Turntable Lab

You know, I really like this small vinyl shop. It has a nice modern and slick design and there are a lot of cool Vinyl records. I bought Armand Van Helden «Stupid Fresh» EP over here. If you wanna check out their DJ gear or just go for fun/​crate digging I highly recommend it.

Hours yesterday said 12:00pm, which was late enough as is. I gave up waiting at 12:30pm when nobody had shown up to open. Having come kinda far out of my way to do business here it’s a bit disappointing that I’ll have to come back. Their selection of stuff is great; I just wish I could get inside to buy it. No sign on the window either.

This place is great, Bo and James hooked me up with a sweet set up.

I used to love hanging there, until I got my MK2 brought here from France, unfortunately they couldn’t handle the trip, they arrived in pretty bad shape I have to admit.
So I take them to the Lab to get them fixed, the guy behind the counter tells me that they don’t do such thing, no problem, I asked him if he knew any other place which could help me (I am from out of the country), he said no.
He offered me nicely to buy them from me if I take something else… So long story short, I end up with some cheap Numark TTX in exchange for my Technics + $ 250… I just trusted him.
Except yesterday talking to another shop I figured I got robbed !!

Its a fine place if you need a record player but all of they records are strictly electronica or hip hop and slightly over-​priced.

Hi-​Fi audio and vinyl is my obsession. Turntable Lab is fair. No messing around — stuff is priced to move, and I always end up finding something on every trip. I never feel like they’re pricing to take advantage… and the bargain bins often turn up some gems…
Good rotation of new merchandise, decent selection of new releases — primarily rock & jazz, with some hiphop tossed in as well. Decent amount of 7″ vinyl as well…
I’ve never had an issue with the employees — they don’t come across as typical record store douches…
They also let you listen to the vinyl before you buy. Not many places do that.
Well worth a visit at least every week or two…

The worst costumer service I have ever encountered.
I have a great appreciation for music and have been curious about the world of turntables. I have been wanting to learn about them and see if it would be something I want to take more seriously and start playing around with. I drive by the store regularly so I thought, why not walk in one day.
I walk in and there are about 10 people in the store. I can’t tell who is working at this point, which is fine, I am patient. I will just wait it out until someone seems available. So I wander around the store, looking at the different products, books etc… Finally, I see that everyone has left the store and there is just one employee behind the front desk texting with his phone. I didn’t say anything for a couple of minutes and neither did he. Finally I stroll up to him, and am just trying to get a feel for what their store is about and learn about their products. So I ask him a question about their product and he looks up at my in disgust and mumbles some answer that I couldn’t even understand at first and he turns back to his phone to keep texting. I thought, did that just happen? So I ask him how long has this store been open, just trying to get a conversation going. He responds in disgust as if I had offended him some how. I was shocked, froze, didn’t say anything else and walked out the door and he didn’t say anything else to me. I left feeling so angry. I had done nothing but try to learn about the store and the product and was treated with complete disrespect. Never going back.

Turntable LAB in Los Angeles…
I hear every now and then that LA is fake… Full of fake people and nothing is original in LA anymore… just a bunch of trendy hipsters or emo people… now I’m not one to start changing trends or start arguments, but I’d like to think that LA still has its own flavor and ways of doings things. If you stroll down fairfax you’ll see a lot of street stores, to give you that certain look to go with that certain persona. Don’t get me wrong, yes we LA are trendy we are guilty at times of following, but the same thing can be said other cities as well. New York with your stomping boots, fluffy jackets and the old i’m going to kick your ass cause I’m a new yorker attitude.
Well Turntable LAB is a bit trendy, but they know their stuff. Their online shop is very stocked, and their vinyls are pretty stacked but walk in there and ask them anything about turntables, or mixers, and you’ll get first hand opinions of people who 1. ACTUALLY DJ, 2. Have been in the DMC business, or 3. Are in the business of making you groove to their beats. They can tell you how it feels, what other DJ’s have said, and what worked for them and what didn’t. Whether is right or wrong or a good fit for you, thats for you to decide. What I like and and what you like may be different but at least the have experience in what they sell.
How many places do that these days?
Sam Ash? maybe tomorrow…
that guitar center? I doubt it…
online? are you sure they’re even DJ’s or just some DMC wannabe dissing the current DMC world champ because he saw one time on a youtube video that the needle may or may not have been touching the tables.
What do I have? I don’t DJ nor am i looking to DJ…
but I do like vinyls and I’m very old school when it comes to collecting music.
I have a technic sl1200 mk2, with audio engine speakers, and a vestax mixer. It sounds CRISP, no flutter, no static, no moans…
my setup came from their opinions on what works and what doesnt, and you know what? It works for me… and on the first try
Try them out… walk in ask them and you’ll see what I mean, its rare to find that kind of experience nowadays. I’m talking about FIRST hand experience, what worked with them and what didnt.

