Contact Records is a small, curated vinyl-only shop located in an alley off 49th Street in Oakland, directly across from MacArthur BART. Nestled among other small shops and cafes, the store itself is compact but exceptionally well-organized. It features the best record selection per square foot in the Bay Area, with a focus on used and new titles across all genres, including plenty of collectibles and cheapies. While rock and alternative are a strong focus, there is also a fairly good selection of jazz, blues, reggae, and hip-hop, with a special strength in foreign, exotic, and elusive reissues and imports. The shop is known for its great taste and fantastic recommendations, reflected in a carefully chosen stock without filler. A key feature is the listening station, where customers can play any record they want to buy before purchasing. The staff are helpful but not intrusive, allowing for relaxed browsing. The records are all sleeved, with clear, detailed pricing stickers placed on the sleeves rather than the jackets, indicating a clear care for the products. Prices are consistently noted as super fair and reasonable, even for higher-end collectibles displayed on the wall or near the counter. The environment is pleasant for flipping through records, with sturdy pull-out drawers and bins that are not overstuffed.
Very good used vinyl at fair prices. Worth the trip, plus Alley is just neat
July 2024
If you are selling records, this is the place! I highly recommend this store. The owner is kind and they pay top dollar compared to other record stores in the area.
January 2024
my favorite record shop in the east bay, for one simple reason: you can play any record you want to buy.also their recommendations are fantastic and the prices are super super fair. thanks andrew and hannah!
