Compact Disc Center

Compact Disc Center in Bethlehem has the kind of name that could have aged badly, except CDs and cassettes came back around. Mary Radakovits talks here about physical media, listening before buying, local music, and how the store thinks about condition and inventory.

Interview with Compact Disc Center

CDs were uncool for a while, but now CDs and cassettes are back. How has that changed the shop?

For quite a number of years, CDs were definitely uncool.  I often thought about changing the name of the store!  But CDs (and cassettes) are back, so I'm glad I didn't change the name.  More and more younger folks are coming in for physical product of all kinds, and it warms my heart to see it.

How does “listen before you buy” carry over from CDs to used vinyl?

When we were only CDs, we used a slogan "listen before you buy," since we were around before you could hear most anything on the internet, and had portable CD players available (still do).  So it made sense to let people listen to our used vinyl as well.

What does the Bethlehem and Lehigh Valley crowd reach for most?

Classic rock/AOR radio was always big in this area, and the trend continues.  Rap has been strong as well.  As much as country concert attendance has been huge around here, country physical product is not the big seller one would think - maybe country radio had/has been enough for fans.

How does the local music scene show up around the store?

The local music scene in the Lehigh Valley is SO strong right now.  The Bethl'mite is a postcard that local musicians put together every month, listing local band gigs; people come in each month just to get their copy of The Bethl'mite.  Locations like National Sokols, the Icehouse, and perennial favorite the Funhouse plus many other locations are going strong with local band gigs.

What is the most surprising item or record that has come through recently?

The most surprising thing that has come through the door recently is not a record, but an acrylic lighted sign of the band AFI - very unique.  Recently had an original pressing of the Stooges' first album; glad it went to a regular customer who really loves the album (me too).

Do you buy records, CDs, tapes, and music ephemera from the public, and what matters most?

We do buy records, CDs, tapes, and music ephemera from the public.  Condition is number one.  Do we already have enough copies, or do I think it might not sell at all?  There's a lot of people selling stuff of all kinds right now.

How do you think about value when someone brings items in to sell?

The value of an item someone wants to sell starts at zero (I'm not interested in buying it - it goes back to the seller) and goes up from there.  One factor that many people may not think about in the calculation is the cost of holding inventory - how long do I think it will be in inventory before it sells.

What formats or artists are coming back, and what still has minimal value?

CD buyers are definitely back.  But are they bringing in used Perry Como CDs, or Deftones CDs?  Many items (of all kinds, LP/CD/cassette) have minimal value; some items seem to be in every collection!

Do you buy 45s and 78s, and should sellers clean records before bringing them?

We do buy 45s and 78s.  However, 78s are not big sellers.  Also, younger customers are often not interested in older 45s.  Clean records are nice, but it's not necessary to clean them.  Removing warped and cracked records is welcomed!

What do people most often get wrong about what their records or CDs are worth?

Sellers often tend to think that what they see on Ebay or other sites is what a store will pay for their records or CDs (no - you're basically wholesaling your collection to us to do the work).  Also, customers repeat what they heard on the news - LPs (or CDs) are back, and wow, they are worth big money.  However, most collections consist of the same stuff that EVERYONE bought back in the day (like Foreigner, Barry Manilow, etc.), and there can often be minimal value.

-- Compact Disc Center 1365 Easton Ave. Bethlehem, PA  18018 610-868-3070 cdcenterpa.com

FAQ

Does Compact Disc Center buy used records and CDs?

Yes. The store buys records, CDs, tapes, and music ephemera from the public, with condition and likely resale demand shaping the offer.

Can customers listen before buying?

Yes. The shop has kept a listen-before-you-buy approach and lets customers try used vinyl before purchase.

Should sellers clean records before bringing them in?

Cleaning is appreciated but not required. Removing warped or cracked records before bringing a collection is helpful.

Last updated: 2026-08-14

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