This store is awesome. I went in looking to find some LPs for my nephew and they have a great selection off both new and used at affordable prices. I got 3 classic LPs for $35! And all in great shape. Also the owner is really friendly and helpful. I will definitely be returning here. read more

Watts Music - All in great shape and $35 for all 3. Can't beat that - Music & DVDs Near Me - Novato, California

Make sure you stop in here. Darren was really cool. Found some really obscure local stuff. Great selection just a cool little local music store that's been around for 50 years. Come in and support your local music spot. Great vinyl, cassette and CD. Local rarities, equipment and 20,000 posters! read more

See all

The service was awful and not welcoming towards younger people. I asked about record players and how much for each one and he did not answer and brushed it off like I was a joke. Horrible store and bad interior. 1 star. read more

Guy working there was just a prick when I came in. I was asking about what they had and was met with whining and complaining about how kids don't understand that stores don't have everything (that's why you ask for what you want to see if they have it,...obviously). He then started talking to his friend as a second hand insult to push the message.Do not recommend, just be kind to customers, then they don't have to write this stuff read more

Owner is super rude and unwelcoming. Me and my girlfriend were just looking around and were the only ones in the shop. My girlfriend took one picture of a vinyl and he said "are you gonna buy stuff or just take pictures." Then as we were leaving he made another rude remark. Never returning back here. read more

Wide selection of vinyl and cds and lots of reasonable used stuff too. Super-fun slice of life; well worth a visit, phenomenal glimpse of how wonderful life can be...helpful, friendly guy behind the counter.... read more

Watts is a total hidden gem and I'm always telling people to stop by when they're in Novato. Diverse selection and a generous owner who will order rare stuff for you. Employees are always knowledgeable, friendly, and happy to help you find what you're looking for. Prices on the high end but still competitive and far worth the time you save not having to comb through messy junk heaps like so many music stores read more

I've found my new favorite record store! Love this place and can't wait to go back. Great selection and fantastic help.

I have fond memories of this record store as I grew up in this town since 1977 and they opened in 1979. I used to ride my bike with friends in middle school or go in a car later in high school and grew up buying metal LPs and metal tapes. I fondly remember Mr. Watts blowing pipe smoke into our faces while we looked through boxes of tapes on the counter. Lol! We just coughed to death. Later after college and during breaks from college I would drop in. My parents still live in Novato. 42 years now! But I moved but whenever I visit my folks, I try to stop in at Watts. Their old vinyl selection from the 70s, 80s and 90s was massive but over time most of it has finally found new homes. This store was one of the best in special ordering what was out of stock or not carried in-store back in my youth. I just asked Mr. Watts to special order tapes and they would arrive in 3-4 days. Loved it. Well Mr. Watts retired a long time ago and Darren became the owner for quite some time now. I was just informed that Mr. Watts passed away a couple years back. RIP. He started this small shop and they just passed 40 years in business! They carry a good selection. Be sure to head in there and see Darren. He is a great guy and very knowledgeable. He will get you setup with the music you seek. Go visit Watts Music! read more

See all

I wanted to give a huge shout out to Darren one of the employees here I'm a huge Coldplay fan and they released their CD Moon Music on Friday and I went to pre-order it yesterday and I got a free pair of those moon goggles and I found one of Chris's vintage advertisement posters. I got for five bucks and like 22 years ago, this guy was so awesome and five stars all the way way more than five dollars read more

I recently visited Novato and had the most amazing experience at a local record shop. Watts music had the best selection of vinyl records and the owner, Darin was friendly and helpful in so many ways. The used vinyl was reasonably priced, and I was very satisfied. read more

Great record store to stop in when you're in Novato. Staff has always been friendly and will let you know if they have anything behind the counter that they haven't put out yet if it's in the genre of music you are looking for. Some records are a little pricy but able to find some good additions to our collection without breaking the bank. read more

this store has an excellent selection of latest vinyl releases, a very good selection of used vinyl at great prices; all genres! I bought a cool DVD, and there is a selection of CDs, too. I love that this store has history, has been selling music for forty years! Good vibes and decor, and Darren is cool. I was really happy to add a few choice additions to my growing record collection. read more

