5 Best Vinyl Record Stores In Houston, TX

If you just searched best record stores near me you've come to the right place.

In the past few years, streaming, MP3 players, and CDs have been some of the most popular methods through which we have consumed music. However, none of them have the same vigor to endure the dynamic nature of the music industry as vinyl. Even though the perceived limitations regarding both bulk and breadth, records have earned a devoted following that has kept many record stores open. While CD chains such as Tower Records and Sam Goody have closed down because they could not endure the profound digital tsunami, the 5 best vinyl record stores in Houston live on. Typically, these are small businesses that are operated by individuals with a great passion for fidelity and work as stubborn fortresses of culture. The existence of these incredible shops is a fight against the increased demand for lighter, cheaper, faster, and smaller mediums.

With a strong connection to music and unwavering support for small businesses, Houston plays a significant role in making sure that even the smallest record stores remain open. That is the reason we have identified and listed some of the best vinyl record stores in Houston where you can get that album you have been looking for to grow your vinyl collection. Here is our comprehensive guide to the 5 best vinyl record stores in Houston, TX.

Cactus Music

Address: 2110 Portsmouth St.

Houston, TX

Phone: 713-526-9272

Houston’s oldest independent music store with over 30 years of service.

“Social scientists speak of “third places,” by which they mean informal anchors to community life. These places are neither home’s first place nor work’s second, but somewhere in the middle… Especially when it hosted in-store concerts, Cactus functioned as the third place for a good portion of Houston’s music scene, a convivial meeting spot that was neither home nor a bar. Sure, it wasn’t the cheapest place in town to buy CDs, but think about the atmosphere on in-store nights: Where else could you enjoy free music and bevies with dozens of your closest friends?”

SWEET SPOT AUDIO & RECORDS

Address: 16960 Hwy 3 N

Webster, TX 77598

Phone: 281-338-7768

One of the only few used vinyl shops between Houston and Galveston. Original owners established a very strong customer base. New owners (as of Oct. 2018) seek to grow that customer base, maintain a robust used inventory, and be the “go-to” shop in the area.

Their specialties are fairly priced used vinyl of all genres. Smaller selection one new vinyl titles. Quality used equipment, including receivers, amps, turntables, and speakers, are for sale. They also sell new equipment, including Technics, Rega, and Audio Technica.

They also buy used vinyl records and working equipment, either for cash or consignment.

Vinal Edge Records

Address: 239 W 19th St

Houston, Texas

Phone: 832-618-1129

Back in the early ’80s, Vinal Edge owner Chuck Roast was instrumental in bringing punk rock to Houston. He was the DJ of a popular punk rock radio show called Funhouse and booked punk rock shows around town. He began to buy extra tapes and records from one show to sell at the next. Soon, his backpack full of music required more room, and Vinal Edge Records was born.

Since 1985, the store has seen it all: the rise of CDs, the death of cassettes, and now the improbable (and extremely exciting) resurrection of vinyl! Empty bins are no longer an issue as they were in the early days. In fact, since 2001, Vinal Edge has added 6 record bins and reclaimed two more to accommodate all the vinyl the store has accumulated.

HEIGHTS VINYL

Address: 3301 Cline St

Houston, Texas

Phone: 281-974-1234

More than just a “Record Store,” Heights Vinyl is also the #1 Turntable Repair Shop in the USA by Volume. They’ve fixed over 2000 pieces of Customer Equipment in the 4 years since tracking.

They also are well known for carrying and refurbishing equipment such as Cylinder Players, Lathes, Vintage Radios, and more. Don’t buy another Turntable or Vintage Audio without talking to them 1st. Whether you get something from them or not, they’ll let you know what you are getting yourself into, Pros and Cons.

Make sure to support and attend all of the 5 best vinyl record stores in houston. But when you are looking to be educated about equipment and Houston’s History of Music, make sure you stop by them for a few hours as well!

Sound Exchange

Address: 101 N Milby St #3

Houston, TX 77003

Phone: +1 713-666-5555

Sound Exchange is one of Houston’s oldest music stores. They opened in 1979 and have been buying and selling records for the entire 40 years. They also buy, sell, and repair turntables of nearly all brands and types. And they are the only place in Houston that repairs idler drive Dual turntables and console changers.

They love buying records, all day every day. Sound Exchange is open from 11 am to 7 pm seven days a week. No appointment is ever needed to sell your records or to drop off a turntable for repair. They are especially interested in buying rock, soul, jazz, psychedelic and punk records. They also love music from around the world, especially from Mexico, South America, Africa, India, and Japan.

And here is why the 5 best Vinyl record stores in houston made the cut:

If you browse through any of the record stores that we have listed on this informative guide, you are most likely going to find that new or old release that you want. All you need to do is ask their friendly staff, and they will always have an expert to help you with any queries that you might have. With most of the record store owners doing everything possible to boost their stock, these guys seem to understand almost everything about the best vinyl records. Visit one of the record stores we have recommended today and grab that missing record you need for your collection.