What a gem!! Opened for 50+ years.. Walked past this place on Sunday and had to stop in from seeing through the windows the floor to ceiling filled shelf's full of records.. As soon I walked in the owner said hello welcome, what type of music do you like? I replied a little bit of everything, he then replied what's that supposed to mean? He said give me an artist or genre I said ok do you have jazz or blues, he then replied saying he had over 2k records in just jazz alone.. I settled on asking if he had any Al Bowlly, he said yes I have Al Bowlly.. He walked down one of the aisles and called down the hallway to someone.. All of the sudden a frail old man came out, the owner said can you get down the Al Bowlly records, the old man sighs ok, the owner in return gave him a ladder, which the old man un folded and struggled to push it down the aisle, he climbed up to almost the top of the ladder looking through the albums un able to find any records, after struggling the owner comes over and said here let me help you!! The old man climbs back down the ladder and the owner pulls the ladder further down the aisle and says here this is where they are, the old man climbs back up to the top and finally finds the records and struggles to start pulling the records off the top shelf handing them to the owner.. I would say he took down maybe 20 or so records I found one I was looking for paid 25 bucks for it and was on my way.. The record by the way is in amazing condition almost new.. If you are looking for a specific record I definitely suggest coming here.. The owner is very knowledgeable.. I can see where he would come off rude, he wants people who know what they are looking for.. read more

Charmingly horrific :) There is, tucked along Melrose, a particular kind of cultural artifact no pressing plant could replicate: the curmudgeonly record dealer whose temperament has aged less gracefully than his inventory. My visit to The Record Collector felt less like retail and more like an immersive study in ego and taste. The proprietor--swift, encyclopedic, and unmistakably unimpressed--retrieved selections with impressive precision, only to bristle at the modern instinct to verify via Spotify. Browsing, it seems, is no longer browsing unless it ends in immediate, unquestioned purchase--hesitation being the ultimate offense. "Move. Come back when you're ready," is delivered less as guidance and more as doctrine. And yet, there is something perversely compelling about it. A former saxophonist by his own account, he carries the air of someone who has distilled years of proximity to greatness into a rigid philosophy: taste must be instinctual, decisive, and efficient. The warmth is absent, but the character is undeniable. In an age of frictionless politeness, The Record Collector offers resistance--less a store than a fully realized persona. Not recommendable in the conventional sense, but as a study in human texture, undeniably... collectible. read more

We walked in with a list of specific artists and albums, both men (Sandy and Henry) were instantly helpful and intensely knowledgeable. Sandy kept pulling more and more rare records out the further into our list he got, and Henry kept offering random selections of odd ball albums in similar veins. Classical is really where Sandy gets interested. Henry, the older of the two gentlemen, got up on the ladder multiple times to show us something we might like. If you read these other reviews, it obvious how to approach the shop; just know what you want and be polite! I went years ago randomly, it's true they were pretty brutal, but on this second approach I ended up with an experience far beyond getting some rare records. Sandy went into detail about his studies in violin, his 87 year old teacher, the jazz club he ran. Stories of booking Herb Ellis and days of Les McCann coming into the shop etc. Once we got into it Sandy even showed me some hi fi equipment of his, and talking of the master tapes he still has from shows he recorded himself with legendary names. He bought Cannonball Adderley's record collection directly from his wife when he passed, because she trusted only Sandy to treat it with care. The shop has amazing records, first editions and everything a jazz or classical fan can imagine; but through their strict rules and bitter demeanor these two men are some of the last great witnesses to the true greats. Absolute treasures waiting to be unlocked. Give this place another shot, with some care, and I promise you will get more out of it than any shop in Los Angeles. read more

The rudest man I have met in a long time. He asked me what genre I was interested in, I told him I like several genres, He told me that was the wrong answer, said I get an F, and told me to leave his store, said the same thing to my daughters, and screamed and me and called me names. He was so abusive. Terrible human being. read more

This man is the rudest man I ever met. Saying that our generation is so entitled and he kicked me out for just taking a simple picture just because I took it on my phone instead of a camera. Also saying that he only likes selling to rich and international costumers. He is a bitter old man it's beautiful inside but does not deserve anything! read more

The owner literally called my wife a c*nt because we didn't buy a record. He said it's the problem with our generation (I'm 38).