Watts Music - 1947 Rock-O-La jukebox for 78s. Original! - Music & DVDs Near Me - Novato, California

Don't go in the store and support, owner comes off as very rude. I just asked if they had anything else besides music (I was looking for movies). His reply came off very rude as he thought I was gonna sling about music instruments. Basically put me in a box before I could even browse the store. I was already looking at the exit. read more

Always have such a great experience here:) The best place to get great music and the staff is always friendly

Great vinyl music selection. I noticed other CDs and tapes for sale as well, but honestly I was only there to browse the vinyl. So, this shop is a great small town shop that's hung around through thick and thin and has seen and listened to some killer music. The owner is a classic. Just who you want working there. He knows his music, usually has something great playing, and knows his collection too. Large rock and classic rock and alt selection. I got a few solid jazz albums there. Some goods classics. The prices were totally reasonable. You'll be able to find a few jems without having to break the bank. I loved coming here and exploring. Conclusion: looking to expand your music selection? Try is hand picked spot. I'll be back when I pass through town again. read more

See all

I love this place. This is where I bought my first CD; if been going here since I was 8. So I know you can browse the shelves forever. The have CDs, records, and band posters (if you ask). I've gone here lots and they always have what I'm looking for. Rainbow, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Adele, My Chemical Romance, Tim McGraw, whatever. I totally recommend this place to anyone who likes rock, punk, or similar genres, because they have a lot of that. And, bonus, the guy who owns the place is really nice, and he's really knowledgeable about music and everything in the store. Once, he talked to me about some obscure band who's concert I'd just went to, and another time I was about to buy a the "American Idiot" Green Day record when he pointed out he'd just stocked up on a used one that was in good shape (even though he could've not said anything and gotten more money). So, yeah. GO HERE. read more

Do go in the store and support, owner comes off as very nice. I asked if they had anything besides vinyls, ( I was looking for vinyl poly sleeves and some vinyl mailers). His reply came off very helpful as he thought he had more mailers in the back. Basically he helped me out big time and he didn't have to. I'm already looking for reasons to go back. read more

If your into Vinyl then this is the spot to go to in MARIN. Always new arrivals of used vinyl at great prices and great selection of new titles and re releases. I really love the experience of being in actual record store with a super knowledgeable owner (Darren). Ive always have a great experience here. It's nice to have a place to step out of the pace of life and connect to the music and be in a friendly environment. Out of all of the record stores in MARIN (only a few) this is far and away the best! Tip for parking there is free open spots in the street behind the store as the front of the store can be full a lot. read more

The ultimate music collector's dream. Watts is that store where a "find" is always possible and even likely. Darren, the store manager, is friendly, knowledgeable and super helpful. He has gone out of his way to help me on multiple occasions. You would think, given the subject matter and the stereotypical record store staff, that Darren would be proud and difficult but nothing could be further from the truth. It is extremely refreshing to find a store and staff so sought after in this industry which have not been made bitter by the years of physical media decline. I hope, for your sake and mine, that Watts and Darren are around for another couple decades as the space on my bookshelf for discs dwindles weekly. read more

This record shop has a great used and new collection, fair prices and a friendly, low-key vibe. The proprietor was very helpful when my teenager and her friend asked about certain records they were looking for. Each of us found something to purchase and left as very satisfied customers. We'll be back! read more

Cool shop, never disappoints! Friendly staff and great selection at a fair price. Tons of posters and they offer vinyl record cleaning.

Watts Music is great, possibly the best anywhere! Extensive collection of records, tapes and CD's. It's clean, organized and Darren is most hospitable. He loves music and is very knowledgeable. The vintage records we bought were in great shape and reasonably priced. Thanks, Darren! read more

Darrin is a great dude! Amazing selection and always stays up to date on new releases!

