection at all price points. Covers extensive genres despite the small size. You can likely snag past Record Store Day deals, too. Would recommend at least an hour to comb through everything adequately. There's also CDs but I didn't check those out last round. Definitely coming back! read more

Not a big fan of this store. Shopped here twice. No real used records. Everything new at high retail prices. I like to shop local but they don't seem to offer anything I can't order online with free shipping at lower cost. Used records in the lower bins are really dollar store stuff. I suspect they keep good used records for regulars because not sure how you can keep a store open selling all new records at full retail, which by the way they open and keep record behind the counter. Removes the enjoyment of opening a new record. read more

I actually like this place better than Lou's primarily because of their HUGE vinyl sticker collection. I found my Cocteau Twins and Pulp stickers for my car here, and I think they were just $2 each. I've been shopping at spin for YEARS now, ever since they used to have that tiny shop that's about a block south of their current location. If you're into crappy bootleg videos of every band you've ever dreamed of, now's you chance to fill that consumer void at Spin. It's fairly small, but it's easy to find records/CDs for looking so cluttered. Great Kate Bush and Nick Cave selections, who are two of my favorite artists. read more

Best Record Shop in North County! Friendly and extremely knowledgeable staff, good pricing, and an extensive inventory of both new and used records, CDs, and more! read more

I still buy cd's to transfer to mp3. Must be the hoarder in me. I can always find the obscure band on my mind. Does the buyer for the store mirror my taste in music, or do they have everything? They even had cd's from most of the artists at a recent blues benefit I went to (many of which I had never heard of before). If online buying is not your thing, then this may be. read more

Not as vast as Lou's but I enjoy the vibe at Spin a lot more. Lou's has that typical record store thing going on. I think you can make better finds at Spin because the traffic is not as high. Doug E. Fresh and Guided By Voices on tape for 2 bucks each? Yes please!!! read more

For those who prefer going to independent record stores instead of places like Best Buy, this place has a nice collection of cds, vinyls, and even cassettes. The cool thing about Spin is that they allow you to listen to the music before you buy it. It's not as big as some other record stores, therefore being less crowded, which I think is very nice, but it still probably has what you are looking for. read more

Spin records & lous must be related.....cause there both lacking on there soul,funk,r&b section.

A really great selection and the staff knows their music. If they don't have it they will order it for you.

Great Selection - always a good place to come and browse CDs. Vinyl is always a little hard to look through - more records than space provided for them, but the browsing is worth it because I find gems here - especially when I'm not looking! Good prices and lots of classic stuff with cool memorabilia read more

I can't lie,spins selection dwarfs Lou's cd selection.especially with the early punk music and it's located right in the village but the prices in my opinion are through the roof.Regardless, when your looking for something hard to find spin usually has it read more

I really want to like this place but after three visits (over the years) I haven't found anything that I've wanted to buy here. Their prices are also a little high compared to other shops in the area. Don't get me wrong Spin Records looks like a cool shop with tons of stuff crammed in there but I just can't get to excited about a shop that hasn't supplied a single piece (cd or vinyl) to my collection. read more

I love this music store. I would move in if I could. I make a point to stop by when in the area and leave with some great finds. It's a small store and cram packed with tons of music (cd's + vinyl) so have some patience and time! There's a pretty good selection of music... lots of different genres. Nice enough staff. They will order stuff for you if they don't have it in stock. read more

BEST RECORD STORE IN SAN DIEGO COUNTY!! They always have amazing finds and the team that works there are super friendly :-) This is definitely my favorite record store read more

This is my favorite place to get records in San Diego. But it's getting full. Go buy more records people! Also, online service would help alleviate this, guys. read more

Great selection, friendly and helpful staff, knowledgeable on their music, and the location is great. It's pretty much a mandatory stop for me when I'm in Carlsbad. read more

I have been going to this shop for years, it has been my go-to ever since I can remember. The customer service is great no matter what time of the day or who you speak with. I cant say enough about this place, its really amazing. read more

Love this store! It has so many options for you to pick. I just wish the store was a little bit bigger!

Went looking for some Xmas presents for my dad and sister. It was a little overwhelming the first time I went in... There are a lot of records, new and used, already sorted but then there are TONS more below the sorted for you to look through... I was pleasantly surprises at the selection and was able to get some indie rock for my sister and some older Canadian progressive rock for my father. All in all I was quite satisfied. read more

Good, Old Fashioned , take your time to browse through records and CDs store! It's fun to take an hour to browse through and get some fantastic finds. The staff is Very Educated and can point you towards anything that they have that works for you! Great little Gem! read more

This is a gem... and another one of the most influential hangouts of my youth. I found punk rock here... made some long term friends... and began a lifelong interest in cool music in general. The owner is a saint for keeping this place going, and selling rare music at such affordable prices. If you're downloading music... then at least come here and buy some vinyl... or a t-shirt. Long live record stores! read more

Have been meaning to go into Spin for months and had low expectations, just because... This is Carlsbad. Finally went in today and had my mind blown by the vinyl selection! The staff was very friendly, and I LOVE THIS PLACE! read more

Packed to the brim with lots of goodness. Found a few things I've been wanting on both CD and vinyl. Great selection of left over RSD stuff as well. Need to get back here to finish going through the awesome selection of 7"s. read more

Cool little record shop with a great selection and pretty good prices on used items. They have their selection displayed with the CD inserts only rather then the jewel case with insert sans disc which I found a little odd but it seems to work for them. I imagine this was born out of necessity given the small size of the shop. Staff was very friendly and willing to help. I'll definitely make this a regular stop whenever I'm in the area...along with Lou's of course. read more

So, last night, I called about an RSD release that I had missed, and guess what? They still had a copy. So, they said they'd hold it for me. An easy drive from San Clemente, easy to locate, super nice dudes. Only downer, if it is one, is they were pricier than some of the OC shops. I paid $5 more than my buddy did, for the same record. I dunno, maybe I could have bartered, but, frankly, I was just happy they had what I was looking for. I was only there for the one record, but I plan on returning and diving through their selection (which looked massive!) one of these days. read more

Lots of great jazz and rock records and the employees are super helpful! Left with 6 great records.

Every time I'm in the village, this is a must to stop at! A huge selection of records, cd's and even tapes for my old players, it has a wonderful selection! The staff are friendly and knowledgeable and the selection is great. I also get inspired by what they are playing when I'm in there, and always suggest new music I didn't know about! read more