DO NOT COME HERE the people are very smug and rude and when I asked if they have Astrud Gilberto they said "get in line with everyone else". How is it that a jazz based record store that doesn't have someone as simple as astrud gilberto and ps watch out for the pointless two inch step that they have in front of the record store because I tripped on it. SO RUDE NEVER COMING HERE AGAIN. Every other record store that I go to has first press Astrid Gilberto! Seems like they don't want to mar sales because I was prepared to spend a good amount of money here! MAYBE NEXT TIME read more

The owner was one of the rudest people I've ever encountered. This was our first time visiting the store, and we were genuinely interested in browsing to see what they had. As soon as we mentioned we were just looking, he demanded that we leave. We hadn't even had a chance to explore or understand what the store offered. His behavior was extremely unprofessional and offensive, and he used inappropriate language that made the situation even worse. No customer should be treated that way for simply browsing. I would not recommend this store if you value basic courtesy and respectful service. Save yourself please never come here. Clearly he care so much about your money first than you having a great experience at his store or even finding something meaningful to you. What a waste of time!!!!! read more

I would rate this place zero if that was available!!! There are two guys that work there one is super nice and the other one shouldn't be allowed to even come around that place. He is extremely rude to customers, I'm surprised this place hasn't gone bankrupt with such a bad representation for customer service. Why go to work so bitter every day?? Go find a job that will make you happy dude!!! read more

Rudest owner I've ever interacted with in my life. Do not come to this store. I've never experienced such a rude individual. Walked in and he immediately told myself and my partner that there is no browsing allowed, to do my research before coming in, and when i apologized that I did not realize walk-ins were not allowed, told me that he doesn't need to advertise that and to not waste his time. Also had a few choice words for younger generations. Horrible experience. Don't ever come to this store. read more

Same experience as other reviewers. Came to melrose for Headline records (would recommend) and thought we'd check out this one too since it was down the street. Got interrogated off rip like other people were saying. We also got yelled at for "taking photos" even though we were just holding our phones bc we had no pockets. He then kicked us out bc "browsing isn't a good business model". I would argue being rude to patrons is a worse one but ok. The selection of oldies is also not hard to find in other record shops so I wouldn't waste your time. read more

Owner is incredibly rude. The second you walk in, you are interrogated as to what you're looking for and if you are just browsing he tells you to get out. read more

Beware The owner sucks so bad. He told me browsing was not allowed and when my friend told him he'd come back later to buy a vinyl he told us to get lost and said "don't waste my time." Left a very sour taste in our mouths. Old man needs to learn a thing or two about customer service. How is this place still around ...? Go ANYWHERE else. Seriously. Don't give this guy your money. read more

My boyfriend and I stumbled upon this store and as two people who love and collect vintage records.. we were very excited to have a browse and see what we could add to our collection! Immediately when we walked in, this older man who was sitting down (assuming it's the owner) asked us why we are here and we jokingly (and respectfully) went, "it smells so nice in here!" because older vinyls and books smell amazing to us, as collectors, and it reminds us of our parents. He then told us, very rudely, "this isn't some kind of coffee shop" and "the smell isn't his buisness model." Figuring he was joking and we were having fun banter - it then quickly turned into him rudely assuming we didn't know music, we didn't care about it, and that we should get out. We are saddened and disappointed in this experience. If this man had a different attitude, we would have most likely enjoyed this environment more and bought something. Out of principle, we won't support someone with such a rude and entitled attitude. Also, I've never reviewed on Yelp before this experience. read more

