Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a newcomer to the world of vinyl, Cape Town’s record stores offer a treasure trove of musical gems waiting to be discovered. Offering rare finds or the latest releases, each store brings its own special groove to the city’s auditory landscape.
Read on to explore Cape Town’s best record stores, guaranteed to boost your vinyl collection and enhance your listening experience.
1. ROASTIN’ RECORDS
Roastin’ Records offers an extensive collection of vinyl records, spanning various decades and genres. This includes both rare finds and modern, popular LP and EP albums. Their online selection features vinyl records, with a focus on exclusive releases from both local and international artists.
In addition to vinyl, Roastin’ Records also stocks CDs, DVDs, cassettes and a range of collectables available in their physical store. For items not readily available in their inventory, customers are encouraged to reach out directly for personalised assistance in locating specific products.
- Location: 28 Wandel Street, Gardens, Cape Town
- Times: Tuesday to Saturday, 10am to 4pm
- Contact: roastinrecords.com/pages/contact-us
- Website: www.ROASTINRECORDS.com
2. For The Record
For The Record is an independent record store located in the heart of Cape Town’s East City District and established by a father-daughter duo who share a deep passion for music and vinyl collecting.
- Location: 46A Canterbury Street, Zonnebloem, Cape Town
- Times: Tuesday to Friday, 10am to 4pm | Saturday, 10am to 2pm
- Contact: 082 322 8770 | [email protected]
- Website: fortherecordvinyl.co.za
3. The Other Records
The Other Records is a community-focused record store known for its unique and diverse music collection. The store specialises in new and imported records, along with a variety of hardware and accessories and an extensive range of used vinyl. They are recognised for their expansive selection that caters to eclectic tastes.
Open seven days a week, The Other Records also features in-store DJ sessions showcasing local talent. For those unable to visit in person, the store offers shipping for all orders, both locally and internationally.
- Location: 1 Park Road, Gardens, Cape Town
- Times: Tuesday to Friday, 2pm to 9pm | Saturday, 10am to 9pm | Sunday, 12pm to 6pm
- Contact: 082 514 7233
- Website: https://records.theother.co.za/
4. M-PIRE Music
M-Pire Music presents a phonographic integrated retail experience in Cape Town, offering a selection of vinyl records, CDs and various merchandise.
Catering to those who appreciate the analogue in the digital age, M-Pire Music serves as a premier destination for music retail and provides global shipping for its diverse range of products.
- Location: First Floor, 299 Albert Road, Woodstock, Cape Town
- Times: Tuesday to Friday, 9am to 5pm | Saturday, 9am tp 3pm
- Contact: mpiremusic.co.za/pages/contact-us
- Website: mpiremusic.co.za
Also read: 5 spots in Cape Town to dress up your wardrobe – thrift edition
5. Voom Voom Records & Vintage
Located in one of Cape Town’s most eclectic neighbourhoods, Voom Voom Vinyl & Vintage sells records, CDs, tapes, cameras, vintage clothing and various other collectables.
Ideal for enthusiasts of music and vintage items, the store’s extensive collection is likely to hold you captive for several hours of vinyl crate and clothing rack rifling.
- Location: 15, 17 & 61 Lower Main Road, Observatory, Cape Town
- Times: Monday to Friday, 10am to 6pm | Saturday, 9:30am to 6pm | Sunday, 11am to 5pm
- Contact: 082 580 4367
- Website: voomvoomrecords.com
6. Revolution Records
Revolution Records specialises in the sale and purchase of second-hand music and equipment, with a focus on vinyl records. The store boasts an extensive and diverse music collection, covering genres such as reggae, rock, alternative, ska, punk, metal, jazz, indie, instrumental and blues, adhering to the philosophy that ‘old school is cool.’
Visitors are encouraged to explore the shop’s impressive selection, which includes not only records but also CDs, tapes, accessories, t-shirts, books, magazines and more. Patrons can also enjoy the company and expertise of the owner and music aficionado, Laurent Lemoine, during their visit.
