Where You Can Buy Vinyl Records in Cape Town
If you like to kick it back in time when you listen to music, you may have already invested in a turntable. Whether you’re an avid record collector or you’re new to the world of vinyl, knowing where to buy them is an absolute gamechanger.
Of course, purchasing online is always an option but I personally prefer to sift through the musty piles in person. There’s almost something really peaceful about spending ages flipping through stacks of old records. As if you can taste the story behind each disk as you flick through them.
As precious as old records are, I also like the option of buying new music on vinyl. Thanks to all the hipsters, vinyl has made a bit of a comeback and some awesome places now sell these new gems as well as the golden oldies. And lucky for us, there are plenty of options in Cape Town…
Photograph by Kevin McCutcheon from Unsplash.
Where Can You Buy Old Records?
Mabu Vinyl isn’t just a fantastic record store. It’s rich with history and has a reputation larger than its physical size. It was featured in the Searching for Sugar Man documentary, about two South Africans who decided to search for the mysterious Rodriguez. If you don’t know the story, it’s definitely worth checking out. Especially if you’re looking for some confirmation that one man’s trash is another man’s treasure.
On top of a wildly impressive collection of records, Mabu Vinyl also sells books, CDs, tapes, comics, and music DVDs. This is the kind of place where you want to take your time. It’s definitely the first store I would go to if I was looking for some old records to add to my little collection.
Revolution Records
73 Lower Main Rd, Observatory
This record store is tucked away in Observatory and is another one that is well worth your time. The range of records is everything you need it to be and I’ve seen some great stuff there.
There is also Voom Voom Records & Vintage up the road if you want some more options.
Bay Harbour Market
31 Harbour Rd, Hout Bay
The Bay Harbour Market is a vibe for all sorts of reasons (mainly the food), but tucked on the side as you walk in is a little record store. Don’t be fooled by the small market stall because there are some really awesome pieces lurking around there.
I bought a Hendrix record from there a while back and it’s still one of the best buys I’ve made.
Vinyl Fairs
If you want to go the extra mile, looking out for various vinyl fairs or markets is an awesome idea. I went to the Obs Vinyl Fair at A Touch Of Madness a few years back and I had such a good time! There were stalls everywhere of all the best vinyl sellers with crates of their best records. I won’t lie, I left having spent way more than I intended, but it was so worth it.
I think there is also the Cape Town Vinyl Fair that moves around and is probably also worth keeping track of.
Where Can You Buy New Records?
Roastin’ Records
28 Wandel St, Gardens
Roastin’ Records is such a vibe! If you haven’t been there yet, you’re missing out. They are properly decked out with all the new records you could want. I also love that they hold a strong presence of local music.
If I had the money, I would buy half the store.
Photograph by Austrian National Library from Unsplash.
The Listening Room
Cape Quarter Lifestyle Village, Somerset Rd, Greenpoint
The Listening Room is more of an equipment store than a store that sells lost of records. However, the few that they do sell are really cool. So, if you’re in the area and you’re specifically looking for new records, you should check them out.
The guys there are really friendly and always happy to help in whatever way they can.
Hopefully, you’ve been inspired to dive into the world of records. All of these stores have gotten me to my little collection today. From Kings of Leon to Billy Joel, I owe it all to them. It’s always great when stores make your love of vinyl an exciting search rather than a tedious treasure hunt. Let me know if you have any suggestions of your own. I’d love to hear from you!
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