Gramaphone Records

Gramaphone records is really great-​if you’re a fan of house, electronica, trance or techno.
They’ve got some soul and hip-​hop too.
Both new and used.
other than that, this is not going to be the shop for you.

This is one solid music store. They have pretty much all one could need for house/​techno selection and several listening stations. From my limited interaction with the staff, and the owner Jason, all were very friendly and helpful. I could certainty spend a ton of my time and money in this place! The only reason it doesn’t get 5 stars is because the hip hop selection wasn’t great, but again, excellent place to buy music and see what is happening with the Chicago music scene.

By now, readers may know the story of how I do my reviews – I’ve reviewed 40 record stores in the Chicagoland area over all at this point. So when I make comparisons, they are based on my actual experiences with the stores, and they are based on the real-​world experiences I’ve had with stores located throughout the greater Chicagoland area. I tend to rate based on selection, quality of product, and pricing relative to other stores in the marketplace.
Here’s my take on Gramophone Records. They have been around quite a long time (I’m pretty sure the first time I came here was back in the mid-​1990s!) and are a bit if an institution. On the plus side, as others have also noted in their reviews, the selection is very nice if you are interested in the kinds of records Gramaphone tends to specialize in carrying. That is house, techno, electronic, rap, and r & b. Prices are fair for the condition of the records, although the condition of the records can definitely vary.
On the minus side, as already mentioned, although the selection is good on the things Gramaphone specializes in, the selection is really not all that good on any thing beyond these genre. Folks looking for rock or pop, jazz or blues, and classical, will need to look elsewhere, as there isn’t much for you. Also, the condition of records here can really vary, as other reviewers have already mentioned. Some are definitely well worn and well played, others are in better shape.
In summary – If you are looking for house, techno, electronic, rap, and r & b, you will find a good selection here. Beyond this, however, the selection is quite limited. Quality of records can vary, so you’ll want to take the time to check condition with the LPs. Because of the variation in quality of LPs and limitations of the selection, I’m willing to give Gramaphone a healthy 3, but not more than that.

Great DJs Record Store and has a great History as well as many legendary dis have walked through its doors and have worked there as well.

First time visiting Gramaphone Records and it was an all-​around pleasant experience. The initial impression as I walked in was that it was relatively spacious and I enjoyed the music being played — certainly a good sign.
Excellent selection of House, Techno, Indie, Hip-​Hop, some Footwork & Juke, among others. I liked the selections featured on the wall; tasteful. The staff was friendly and knowledgeable too. I will be returning for sure!

All the good stuff is kept hidden in the back. You can see their inventory online at discogs though. Fantastic store with an incredibly helpful and friendly staff. Lots of iconic labels and artists have dedicated markers. Most of the good stuff was pretty light on inventory however. Their selection out front wasn’t overwhelming and their main strength is of course house. They also have a small indy rock section, classic rock, 7 inch, and drum and bass section. Theres also a small amount of CDs for sale as well. I’d be surprised if you ‘found’ any gems here as everything these days is priced out online first. Then again if this store let rare or collector stuff slip through their hands at low prices they probably wouldn’t have been in business for so long.
I was really hoping I’d find that copy of Todd Terry’s ‘Let It Ride’ here. Maybe next time!

Obviously they are known for Chicago House, dance, techno grooves but they also have a large selection of rock, and other genres on vinyl. The fact that they have a divider card for Warp Records is pretty cool (even though there was nothing too great in there). You kinda have to know what you are looking for otherwise it can be a little overwhelming. Most of the labels they carry are white label release that you need to know about otherwise it’s all just a sea of untitled labels. I went in looking for familiar stuff like Warp releases, classic techno reissues, Detroit techno classics, etc. No luck for me.
What I did notice was lot of the records there have some significant shelf wear or are sold as new when they are open/​unsealed. Especially the used LP’s are going to have some wear on them. So if you are buying anything you really need to give it a good visual inspection.
I can’t help saying that if you are not a DJ, then it’s a touch sell to come here regularly. Being a legendary shop is only so cool; for my time and money Reckless is still the best place for dance/​electronic selections.

A world class record store no exaggeration. Knowledgable staff, helpful cool. If you need a rare record this is where you go first. Can be pricey but most stuff is reasonably priced. Located near brown line diversely stop makes it easy to get too.

I really liked this place! It’s big enough to feel like you have some room to explore and there are listening stations set up for customers to use. The guy running the shop was friendly and I appreciated that he was approachable.
They had some older stuff, but I was impressed with the amount of newer records and the volume of house/​trance/​techno the carried. I loved that they had various «grab bags» of records and I took a chance on trance… 15 records for $ 8. Can’t wait to listen & see if I got anything good.
I was really into what they were playing that day in the shop and I’m kicking myself for not taking it back to Columbus with me.

