Best Music Stores In Los Angeles

Music stores are a dying breed. The digital revolution and online shopping have struck a near fatal blow to the high fidelity shops. But, a few stalwarts remain and they're as awesome as ever. Here are a few of the best music stores in Los Angeles. Nevertheless, some stawart centers of expertise still exist for the customer seeking listening stations and shop talk.

Amoeba

6400 Sunset Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90028
(323) 245-6400
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Hours: Monday-Saturday 10:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

In the heart of Hollywood, Amoeba is the largest independent record store in the world. In. The. World. You really have to see it to believe it. Its jazz room alone has more than a million titles. Amoeba is a must for any music fan in LA and has to be at the top of any list of the best music stores in Los Angeles.

Rockaway Records

2395 Glendale Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90039
(323) 664-3232
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Hours: Daily 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

In addition to great prices, Rockaway has a great vibe. It's not a mega-store and doesn't try to be. If you're looking for that rare rock collectible, you have to try Rockaway. That original Hendrix at the Shrine poster could be yours.

Record Surplus

11609 West Pico Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90064
(310)478-4217
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Hours: Monday-Saturday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

If you're looking for the latest releases, don't bother with Record Surplus. But, if you're trying to track down that rare side B, this is the place. On LA's West Side, this place is no frills, just lots of music. The store has a growing selection of CDs and DVDs, but it's still about the vinyl here.

Soundsations

8701 La Tijera Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90045
(310) 641-8877
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Hours: Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday noon to 5 p.m.

The selection at Soundsations rocks, but what makes this place great is the staff. Many are long-timers. They're knowledgeable and love to talk shop. If they don't have what you want, they'll find it for you. Soundsations has a mix of vinyl and CDs. It's a great place to lose an afternoon crate digging.

Headline Records

7706 Melrose Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90046-7316
(323) 655-2125
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Hours: Daily noon to 8 p.m.

Specializing in punk, ska and garage, Headline is the musical heart of Melrose, a place where individuality rules. You can pick up a hard-to-find EP, cool patch, poster or some replacement studs for your leather jacket. Whether you're a die-hard punk rocker or a scenester, Headline is for you.