Amoeba Record shop in L.A.
Posted by: Onthlam on 20 October 2008
Has to be one of the most amazing cd/record stores I have ever been in.Anywhere...
On Sunset in Hollywood...
On Sunset in Hollywood...
Posted on: 20 October 2008 by droodzilla
Please don't Marc! My brother's already tormented me with stories of visiting this shop when he was in LA on business. Both record shops in Sheffield city centre are now absolutely rubbish. 
Posted on: 20 October 2008 by BigH47
It's a great experience in SF too (thanks JohnM).
Posted on: 20 October 2008 by John M
Marc
Amoeba is pretty cool. I know the owner, Mark, who originally started the store in Berkeley where I grew up, and his collection is amazing.
But I was frustrated the last time I went in to LA store (same in SF) because there was not enough turnover of new arrivals in the vintage vinyl. In the CD sections there is an amazing selection, and there is plenty of new and reissued vinyl, but I am always after the original pressings, there is not alot moving through. There are overpriced gems hanging on the walls, but I am gettting impatient whenever I go to the used section and see the same stuff, week after week.
If interested, I have some alternate locations to get your fingers dusty - both in SF and NY. I took BigH47 to a few of them. One I enjoy is Mill Valley Music, in the shadow of Mt. Tamalpais, run by this great guy who used to work at the venerable Village Records (now closed.) As for LA, I have never found another decent store besides Amoeba. I would love to hear from someone in LA, like the forum member wolf2 (I think) from Silver Lake area, if there are alternatives to amoeba for juicy used vinyl.
What I also like about some other stores is that you can actually listen to the vinyl before you buy it!
John
Amoeba is pretty cool. I know the owner, Mark, who originally started the store in Berkeley where I grew up, and his collection is amazing.
But I was frustrated the last time I went in to LA store (same in SF) because there was not enough turnover of new arrivals in the vintage vinyl. In the CD sections there is an amazing selection, and there is plenty of new and reissued vinyl, but I am always after the original pressings, there is not alot moving through. There are overpriced gems hanging on the walls, but I am gettting impatient whenever I go to the used section and see the same stuff, week after week.
If interested, I have some alternate locations to get your fingers dusty - both in SF and NY. I took BigH47 to a few of them. One I enjoy is Mill Valley Music, in the shadow of Mt. Tamalpais, run by this great guy who used to work at the venerable Village Records (now closed.) As for LA, I have never found another decent store besides Amoeba. I would love to hear from someone in LA, like the forum member wolf2 (I think) from Silver Lake area, if there are alternatives to amoeba for juicy used vinyl.
What I also like about some other stores is that you can actually listen to the vinyl before you buy it!
John
Posted on: 20 October 2008 by Steeve
It's pretty impressive, isn't it? For those who haven't been, this photo probably only shows about a quarter of one floor! But despite its hugeness, the staff are still very enthusiastic, knowledgeable and friendly - I was so impressed I even bought the t-shirt!
Steeve
Posted on: 20 October 2008 by Onthlam
quote:Originally posted by John M:
Marc
Amoeba is pretty cool. I know the owner, Mark, who originally started the store in Berkeley where I grew up, and his collection is amazing.
But I was frustrated the last time I went in to LA store (same in SF) because there was not enough turnover of new arrivals in the vintage vinyl. In the CD sections there is an amazing selection, and there is plenty of new and reissued vinyl, but I am always after the original pressings, there is not alot moving through. There are overpriced gems hanging on the walls, but I am gettting impatient whenever I go to the used section and see the same stuff, week after week.
If interested, I have some alternate locations to get your fingers dusty - both in SF and NY. I took BigH47 to a few of them. One I enjoy is Mill Valley Music, in the shadow of Mt. Tamalpais, run by this great guy who used to work at the venerable Village Records (now closed.) As for LA, I have never found another decent store besides Amoeba. I would love to hear from someone in LA, like the forum member wolf2 (I think) from Silver Lake area, if there are alternatives to amoeba for juicy used vinyl.
What I also like about some other stores is that you can actually listen to the vinyl before you buy it!
John
John-
Lite the fire.Build the steam.Let me know when your at at 90 psi in the boiler.....
Release the brake!!!
Will be in Berk this weekend. Back to LA in early Dec..
Posted on: 21 October 2008 by ewemon
Do you think we can organise a Naim forum members trip to LA for a visit to the Amoeba store.
I used to go into the HMV store in Times Square in HK where the selection was fantastic.
They have now closed but the last time I was in they were having their closing down sale. My wife couldn't carry the amount of discs I had picked up we needed a trolley. Everything was on sale at 4 HK Dollars or less. At the time it was 15 HKD to the pound.
