Uncle Aldo's Attic

Uncle Aldo's Attic in Mesa is the kind of vintage record shop where the appeal is in the hunt: original pressings, deep genre sections, 45s, Record Store Day leftovers, and plenty of odd collectibles around the edges. The shop leans heavily into older vinyl, especially rock, jazz, punk, metal, funk, soul, psych, and the kind of records that reward a patient dig.

The sign says a lot about the shop before you even walk in: vintage vinyl records, books, comics, toys, and other things worth digging through.

Inside, Uncle Aldo's Attic feels like a proper vintage digging room, with long rows of bins and wall displays built for patient browsing.

Interview with Uncle Aldo's Attic

Uncle Aldo's Attic leans heavily vintage. What does "vintage" actually mean for the records you're looking for?

To me, vintage means "not new." Walmart and Target may carry new repressings of classic albums, but we have the original pressings, which generally speaking are better quality and sound better. They might also be cheaper.

That being said, if someone brings in new records to sell, we wouldn't say no.

Vintage audio gear adds to the shop's old-school record-store feel, where the browsing experience is about more than sealed new releases.

You've still got some Record Store Day leftovers around. Does RSD stock behave differently in the shop than your regular vintage inventory?

Yes. Generally people are only looking for RSD stuff on RSD. We do tend to have lots of leftover stock, since we usually don't sell everything we order. It's always fun when someone finds an RSD release they missed when it originally came out or didn't even know that it was put out. We have a separate section for leftover stock, but it sells very slowly.

The store really does have the attic feeling: records are central, but books, comics, boxed stock, and collectibles sit close by.

What tells you a vintage collection is worth a closer look?

Generally, we look for a person's age. If it's my father's collection, I know it's going to be a lot of Bing Crosby and Doris Day, so I don't get too excited. But I'll look at anything, because you never know.

One time in the middle of a giant stack of Herb Alpert and Mantovani, there was a Jimi Hendrix Are You Experienced tri-color mono in perfect shape. Why it was there is anyone's guess.

What should someone in the Mesa area know before reaching out about an older collection?

I'll look at anything, but we're hoping it's rock or jazz. We tend to pay the most, and buy probably more than we should. I'm also one of the only places around that buys 45s. I just like 45s.

The dedicated 45s area fits the owner's answer: Uncle Aldo's is one of the places around Mesa still interested in buying and selling them.

It would be best if you could bring the collection into the store, but if it's a large collection, or if you're disabled, we can come to you.

Are there genres or eras that are especially strong sellers for you?

80s new wave music has become very strong recently. Heavy metal and punk are also strong sellers. We can never get enough of that, and when we do, it's usually in pretty poor shape. It's very hard to get heavy metal in decent condition.

Funk and soul are big as well, along with psych records. We have many diehard fans that come looking for rare stuff like that when we get it.

The media mix goes beyond LPs, with cassettes, 8-tracks, and other physical formats reinforcing the store's vintage identity.

What condition issues come up most with older vintage pressings specifically?

In Arizona, warping is usually pretty common. If it's a rare enough record, and it's not a "bacon warp," I'll still buy it. Lightly warped records are not for everyone, but I still have customers who might buy it. Obviously scratches, scuffs, and sleeve rash are a never-ending problem.

What's the best vintage find that's come through your door recently?

Ode to Quetzalcoatl by Dave Bixby came in recently and blew my mind.

What would you want someone visiting Uncle Aldo's Attic for the first time to expect?

It's pretty much a store I remember from my youth, so there's lots of stuff to look at besides records. I like that you can look at a record to determine the condition for yourself, and even have a listen if you still have a question. I like being able to see, feel, and listen to something before I commit to purchasing.

There is lots of vinyl and other crap, I mean fine collectibles, so hopefully people will feel free to ask me any questions they may have. We're happy to help.

FAQ

What types of records does Uncle Aldo's Attic carry?

The store is mostly vintage vinyl, with some new records and leftover Record Store Day releases. Original pressings are a major part of the appeal.

What genres are strongest in the shop?

Rock and jazz are especially important, with notable sections for 80s new wave, heavy metal, punk, funk, soul, psych, 45s, 12-inch singles, soundtracks, exotica, and unusual records.

Does Uncle Aldo's Attic buy record collections?

Yes. The shop will look at almost anything, with special interest in rock, jazz, punk, metal, funk, soul, psych, and other strong vintage titles.

Does the shop buy 45s?

Yes. Uncle Aldo's Attic is one of the places around Mesa that buys 45s, and the owner specifically likes them.

Should sellers bring records into the store?

If possible, yes. Bringing the collection into the store is best. For large collections, or when someone is disabled, the shop may be able to come to the seller.

What condition issues matter most in Arizona?

Warping is common in Arizona, along with scratches, scuffs, and sleeve rash. Light warps may still be considered on rare records, but severe "bacon warp" damage is a bigger problem.

Can customers check condition before buying?

Yes. Customers can look at a record themselves and may be able to listen if they still have questions about condition.

What should first-time visitors expect?

Expect a vintage-style shop with lots of vinyl, collectibles, and room to dig. It is a place where questions are welcome and condition can be checked carefully before buying.

Last updated: 2026-07-02