This is Marin's best real deal record store. The operator (Darren) has been there for years - through the internet piracy fiascos and format flipping nightmares. He just wants people to have access to great music as the artists intended it. It's a great place to browse (as one should in record & book stores ), and the prices are more than fair. Ordering online is a gamble. Pulling a record out of its jacket (or buying a CD in person) is a MUCH greater guarantee of quality than buying from unknown seller states of countries away. Downtown Novato is only a 15 minute drive from most places in Marin (and even Petaluma). Treat yourself to an afternoon, evening or weekend visit. I have never been disappointed. (And no, I'm not a personal friend of the owner's, nor do I get any favors for writing this positive review. I'm an audiophile, a DJ, a musician, a singer songwriter, an amateur music historian/critic and a vinyl enthusiast. My reviews are about quality not advertisement. I have a real day job so I can hold on to my integrity. I don't need to suck up for favors or freebies. I'm speaking my truth - and it's backed by lots of experience!) read more

Great option (there are very few) for a North of SF record store. Watts has character and a throwback vibe, but the selection was comprehensive for both used and new vinyl. The store employee had a great attitude and produced a vibe that made you happy to spend your money there. I was able to get some great deals and some new albums as well. Highly recommend making the trip to Watts! read more

The staff here are really nice. They have plenty of Vinyl Records to purchase, they also have CDs. They also have a dog that is really cute and friendly and it likes to bring you its tennis ball so you can toss it around. read more

Darren is excellent. He is both knowledgeable and friendly. It's not since "Music Coop" in Petaluma...many, many, many years ago that I found an all around super vinyl, tape, CD t-shirt and poster place that was this cool. They have new, used and will give you $ for your music you are though listening to. I know you can download everything nowadays but nothing sounds as warm and nice as vinyl record. Even with it's pops and hisses. This place rocks. Check them out on Instagram too. He has a separate section for all the new arrivals. Please come to Old Town Novato. It's not too far from Petaluma. After buying a CD I take the back way to Petaluma...it's so relaxing and beats the 101 grind an read more

Since the 80's when Carol Watts ran the store it has not lost its charm all these years. So awesome that we have a store that has lasted many years in Novato. Buying a CD and DVD online is YAK ! Why not go to a cool store and buy it for the same price ??? Watts music is that cool place to buy music and you will feel good about it. You can order just about anything you want. As a total Rush nerd I have appreciated every purchase i have ever made here. I have lots of special LPs and CDs I have collected over the years. Ok it is not fancy but totally cool place with heart. Record Store day - you can't miss ! Thank you Watts Music for being the awesome and helpful place that you are and Please support local business. read more

This record store has been around forever and is an amazing diamond in the rough! The prices are always fair, great selection of a little bit of everything and the staff is very helpful and polite. Best record store in the Marin/Sonoma area in my opinion!! read more

I decided to come back in here to find a Christmas present. The same guy (owner?) Was at the front desk, and he was incredibly nice and helpful. He seems like a great guy. I would give him a 5 star for customer service this time, and I have a feeling he must have been having an off day that last time I went in. The reason i gave a 4 star instead of 5 star rating is because $10 for a used cd just seems to high. I bought it anyway. read more

I LOVE this place! The owner (Darren) is super nice and very knowledgeable about music and the stock in the store. Parking is never a problem. Watts Music has adapted to changes in musical tastes and ways of listening; primarily, they have cds, but also have an extensive collection of new vinyl. The also feature vintage vinyl, and will special order almost anything, including DVDs. They also have random things like concert t-shirts... it's just a fun place to pop in when you're in Novato There's also a nice selection of used cds, as well. This is one of those cool places you need to shop at on purpose, because you want it to stay a part of downtown Novato -- it's so much more fun to go into a record store and get to browse. read more

