Best Record Stores in Seattle for Vinyl Lovers

Seattle is a city famous for its vibrant musical culture. It is also the birthplace of grunge. From niche stores selling rare vinyl to full-fledged music stores that serve as community centers, the city has something for every audiophile. In this article, we'll highlight Seattle's best music stores where you can buy new vinyl records as well as find vintage used records.

1. Lifelong Thrift Store

Location: 312 Broadway E, Seattle, WA 98102

Lifelong Thrift Store stands out for its noble cause. As an AIDS/HIV nonprofit, all proceeds from the store support their parent organization. The store’s music selection reflects a commitment to diversity, though it excludes genres like classical and gospel due to lower sales.

Expect a variety of genres, with a focus on more popular and modern music. The store prides itself on the quality and condition of its records.

Shopping here means contributing to a charitable cause while discovering unique music gems. The store’s community-driven approach and special events make it a cultural spot worth visiting.

2. Light In The Attic Record Shop

Location: 472 1st Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109

Situated near the famous KEXP studio, Light In The Attic Record Shop serves as a satellite to its primary online operation. While the physical store doesn’t buy records, it offers a curated selection that reflects its unique identity.

The store features a variety of music, particularly from artists promoted by Light In The Attic Records. Special editions and local music are often in stock.

Its proximity to KEXP and its selection of exclusive releases make it a prime spot for discovering new music and enjoying live broadcast events.

3. Fat Cat Records

Location: 4515 Meridian Ave N, Seattle, WA 98103

Fat Cat Records is a vibrant part of Seattle’s music scene, offering fair cash or trade deals for used records. The store is known for its friendly atmosphere and its “20% more for trade” policy.

A broad selection of music genres with a generous buying and trading policy. The store is open seven days a week and welcomes walk-ins, making it accessible for all.

The welcoming environment and the extra value offered for trade-ins make Fat Cat Records a favorite among locals. Plus, there's convenient parking!

4. Jigsaw Records

Location: 608 NW 65th St, Seattle, WA 98117

Jigsaw Records is known for its detailed evaluation process which ensures fair pricing for both the buyer and the seller.

Expect a well-organized store with a wide array of records, especially in good condition. The owner uses a formula to determine fair pricing, making every transaction transparent.

Jigsaw’s meticulous grading system and diverse stock make it a reliable place for both selling and buying records. It's a haven for collectors looking for fair deals and quality selections.

5. Hex Enduction Records & Books

Location: 12330 1/2, 12330 Lake City Way NE, Seattle, WA 98125

This store offers a wide-ranging music selection, avoiding most classical and 78s but keeping an open mind to nearly everything else. Its eclectic taste attracts a diverse clientele.

A broad genre range including rock, jazz, soul, funk, hip-hop, and more. The store prides itself on its flexibility and willingness to explore different music types.

Hex Enduction is ideal for those with eclectic tastes or those looking to explore new music genres. The store’s openness to different styles and its curated book section provide a rich cultural experience.

6. Wall of Sound

Location: 1205 E Pike St #1c, Seattle, WA 98122

Wall of Sound is a cornerstone for music enthusiasts in Seattle, known for its extensive collection and expert grading system. This store stands out with its interest in a wide range of genres including avant-garde classical.

An expansive selection of jazz, blues, classic rock, world music, and electronic music, with a specialized interest in avant-garde classical pieces. Records are graded using the Discogs standard, ensuring quality and transparency.

The store's expertise in rare and unique genres makes it a treasure trove for collectors and curious listeners alike. The laid-back atmosphere allows for leisurely browsing, making it a perfect spot to discover new music.

7. Satisfaction Records & CDs

Location: 4020 Leary Way NW, Seattle, WA 98107

Satisfaction Records & CDs focuses on high-quality records, particularly those that are rare and collectible. The store is very selective, ensuring that each item in their inventory is in excellent condition.

A preference for LPs over 45s, with a rigorous grading scale that favors records in EX+ condition or better. The store also engages in international transactions, demonstrating its broad reach and commitment to serious collectors.

For those looking for exceptional and rare records, Satisfaction offers a meticulously curated selection. Their high standards ensure that you're getting only the best in both collectability and audio quality.

8. Daybreak Records

Location: 4323 Fremont Ave N, Seattle, WA 98103

Daybreak Records excels in customer convenience and service, offering both scheduled appointments and walk-ins for selling records. Known for its quick and fair valuation process, this store caters to both large collections and individual sellers.

An immediate and straightforward valuation of vinyl records, with options for cash or in-store credit. The store frequently makes house calls for large collections, emphasizing customer service and ease.

Daybreak Records is ideal for selling large collections due to its efficient and flexible selling options. Its customer-oriented approach ensures a smooth and satisfactory experience for all sellers.

9. Turntables & Trails

Location: 12351 Lake City Way NE #102, Seattle, WA 98125

This store is not picky about genres but does focus on providing fair value for records that sell well.

A diverse array of genres with a particular interest in Punk, Blues, Jazz, Rock, Hip-Hop, and R&B. The store is open to buying almost anything, although slower-selling genres like classical may fetch lower prices.

For a relaxed and friendly record selling or buying experience, Turntables & Trails is a top choice. Their broad acceptance of genres and straightforward buying process make it easy and enjoyable to trade records.

10. Sonic Boom Records

Location: 2209 NW Market St, Seattle, WA 98107

Sonic Boom Records is a well-established name in Seattle's music scene, known for its broad interest in popular genres and a discerning taste for quality.

The store focuses on popular rock, metal, hip-hop, and jazz. While they are open to most genres, they prefer records that are in good condition to ensure quality inventory.

Sonic Boom's commitment to quality and its wide selection make it a must-visit for anyone looking to buy or sell premium records. The store's reputation and knowledgeable staff ensure a rewarding shopping experience.