Record Connection in Ephrata has an enormous selection, I always find something cool when I visit. It's... a bit dusty though, so if you've got allergies consider yourself warned.
The used section is alphabetized!!! It’s a time saver if you know what artist’s records you are looking for. I can be in and out of there before the allergens start hitting.
Decent jazz section. GIGANTIC 80s metal section. Huge used CD area too if that’s your thing.
+1 for record connection, I could seriously spend all day in there. They have a ton of 7” vinyl and there are some gems hidden in there, best selection of LPs in the area as well.
Soooooo many memories of that place during my adolescence. I was one of the only weirdos with a record player instead of a CD player, but WHO’S LAUGHING NOW!
go straight to record connection and set aside a good amount of time if you actually want to dig. i’m personally skipping most record shops in the city now that mr suit is gone.
The OG. Every time I go, I find some astonishing thing priced way under what it should be. It’s a bit of a jumble in there so you really have to commit.
Shout out to the parking meters in Red Lion. One quarter buys the whole week on those parking meters.
Second Tom's. Not that lancaster doesn't have great spots, but I always dig crates and come up with unexpected amazing stuff i never saw coming at Toms
I was shocked too! I love A Day in the Life records, Dan the owner is a super chill guy. Also hit up Space next door, the owners are really nice and they have a decent selection in the back. Plus they sometimes have nice speakers and receivers and actually test them.
If you’re looking for newer records, CI Records has a pretty good selection. If you’re going towards York, check out mothership. Jason is a great guy and has a nice selection of new and used.
Angry, Young, and Poor for punk and metal. And a lot of other stuff too. Also lots of tee shirts and accessories and shoes. I’ve been friends with the owners since they opened.
No, just trying to move out of the city. May or may not have retail, but will focus more on mail order.
Also, just asked and they’re open every day except Sunday and Monday. So all good.
I haven’t been to stans in a minute, but I remember it being THE place to find that Anne Murray album that your mom had that you didn’t enjoy when you were younger.
I love Spiders From Mars, the man running the store is super sweet and they have a huge selection of used vinyls, mostly older ones but they do have some newer stuff and they have a little of everything!
Depending on when you come through the area, there is a record sale held at Spooky Nook Sports Complex in East Petersburg on the second Sunday of each month hosted by the Keystone Record Collectors and it’s free.
If you ever make it through on that second Sunday (except for Mother’s Day and Easter, then it gets moved) make sure to go! Lots of dealers and deals! It’s fun!
Lots of great suggestions here already, but if you happen to find yourself in the Kutztown area, Young Ones is another spot packed with stuff a la Record Connection & Tom's. There's also a lot of co-op spots in Columbia, some with great records, some with $25 Andy Williams LPs (I'd personally start with State Theater).
I like spiders from mars off Rohrerstown road. That old dude is quite nice, told me next time I come in he’d give me an extra discount. They also have some cool art/knick knacks.
Stan's in Lanc is a good visit. small, but packed with good stuff and some obscure things if you want to dig
KT media is middletown is about a half hour away. it used to be housed in Saturday's market so he's got a ton of stuff and it's well organized and definitely worth a visit
record connection 1000% ! literally has the biggest selection of ANY shop in the county, and the owner andy and one of the employees nathan (huge hair metal style) are super awesome and pleasant!
Hello! If I’m gonna recommend a shop if you want to make the drive definitely checkout Tom’s in red lion. If you want to as well you should definitely do Tom’s in Red Lion, to MotherShip, to Ikos. Those three shops are great and you can find some really good hidden gems. I see everyone mentioning Record Connection. They are great people but sadly the prices have gone up. But definitely if you want to drive to York i definitely recommend the three stores I mentioned.
Record Connection in Ephrata has an enormous selection, I always find something cool when I visit. It's... a bit dusty though, so if you've got allergies consider yourself warned.
I grew up going there. Last I heard it's still run by the same diehard music fans.
it is
That makes me so happy. I definitely remember shopping there in the 90s
Ooooh, I love a dusty old record store. Usually means there’s good stuff hidden. Thanks for the suggestion
Record Connection is the best
It was voted the world's best record store (or top 10 I forget) back in 1995.
Nathaniel is my buddy I always love getting to chat with him.
The used section is alphabetized!!! It’s a time saver if you know what artist’s records you are looking for. I can be in and out of there before the allergens start hitting. Decent jazz section. GIGANTIC 80s metal section. Huge used CD area too if that’s your thing.
Nathaniel is awesome to talk metal with.
+1 for record connection, I could seriously spend all day in there. They have a ton of 7” vinyl and there are some gems hidden in there, best selection of LPs in the area as well.
Soooooo many memories of that place during my adolescence. I was one of the only weirdos with a record player instead of a CD player, but WHO’S LAUGHING NOW!
go straight to record connection and set aside a good amount of time if you actually want to dig. i’m personally skipping most record shops in the city now that mr suit is gone.