NOVATO'S HIGH FIDELITY With the advent of iTunes & digital music and cheap CD prices from Amazon and Walmart, how does a small independent record store in a small town like Novato survive? Customer service. When you shop at Watts, the proprietor, Darren, makes you feel welcome and taken care of. No, he may not have what you want in stock that day, but he will order it for you and have it there within one or two days. If you're wanting to try something new, tell him a couple of artists you like, and his suggestions will be spot-on. He's also go a pretty decent supply of used CD's and will buy back or trade the ones you're ready to part with. (Be realistic about this...NOBODY wants your 80's disco collection.) And you thought a store like that in High Fidelity (starring John Cusack) was only in the movies! read more

I have only been buying vinyl for a few weeks and can confirm what everyone else says. Owner (Darren) is so pleasant, helpful and happy to listen to my endless requests and stories. Selection and pricing is nothing short of amazing. It's like a treasure hunt that yields goodies at every visit. If they don't have it in stock, they get what you need in 2-3 days. Watts is my new favorite store in Marin. read more

Watts Music - This was taken November 2019 - Music & DVDs Near Me - Novato, California

See all

A little background on me, I've traveled the country and lived in a few different places. In all my travels, Watts Music is still hands down the best record store there is. It's not the biggest store, it doesn't have the widest selection. But what it may lack in quantity, it certainly makes up for in quality. They're selection of CD's and Vinyl, both new and used, is by far the greatest of any record stores in the North Bay. Plus they also have a wide array of cassettes and, if you ask nicely, 8 tracks for those of you that have kept your car's stereo systems stock. Darren and Jesse, the fellas who work there, are two of the nicest guys you'll ever meet and are both highly knowledgeable about music of all types. They will also give you the fairest deals that they can on selling back your old music on just about any media type. For the vinyl collectors out there: This is the place. Though this store isn't as big as say Amoeba, it has many gems in it's racks and the prices are the fairest that you will find period. Almost everything that is used is under ten bucks and they only buy vinyl that is in good condition. I've picked up original pressing Rolling Stones, Beatles, Thin Lizzy, Queen, etc... albums for about a quarter of what any other record stores are selling them at. I've been going to Watt's for over twenty years at this point, and even though I live in LA now a days, I still save money up before my trips to Northern California specifically for Watts Music. As a bonus to you locals: If they don't have it in store, they can generally order it for you and have it in store within a couple business days. read more

TOTAL GEM. I had the best experience during my first time here. Great selection. Darren was welcoming, friendly, and SO knowledgeable. Found some great treasures and already looking forward to coming back! read more

Best record shop in the Bay Area! Best prices, best staff. Lots of room to maneuver around.

First time in here today, what a great place it is indeed. Great selection, fair pricing and well organized. Lots of new stuff coming in all the time so a very good reason to go in regularly..I plan on that. Darren is great to shoot the breeze with or discuss recent (or not recent) divorce musings. Thanks for your time today Darren, Pamela read more

Watts has been around for 40 years now and i've been a customer for almost 30 of them. Bought my first cassette tapes there saving up milk money when I was in elementary school. Along with Toon Town Sound (remember when they were up by the railroad tracks?) this place was just heaven for me. Watts wasn't always the best spot for the obscure or underground stuff necessarily although it did creep through time to time but good condition, fair prices, and decent turn on used records over the years... i've pulled a lot of nice stuff out of there. Darrin is sometimes friendly.. sometimes not so much, but never crossing the line to make you not want to come back. You could almost say its just the right dose of curmudgeon you want from your rock n roll dealer. Look forward to bringing my kids here for the next 40 years. read more

Great record store that is celebrating it's 40th anniversary in business. How many record stores these days can claim that?! Good prices and selection of new and used vinyl. They offer unique services such as record flattening for warped records and Ultrasonic record cleaning. The owner, Darin, is knowledgeable and helpful. read more