As soon as you walk in this "archive" the type of welcome you receive won't be a warm one bc right away the owner will question why you're even going in there with his tone, choice of words and body language. My girlfriend and I walked in there respectfully, wanted to inquire about the records and store being it was our first time there. He does have plenty of records I can say that much, but what is a record store if we couldn't browse through the vinyl at all to see what we like or may be interested in. The owner or manager or whatever he was made it seem like he created the idea of music. Telling me my seriousness of music wasn't as serious as his. WTF does that mean when it's to each their own. WHO THE HELL is he comparing MY preference of music to his, when 1 we've never met before and 2 who is he to tell me my own taste and seriousness of music. His energy was off and it was actually funny when we walked out after our interaction with him like how is this store still in business?! For anyone that wants to be entertained with negative smart remarks from an old geezer, go in here. If you just want to see the "500,000 records" as he claims, at a glance and distance go there. Salute to anyone that goes in there for at least 10 minutes and makes a purchase. read more

Unbelievable. There appear to be 2 men who run this place. One is older, very frail, and appears to be a fairly nice guy. The other, a larger, somewhat younger goateed man who claimed to be the owner, is in serious need of mental intervention. One of the most obtuse, self-important, and downright nasty individuals I've ever encountered (and I've been around a while). Stunningly horrific. I'd strongly that suggest you avoid entering this establishment at all costs. read more

I went with some friends to the store, cause I was very eager to see such a huge collection. I've been to hundreds of Records stores all across the country and overseas. I was told I could not browse and look around at any of the records and take them out myself. He asked do you have a list I said I know all the artists that I'm looking for. He was unpleasant and said come back with the printed list , I said are you kidding? He mumbled some unpleasant things and me and my friends left. We went and explored other Records stores and I picked up a lot of great records that I could browse through myself that were labeled graded and priced. This guy treat it like his museum, and you have to follow his rules. From what I saw or was allowed to see most of the records are not in very good condition. None of them seem to be in sleeves and not graded not priced. The definition of a grumpy , sour record store owner read more

Ever wanted to know what the Simpson's Comic Book Guy would be like if he was real and sold records? It's the guy who runs this shop. Why 5 stars? Because everyone should experience what a joke this owner is. Like, know you will be going in and get treated with disdain for sure, combined with misogyny, ageism, racism, or homophobia because he's THE record collector. The only true fan of music. What a pretentious character. Worth the poops and giggles. Tick him off and watch the fun happen. read more

Really weird interactions and vibes from being in there for less than a minute. I finished my evening at the melrose trading post & walked in, I instantly went to an antique table in the front and picked up a winding jewelry piano box thinking it was for sale. An old man (I'm assuming the owner from the rest of the comments saying how horrible he is lmao) came from behind me grabbed it out of my hands and said "put that down, you don't want that." I replied, "I do, how much is it?" He replies "$100" he then proceeded to tell me how they're closed and if I need helping finding a specific thing he'll help but other than that to leave, mind you- there were multiple other people in there- I was the only black person in there so him doing that obviously seemed fishy & I simply saw myself out cause that energy does not deserve good customers! Wouldn't recommend. read more

This was single-handedly probably the worst retail experience I've ever had. My boyfriend and I (who are both musicians) stopped in to check out the record selection and were immediately met with a condescendingly rude individual. I greeted him first by saying hi and he immediately proceeded to tell both of us that "this store is not open for people to shop" which made me believe that it was either not actually a store or that it was a Members Only type of establishment. I immediately responded by saying "oh I'm so sorry.we will leave" but instead of allowing us to just leave, he then says. " no, you have to tell me what you want - what you're looking for." So I said ok and named an artist (from the 60's) to which he pointed to another older gentleman that was down the aisle, and he proceeded to tell that gentleman to look down on the bottom of that aisle. The man starts looking through and seemingly swearing under his breath. I told him don't worry about it. It's OK thank you anyway and he just kept going then he finally hands an album to me by that Artist, but that is the one that I already have so I proceed to say oh that's when I already have. I just got that last week - to which the original extremely rude gentleman yanked it out of my hand, hand it back to the other older gentleman on the floor and says "here! she already got it last week" then turns to me and says "so GOODBYE!" I wanted to give a sharp retort, but I refused to lower myself to his rude and downright mean demeanor. This man gives off such evil energy . Do not go to this shop! * *and also... for the record (pun intended) I am well aware of pricing and values on vinyl and that most could be $30 and up into the hundreds, etc.so he truly did lose money on our visit (if you can even call it that) but I'm also certain that he doesn't even care and clearly does not want to make any money. Potential customers will not spend money if their kind greeting is responded to with insults and rude behavior..** read more