- Location: 73 Lower Main Road, Observatory, Cape Town
- Times: Monday to Friday, 10am to 6pm | Saturday and Sunday, 10am to 4pm
- Contact: 076 261 7804 | [email protected]
7. Kandi Records
Kandi Records, established in 2014 by the late Mark Morrison, a devoted music and record enthusiast, is now owned by Jacques, who also operates a turntable repair and sales business. Jacques, who began collecting records in 1987, developed a passion for vinyl through his father’s old hi-fi system.
Despite the rise of CDs, he maintained his interest in vinyl, leading him to start repairing and selling turntables as a hobby in 2009 before turning it into a full-time endeavour in 2015 as ‘Turntable Guy.’ United by their love for vinyl, Mark and Jacques shared a commitment to providing a wide selection of high-quality records and CDs. Kandi Records continues to offer well-priced, accurately graded items for music enthusiasts.
Kandi Records sells stock from both its physical store in Little Mowbray and through an online store. Browse online or go for a good dig through the creations in-store.
- Location: 77 Durban Road, Mowbray, Cape Town
- Times: Tuesday to Friday, 10am to 5pm | Saturday: 10am to 2pm
- Contact: 082 927 3552 | [email protected]
- Website: kandirecords.co.za
8. Mabu Vinyl
Mabu Vinyl is a retailer specialising in high-quality vintage and pre-owned vinyl records. Their new record inventory primarily consists of select reissues of rare and classic local music. Additionally, they offer a curated selection of vintage and pre-owned CDs, tapes and music books. The store also occasionally features refurbished record players.
Mabu Vinyl provides a unique service through their ‘Groovy List,’ sent via WhatsApp every few weeks, showcasing their latest arrivals available for pre-sale. Customers interested in making a purchase are provided with EFT details or a SnapScan code and payments are required within 48 hours to reserve an item. Purchased items can be picked up at the store or arranged for nationwide postal delivery.
- Location: 285 Long Street, Gardens, Cape Town
- Times: Wednesday to Saturday 10am to 4pm
- Contact: 079 922 8585
- Website: mabuvinyl.wordpress.com
9. Turntable Guy
Turntable Guy, also known as Jacques, is a dedicated expert in the field of turntable repair and restoration. Specialising in revitalising turntables that may hum, run off-speed, appear aesthetically unpleasing or simply require some tender loving care, he has successfully restored numerous turntables, much to the delight of their owners. Despite the playful complaints of his significant other about the time and attention he devotes to his work, Jacques is renowned for his thorough and skilled service.
Customers seeking turntable repairs, makeovers or advice can confidently approach Turntable Guy, who is not only skilled in his craft but is also known for his honesty and fair pricing. He is committed to ensuring that clients receive the best possible service, even if it means spending extra time on a project.
- Location: 71 Durban Road, Mowbray, Cape Town
- Times: Monday to Friday, 9am to 3pm | Saturday, 9am to 12pm
- Contact: 082 927 3552 | [email protected]
- Website: turntableguy.co.za
10. The Listening Room
Michael Blake founded The Listening Room, a high-end audio and hi-fi equipment store, in 1994 in Durban, and later expanded to Cape Town. It was established out of a passion for exceptional music and sound quality. The store specialises in providing audiophiles and music lovers with the opportunity to experience some of the world’s finest audio equipment without the need to purchase it first.
Each branch of The Listening Room features a dedicated listening room, acoustically optimised for the best sound experience, complete with luxury seating. Customers are welcome to bring their own music or select from the store’s extensive library. The equipment offered by The Listening Room is not mass-produced but is carefully designed and handcrafted by leading experts in the audio industry.
These professionals, with their deep engineering expertise, create products that stand out for their distinctive sound quality, durability and craftsmanship.
- Location: Shop 004, 27 Somerset Road, De Waterkant, Cape Town
- Times: Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm | Saturday, 9am to 1pm
- Contact: 021 418 4379 | [email protected]
- Website: thelisteningroom.co.za
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Picture: The Other Records / Facebook