I used to go into the HMV store in Times Square in HK where the selection was fantastic.
They have now closed but the last time I was in they were having their closing down sale. My wife couldn't carry the amount of discs I had picked up we needed a trolley. Everything was on sale at 4 HK Dollars or less. At the time it was 15 HKD to the pound.
Posted on: 21 October 2008 by Onthlam
quote:Originally posted by ewemon:
Do you think we can organise a Naim forum members trip to LA for a visit to the Amoeba store.
I used to go into the HMV store in Times Square in HK where the selection was fantastic.
They have now closed but the last time I was in they were having their closing down sale. My wife couldn't carry the amount of discs I had picked up we needed a trolley. Everything was on sale at 4 HK Dollars or less. At the time it was 15 HKD to the pound.
I will be there...
Posted on: 21 October 2008 by garyi
When I went to the one in SF I was sort of overwhelmed and didn't actually buy a lot, I would suggest before entering having a list of some sort or you could land up with a mind fuck.
Posted on: 21 October 2008 by John M
quote:Originally posted by Marc Newman:
John-
Lite the fire.Build the steam.Let me know when your at at 90 psi in the boiler.....
Release the brake!!!
Will be in Berk this weekend. Back to LA in early Dec..
Are you working music hunting into your schedule? Amoeba in Berkeley is huge, almost as big as SF. There is also Rasputins just up the street. But I am sure you know about those. But for used vinyl SF/Marin is my preference, and I will join if you are up for it, or I will just hand over the addresses if we cant make schedules mesh.
I will try skyping you.
I am up for a naim gathering in LA too when everyone is ready!! But I would reccommend SF instead, being a opinionated northerner...
Posted on: 21 October 2008 by John M
and bring the dog, for heavens sake. It would be great if you could come over with the dog and convince my wife to get one...
Posted on: 21 October 2008 by Onthlam
quote:Originally posted by John M:quote:Originally posted by Marc Newman:
John-
Lite the fire.Build the steam.Let me know when your at at 90 psi in the boiler.....
Release the brake!!!
Will be in Berk this weekend. Back to LA in early Dec..
Are you working music hunting into your schedule? Amoeba in Berkeley is huge, almost as big as SF. There is also Rasputins just up the street. But I am sure you know about those. But for used vinyl SF/Marin is my preference, and I will join if you are up for it, or I will just hand over the addresses if we cant make schedules mesh.
I will try skyping you.
I am up for a naim gathering in LA too when everyone is ready!! But I would reccommend SF instead, being a opinionated northerner...
Skype away.
UCLA at Berkeley this weekend.Not to sure about the dog. I would need a "shotgun" to do this.
Your more than welcome to come over this weekend and bring the family.
Posted on: 21 October 2008 by JamieWednesday
Or, to save on air fares...
amoeba records
(OK, I know it's not the same as visiting but you can pick up the vibes...)
amoeba records
(OK, I know it's not the same as visiting but you can pick up the vibes...)
Posted on: 21 October 2008 by ewemon
quote:Originally posted by JamieWednesday:
Or, to save on air fares...
amoeba records
(OK, I know it's not the same as visiting but you can pick up the vibes...)
Unfortunately they don't do mail order.
Posted on: 21 October 2008 by JamieWednesday
That's what Amazon are for...
Posted on: 21 October 2008 by Patrick F
they do mail order. just not there entire store inventory.
Posted on: 22 October 2008 by smiglass
They have a large ebay store,if you know what you want. I have visited all three stores which are great and i have to plan trips on weekends since the closest one is 100 miles away! 
Anthony
Anthony
Posted on: 22 October 2008 by Wolf2
Hi all, I live in Silver Lake east side of LA as said, whenever I go down Sunset 4 miles away I have to fight the steering wheel to stay on the road instead of parking and going in Amoeba. I had a tight budget for a couple years so didn't go in. Now I have some cash so watch out. It's always $100 easy and I haven't even been in the jazz section yet. Tho I really feel conservative when being served by the LA hip with tatts, piercings and wild hair. My first trip there I scored a perfect condition Electric Ladyland for $8.
I have a smaller store that is now low on vinyl called Rock Away Records, it's within walking distance and across the street from my bank. Glendale Blvd and Silver Lake Blvd intersection. Mostly CDs now. Seems I moved to LA too late for some interesting bars and record shops. Oh , I don't know if Vinyl Fetish is still open in Los Feliz on Vermont Ave, but it seemed to be set for DJs and dance music. They pissed me off once and I never went back.