Traversing Melrose, I come upon a storefront visibly brimming with vinyl. I enter, moth to flame. I try to orient myself: are the records organized alphabetically? By genre? By mood? It's difficult to tell. The space isn't large, but it feels as though it stretches vertically and horizontally with dense vinyl for miles. A tall, gray-haired man materializes beside me. "What can I help you with? Looking for anything specific?" "Just browsing," I say. "You browsers are killing my business!" he snaps. "Well, I don't want to kill your business," I answer. "How do you suggest I shop?" "Give me something I can work with. An artist, a genre, something!" "Okay. Anything by Bill Evans? Sunday at the Village Vanguard?" "Everybody's looking for Bill! What about Miles? Coltrane?" Well, I'm already a Coltrane completionist and own many of my favorite things of his. Miles, less so. "Maybe On the Corner?" "Here's some Miles," he says, flipping through a few LPs before moving on to instruct two nearby customers on the proper way to handle records. It occurs to me I've been looking for a clean copy of Gould's Goldberg Variations. "Everybody's looking for Goldberg! What about The Well-Tempered Clavier?" He calls to his assistant, who produces near-mint LPs, books one and two. Sold. While he rings me up, he tells the history of the shop (fifty years, a half-million records!) pausing only to scold two kids asking for a Benson Boon LP. Six out of five stars. read more

We were just walking by on a lovely Saturday and made mistake of walking in. I was looking at the decorations and records and within 1-2 min got interrogated by the owner of manager. He kept on quizzing me and even though I kinda stopped responding starting insulting me and beyond aggressive. Based on my experience and other reviews it looks like he wants to go out of business. Business schools should study this guy as an example of bad & hostile customer disservice. read more

Awful experience! Don't bother with this place. My visit was less than 10 minutes. The older male staff member hovered the entire time and made the visit extremely off-putting. He had a purely transactional mentality. If you want to browse, he'll dismissively kick you out with a rude wave of his hands. Complete lack of customer service skills. People browse in record shops, just like they do in book stores. But this guy is not having any of it. So for any music lovers who want to spend some quiet time browsing a shop and discovering gems... AVOID this place. You'll be treated poorly by staff that need a lesson in basic human interaction. read more

They kicked me out just because I didn't have a list ready of what I wanted to buy, but they allowed another couple to browse. No sign up that I saw where it said,"No Browsing." Could be they were being racist since another couple was there browsing. Not sure. I saw the old guy wave some young white girls in a few days before when I had stopped for a store next door. Weird and confusing. So racist or not....Whichever it is, I won't be back. There are other options and places. read more

owner was very rude and me and the family were just trying to look around but he yelled at us. He also smells bad.