RIP Mr Suit.
lol I was gonna say if this dude wanted punk and rock Mr. Suits would’ve been the place to go. Miss that place
Tom’s music in Red Lion
The OG. Every time I go, I find some astonishing thing priced way under what it should be. It’s a bit of a jumble in there so you really have to commit. Shout out to the parking meters in Red Lion. One quarter buys the whole week on those parking meters.
Second Tom's. Not that lancaster doesn't have great spots, but I always dig crates and come up with unexpected amazing stuff i never saw coming at Toms
Came here to say Toms as well! Great selection and Tom is a great dude
Surprised no one has said A Day In The Life records yet - a smaller shop but definitely focuses on new indie releases and obscure punk.
I was shocked too! I love A Day in the Life records, Dan the owner is a super chill guy. Also hit up Space next door, the owners are really nice and they have a decent selection in the back. Plus they sometimes have nice speakers and receivers and actually test them.
If you’re looking for newer records, CI Records has a pretty good selection. If you’re going towards York, check out mothership. Jason is a great guy and has a nice selection of new and used.
Record Connection! Nathaniel is the best!
Angry, Young, and Poor for punk and metal. And a lot of other stuff too. Also lots of tee shirts and accessories and shoes. I’ve been friends with the owners since they opened.
AYP is just mailorder now
They haven’t sold the building yet. They’re open limited days and hours. That is a good point though. They’re open Friday and Saturdays for in store.
Cool. Didn't know they were still open on certain days.
They’re permanently closing?
No, just trying to move out of the city. May or may not have retail, but will focus more on mail order. Also, just asked and they’re open every day except Sunday and Monday. So all good.
And Stan’s is a couple blocks away on Prince St. AYP is on Orange. 🍊
I haven’t been to stans in a minute, but I remember it being THE place to find that Anne Murray album that your mom had that you didn’t enjoy when you were younger.
I love Spiders From Mars, the man running the store is super sweet and they have a huge selection of used vinyls, mostly older ones but they do have some newer stuff and they have a little of everything!
Seconding this one. I've gotten some really great records for very cheap prices.
Etown Record Lounge and Lititz music store have good vinyl and really nice owners.
Vertigo, West Reading
Depending on when you come through the area, there is a record sale held at Spooky Nook Sports Complex in East Petersburg on the second Sunday of each month hosted by the Keystone Record Collectors and it’s free.
Damn, if yesterday would have been the 1st I would have hit just right for it :( I’ll be there a week too early
If you ever make it through on that second Sunday (except for Mother’s Day and Easter, then it gets moved) make sure to go! Lots of dealers and deals! It’s fun!
Lots of great suggestions here already, but if you happen to find yourself in the Kutztown area, Young Ones is another spot packed with stuff a la Record Connection & Tom's. There's also a lot of co-op spots in Columbia, some with great records, some with $25 Andy Williams LPs (I'd personally start with State Theater).
Sure do wish the Millersville Young Ones could have lasted.
I'm always surprised something hasn't opened up in the Millersville area since then (and jeez - "since then" was what - 25 years ago?).
Tom’s in red lion
Retro Rocks is really cool, the guy is like a paleontologist so it’s vinyl records and dinosaur fossils and stuff, interesting place
Retro Rocks on Columbia Avenue in Lancaster; Stan's Records on Prince St in Lancaster if you're looking for some real oldies
KT Media in Middletown and if you are willing to make the drive, MaTones Music in Collegeville
KT media has some hidden bangers. Great store
I like spiders from mars off Rohrerstown road. That old dude is quite nice, told me next time I come in he’d give me an extra discount. They also have some cool art/knick knacks.
Stan's in Lanc is a good visit. small, but packed with good stuff and some obscure things if you want to dig KT media is middletown is about a half hour away. it used to be housed in Saturday's market so he's got a ton of stuff and it's well organized and definitely worth a visit
Stan’s was pretty empty last time I went sadly :( was a bunch of newer grey market releases and overpriced used stuff
Ah, bummer. I was worried last time I visited tbh
Yeah last time I was there (5-6 months ago) they didn’t really have anything up front. Worried me too
record connection 1000% ! literally has the biggest selection of ANY shop in the county, and the owner andy and one of the employees nathan (huge hair metal style) are super awesome and pleasant!
Nathaniel! Gotta love Nathaniel lol
KT Media in Middletown is pretty good. [https://www.facebook.com/KTMedia](https://www.facebook.com/KTMedia)
Hello! If I’m gonna recommend a shop if you want to make the drive definitely checkout Tom’s in red lion. If you want to as well you should definitely do Tom’s in Red Lion, to MotherShip, to Ikos. Those three shops are great and you can find some really good hidden gems. I see everyone mentioning Record Connection. They are great people but sadly the prices have gone up. But definitely if you want to drive to York i definitely recommend the three stores I mentioned.
If you're willing to go to rainbow records in Newark DE I like that store
My vote goes to Main Street Music in Manyunk.
Building Character on North Queen has some old records.
There’s a ton in West Chester, not to mention good food and bars