Top 10 Rules of Record Shopping in California By: Jessica Lydon

As a lifelong music lover and creative, I was ecstatic to move from the East Coast to California for many reasons. One of them was California’s deep, vibrant music culture. So many of my favorite musicians were either born here or made their names on Hollywood’s (in)famous Sunset Strip. Unsurprisingly, with music as such a significant and longstanding part of its history, California has an incredible assortment of music and record stores, and it’s an absolute gold mine for collectors. As a record collector myself, here are some rules that have helped me expand my collection in California. Hopefully, they can help my fellow transplants, too. 

10. Don’t even think about 78s 

As I overheard a wise cashier explaining to a disheartened would-be seller at Mr. C’s Rare Records in Orange, 78s (or, to use their government name, phonograph records) are difficult. Most shoppers (even collectors) aren’t looking for them, they break easily, and stores are frequently overflowing with the same common ones. Many record stores won’t buy 78s. They often won’t even take them for free. Since stores are generally so averse to stocking 78s, it’s best not to set out specifically looking for them. If 78s are the only tunes your heart will play, try secondhand shopping sites, record shows, flea markets, local garage sales, and asking older relatives if they still have any. 

9. Don’t just look in record stores (check antique and vintage stores, too) 

Naturally, the first thought that comes up when you’re shopping for records is to go to record stores. That’s a good instinct, but don’t let it be your only one. SoCal has a wide assortment of antique malls, vintage stores, thrift shops, flea markets, conventions, and other such places where a wide variety of merchandise is sold. Many of these places have at least one record section, and much of their contents are vintage. So, don’t just walk past the antique store on your way to the record store. Go on in. 

8. Don’t be afraid to go crate digging 

For curious newer collectors wondering, yes, crate digging is exactly what it sounds like. One man’s trash is another man’s treasure, and a surprising amount of the records you’re desperately searching for will be packaged with all the love and care of junk someone’s trying to get rid of. Don’t be put off by a big, disorganized box or rack of unclearly labeled records. You never know when you’ll find exactly what you’re looking for and a five-dollar price tag slapped on. 

7. Don’t give up easily 

I know it can be tempting to decide you’ve searched the stores as hard as you can and resort to shopping online to find a specific record. I’m not going to tell you to never shop online again, but I will tell you not to visit the same handful of record stores once or twice and tap out. Check out different stores, different towns, events…they do say patience is a virtue, right? I wouldn’t know. The bands I listen to aren’t exactly virtuous. 

6. Don’t show up late to Record Store Day 

Fellow transplants, please beware, Californian collectors do NOT play about RSD. I was worried I might be overdoing it when I showed up at Amoeba Music (which opens at 11:00 am) at 7:00 am, but there was already a line several blocks long and curving down a side street. I didn’t even see the store again until 9:30, and I watched many people in front of me go home disappointed after being told that the releases they came for had all sold out already. I lucked out and took home Mötley Crüe’s 45th anniversary release, but my nervous system still hasn’t recovered from being that panicked for that long. Of course, the whole time, there were people trying to cut in line or showing up at 1:00 pm, stunned that the releases they wanted were sold out. Don’t be those guys. I’m not saying you have to camp out overnight, but if you’re gonna show up after noon, maybe save yourself some time and stay home. 

5. Do be aware that your drinks might not be invited to shop with you 

As somebody who’s fiercely protective of my own records and would not hesitate to smack a drink out of my friend’s hand for holding it too close to my original pressing of Shout At The Devil, I completely understand why many record stores don’t allow food or drinks. But, as somebody with a crippling coffee addiction, I still don’t have a perfect track record for

showing up to them empty-handed. At first, as any woman would be, I was terrified about leaving my drinks unprotected. However, after putting my coffees down everywhere from the designated areas of bigger stores to a bench or table by the entrance of smaller ones, I’ve never had a problem. Most shoppers are too focused on searching for their own favorite records to worry about slipping stuff into a stranger’s rapidly melting iced coffee. If my reassurances (understandably) aren’t enough to put your mind at ease, I’d recommend buying or DIYing a drink cover. Just don’t ignore the rules, bring your drink in anyway, and get butterfingers by the vintage section. I completely support whatever they do to you for that. 

4. Do keep an open mind 

Yes, we’ve all spent months with a one-track mind on a single record, and no, nothing beats that victory when you finally have it in your hands. But going to record stores with such a narrow focus can often hurt you more than it helps. Keep your eyes peeled for your treasure, of course, but pay attention to all those other records you’re digging through, and take the time to check every section (because you never know what’s been put back in the wrong place). As long as you like more than one artist and are open to checking out new ones, you may find something you never even knew you were looking for. 

3. Do support small businesses 

There are countless advantages of California having such a strong music culture. One of them is that there are many record stores, and plenty of them are independently owned small businesses. It’s well worth supporting these stores and keeping them around for future generations of collectors. Some of my personal recommendations are Left of the Dial Records in Orange, Record Recycler in Gardena, Rhino Records in Montclair, and the (not exactly small, but independently owned) Amoeba Music in Hollywood. 

2. Do chat with your fellow shoppers 

As a shy introvert by nature, I understand how daunting it can be to talk to strangers (especially after a childhood of being told to never do so). But if they’re also in the record store so, you at least have a common interest to start with, and you never know where your conversation will lead. I met a guy who’d frequently partied with my all-time favorite band (Mötley Crüe) in the 80s and told me all about it because I asked to pet his dog. I found out about Record Recycler, a Gardena hotspot for low-priced vintage records, from the guy I stood next to in line during Record Store Day. I got multiple secondhand clothing store recommendations from a woman I complimented on her shorts. Sure, not everyone will be friendly, and not every interaction will uncover a hidden gem, but it’s never pointless to try. 

1. Do remember and appreciate where you are!!! 

Transplants, remember, you’ve finally escaped that boring small town or cut-and-paste suburb or dull grey city or wherever else people with no critical thinking skills were glaring at you and telling you they didn’t understand your obsession with music. There’s no reason to hold back anymore, so don’t. Buy what you love and play it loud. Native Californians, remember how good you have it. You may no longer be living in a literal gold mine, but you’re living in a metaphorical one for live shows, up-and-coming bands, music history, and (of course) record collecting.