In the heart of New York City, vinyl records are more than mere relics of auditory delight—they are prized treasures, resonating with the soulful echoes of bygone eras. Each record spins a tale, weaving together the fabric of nostalgia with the fabric of modernity. For aficionados and casual listeners alike, the Big Apple offers an eclectic tapestry of venues to sell your vinyl. Whether you seek the chaotic charm of a bustling market or the deliberate ambiance of a boutique shop, these ten destinations beckon with open arms—or rather, open crates.
Here are ten distinguished spots across the city where you can part with your vinyl treasures, each providing a unique experience that reflects the vibrant mosaic of New York City.
1. Vinyl Fantasy
Address: 112 Avenue A, New York, NY 10009
Contact: (212) 533-1474
Website: www.vinylfantasy.com
Nestled in the East Village, Vinyl Fantasy transports you into an inviting atmosphere of nostalgia, peppered with eclectic décor reminiscent of a timeless record store. This neighborhood gem curates an impressive collection of used and eclectic vinyl, making it a haven for those looking to sell or swap records. Here, you may find yourself spilling stories to a fellow vinyl enthusiast amidst the rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafting through the air.
2. Academy Records
Address: 12 W 27th St, New York, NY 10001
Contact: (212) 968-1100
Website: www.academy-records.com
With an aura of professionalism and depth, Academy Records is a prestigious institution in the vinyl community. Located in the Flatiron District, this store offers a meticulously curated selection of new and used vinyl. In its serene environment, one can find a knowledgeable staff eager to assist you in valuing your collection. Selling your records here feels akin to entrusting your prized possessions to a curator of a fine art gallery.
3. Rough Trade NYC
Address: 64 N 9th St, Brooklyn, NY 11249
Contact: (718) 387-0500
Website: www.roughtrade.com
This iconic record shop in Williamsburg feels like a vibrant microcosm of the music scene. Rough Trade offers not only records but also live performances and in-store events. The buzz of creativity resonates throughout the space, offering an opportunity to chat with fellow music lovers. Selling your vinyl here feels like sharing not just a record but a piece of the pulsating culture that flows through Brooklyn.
4. Good Records
Address: 218 E 5th St, New York, NY 10003
Contact: (212) 677-2875
Website: www.goodrecords.com
Adjacent to the fringes of the East Village, Good Records manifestly embodies a quaint but vibrant spirit. Known for its personalized service, selling your records here feels like engaging in a warm conversation with a trusted friend. It’s a place where artists and collectors converge, painting a portrait of a community that cherishes music.
5. The Vinyl Marketplace
Address: 719 8th Ave, New York, NY 10036
Contact: (212) 647-2000
Website: www.vinylmarketplace.com
Pulsating with the energy of Time Square, The Vinyl Marketplace is a vibrant bazaar of sound. Here, the thrill of selling your records is paired with the excitement of browsing through a diverse array of genres. This marketplace invites both the novice and seasoned collector, making it an electric atmosphere for trading your vinyl for something new.
6. J&R Music World
Address: 23 Park Row, New York, NY 10038
Contact: (212) 238-9000
Website: www.jr.com
J&R Music World stands as a leviathan in the vinyl world, offering an expansive inventory that captures the breadth of musical history. This longstanding institution allows you to sell your records in a bustling environment where every corner is filled with the promise of discovery. Selling your vinyl here is akin to opening a time capsule, one filled with sounds that echo from the past.
7. Greenlight Bookstore
Address: 686 Fulton St, Brooklyn, NY 11217
Contact: (718) 246-0200
Website: www.greenlightbookstore.com
At first glance, Greenlight Bookstore appears to be just that—a serene haven for bibliophiles. However, dig deeper, and you’ll discover a delightful selection of vinyl nestled among the tomes. This unique fusion of literature and music invites vinyl sellers to explore a more eclectic clientele, creating a space where creativity flourishes.
8. House of Records
Address: 314 Grand St, Brooklyn, NY 11211
Contact: (718) 384-6565
Website: www.houseofrecords.com
In the heart of Williamsburg, House of Records showcases a cozy and inviting atmosphere, reminiscent of a friend’s living room. Selling your vinyl here unfolds in an atmosphere steeped in genuine appreciation for music. With local artists often featured, one can not only let go of a record but also become part of a community rooted in creativity and expression.
9. Captured Tracks
Address: 195 Calyer St, Brooklyn, NY 11222
Contact: (718) 388-5388
Website: www.capturedtracks.com
This store marries a stark aesthetic with the allure of avant-garde music. Captured Tracks serves as both a record shop and a record label, emphasizing the artistic spirit that Brooklyn is known for. In this rustic enclave, selling records becomes part of a narrative interwoven with the threads of discovery and artistry.
10. Turntable Lab
Address: 120 Orchard St, New York, NY 10002
Contact: (646) 290-6370
Website: www.turntablelab.com
At Turntable Lab, you find the pulse of New York’s underground music culture. This store is a bastion for those who seek to sell their vinyl amidst DJ equipment and unique finds. The knowledgeable staff can help you navigate the intricacies of vinyl, educating sellers and buyers alike. Here, you’re not just trading records; you’re sharing a lifestyle.
As you traverse these neighborhoods, each stop offers not only a chance to sell your vinyl records but an experience that captures the spirit of the city. In New York, vinyl is more than music—it is a resonant heartbeat in the cacophony of urban life. Whether you are looking to shed the weight of your collection or partake in the communal joy of music, these ten venues encapsulate the allure of vinyl culture. Step into any one of them, and you may just find a piece of your past—and perhaps a future melody waiting to be unearthed.
