Big Dig Records

Big Dig Records in Cambridge keeps the tone loose and unpretentious while carrying underground and mainstream music at different price points. The owner frames the shop as a place where cheap bins, cleaner stock, local taste, and the staff's own listening habits all sit together.

Interview with Big Dig Records

Big Dig has a great name and an unpretentious, chill reputation in Cambridge — from Agnostic Front to ZZ Top, as one reviewer put it. How would you describe the shop's range?

Big Dig Records has underground and mainstream music for everyone, at all price points. It is our hope when people come in and buy music we think is bad, that they will notice the other music we think is good.... and get themselves right with it.

How would you describe the shop's taste?

We all like punk and indie rock a lot, and try to be as open minded as possible but I wouldn't single out the rockabilly bin or even mention it exists...

There's a large bargain selection beneath the main bins that regulars love. How do you keep both the deep cuts and the affordable finds flowing?

It's important to us to have a good balance of cheap and expensive records. We actually got rid of the $1 records because only Boyer was buying them and we found a faster way to move them. There are still plenty of $3-5 LPs down below that are well worth it!

You give in-store credit for collections people no longer need. What makes a collection an easy yes when it comes in?

Consisting of records we like to listen to or haven't seen before in excellent condition! We try our best to always take it what comes through the door, but sometimes we have to say no or it goes right out on the curb if it isn't up to par.

Reviewers mention clean, well-kept stock across vinyl, cassettes, even SACDs and blank tapes. How do you keep quality high?

We price according to condition, it's pretty easy once you've done it a while.

What does the Boston-area crowd reach for most at Big Dig?

LPs are definitely what we are selling the most of, with CDs making a comeback for second place. We think our average customer local unity band is probably Mission of Burma...cause both olds and Young's appreciate them.

You play great music while people shop and keep an unpretentious vibe. How intentional is that atmosphere?

We're very calm people most of the time and just like to listen to chill music and hangout. The atmosphere in the store is like an outward expression of our personalities and moods.

First visit to Big Dig — what should someone dig through first?

New Arrivals to get the freshest variety, then talk to us about what you're looking for!

Last updated: 2026-08-06