# Best places to buy (new or used) vinyl online? **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [December 8, 2005, 5:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-places-to-buy-new-or-used-vinyl-online/334632 "2005-12-08T05:49:35Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 5\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![davenportavenger](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/5f8ce5/32.png) [@davenportavenger](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davenportavenger)\ **Post date:** [December 8, 2005, 5:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-places-to-buy-new-or-used-vinyl-online/334632/1 "2005-12-08T05:49:35Z")
So I’m getting a record player for Xmas. Actually I’ve already got it, but my parents are holding it hostage until the holiday comes. So then they asked me what else I want, and so of course naturally I want some records! Winter holiday consumerism! Where are the best places online to shop for either used or new records? I listen to mostly indie, punk, and electro-ish music if that helps. Also it would help if this place uses a wishlist-type thing because my parents can’t figure it out otherwise. They are already freaked out enough that I don’t want anything from Amazon since they’ve bought 99% of my Xmas presents over the years from Amazon. But Amazon doesn’t carry vinyl and since I’m to be a vinyl snob now I have no need to buy music from Amazon. Oh and I already asked them if it wouldn’t be easier to buy the specific records I want from specific record labels, but they said it would be too complex. Basically, is there an Amazon-type place that carries vinyl (that may or may not carry other things)? ---
**Author:** ![jackelope](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/a6a055/32.png) [@jackelope](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jackelope)\ **Post date:** [December 8, 2005, 5:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-places-to-buy-new-or-used-vinyl-online/334632/2 "2005-12-08T05:56:44Z")
I have no idea, but I recently discovered the existence of [USB-compatible turntables](http://kcbattery.com/showproduct.aspx?productid=13935&affiliateid=10050) and this seems like an opportune moment to share the news. (There are a bunch of models available; google _usb turntable_ for lots more.) ---
**Author:** ![Lisa-go-Blind](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/7c8e57/32.png) [@Lisa-go-Blind](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lisa-go-Blind)\ **Post date:** [December 8, 2005, 5:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-places-to-buy-new-or-used-vinyl-online/334632/3 "2005-12-08T05:59:44Z")
Welcome to [Gemm](http://www.gemm.com/). It’s basically a listing of a bunch of mom-and-pop music stores “from around the world” (though most of the sellers I’ve bought from are in the UK). I tend to buy newer vinyl directly from the record labels, so I’m not too sure about Gemm’s selection in that respect, but their older vinyl is absolutely amazing. I don’t think there’s a wishlist, but there is a really good seller ratings system, and I love the [Gemm Guarantee](http://www.gemm.com/c/info.cgi?&doc=guarantee). Of course, since many/most of the sellers are outside the US, the prices can get a little steep, especially with shipping. I usually buy several records at a time from the same seller, though, so I save on shipping that way. You can also get some really nice bargains sometimes, if you’re looking for something obscure but not trendy - often less than $5 for an old 7" in excellent quality. ---
**Author:** ![Billy\_Powell](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/e8c25b/32.png) [@Billy\_Powell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Billy_Powell)\ **Post date:** [December 8, 2005, 7:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-places-to-buy-new-or-used-vinyl-online/334632/4 "2005-12-08T07:22:29Z")
Dusty Groove’s online store hooks me up just fine. Being from Portland, OR, originally, I have a soft spot for Djangos, which I believe sells vinyl online, and Birdland Records (don’t know if they’re still around – pretty much straight jazz inventory, however). Dusty Groove has a large inventory, they’re as easy to buy from as Amazon, and they seem more reliable at shipping items quickly. Since they are (obviously) a vinyl-centric seller, they pack records in such a way that they don’t become destroyed in the mail. ---
**Author:** ![Labdad](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/439d5e/32.png) [@Labdad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Labdad)\ **Post date:** [December 8, 2005, 6:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-places-to-buy-new-or-used-vinyl-online/334632/5 "2005-12-08T18:59:53Z")
In addition to Gemm, try [this place.](http://www.roanokerecordroom.com/rrr.htm).