Some of the best afternoons in Tennessee start with a plain storefront and a row of dusty crates you almost walked past. You flip through one sleeve, then another, and suddenly two hours have slipped away while you hold an album you never knew you needed.
Used record stores keep music history alive, one well-loved disc at a time, and they reward anyone curious enough to keep digging. Grab some cash, clear your weekend, and get ready to hunt for your next favorite sound.
1. Grimey’s New & Preloved Music, Nashville, TN
Music City has plenty of guitar pickers, but crate diggers have their own landmark on East Trinity Lane. Grimey’s leans into vintage pressings, CDs, and cassette tapes, and the used selection is widely considered one of the strongest and most fairly priced in Nashville.
Out-of-state shop owners have been known to make the trip here just to hunt for weird and wonderful records. That tells you something about the depth of these bins.
You might find indie titles on vinyl that no other local store bothers to stock.
Got a stack of albums gathering dust at home? Grimey’s buys used records too, so you can trade old spins for new ones.
The mood stays relaxed and kid-friendly, and there’s a free lot for parking.
Hours run 11 AM to 6 PM Monday through Thursday, until 7 PM Friday and Saturday, and noon to 5 PM on Sunday.
2. Shangri-La Records, Memphis, TN
Memphis gave the world soul, blues, and rock and roll, so it makes sense that one of its record shops feels like a musical time capsule. Shangri-La Records on Madison Avenue has earned its reputation as a venerable source for used LPs, 45s, and CDs.
Beyond the vintage stock, the shelves carry new releases from independent local and national bands. The genre range is impressively wide, and the records tend to be in well-preserved shape.
Many music lovers argue the selection outshines most shops across the country.
Staff offer a warm hello and then let you browse in peace. For serious diggers, that hands-off style is pure gold.
Plan for more time than you think you need. Doors open daily from 11 AM to 6 PM, there’s a free parking lot, and free Wi-Fi helps if you want to look up a pressing mid-hunt.
3. Lost and Found Records, Knoxville, TN
Ever pulled a record from a bin so packed your fingers ached? That won’t happen at Lost and Found Records.
The Knoxville shop on North Broadway feels roomy and tidy, with bins that give every sleeve a little breathing space.
Shoppers who have visited since the 1990s still find reasons to return to the newer location. New and used vinyl sits alongside CDs, cassettes, and assorted other goodies.
Prices stay friendly, and loyal fans happily drive over an hour just to browse.
The folks behind the counter know their stuff and love recommending albums you’ve never heard of. Traveling from far away?
They have even helped customers ship their hauls back home.
Families are welcome here. Hours run 11 AM to 7 PM Monday through Thursday, 11 AM to 8 PM Friday and Saturday, and 1 to 6 PM on Sunday, giving you late evenings for digging.
4. Yellow Racket Records, Chattanooga, TN
Jazz fans, pay attention. Tucked along East Main Street in Chattanooga, Yellow Racket Records has a strong jazz LP section where hard-to-find Blue Note Tone Poet pressings have been known to turn up.
The shop carries both new and used vinyl, and prices stay remarkably reasonable. Around town, many collectors consider its mix of selection and value tough to top.
The staff are friendly, knowledgeable, and easy to chat with about pressings.
Need gear? Turntables share floor space with stickers and T-shirts, so you can walk out with a full setup and some fresh merch.
The vibe is chilled, welcoming, and good for kids.
Wednesday and Friday evenings run until 8 PM, perfect for an after-work hunt. Other weekdays and Saturday close at 6 PM, Sunday runs noon to 4 PM, and a free parking lot makes stopping easy.
5. Back Door Records, Johnson City, TN
Metalheads of Northeast Tennessee, your spot has a name. Back Door Records on West Walnut Street is known for one of the best vinyl selections in the Johnson City area, with an especially strong showing of metal.
Don’t worry if heavy riffs aren’t your thing. The bins offer a sizable array of genres, mixing obscure finds with mainstream favorites.
Quality stays solid and prices stay fair.
Here’s a local bonus: the shop stocks plenty of CDs from local bands, making it a great way to support the regional scene. The store itself looks cool, too, full of character.
Much of the charm comes from a helpful, friendly owner who clearly cares about regulars, and some shoppers get nearly their whole collection here. Visit Monday through Saturday from 11 AM to 5:30 PM.
Sundays are closed, so schedule your weekend dig for Saturday.
6. AndVinyl Records, Clarksville, TN
Small shop, big heart. AndVinyl Records sits on Franklin Street in downtown Clarksville, packing new and used records, CDs, and cassettes into a cozy space alongside clothing and accessories.
CD hunters especially will be thrilled, since the disc selection is huge and priced right. Vinyl stays fairly priced as well.
Staff are skilled at tracking down hard-to-find records when you’re chasing something specific.
Setting up your first turntable? Employees here happily share advice on speakers and gear pairings.
Free posters from past local shows have been known to make their way into shopping bags, too.
The store is proudly welcoming as an LGBTQ+ friendly and transgender safe space, and kids are welcome. Hours are noon to 6 PM Monday through Thursday, noon to 7 PM Friday and Saturday, and noon to 4 PM Sunday.
Free and paid street parking sits nearby, plus paid garages and lots.
7. Phonoluxe Records Music, Nashville, TN
Mark your calendar carefully, because Phonoluxe only opens its doors Friday through Sunday. That short window makes every visit feel like a weekend event on Nolensville Pike.
Size is the headline here. Collectors describe the selection as nearly endless, spanning new and used vinyl, CDs, movies, and T-shirts.
Despite the volume, everything stays nicely organized, so browsing feels like an adventure rather than a chore.
Prices are generally good, though condition varies, so checking each record before buying pays off. Want to lighten your own shelves?
The shop buys records and is known for offering fair prices, letting you swap old albums for fresh gems.
Employees are friendly and local, adding to the neighborhood feel. Hours run 10 AM to 7 PM Friday and Saturday and noon to 6 PM Sunday.
Parking is simple, with a free lot and street spots available.
8. Goner Records, Memphis, TN
Save a second Memphis stop for Young Avenue, where Goner Records brings serious crate-digging energy to the lively Cooper-Young neighborhood. It’s an all-purpose music store built for anyone chasing hard-to-find tunes.
New and used vinyl both fill the shelves, but the used section truly shines. Rare pressings show up at reasonable prices, and first-timers often walk out pleasantly surprised by how deep the bins go.
You’ll find music on a variety of formats, too.
Band merch rounds out the offerings, so grabbing a shirt from your newest obsession is easy. The atmosphere is welcoming and LGBTQ+ friendly.
Doors open noon to 7 PM Monday through Saturday and noon to 5 PM Sunday. Pair it with Shangri-La for a full Memphis record day, and you’ll head home with a trunk full of treasure and stories to match.
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