When I drive to my dealer's an hour north in Ventura I go to a store called Grady's I think on Ventura Blvd. He has some fun stuff. When I'd just bought my P5 my dealer told me how to get there. Bad Idea, it was a $150 excursion each time I went, but I had Beatles albums, 4 early Steely Dan, Emmy Lou Harris, joni, Lyle Lovette, Allman Bros., early Fleetood Mac and some good jazz stuff, tho it's a small shop I was just starting out and found things I'd not find in LA.
When I visit friends in Santa Barbara about 20 minutes NW from there I have to fight the car again when I'm heading home. He has a TT to listen to them also.
Also, once a month at Pasadena City College there's a vinyl traders day on the weekend. I don't recall when it is and I"ve never been. It's supposed to be a large event.
Oh and for the classical high end is The Record Collector, on Beverly in Hollywood. Expensive but some great stuff. Come in with a list and they take off and show up with what you want, good advice too. Everything is catalogued according to the numbers.
Anybody coming to LA can look me up, my email is in my profile now. I'd love to get tips on my set up and put on some music. I have a very nice trendy apartment I updated last year, all mid century modern furniture and great artwork on the walls. I'm always open to drinks, talk and whatever. 4 good places to eat in walking distance. You guys in England have those great gatherings which I don't in LA.
HINT: local guys contact me!
Glenn
I have a smaller store that is now low on vinyl called Rock Away Records, it's within walking distance and across the street from my bank. Glendale Blvd and Silver Lake Blvd intersection. Mostly CDs now. Seems I moved to LA too late for some interesting bars and record shops. Oh , I don't know if Vinyl Fetish is still open in Los Feliz on Vermont Ave, but it seemed to be set for DJs and dance music. They pissed me off once and I never went back.
When I drive to my dealer's an hour north in Ventura I go to a store called Grady's I think on Ventura Blvd. He has some fun stuff. When I'd just bought my P5 my dealer told me how to get there. Bad Idea, it was a $150 excursion each time I went, but I had Beatles albums, 4 early Steely Dan, Emmy Lou Harris, joni, Lyle Lovette, Allman Bros., early Fleetood Mac and some good jazz stuff, tho it's a small shop I was just starting out and found things I'd not find in LA.
When I visit friends in Santa Barbara about 20 minutes NW from there I have to fight the car again when I'm heading home. He has a TT to listen to them also.
Also, once a month at Pasadena City College there's a vinyl traders day on the weekend. I don't recall when it is and I"ve never been. It's supposed to be a large event.
Oh and for the classical high end is The Record Collector, on Beverly in Hollywood. Expensive but some great stuff. Come in with a list and they take off and show up with what you want, good advice too. Everything is catalogued according to the numbers.
Anybody coming to LA can look me up, my email is in my profile now. I'd love to get tips on my set up and put on some music. I have a very nice trendy apartment I updated last year, all mid century modern furniture and great artwork on the walls. I'm always open to drinks, talk and whatever. 4 good places to eat in walking distance. You guys in England have those great gatherings which I don't in LA.
HINT: local guys contact me!
Glenn
Posted on: 22 October 2008 by John M
Hey Glenn
I knew I could coax you out. Thanks for the heads up on vinyl in LA. Seems like the answer is "not much besides Amoeba" which isnt bad at all! I have checked out Ventura, last time I was down for a UCSB graduation (not mine) and there seems to be a few record shops there, and in Santa Barbara as you say.
If you ever get up north, I will be happy to point you in the right direction/join you in some wallet lightening sojourns. I appreciate your preferences in music from what I can tell from other posts, so it might be fun to share notes. I also have NYC pretty wired as far as vinyl hunting goes, after living there for 18 yrs.
Thanks again for the advice beyond Amoeba, aka mecca for music addicts
John
I knew I could coax you out. Thanks for the heads up on vinyl in LA. Seems like the answer is "not much besides Amoeba" which isnt bad at all! I have checked out Ventura, last time I was down for a UCSB graduation (not mine) and there seems to be a few record shops there, and in Santa Barbara as you say.
If you ever get up north, I will be happy to point you in the right direction/join you in some wallet lightening sojourns. I appreciate your preferences in music from what I can tell from other posts, so it might be fun to share notes. I also have NYC pretty wired as far as vinyl hunting goes, after living there for 18 yrs.
Thanks again for the advice beyond Amoeba, aka mecca for music addicts
John
Posted on: 22 October 2008 by Onthlam
quote:Originally posted by Wolf2:
Hi all, I live in Silver Lake east side of LA as said, whenever I go down Sunset 4 miles away I have to fight the steering wheel to stay on the road instead of parking and going in Amoeba. I had a tight budget for a couple years so didn't go in. Now I have some cash so watch out. It's always $100 easy and I haven't even been in the jazz section yet. Tho I really feel conservative when being served by the LA hip with tatts, piercings and wild hair. My first trip there I scored a perfect condition Electric Ladyland for $8.