Glad to see i'm not the only one that had the same experience. Got yelled at as soon as I walked in through the door. When i walked in I saw the man at the front, acknowledged him saying hello and started walking towards the shelves to look around. Then I get startled by a "what are you doing???? hello?? miss??? hello???" I got thrown back because i thought i was genuinely doing something terribly wrong like something was about to fall or get knocked over, but no. He asked what I was doing and I said I was just wanting to browse, and i got the same "not the business model here, we sell records to music lovers who actually wanna buy records". I did actually want to buy one, and had specifics in mind but always like to browse because you never know what you'll find (i think it's part of the experience). The whole thing already gave me a sour taste so I walked out. read more

Within the first few minutes of entering the store, I was met with an older man I assumed would help me find something I would be interested in, due to the store being mostly oldies that looked like decent condition. I don't often listen to older music (anything past late 80s) so I didn't know what to expect when I walked in and saw so many old records I had never heard of. I was so interested in looking through them and seeing if anything was something I would be able to get for my sister, who likes older Sinatra and Otis Redding. But, this was not the case I was approached by an older man (I'm assuming is the owner based on the other reviews of this place) and asked what he can do for me. I said I'm not really sure what I'm looking for, but that I was mostly shopping for my sister. Then, he asked if I had a list or anything to reference. I got a little baffled with how upfront he was being due to us being the only two people in the store, but I nervously answered that no, I didn't prepare a list of records that I was specifically looking for. He then said "oh, so you're just wanting to wander around. That is not our business model, so you need to leave". I laughed and smiled at him, assuming it was a little joke he likes to say to new customers. But he persisted and said that I had to leave. I then walked out the door and sat on the curb, so confused about what had just happened. This is one of the most pretentious record store owners I have ever experienced. Music does not have rules or expectations, it is for everyone. His store is not for the common people, it is for the music snobs who believe they are better than others because of their "better" taste in music. If anyone wants to go meet this guy and give him a taste of his own medicine, please do so. He ruined my day in a small 10 second conversation and based on these other reviews, I'm sure other people will agree that he needs to be closed down. read more

Came in to find the shop keeper eating a whole pizza by himself and that just set the vibe for how bad my experience would end up being. 200 people can't be wrong. Don't come here. read more

Both of the store clerks would not stop following me when I said I wanted to browse for records. One clerk wouldn't stop asking me what exactly I was looking for while the other clerk kept asking what language I spoke (answer: it's English ). read more

Yes the owner is rude, Yes he will let you know this place is not for "digging" But if you can come and let him know what you're looking for and are ready to buy records and ask for suggestions he will give you great ones. I let him know I just started by Jazz records and that I take suggestions but I am interested in anything that's on Blue Note or Mainstream. The first record he suggested was a Jackie McLean re issue. He let me know that it wasn't packaged like that again. Double Vinyl and in great condition.. I told him I'd take it. It was $60. When I was paying he started telling me the history of the store, that there were 500,000 vinyl records in his collection there at the store and they had been open since 1973. I congratulated him on being open that long he said thank you and to come back anytime . If I was a record collector for over 50 years I think I would be a little protective of the craft and the music. Great collection, get passed the initial interaction, really be serious about buying, and you'll have a fine time read more

Service was terrible, if I could leave zero stars I would. If you're looking for a pretentious man to mansplain music and taste to you go here! read more

The owner of this store is incredibly rude and discriminatory. He bombarded me with questions as soon as I entered the store, and became hostile when I mentioned being unsure of which record I wanted to purchase. He kicked me out of the store within the first 7 minutes because he felt "people in my generation" won't purchase anything. NEVER waste your time at this establishment. The owner is so resentful and rude. read more

Holy S#?!... I should have read the reviews before going there. My young 12 year old Daughter loves music and vinyl. Went in looking for something to peak her interest but what a mistake. He approached her and asked what she wanted. She replied she doesn't know yet but wanted to look around. He then replied well looking is not going to help the store. He comes to me and ask what she wanted. I explained she loves records and music and once she finds something she will let me know. He then says to me that if that's the case this shop is not for our kind? What the? I took exception to that because we are Asian. I confronted him about that statement and he went off... I haven't heard so many racial slurs and profanity and all in front of my daughter. I then took out my phone attempting to record him saying all this when he sees the camera he then proceeds to close the shop. I cannot believe this guy is still in business. Worst of all this kind of traumatized my daughter and can't believe this place is still allowed to operate under this context. read more