Oh So disappointed is not a star option — So I’ll just have to create my own 1 ½ star review.
I’ve been a turntable lab customer well before they implemented a store front in Los Angeles. I have bought plenty of times via their online store and have had ZERO complaints. LA favorite, DJ Jedi is easily recognizable from his trademark dreads and cool demeanor. Hip-​hop heads flock here to cop the latest in greatest in gear and vinyl.
Before I rant about my poor experience, I’ll give it a couple of praises.
I’m thrilled they carry a hefty selection of GOOD music. I’m talking GOOD music from GOOD labels that would be a great listen for any curious music aficionado. I like the fact they also have equipment & accessory that is complimentary to the DJ. Mixers, turntables, even production equipment are available for purchase to get your beat on.
I was greatly disappointed in the quality of service provided as a customer. It doesn’t feel like a record store at all inside. It could easily double more as a gallery space with it’s nearly empty floor. Speaking of empty, How can you have a listening station without headphones? How can you play 45s without 45 adaptors? Half of the record inventory is MAD overpriced for re-​released vinyl. You’re better off getting a cheaper deal buying double CD titles, circa 1999!
The worst part for me were the 2 other guys that didn’t look like they worked there, rather they looked as if they just started working there 10 mins after clocking out of their day job at VROMANS. They had no idea where anything was. They couldn’t give me coherent responses about their inventory or even navigate their own website to find what I was looking for (Vestax PCV Line fader — Item # RP-​005). This type of service frustrates me at no end.
I’ll stick to the comfort of my easy chair ordering online… thank you.

Great place to find hard to find Stones Throw Records because they work closely with the record company.
I picked up a Mayer Hawthorne red heart-​shaped record that’s limited edition, for my brother. They even checked out back for a record that wasn’t used yet. No luck, but still, an awesome find.
Staff is really helpful and friendly. They kindly checked the back and their computer for some vinyl and cds I was looking for.
Apparently, records are being used nowadays. I even saw a bunch at Urban Outfitters. But support record stores like this, and support underground hip hop!

One of my most favorite spots off Fairfax!
Its located across from Supreme and WILL RISE.
Theres a good number of boutiques in the surrounding area.
Parking usually sucks out here, so park in the residence.
Turntable Lab is the shit! They have the best vinyl inventory.
Very nice variety from Hiphop, soul, electronic, dub, breakbeat,
reggae, indie, trip hop, jazz, blues, etc.
The prices are not bad either, they compare to amoeba, and
sometimes you’ll find a really nice deal. Like, Portishead for $ 10!
I like that they have tables in the back for you to sample some of
the records on. They have alot of nice book. The store has a nice
modern touch to it. Everything nicely displayed. They got alot of things
here; clothing, dj equipment, cds, magazines, rare books, figurines,
and all sorts of accessories. They sell tickets here to certain events too.
These guys are hooked up with Stonesthrow,
so usually they would have new releases here on time.
Good to know so you wont have to order online, just come here and
pick it up. But they usually sell out pretty fast if its a collectible.
I came up on alot of good records here, I found thom yorke here!
Stoked about that.
I also really like how they always have freebies in front by the door —
free cds, scion samplers are killer, free posters, and sometimes other
free stuff from scion like flashdrives, phone accessories. etc!
Great place for crate diggin :)

I love going to record stores especially if they are one of a kind!
Whenever i was in the area shopping i would make sure to stop by to hang out and listen to some vinyl. Record players are lined up against the wall for your private listening pleasure (just gotta get the needle from the cashier make sure to bring ID) There is not a set amount of time you have to listen to your selection of records. Vibe here is chill which is always a good thing! Prices are pretty good as well. Digging thru you can find alot of hard to find vinyl. They also sell turntables and various other goodys to get you started as a DJ (if thats what your calling is). Staff is extremely knowledgeable and will answer all your questions.
Their book selection is nice as well. Picked up a couple of good books to read.

Turntable Lab is one of those rare record/​dj stores that really cover all bases with equal aptitude and care. All the DJ food groups are represented (some more than others, but I won’t split hairs here): hardware (turntables, headphones, gear, vinyl bags, etc.), records (hip-​hop, disco, funk, rock, dubstep, dance, reggae, 45s, etc), production tools (MPCs, misc. gear, etc.), books (anything from photo books on the history of Fugazi to Soul Jazz Records’ amazing Dancehall history book), backpacks, t-​shirts, mixtapes/​CDs, etc.
The staff have always been nice to me when I’ve visited (a rarity in the record store world), which I truly appreciate. I go out of my way to buy records when most people are more than happy to bootleg off the internet, so a little courtesy from staff goes a long way.
After hearing about Fat Beats’ imminent demise, I am hoping Turntable Lab is not next on the chopping block.
Support artists and music retailers! Buy vinyl!