This place is legendary… so I mean cmon.
HOUSE MUSIC!!!
You can catch some legends in here from time to time and they’ll typically have someone spinning some awesome tunes.
The workers are all very insightful and willing to help with any needs.
If you consider yourself a house head in the slightest bit you at least have to drop by.
#wheninchicago

I like this spot much better than the older location despite the memories at the older spot. More room, more listening stations, etc.
They have a great variety of music from Chicago House to Detroit Techno, Hip hop to Jazz, and so much more. I’ve seen local legends at g-​phones like psycho bitch, derrick carter, bad boy bill, and so many others.
Employees and owner are good people! Mad love for Oscar he’s de man!

Most record stores in Chicago have a specialized style of music that they provide beyond the other stores. The specialty of Gramaphone Records is House music. They have a wide array of Chicago and Detroit-​based music as well as other genres of music. Last Sunday, all of the used vinyl was half-​off, so I picked up some fun stuff. There are numerous listening stations and the staff is a friendly bunch. It’s one of the best vinyl shops in the city.

When I go to Chicago, I always has to dig into the crates. I usually go to Reckless Records, and one day I found Gramaphone records. If you’re looking for vinyles and CDs (mostly vinyles), every kind of music, you’re at the right place.
The owner was very nice, and he helped me to find the vinyle I was looking for. And you what? He has a tons of music from Chicago artists (Vakill, LEPs, Twista, Kanye…)
What else?

LOVE THIS PLACE. Great service (not snobby) awesome selection. GO THERE NOW :)

What a cool little shop! Came in here earlier today to look for some new records for my new record player. While it takes time to look through all there records, and I didn’t find as many as I was hoping, the price and the quality of used records that I got was right.
I look forward to heading back and listening to some new stuff when I have more time to browse and listen!

Great, friendly and knowledgeable staff. Definitely appreciate being able to listen to records and CDs (yeah, I still buy the hard stuff) before purchase. Which unlike 30 sec digital previews actually allows for you to hear the build ups, rhythm change ups, and beat drops and truly be able to determine a worthy purchase. Besides, a lot of the good stuff is still only released on vinyl. Always the place to get the best in House Music and all things DM and Electronic, hip hop, … even dubstep (if you’re in to that sort of thing). If it’s not in-​store they’ll order it for you. Love Michael. Love Gramaphone. Patron for life.

Bins and bins of the best vinyl god or whomever you believe him to be, put on this sweet earth.
This was a dj clubhead staple for my mispent youth. You will bump elbows with the likes of Psycho Bitch, Teri Bristol, Derrick Carter, Mark Grant, Diz and perhaps Mark Farina when he is home visiting the folks. If you don’t know who these people are, this is not the place for you. Stick to iTunes. This is a house dj Mecca and a hip-​hop holyland.
And now you know. Cats outta the bag.

I’ve been a customer of Gramaphone Records since 1994, and it’s hands down the best quality vinyl shop in the city. The CD selection is on point also, lots of artist stuff that you cant find (unless your buying online). Back in the day at the old store, they would order me super hard stuff that was hard to score.
Super friendly staff that can answer any and all questions that you may have.
10 out of 10 times they are playing some dope music, and you find yourself jamming out.
They have the best local and underground hip hop and house selection that you can find in the city with fair prices.
You can listen to most of the music for you buy it, which is a huge plus.
If you go on a lucky day you’ll run into some big DJ’s doing what your doing, and that’s grabbing some new tunes.

I would say that Gramaphone is probably the most popular record shop in Chicago. Anyone who spins or is just a music lover, knows that this is the place to get it all.
Grama and I go waaaay back like more then 10 years which is a little scary. In that time we both have changed a lot but I can say that I can always rely on Grama for even the most obscure vinyl. The selection is great, House, Techno, Jazz, Trance, Trip Hop, you name it, and even foreign records. The staff and crew are pretty cool too. If they don’t carry it, they will order it. The prices are pretty fair for most items.
I’m not sure if they still do but back in the day local DJ’s used to spin in that back booth all the time. I even took a whirl for an hour or so once. That feeling of watching everyone bob their heads is like nothing else.

I love this joint!!!
I think its great that a store like this exists…
They have all sorts of House & Electronica music which is cool! The people that work here are very helpful and knowledgeable about music. You can listen/​preview underground CDs to make sure you are buying some quality joints. I bought a house music CD (Roy Davis jr) the other day and it was cracked. i brought it back and they ordered another one for me as they had sold me the last one. The new CD made it to the store the next day and they called as soon as they got it.
They have a DJ booth in the back playing some of the best House music today. I notice a lot of DJs come and get a lot of their vinyl here. This is like a throwback to the golden days of record stores. My only hope is that they don’t have the same fate as most record stores that have gone out of business