The Record Collector - Adult Shops Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Owner was super rude. My partner and I were just walking around Melrose for a date day, just browsing through different stores we found interesting. We wandered into this dudes store and immediately upon walking in, he gets uncomfortably close to my partners face and asks what we're looking for. We answer that we are just browsing, and he states that this is not the place for that and that we should leave. He also coughed on her face like in the middle of this interaction!! Insane! We're shocked, and my girlfriend is super kind, so she asks what record he would recommend. After reviewing the record and realizing that it's insanely overpriced for what it is, we told him that we are going to think about it and come back. He responds saying something along the lines of, "Yeah, go, I have work to do." Worst costumer service experience we've ever had tbh. Never going back there- that's for sure! Selection was just ok for the price he was charging. read more

My partner and I had wanted to check this place out for a while since we have seen it across the street from the flea market across the street at the high school. We walked into the store, the owner greeted us by asking us what can I help you with? We responded with oh just browsing around, then that's where the mayhem began. The owner then said we don't allow browsing, you need to let us know what you want and we can get it to you in a very rude aggressive way. My partner then asked for jazz "Armando Trovajoli" to be exact, he then said we don't have that, we only take serious music collectors. Long story short, just like everyone's experience on here. We were called names like "flake and bitches". He kicked us out and said "get the fuck out of here!" And take your bitch with you "aka me" How this store is still in business, I will never understand. Unless you want to get bullied, cussed at, and harassed, do not come here! Negative stars if possible! read more

I literally haven't been here in almost 20 years, but am leaving a review because I was shocked to recently learn it's still in business, and that the owner is still treating everyone who comes in like dirt. He's been doing this since I was in high school! Genuinely one of the most unpleasant people in the entire city of Los Angeles. I assume he must make 99% of his sales online, because otherwise he seems to spend all day insulting people and kicking them out of his store. It's such a shame, because we've had so many amazing record stores come and go in LA over the decades, and somehow this guy manages to stick it out. Apparently he's now trying to sell the place -- hopefully that happens soon, no way a new owner could be worse than this one. read more

Please save yourself the trouble and skip this store. I've worked as a singer-songwriter here in LA for years, sharing stages with The Scorpions, Toto, and many more throughout my career. My sisters are visiting from Europe, and on our walk we thought it would be fun to stop by. Big mistake. One of the main reasons I make music is because I love how it connects people. Sitting down with likeminded creatives or anyone who loves good tunes--that's the magic. Most of the musicians I've met carry that same spirit. This place? The total opposite. The interaction was so unpleasant it ruined the mood of the day and left my sisters saying they'll never come back. Sadly, the older guy running this shop seems to have forgotten that--and left his kindness somewhere back in the '80s. Or maybe even the 1800s. There are WAY BETTER places to go if you love music. read more

terrible service, women beware. the owner is hostile and unprofessional. we were told to get out of the store after a couple minutes of simply browsing. no reason to support a business that treats potential customers so rudely. don't go here read more

Everything. Biggest asshole I've ever met. I would never recommend this record store to anyone. No browsing. He says if you're not educated enough with music you're not allowed to be in his store and told us to get out. We were there to see what records he has available and browse through his "collection" on a Saturday morning. Get some damn manners and maybe you won't have a collection of 500,000+ records just sitting in your record store. If I could give it a 0 I would. Very disappointing and awful experience. He tries to make you feel less than bc you're younger than him. I've never been treated so badly in a damn record store. read more

My girlfriend and I walked into this record shop to browse and maybe pick up a few new records we liked. As we entered, the owner was in the process of kicking out a group of teenagers. Right after, he approached us and asked what we were looking for. We told him we were just browsing, and he replied, "This is a respectable business. I don't make money from people just looking." Then he asked us to leave too. We were shocked. We came in with every intention of supporting the shop and buying something if we found a record we liked, but were met with rudeness and hostility instead. Terrible experience -- wouldn't recommend shopping here. read more