When I lived in Los Angeles I’d spend time at Turntable Labs going through records; it was both financially dangerous and a dream. I wish there were record shops here in San Francisco that had decent listening booths.
Turntable Labs has I think 3 turntables in the back, and I don’t think there’s any better way to learn how to DJ or at last appreciate good music without holing up and listening and listening for hours on end focused only on the record in front of you. It’s been a while but I recall they had some great stock of electronic and hip-​hop albums…
I know people are abandoning vinyl because it’s too expensive, maybe they can set up some kind of listening station for mp3s.
For some reason I don’t remember talking a lot about the music with anyone that worked there; I should have. The whole shop and the crew are distractingly pretty, maybe they could wear veils? Please come to San Francisco, Turntable labs… we need you! You’re our only hope!

These guys put in their work. The buyers put in their work with their idea being you could pick up any record in the shop and it’ll be a good one. They also get their hands on a lot of exclusives or limited distribution items from people in the Mad Decent, Fool’s Gold, Ed Banger, Stones Throw side of the world
And kinda like people’s tastes it has evolved over time. It began with a strong hiphop/​downtempo/​turtablist focus and has largely moved onto a more dance music focus with disco and house whatever bmore club has evolved into. Selfishly I wish there was hiphop but I don’t know if that is a commentary on how stale the genre may be at the moment.
Their website is a daily visit of mine just to keep abreast of what is going on. Only complaint is the frustration of seeing some items up on the web but not in store. and it bugs paying at least 7 $ plus CA sales tax… but that is just me being me

This place is AWESOME if you are an audiophlie or vinyl junkie.
While this place does not really stock older material, it is really good for getting new stuff in multiple genres: (indie) rock, (indie) hip hop, electronic, jazz, etc. There are sealed records, and there are records that are opened (but in good shape!) so that you can preview listen on their demo turntables! Just swap an ID card for a needle and you can listen to anything. It is really, really great for that fact.
This place carries great quality musical products, ranging from direct drive turntables, mics, cables, and headphones. And headphones that actually get an audiophiles nod of approval: Audio Techincas, AKG, etc, even Grados.
Accessories for Apple notebooks can be found, even some incase and protective notebook products that may be harder to find. Vinyl bags, DJ bags, backbacks, notebook bags, and of course CDs and books.
Great, great place if you are even remotely interested in turntables, DJing, and/​or the culture.

Proper LA Turntablist shop.
Vinyl. check
Turntables. check
Needles. check
Software. check
Repair. check
Gear. check
and my favorite part…
BOOKS. check.
You can also listen to vinyl
Nice clean store layout with chill friendly staff.
Keepin it fresh and clean.

So, i had been hearing about this place and wanted to check it out. One lovely sunday afternoon after dropping the baby off with my parents, my man and i headed to melrose to hit up fat beats and just window shop around. I got hungry so we decided to hit canter’s (superb bloddy mary’s by the way) As we were leaving we noticed turntable lab was across the street! yayuh!
This place was real cool. Clean, organized and not overwhelming at all. which is perfect for my «must see everything» mind.
So i checked out some records and listened to them in the back of the shop where they have the turntables and mixers. my favorite part,
They have hard to find music for all you music junkies.
Plus they have free shows with sick artists every so often!
great place to check out on a sunday afternoon

Despite the borderline outrageous prices, the ample record and mixtape collection keep me coming back. I’m always intrigued as to what silly mix tape I can find and through the years I’ve discovered some true non-​stop-​hip-​hoppers sold here. Diplo’s ‘Turtles’ kind of sucked but they have an excellent selection of Mike Relm type artists here. One, DJ Spinbad, is a triumphant mix maker whose 80’s mix tape made me happy longgg time.
OH, you can TOTALLY LYKE buy Girl Talk here.
Fancy that: buyyying Girl Talk!!!
Let’s be realistic; GT is meant to be downloaded. However, if you’re willing to spend some time sampling around with the in-​store headphones, you’re bound to find tremendous treats exclusive to Turntable Lab. That means CD’s that still aren’t available to download over the net’s corrupt and greasy hands.
The Beautiful People Ranking: ⁸⁄₁₀
if you’re not going to Canter’s but fairfax delights you’re bound to see the hip and elite attractive youngsters of LA with white sunglasses and skinny skinnies.

F@$% Guitar Center.
This dam store is able to please all my fetishes. .. even the weird ones. You can find the essentials for all the djs, hipsters, backpackers, nerds, or whoever here. Difficult to get music (J.Rocc Mixtapes, Radiohead LP’s), ill clothes (Madvillainy 2 Box set), funny and insightful books (Vice’s Guide To Sex & Drugs Book), and more. Also, they welcome everyone into their shop when they have a showcase w/​o charge. A few months ago I saw A-​Trak. I recently heard Q-​Tip came through here to preview his new album (people paid a ridiculous amount for Rock the Bells to see Tribe. Nothing can beat this intimate environment for a show. Free drinks too). All of this offered at this cool spot.
«Lab Recommended»