Amoeba Music is a used and new record store chain with locations in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Hollywood

Amoeba Music operates three physical locations: Hollywood (Los Angeles), San Francisco, and Berkeley. The stores buy, sell, and trade vinyl records, CDs, DVDs, and cassettes — both new and used inventory. Unlike chain retailers that closed decades ago, Amoeba remains independently owned and staffed by people who work in music.

The stores are organized by genre rather than alphabetically, which means you browse by category: rock, hip-hop, jazz, classical, electronic, punk, country, and dozens more. Each section is dense — the Hollywood location alone holds over 200,000 items. Prices vary by condition and rarity; a used common album might cost $3 to $8, while a rare pressing or mint-condition original can run $50 or more.

Amoeba also carries music-related merchandise: turntables, speakers, cleaning supplies, t-shirts, and posters. The stores host in-store performances and signings. You can visit without buying anything — many people treat the locations as music libraries where you can spend hours digging through bins.

Key Takeaways

  • Amoeba has three locations: Hollywood, San Francisco, and Berkeley, each with over 100,000 items in stock.
  • You can buy new and used vinyl, CDs, DVDs, and cassettes, and trade in your own music for store credit.
  • Prices depend on condition and rarity; common used albums typically cost $3 to $15, while rare pressings cost significantly more.
  • The stores organize inventory by genre, not artist name, so you browse by category rather than alphabetically.
  • Amoeba staff can help you locate specific albums and often have deep knowledge of the music they sell.

How to find what you're looking for in the store

When you walk in, locate the genre section that matches what you want. If you're looking for a specific album, ask a staff member — they can check the system and tell you whether it's in stock, what condition it's in, and what aisle to find it in. Amoeba staff typically know the inventory well and can point you toward similar artists if what you came for is sold out.

The genre sections are color-coded and labeled. Within each section, records are usually organized alphabetically by artist last name. Digging through bins is part of the experience; many shoppers spend time browsing without a specific target, looking for unexpected finds or completing collections.

If you're shopping online, Amoeba's website shows what's in stock at each location. You can search by artist, album title, or format. Shipping is available, though in-store pickup is often faster if you live near one of the three locations.

Trading in your own records for store credit

Amoeba buys used music directly from customers. Bring your records, CDs, DVDs, or cassettes in any condition — the staff will evaluate them on the spot. They look at the condition of the item itself and the cover or case. Scratched records, water-damaged cases, or missing artwork lower the value.

You receive store credit when ready, which you can use to buy anything in the store. The amount offered depends on demand and condition; a popular album in good shape might earn $2 to $5 in credit, while a rare or sought-after item could be worth more. You can also ask what they'll pay before you leave items with them.

This trade-in model is how many regular customers keep their collections current without spending cash. Some people bring in albums they've outgrown and use the credit to buy new-to-them music the same visit.

New versus used inventory and what condition means

Amoeba stocks both new sealed records and used items. New records are priced at or near the manufacturer's suggested retail price — typically $15 to $25 for a standard vinyl LP. Used records are cheaper and often more interesting; you might find out-of-print albums, older pressings, or special editions that are no longer manufactured.

Used condition is graded on a standard scale. "Mint" means unplayed, still sealed, or in perfect condition. "Near Mint" has minimal signs of play. "Very Good" shows light wear but plays without skips. "Good" has visible wear and may have light surface noise. "Fair" has significant wear and audible defects. "Poor" is heavily damaged but still playable.

The condition grade appears on the price tag or listing. A used record in "Very Good" condition typically costs 40 to 60 percent less than the new price. Heavily played records in "Fair" condition might be $1 to $3. Always inspect used items before buying — Amoeba allows returns within a reasonable window if something doesn't play or the condition was misrepresented.

What to bring and what to expect during your visit

Bring cash or a card — Amoeba accepts both. If you're trading in records, bring them in a bag or box; the staff will unload and evaluate them. Plan to spend time browsing; even a quick visit usually takes 30 minutes if you know what you want, and hours if you're digging. The stores can be crowded on weekends, especially in Hollywood and San Francisco.

The listening stations at some locations let you preview albums before buying. Staff members are generally willing to play a track or two if you ask. The stores are climate-controlled and organized, though the sheer volume of inventory means you may need to ask for help locating something specific.

Parking varies by location. The Hollywood store has limited street parking and a nearby lot. San Francisco and Berkeley have street parking and public transit access. Check the store's website for hours before you visit; they vary by location and season.

Shipping and online shopping options

Amoeba's website shows real-time inventory across all three locations. You can search for an album and see which stores have it in stock. If you find something at a location you can't visit, you can request that it be shipped to you. Shipping costs depend on weight and destination; a single record typically costs $5 to $10 to ship.

Online orders usually ship within a few business days. You can also call a store directly to ask about a specific item, and staff can hold it for you for a short period. This is useful if you're planning a trip and want to make sure something stays available.

Returns for online purchases follow the same policy as in-store: if an item arrives damaged or the condition was misrepresented, you can return it. Keep your receipt and contact the store within the return window, which is typically 30 days.

Pricing and how to get the best value

Amoeba's prices are fair but not the cheapest online. A used album in "Very Good" condition might cost $8 to $12 in-store, while the same album on eBay or Discogs could be $6 to $10 depending on the seller. The trade-off is that you see and hear the record before buying, and you support a local business.

New records at Amoeba are typically priced the same as other retailers — around $15 to $25 for a standard LP. Rare or special editions cost more. The store occasionally runs sales on used inventory, especially on older stock; ask staff if anything is on clearance.

If you're a regular, trading in old records for credit is the most cost-effective way to shop. You're essentially recycling music you no longer play and using the credit to buy new-to-you albums. Over time, this keeps your spending lower than buying everything new.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I return a record if it skips or doesn't play?

Yes. Amoeba stands behind the condition grades on used records. If you buy something labeled "Very Good" and it has significant skips or defects, bring it back with your receipt within the return window (typically 30 days). Staff will either exchange it for another copy or refund your money.

Do I need to clean records before trading them in?

It helps. Dust and dirt lower the perceived condition and the offer price. A quick wipe with a soft cloth before you bring them in shows you took care of them. You don't need professional cleaning, but visible grime or sticky residue will reduce what they'll pay.

What's the difference between a reissue and an original pressing?

An original pressing is the first manufactured version of an album, often from decades ago. A reissue is a newer pressing made from the same master recordings. Originals are usually more expensive and sought after by collectors, even if the sound quality is identical. Amoeba stocks both; the listing will note if something is a reissue.

Can I order something online and pick it up in-store?

Yes. If you live near one of the three locations, you can order online and arrange in-store pickup. This is faster than shipping and saves you the delivery cost. Call the store or check the website for pickup instructions.

Are there any rare or collectible records I should know about before I visit?

Amoeba's inventory changes constantly as people trade in and buy. Rare items sell quickly. If you're hunting for something specific, call ahead or check the website to see if it's currently in stock. Staff can also recommend similar albums if what you're looking for is sold out.