Off-Center Records & Collectibles

Meh. This place is kind of a dump and while there is a decent selection, I thought the prices for used records were on the high side. I probably won’t be coming back here.

The selection of used records here is pretty good, but there are a number of negative factors that will likely prevent me from shopping here again.
The prices are on the high side.
It’s hard to look through a lot of the records because they’re either packed too tightly, too far back on tables or too far underneath tables. This isn’t really a major issue with me, but other people might have a tough time browsing.
The shop is very cold. Make sure to wear extra layers if you plan on browsing for an hour in the winter, because I could see my breath.
The atmosphere is a bit weird. The guy at the counter didnt really acknowledge me when I walked in, which was strange because this place was completely devoid of any other customers. In an era where internet shopping rules, I prefer to support local record stores, but a friendly shopping environment is a must. Also, both times I’ve visited this shop, there’s been another man who sits in front of the counter and stares at my wife and me while we browse. Not exactly welcoming.
If you plan on buying a nice stack of records, don’t expect much of a bundle discount. I’m not from this area, but where I’m from, most decent record store owners are more than willing to consider a reasonable offer on a substantial purchase. He took about 5 bucks off a $ 115 total, and gave me the most asinine response when I offered $ 100 cash. He then proceeded to whine about «the tax man» for an awkward amount of time. If he must stick firmly to his made-​up prices that’s fine, but a simple «Sorry, no» would have sufficed.
The worst part of this shopping experience came after driving a long distance home, when I pulled a record that I purchased for $ 25 out of its protective sleeve to find that the jacket was completely split down both sides, top and bottom. To me, this lacks integrity — one of the most important characteristics in a quality record store.

I got a fraudulent charge from this place and called to report it. Instead of being helped, the person on the phone got very defensive and accused me of asking them for money. They told me to call my attorney. Now that’s customer service!
I can’t believe that there is something wrong and the store is charging random people who have never and will never set foot in Utica, NY, but the store is upset at me for reporting it.

Ugh, disappointing. A real dumpster dive of a place. Now, I usually look at that as a challenge, but this place was just kind of an S-​show. Bleah.

There’s not much to look at in Utica… but there sure is a lot to look at in this store. I don’t think you’re going to find any bargains here but you may just find that vintage Velcro Duran Duran wallet you’ve been looking for since 1984 and you’ll find a ton of vinyl LPs and vintage Tyvek KISS jackets for your kiddies… they have a tremendous selection of Elvis collectibles… lots of Grateful Dead beanie bears and all sorts of other rock oddities and curio’s.
Definitely worth getting off the highway when you’re on your way across NY State.

Great selection of vinyl & always more than happy to special order something for you. Truly a gem among music stores in CNY!!!