LA’s Oldest Vinyl Store Seeks a New Owner With Deep Pockets and an Even Deeper Patience

Here’s hoping the new owner won’t treat browsing like a cardinal sin.

For 50 years, The Record Collector has been a vinyl paradise and a customer service purgatory. This LA institution boasts both an 800,000-record archive and a notoriously low 1.9-star Google rating.

Now, as 72-year-old owner Sandy Chase prepares to retire, Los Angeles’ oldest record store is up for grabs.

But there’s a catch. The buyer must not only meet Chase’s exacting standards but also stomach his controversial business model.

The Sale of LA’s Oldest Record Store

After five decades of curating an unparalleled vinyl collection, Sanders “Sandy” Chase is ready to hand over the reins at the ripe age of 72.

The Record Collector, along with its century-old building, is now up for grabs, if you have the budget for it.

That’s because the real estate alone carries a hefty price tag of $4,995,000. But, the price for the vinyl collection is separate and negotiable.

Chase isn’t looking for just any buyer. He’s hoping to find someone who shares his passion for vinyl and will keep the store’s focus on jazz and classical music.

“We’re looking for somebody who is like-minded and will take it through the next 50 years.” he shares.

He’s also looking to sell the store’s outpost in Idyllwild.

However, given the current real estate market’s high interest rates, Chase’s agent warns that the sale might not be a quick process.

But Chase isn’t sweating it.

Sandy Chase and The Record Collector’s Legacy

Chase fell in love with vinyl when he was just 12.

He named his first Highland Avenue shop ‘The Record Collector,’ and it quickly became a favorite for jazz and classical music collectors.

But, Chase’s musical background isn’t just jailed to vinyl collecting.

Before running the store, Chase played violin with the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra. Thus, it made sense that his connection to music turned into a focus on preserving analog records.

By 1999, Chase’s collection had ballooned to over 500,000 records. So, he needed to move to a bigger space on 7809 Melrose Avenue, across from Fairfax High School. He bought the building for $500,000, stocking it with 500,000 records, while keeping another 300,000 in storage.

The Record Collector is known for rare vinyl. And, it has also stayed true to analog music, never selling CDs or digital formats.

That’s because Chase believes vintage vinyl just sounds better.

“There are no digital sounds in nature. You can’t feel a digital wave.” he explained.

Controversial Interactions and Strict Policies

Aside from its impressive collection, The Record Collector (and its owner) is known for its strict no-browsing rule.

Chase insists that customers come in knowing what they want and having done their research. He’ll expect you to have a ready list of albums, genres, or artists they want. And anyone just looking around is often asked to leave or make a list and come back later.

As expected, many find Chase’s approach intimidating or off-putting, which has contributed to the store’s low 1.9-star rating on Google, making it the lowest-rated record store in LA.

This reputation stems from various customer experiences.

Some customers have complained about feeling uncomfortable or unwelcome in the store, while others reported being turned away if they weren’t sure what they wanted or if they were underage.

Chase has even been known to refuse service to people with suitcase turntables, viewing them as casual listeners rather than serious collectors.

Chase sees The Record Collector more as an archive than a store. So, he believes his role is to guide customers, not sell records to casual visitors. At the end of the day, he believes the store is meant for serious collectors.

Others, however, acknowledge that Chase’s collection makes each visit worth it, despite the attitude. Some customers have learned to navigate Chase’s unique approach, appreciating his knowledge and the store’s impressive selection.

In the end, as The Record Collector prepares for its next chapter, it remains to be seen whether the new owner will maintain Chase’s strict policies or usher in a new era for this iconic LA music institution.