Close-up of a man hands choosing a vinyl at the vinyl market. Choosing vinyl records in store. Records on sale in a vintage vinyl shop.

Detroit is known for its love of music—we are Motown, after all! Maybe you’re feeling nostalgic and want to visit some vinyl record stores. Or perhaps you are in town for the NFL Draft and want to check out the record shop scene. Either way, we’re hooking you up with some of the best record stores to visit in Metro Detroit. But first, let’s talk about how fantastic vinyl records are.

The Sound of a Vinyl Record

man putting needle on record

Technology has undoubtedly changed how we consume music over the years. It may be easier to access now, but this fact remains: There is nothing like the sound of a vinyl record—and I mean nothing.

Picture this: You drop the needle on the record and hear that tick-like sound while you anxiously wait for the music to surprise you. Then, that needle hits the line, and bam! It’s time to jam. The sound from a vinyl record is unique and nostalgic.

How to Find the Perfect Vinyl Record

What’s the best way to find a vinyl record, you may ask? Now, you can buy a newly pressed vinyl record that’s never been played and wrapped in nice plastic. But that is not the fun part in finding the perfect vinyl record. I love a good record hunt and have a huge collection myself.

So, here are a few tips from my personal experience. First, give yourself plenty of time to explore the vinyl record stores. Second, go in without any expectations and let the records surprise you. Third, pull up a crate, have a seat, and get to digging! My favorite part is being surprised to see songs or artists I have forgotten about.

Now that you know why they are great and how to find a record, let’s talk about a few of the best vinyl record stores in Metro Detroit so you can get to digging!

5 Must-Visit Vinyl Record Stores in Metro Detroit

There are many excellent vinyl record stores around Metro Detroit, so you can’t go wrong. But I chose five great ones in the city or easily accessible outside of Detroit.  Check out the list of places to visit below. Happy hunting!

  • Peoples Records

    Peoples Records in Detroit is one of my favorite places to hunt for a suitable vinyl. It is a no-frills shop where you can pull up a crate and have a seat. There are lots of secondhand vintage vinyls, too. They also have a turntable to test the records before buying them. You can give it a spin by visiting them Downtown, just outside Eastern Market, at 1464 Gratiot Ave, Detroit, MI 48207. Their hours are Monday-Saturday from 10 am to 7 pm & Sunday’s 10 am-4 pm.

  • Third Man Records

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    Not only is the Third Man Records store in Detroit but it was also started by Detroit musician Jack White nearly a decade ago. They even have a live venue & pressing facility on-site. Cool! Check out their selection at 441 W Canfield St, Detroit, MI 48201. Their store hours are Mon-Sat from 11 am-6 pm & Sunday from 11 am-5 pm.

  • Paramita Sound

     

    Paramita Sound in the West Village in Detroit is not just a record shop—it also has a bar. What a vibe! It is located at 1517 Broadway St, Detroit. Their hours are Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday from 5pm to 12am and Saturdays from 5pm to 2am.

  • Detroit Record Club

    If boutique spots are your thing, you’ve got to check out the Detroit Record Club. According to their website, they specialize in “expertly curated, ultrasonic-cleaned and well-loved vinyl, new-release records, music-related books, vinyl accessories, and branded goods.” You’ll have to travel outside the city to pay them a visit, but they are only about 15 miles away and worth the visit. Check them out at 28834 Woodward Ave, Royal Oak, MI 48067. Their hours are Monday through Friday 12-7 pm & Saturday and Sunday 12-5 pm

  • Found Sound

     

    Thank you lovely Laura Klein and the gang @ Found Sound.

    Posted by Paul Randolph on Tuesday, April 11, 2017

    You have got to check out Found Sound in Ferndale! Now, I have never been there, but they say they are the “neighborhood record shop,” and I love that. They opened in Ferndale in 2012 and are a full-service shop for all your musical needs. Stop in and see them at 234 W 9 Mile Rd, Ferndale, MI 48220. Their hours are Monday through Saturday from 11 am to 8 pm and Sunday from 12 pm to 5 pm. 

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