I have a smaller store that is now low on vinyl called Rock Away Records, it's within walking distance and across the street from my bank. Glendale Blvd and Silver Lake Blvd intersection. Mostly CDs now. Seems I moved to LA too late for some interesting bars and record shops. Oh , I don't know if Vinyl Fetish is still open in Los Feliz on Vermont Ave, but it seemed to be set for DJs and dance music. They pissed me off once and I never went back.
When I drive to my dealer's an hour north in Ventura I go to a store called Grady's I think on Ventura Blvd. He has some fun stuff. When I'd just bought my P5 my dealer told me how to get there. Bad Idea, it was a $150 excursion each time I went, but I had Beatles albums, 4 early Steely Dan, Emmy Lou Harris, joni, Lyle Lovette, Allman Bros., early Fleetood Mac and some good jazz stuff, tho it's a small shop I was just starting out and found things I'd not find in LA.
When I visit friends in Santa Barbara about 20 minutes NW from there I have to fight the car again when I'm heading home. He has a TT to listen to them also.
Also, once a month at Pasadena City College there's a vinyl traders day on the weekend. I don't recall when it is and I"ve never been. It's supposed to be a large event.
Oh and for the classical high end is The Record Collector, on Beverly in Hollywood. Expensive but some great stuff. Come in with a list and they take off and show up with what you want, good advice too. Everything is catalogued according to the numbers.
Anybody coming to LA can look me up, my email is in my profile now. I'd love to get tips on my set up and put on some music. I have a very nice trendy apartment I updated last year, all mid century modern furniture and great artwork on the walls. I'm always open to drinks, talk and whatever. 4 good places to eat in walking distance. You guys in England have those great gatherings which I don't in LA.
HINT: local guys contact me!
Glenn
Glenn-
Call if you get a chance.
916 8690300
Posted on: 24 October 2008 by Wolf2
hey Marc, Friday AM just tried to call and the mailbox was full, couldn't leave a message.
Well, I got into a mess yesterday trying to take out an AC unit in window behind my stereo kit. I have an electrician friend who's going to come over tomorrow but this means I have to take the newly installed kit down again to be safe.
Yesterday I installed a Hiline and was really enjoying the music. I used to go to bed about 9 or so, lately with the Superline on vinyl and now the Hiline on CDP I'm up to 11+ every night.
This time I'm going to put little tags on the cords to tell me which plug to put it back in. Not that it will help that much in a tight space. The mess of power cords in back is amazing.
Well, I got into a mess yesterday trying to take out an AC unit in window behind my stereo kit. I have an electrician friend who's going to come over tomorrow but this means I have to take the newly installed kit down again to be safe.
Yesterday I installed a Hiline and was really enjoying the music. I used to go to bed about 9 or so, lately with the Superline on vinyl and now the Hiline on CDP I'm up to 11+ every night.
This time I'm going to put little tags on the cords to tell me which plug to put it back in. Not that it will help that much in a tight space. The mess of power cords in back is amazing.
Posted on: 24 October 2008 by Onthlam
call tonite if your able.
Trying to make it to Amoeba in san fran next weekend.
Marc
Trying to make it to Amoeba in san fran next weekend.
Marc
Posted on: 02 November 2008 by Onthlam
Marc and daughter to be spotted at Amoeba at around 2:30pm On monday in L.A.
Posted on: 03 November 2008 by Claret Badger
Just came back from San Francisco this weekend
Rasputin in Berkeley was cool - so was Ameoba
also visited a shop in San Luis Obispo - Boo Boo records
shame my budget was quite tight - but I bagged a couple of cheap nuggets out there.
next time, next time . . . .
Rasputin in Berkeley was cool - so was Ameoba
also visited a shop in San Luis Obispo - Boo Boo records
shame my budget was quite tight - but I bagged a couple of cheap nuggets out there.
next time, next time . . . .
Posted on: 03 November 2008 by John M
quote:Originally posted by Claret Badger:
Just came back from San Francisco this weekend
Rasputin in Berkeley was cool - so was Ameoba
also visited a shop in San Luis Obispo - Boo Boo records
shame my budget was quite tight - but I bagged a couple of cheap nuggets out there.
next time, next time . . . .
Email me next time you are here and I will set you on the path to a few other shops!
John
Posted on: 03 November 2008 by MilesSmiles
I just walked by one today in SF, about a block from my sister's house. Was wondering if I should quickly pop in, now I sure will.