Tracks In Wax Records

Tracks In Wax Records has been on North Central Avenue since 1982, making it one of Phoenix's long-running used record shops. Under new ownership, the store is keeping that history while adding listening events, a stronger sound system, and fresh attention to jazz, punk, indie, hip hop, soul, Japanese pressings, and harder-to-find records.

Interview with Tracks In Wax Records

Tracks In Wax has been on North Central since 1982. What's it like carrying that history forward under new ownership?

It is an incredible responsibility. Tracks In Wax has meant something to generations of music lovers in Phoenix and I never want to lose that. At the same time, we want to build on that history by creating new reasons for people to visit. We have added listening events, upgraded our sound system, and are always looking for ways to bring the community together. Timmy still stops by from time to time and we keep in touch, which means a lot. It feels like we are carrying the torch rather than starting over.

The Tracks In Wax Records storefront on North Central Avenue, anchoring the owner's answer about carrying the shop's Phoenix history forward.

The shop leans classic rock, but reviewers also point to punk and jazz. How would you describe the bins now?

We still have plenty of classic rock because that is what a lot of people come looking for, but I think the shop is much more balanced today. We have been putting a big focus on jazz, punk, indie, hip hop, soul, Japanese pressings, and harder to find records. My goal is for someone to walk in no matter what they listen to and find something that gets them excited.

Long rows of new-arrivals bins and wall records at Tracks In Wax, matching the owner's description of a more balanced shop across jazz, punk, indie, hip hop, soul, and classic rock.

You buy, sell, and trade. What makes a collection an easy yes when it comes through the door?

Condition is always the first thing I look at. Clean records that have been well cared for make a huge difference. I also love collections where you can tell the person was passionate about music instead of just buying whatever was popular. Those collections usually have interesting artists, deep cuts, and records you do not see every day. Those are always fun.

Desert heat is its own preservation story. What condition issues show up most in Arizona collections?

Heat is definitely the biggest one. We often pass on records that have been stored for years in garages, sheds, or other spaces without climate control because the Arizona heat can slowly degrade the vinyl over time. Warping is the most common issue we see, along with sun faded jackets.

The good news is that not all warps are permanent. We have a professional record flattening machine that we brought in from Japan, and it has been incredibly effective. We use it regularly in the shop and even offer record flattening as a service for customers. Sometimes a record develops a slight warp simply from sitting in the back of a delivery truck on a hot day. Those are usually the easiest to correct, and once they are flattened the sound quality typically remains unchanged.

What comes through in Phoenix collections that still surprises you?

The variety. Phoenix has always been a place where people move from somewhere else, so collections tell stories from all over the country. One day we are buying classic country from Texas, the next day it is punk from California or jazz that someone collected in New York. Every collection feels a little like opening a time capsule.

What's been quietly strong in the bins lately?

Jazz has been incredibly strong and it continues to surprise people. More younger customers are discovering it for the first time. Japanese pressings have also been gaining a lot of interest because people appreciate the quality and the unique presentation. We have also seen steady demand for soul, funk, and alternative records from the nineties.

What's the piece of the shop's history you most want to carry forward?

The feeling that everyone is welcome. Tracks In Wax has always been more than a place to buy records. It is a place where conversations happen, people discover new music, and friendships are built. That is what I want people to remember twenty years from now. The records matter, but the community around them matters even more.

The front counter and surrounding bins at Tracks In Wax, a natural fit for the answer about conversations, discovery, and the community around the records.

FAQ

Does Tracks In Wax buy used records?

Yes. Condition matters first, and collections with deep cuts, interesting artists, and records that were clearly cared for are especially appealing.

What condition issues matter in Arizona?

Heat damage, warping, and sun-faded jackets are common issues. Tracks In Wax also offers record flattening with a machine brought in from Japan.

What styles are strong at Tracks In Wax now?

Classic rock remains important, but the shop is also focused on jazz, punk, indie, hip hop, soul, Japanese pressings, funk, and 90s alternative records.

Last updated: 2026-07-28