Disc-Cover Records

Disc-Cover Records in Nampa is a digging-focused Idaho record shop with a strong pull toward classic rock and metal, while still keeping the bins open to plenty of other playable, well-kept records. Owners Al Babbitt and Michaela Wilson describe the store as a place for regulars who know what they want, travelers chasing harder-to-find metal, and first-time visitors who enjoy discovering music together in the shop.

Interview with Disc-Cover Records

Disc-Cover Records leans especially toward classic rock and metal. What is it about those genres that you enjoy hunting for the most?

It is the thrill of the hunt! We focus on this more because it is what our customer base is regularly looking for, but there are so many forgotten bands throughout the years that never got their big moment. Being able to pull these, add some details for people who don't know, and create a new following for them makes it fun.

Does Nampa's local scene lean more classic rock, more metal, or somewhere in between?

Nampa tends to lean more on the classic rock side. They love Led Zeppelin, ZZ Top, The Eagles, and similar artists. However, Idaho as a whole has a very dedicated metal base because it is difficult to find here. We have a regular who drives down from Lewiston, ID whenever we get any symphonic metal in. They are willing to travel!

What should someone bring or mention if they've got classic rock or metal LPs to sell?

The general question for us would be the condition and quantity. We are very picky on the condition of the vinyl. It needs to be playable. Cover wear is expected, and we always tell them we cannot play the cover, but we do like the actual original cover artwork to still exist. Quantity helps us be prepared more. We tend to purchase in smaller batches, and encourage people to bring very large quantities in pieces so we can give them the fairest offer.

Are there other genres you'll consider, or is the focus pretty tightly classic rock and metal?

We will consider just about anything but classical. We do not do 78s at all due to fragility, and we do not do 45s as they never sell well. Otherwise, we are open to any genres that are in playable, good condition.

What's a record or artist that always does well with your regulars?

Fleetwood Mac. If we had ten copies of Rumours at a time, they would be gone in two days. The Eagles' Hotel California always flies out. AC/DC's Back in Black is also a big seller. We cannot keep Black Sabbath or Ozzy Osbourne in stock regularly from demand.

What condition issues come up most often with older classic rock or metal pressings?

Obviously, these records are usually very well loved. Some of them even travel decades with people. The most common issue is scratches. We sometimes joke that a few have looked like they were dragged behind a car. When a record is heavily played, the grooves also wear, so they will have a greyish lighter appearance instead of the black. We see this on older metal a lot. Cover condition problems often include the cat using it as a scratching post on the sides, and water damage from humidity in travels.

What's the best find that's come through the shop recently?

We recently obtained a Led Zeppelin II that is a Robert Ludwig edition. These are rather hard to find now, let alone in the beautiful condition this one is in. Another is an original mono pressing of The Doors self-titled album with the original shrink wrap still on it. The pricing sticker of Sears $1.99 is still on it too. Definitely worth more than that now!

What would you want a first-time visitor to Disc-Cover Records to expect?

Expect a decent variety. It is a digging experience that will be worth your while. Also expect good customer service with two people who love music as much as you do. If we don't know it, there are times we will play it in store so we can all experience it together. That is the thrill of running a record store: you discover new-to-you music all the time.

Selling Records FAQ

What genres of records is Disc-Cover Records most interested in?

Classic rock and metal are especially strong at the shop, but Disc-Cover Records will consider almost any genre if the records are playable and in good condition. They do not currently take classical, 78s, or 45s.

Do records need to have the original cover art?

Yes. The shop can work around a missing inner sleeve, but they prefer the original outer cover artwork to still be present.

What condition should records be in?

Records should be playable, with no skips, and generally around VG+ or better. Scratches, heavy groove wear, and water-damaged covers can make a collection harder to buy.

How should someone bring in a collection?

Bring the records directly to the store. For very large collections, Disc-Cover Records recommends bringing them in smaller batches so the store can review them carefully and make the fairest offer.

How does the store evaluate records?

They visually inspect records, look closely at condition and sellability, and may cherry-pick stronger pieces. If most of a collection is worthwhile, they may make an offer on everything.

Does Disc-Cover Records offer store credit?

Yes. They offer both cash and in-store credit, with store credit giving 40% more than cash.

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Al Babbitt-Michaela Wilson, Owners
Disc-Cover Records
208-466-2890

Last updated: 2026-06-28