Kelley's Vinyl Record Store

Kelley's Vinyl Record Store in Ashland is built for crate digging: mostly pre-owned records, a small sealed/new section, and five compact rooms organized by genre. The shop also buys and trades records, with Leah Carter paying close attention to Ohio garage bands, local labels, condition, and collections with real collector intent behind them.

Interview with Kelley's Vinyl Record Store

How do you decide what's worth stocking new versus relying on used finds?

There is a certain label I like to carry in my shop on the new sealed albums. Great quality for the price with it. I only get what is hard to find in the used titles when ordering. I also know my customer base pretty good and what they expect from me. At least, I try to.

What's new or especially useful in the shop right now?

The newest section in my shop and one that does the best is a $5 bin. $5 each or 3 for $10.

When someone wants to sell a collection, what should they send over before showing up with boxes?

Pictures of how the albums are being stored is always helpful. A rough count on how many is good but even that can be hard to estimate if people are unfamiliar with collecting. It's nice when they have an idea of what genres they have but sometimes people have no idea what they've got and that's ok too.

Are there genres or local/regional records you pay special attention to?

Absolutely. No matter where you go there are local bands from a time gone by everyone is looking for. There are quite a few Garage bands from the area I'm always hunting. Certain local Ohio labels too the guys like to collect.

What condition problems do sellers most often underestimate?

I don't know about other sellers. Me personally, I have been doing this a long time. I have seen albums look like total door mats but play and sound great. Then I've had brand new records that pop like popcorn or are storage warped from being stacked coming off the line. I have seen a few sellers in my time that don't seem to understand what happens with mold and urine over time. You have to get rid of that type of stuff!!!

How often do sealed records show up in collections you buy, and what's that like when it happens?

Sealed albums come in all the time. Usually they are old Columbia House Club albums. I have bought an entire collection before out of the Columbus, OH area that were all re-seals. Pointed it out to the guy. He admitted he pulled them from a dumpster and had no idea what they were. All 1960's psych albums. You never know what people will bring in!!!

What's the most memorable collection that's come through your door?

I had a lady call me up and she couldn't come to me. Over the phone I could tell she was struggling on several levels. She had inherited her uncles albums and had no idea what she had. I showed up expecting to see an average collection if anything good at all and instead she shows me the best Beatles collection I've ever bought. All UK. All early pressings. She was so thankful for the money and I was so happy to tell her she had a very nice and valuable collection. I paid her well for it and am so thankful she came to me.

What would you want a first-time visitor to Kelley's to know before they stop in?

Kelley's is a crate digger's dream they say. Come, ready to flip my shit!!! We also do trades, cut deals and have bad jokes so, BE READY!!!

FAQ

Does Kelley's Vinyl Record Store buy used records?

Yes. Photos of how records are stored, a rough count, and any genre notes are helpful before bringing in boxes.

What local records does Kelley's look for?

Leah pays attention to local garage bands and certain Ohio labels that collectors ask about.

What should sellers avoid bringing?

Records with mold, urine damage, or serious storage issues are a problem even when the titles look promising.

Last updated: 2026-07-22