The Definitive Guide to the Best Vinyl Record Stores In Grand Rapids

Let’s talk vinyl rigs. What’s your setup?

Do you spin your favorite records on a Pro-Ject Debut Carbon EVO? And then run that through a Yamaha R-N303 receiver? Then pump that sound out from a Rogersound Labs Speedwoofer 10S MKII? I bet that album sounds sublime coming out of your Q Acoustics 3020i bookshelf speakers.

Great mids, punchy highs, and rumbling bass. It just sounds better on vinyl.

If you’re familiar with any of the above products (yes, to quote Seinfeld – they’re real, and they’re amazing), you’ve come to the right place.

Let’s talk about every spot where you can score some sweet vinyl in Grand Rapids. That’s music to my ears.

Map of the Best Record Shops in Grand Rapids, MI

The best record shop in Grand Rapids: Vertigo Music

Vertigo is a Grand Rapids institution. It’s downtown, operating out of its current location since 2000.

The owner, Herm, is often working the counter, always with a smile on his face. Like most record store owners, his knowledge of music is encyclopedic. Get this man on Jeopardy!

Vertigo has the best selection of new vinyl in town, hands down – they’ve got around 25,000 new records for sale. They also have a huge variety of used LPs (10,000).

With 35,000 records for sale, if you can’t find something you need for your collection at Vertigo, you are no longer an audiophile. I’m kicking you out of the club.

If you’re in the market for gear like turntables, speakers, or an amp, Vertigo has you covered. Their selection is unrivaled.

• Address: 129 Division Ave S, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
• Website: Vertigo Music

The best collection of 45s: The Corner Record Shop

The Corner Record Shop just moved locations, departing its beloved old spot right next to the Grand Villa. Pour one out for the old site, as it was an absolutely iconic mid-century building that housed one of the greatest record stores ever to grace West Michigan.

Fear not! The Corner Record Shop found some new digs and now operates out of Oakestown mall on 28th street.

Are you looking for 45s? Crash course in records – 45 refers to a record that spins at 45 revolutions per minute and contains a pressing of a band or musician’s single. The Corner Record Shop has the most extensive collection of 45s I’ve ever seen – not just in GR. Anywhere.

Are you into cassette tapes? You are so freaking hip. The Corner Record Store has your back, offering a robust selection.

Need some new (to you) audio equipment? The Corner Record Store buys, sells, and fixes vintage gear, so you can drop the needle in no time.

• Address: 2982 28th St SW, Grandville, MI 49418
• Website: The Corner Record Shop

The longest-running record shop: Rev Charles’ Dodds Record Shop

Dodd’s bills itself as the oldest record shop in Michigan. It started as Cole’s Records way way back in 1937 (I didn’t know we had music back then, let alone records). It’s been run under the Dodd’s name since 1951.

The hours at Dodd’s are sporadic (currently every other Saturday from 12-5), but drop-ins are welcome if you contact them.

• Address: 808 Bridge St NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504
• Website: Dodd’s

The best record store that also sells books: Barnes & Noble

Okay, I know what you’re thinking. Barnes and Noble sells books, not vinyl records. Well, I’ve got some news for you – they sell both.

Sleep on Barnes and Noble at your own peril. Audiophile friends inform me that they often get exclusive, B&N-only pressings of records.

Have you ever heard of The Beatles (they were an experimental band out of England that was briefly popular in the 60s)? Well, B&N is home to an exclusive pressing of their little-known album “Let It Be,” and it even comes with a free tote bag. If you’re into extremely obscure bands with misspelled names like The Beatles, then Barnes & Noble might be the perfect record shop for you.

Who wouldn’t want a tote bag with the face of some bloke named Ringo on it?

The selection at Barnes and Noble is all new pressings – no used gems to unearth, unfortunately. But their offerings span the decades and multiple genres of music.

• Address 1: 3195 28th St. SE Suite B116, Grand Rapids, MI 49512
• Address 2: 3700 Rivertown Parkway Ste. 2058, Grandville, MI 49418
• Website: Barnes & Noble

The best new kid on the block: Part Time Records

Part Time is new to the Grand Rapids vinyl scene. They started as a few records in a vintage collectible store, and as their record collection grew, Part Time Records was born. It’s still housed in the same suite as Quality Vintage Collectibles, and now the album selection occupies about a third of the store’s sales floor.

If you love vinyl records and mid-century furniture, head down to Part Time and kill two birds with one stone. The furniture (and other home goods) are high-end, immaculate vintage pieces.

You’ll also be struck by how tidy Part Time is. Most record stores give off serious hoarder vibes – I often feel like I’m tripping over piles of broken audio equipment and sorting through unalphabatized bins of albums (I know this can be part of the appeal). But Part Time Records runs a tight ship, and everything is neat and organized.

• Address: 3516 Plainfield Ave NE Ste B, Grand Rapids, MI 49505

• Website: Part Time Records

The best local bookstore with vinyl: Schuler Books

A midwest joke for you. What do daylight saving time, Meijer, and Schuler have in common?

There’s no “s” at the end.

Thank you, thank you. Jerry Seinfeld – have your people get in touch with my people. Okay, back to the records.

Schuler Books is another bookstore that’s embraced the vinyl rebsurgence. That’s the free market for you, baby. And as music aficionados, we should embrace the change with open arms.

Much like Barnes & Noble, Schuler only sells new pressings – they don’t buy and sell old stuff. But their selection is better than you may think and priced competitively.

Head down to Shuler Books, grab a coffee from the cafe while you peruse, and support your local bookstore.

• Address 1: 2660 28th Street SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49512
• Website: Shuler Books