Abraxas Wax

Abraxas Wax in Eau Claire comes through here as a community-minded shop with a strong jazz section, a real interest in local music, and a used-versus-sealed balance every store wrestles with. The answers are candid, personal, and very rooted in the idea that a record store should help people dig deeper rather than just sell the obvious titles.

Interview

Abraxas Wax carries a perfect 5-star reputation in Eau Claire. How would you describe the shop?

I hope people see it as welcoming, open minded but curated! Goal here is to help Eau Claire (or Wisconsinites) dig a little deeper past the surface of music. Record stores are only as strong as their community, so the 5 star means a lot to me :)

You've said jazz is a genre you're personally very fond of, and it's a real strength in the bins. How much does your own taste shape the selection?

Majority of the Jazz in the shop is/was or will stay in my collection haha. So I do dictate that section a bit too much. I have made more of an effort to order in things I don't know as well and some titles that are more mainstream but nonetheless staples in the jazz light. I take a lot of pride in the jazz titles here, I just wish more people dug through it!

You carry both sealed and used vinyl. How do you balance the new and used sides?

New and used is a challenge to balance - I believe any record store will tell you that. I personally want more used collections than sealed in store, however its become very competitive in that manner. I am certainly stoked on sealed stuff though, there are so many good albums coming out every week. It can be overwhelming but I do implore everyone to listen to as much as they can... the world is in a bit of disarray therefore the music we produce as society is becoming complex and more beautiful. I know that's a sad way to have to produce good music, but I am taking the good with the bad <3

Youve got a few local items too, mostly CDs and a couple of records. How do you think about stocking local music?

Stocking local music is important. I just wish more people bought that as well. Before I opened this spot, I can remember always grabbing local beat tapes / mixtapes of all sorts from local musicians when I was in stores all over the country. I think collecting smaller artistry media is just as important.

Eau Claire has grown a real arts and music reputation for its size. How does that show up in your crowd?

Eau Claire is coming up!

You update inventory regularly so there's always something new. How do you keep the bins fresh?

Keeping the bins fresh is a full time job. I drive very far to source but this is every store's main challenge for sure. There's no secret though, I think it's just more about being good to people and not ripping people off for their stuff. What goes around comes around - this is true for all small business :)

When someone wants to sell records, what's the best way to start - and what makes a collection an easy yes?

When buying collections I am always looking for good condition - normally if the collection is clean and the owner lived an interesting life - I lock in. Also love buying collections from older generations that were stationed overseas for military/work. Those collections are always rad.

First visit to Abraxas Wax - what should someone dig through first?

First visit to Abraxas, id say start at the "recents bin" and then walk over to the jazz selection. However if you like funk - ask me for a rec. :)

Last updated: 2026-07-24