Record King

Record King in Saddle Brook, New Jersey is one of those North Jersey record shops with deep roots. The store traces its story back to 1965, when it started as Hackensack Record Shoppe. Craig has had Record King since 1974, later renaming it Hackensack Record King and then The Record King before moving to Saddle Brook after the old Hackensack building was demolished.

Today the shop is smaller than the old 2,400-square-foot Hackensack location, but it keeps the same collector-minded focus: clean records, fair pricing, strong condition standards, and new collections coming in regularly.

Interview with Record King

Record King has the feel of a shop with real history behind it. How long has the crown been in the family, so to speak?

I have had the Record King since 1974. The store started in 1965 as the Hackensack Record Shoppe, changed to Hackensack Record King in 1974, and changed to The Record King in 1991. I wasn't sure if the store would stay in Hackensack, so I dropped that part so I could move anywhere.

I'm now in Saddle Brook, NJ at 238 Market Street, as my building got demolished because of the gentrification of Hackensack.

North Jersey has one of the deepest oldies and collector cultures anywhere. How does that show up in your bins and your customers?

I have many regulars, each looking for different things. We get new collections in weekly, so the regulars always have something new to check out.

You are correct about the greatest collectors being in northern NJ. Being in business for over 52 years, many of my customers have been coming to me for many years.

What do your regulars hunt for - 45s, doo-wop, soul, classic rock, all of it?

All of it. I have customers for all of these categories. We have sections for the lesser types too - show tunes, classical, etc. - but those sections get less action.

Do you still see collections come in with real Jersey radio-era history - the records people bought the week they charted?

Oh my God, yes. I've bought collections with complete catalogs of different artists. Every once in a while, a collection will come in with my price labels from the 70s and 80s, which is cool as the records have gone a complete 360 and back to me.

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

An easy yes is the condition. I try to keep my on-floor stock in the best condition. For lesser-condition records, I have a $2.99 section.

If people are selling records, they have to bring them in, again to check for label rarity and condition. Most likely the price I'll pay is based on the most sellable records and the rest would be lumped together in a price.

People always ask me how I base the prices I pay. Well, I don't just pay a certain price for each across the board. The prices I pay are based on how much I will be selling them at.

What condition details actually decide value at the collector level you deal in?

I have found over the years that it's tough to sell a crap record. They have to be in the best condition.

I've made my reputation on condition and reasonable pricing. As my store in Hackensack was 2,400 square feet and now I have 900 square feet, I have to move records to fit the new ones in, so I try to keep my prices affordable.

What's the most memorable record or collection that's come through?

It was years ago, but I bought a huge collection of 45s from the original mobile DJs. These guys used 78s originally to DJ in the 40s. In the 50s they went to 45s. They would get promos from all the record companies, most unplayed. Needless to say, the collection was worth a ton.

First visit to Record King - what should someone know going in?

I want everyone to feel welcome and this can be their happy place. Many of my customers have said this.

The stock isn't what it was in Hackensack - I had 100,000 records, but I sold my entire inventory when I had to move. So five years ago I just kept buying collections and created a new store.

What I have is always priced right, cleaned, and in the best condition, so you're going to get a nice record. Any more questions, give me a call. I'm in Wednesday to Saturday, 10-5.

FAQ

Does Record King buy used records?

Yes. Sellers should bring records into the shop so Craig can check condition, label rarity, and which titles are most sellable.

What makes a collection attractive to Record King?

Condition is the biggest factor. Strong, clean records and collections with sellable artists or label rarity are more likely to stand out.

Does Record King pay the same amount for every record?

No. The price is not a flat amount across the board. Craig bases offers on what the records are likely to sell for, with the strongest titles carrying the value and the rest often grouped into the overall offer.

What kinds of records do customers look for there?

Regulars hunt across many categories, including 45s, doo-wop, soul, classic rock, and other collector-friendly sections. Show tunes and classical are available but move more slowly.

What should first-time visitors know?

Record King is a smaller shop than the old Hackensack location, but the focus is clean, fairly priced records in strong condition. The shop is open Wednesday through Saturday, 10-5.

Last updated: 2026-07-10