Redscroll Records

Redscroll Records in Wallingford, Connecticut is a destination shop for underground music and culture, with a large new-and-used inventory that stretches well beyond its punk, hardcore, metal, and indie reputation. The store has been in business for 19 years and keeps less than half of its inventory online, which makes the physical shop a real dig for visitors from Connecticut and beyond.

Redscroll buys, sells, and trades records, CDs, tapes, and other music formats. Sellers can bring collections to the store, and for very large collections - roughly 500 records or more - the shop may arrange a visit.

Interview with Redscroll Records

Redscroll has become a destination shop - people drive in from all over Connecticut and beyond. What do you think earned that reputation?

We've been at this for a while now - just celebrated 19 years! Word of mouth does wonders. We've got a very successful online shop that people all over buy from and then when they can they like to visit the shop.

Partially because less than half our inventory is online, you really do have to come out to see a good portion of it. We're just out here working hard to keep the shop full and inventory moving and interesting in so many ways, and I think it just keeps folks coming by for those reasons.

The store has a strong identity around punk, metal, and the heavier side of indie. How would you describe the taste of the place in your own words?

We wouldn't want to solely stick to that identity. We carry pop and classic rock and noise and new age jams. We are multitudes, as many might say. There are days when the playlist is real chill and jazzy, and there are days it is the opposite.

Our individual tastes have deep crossover for sure and similarities, but we all like our own selection of stuff. I don't want to pigeon-hole anyone. A lot of us do love punk and grew up in that scene of punk and hardcore, so that will always follow us and is what the label puts out much of the time, but also not solely. Many of us grew up with a punk ethos, and if anything that is what sticks with us more than even the music itself.

What's been quietly growing in the bins that people wouldn't expect from Redscroll?

At this point our inventory is so large I'm not sure there's anything folks wouldn't expect to see here. Our newest sections are for City Pop and Dungeon Synth, and we are trying to grow those sections while also not getting too pricey on any of it, which is tough when dealing with imports.

How does the Connecticut scene - bands, shows, labels - feed into the shop day to day?

We welcome folks who have physical music to come by and sell us their wares for sure. We promote local shows and work with a few local promoters on the regular. We have a podcast where we promote local bands and enterprises we enjoy.

When someone brings you a collection, what makes you lean in before you've checked a single price?

Assuming by "lean in" you mean it has piqued our interest, I'd say that anything with local older stuff is cool. Small labels, private labels, anything we don't see every day is going to get a smile out of us.

Do you prefer full collections or hand-picked lots - and what's the best way for a seller to start with you?

Bring the whole collection by, please. Just come by. If it's more than like 500 records we can make a visit.

What condition details actually decide whether a used record makes your bins?

We use Goldmine grading, as mostly everyone does these days, and if something is less than VG we're generally not interested, barring first press Blue Note or other rarities. If the jacket is moldy or shredded, we're similarly not interested.

First trip to Redscroll - what should someone make sure to dig through?

We have actually made a spot in our store that is essentially a quick dig. We have a secondhand highlights area. That and the new arrivals are always a good first glance, and if you only have a limited time, a good use of that time.

FAQ

Does Redscroll Records buy used records?

Yes. Redscroll buys, sells, and trades records, CDs, tapes, and other physical music formats. Sellers can bring collections to the store.

What records is Redscroll generally looking for?

The shop generally looks for music from the mid-1960s to present day, with exceptions for early rock and roll, jazz, and blues. Local older releases, small labels, private labels, and uncommon titles are especially interesting.

What condition does Redscroll require?

Redscroll uses Goldmine grading. Records below VG are generally not of interest unless they are major rarities. Moldy or badly damaged jackets are usually a pass.

Can Redscroll visit for a large collection?

Yes, for very large collections - roughly 500 records or more - the shop may arrange a visit. Calling ahead is the best move for large collections.

What should first-time visitors check first?

Start with the secondhand highlights area and the new arrivals. They are designed as a quick dig for visitors with limited time.

Last updated: 2026-07-10