Jacknife Records & Tapes

Los Angeles, United States

4.3

Open now

23 reviews

Accepts Credit Cards

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Telephone:
+1 323-661-4533
Website:
www.jackniferecordsandtapes.com
Address:
3149 Glendale Blvd, Los Angeles, CA, 90039
Atwater Village
Nearby public transportation stops & stations:
0.5 miGlendale
1.9 mi7088
1.9 miMetro 180
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Bussiness info

Accepts Credit Cards
Yes
Parking
Street
Bike Parking
Yes
Wheelchair Accessible
Yes
Dogs Allowed
Yes

Today

Today 11:00 am – 8:00 pm
Open now
Local time (Los Angeles) 19:02 Wednesday, 25 June 2025

Business hours

Monday 11:00 am – 8:00 pm
Tuesday 11:00 am – 8:00 pm
Wednesday 11:00 am – 8:00 pm
Thursday 11:00 am – 8:00 pm
Friday 11:00 am – 8:00 pm
Saturday 11:00 am – 8:00 pm
Sunday 11:00 am – 6:00 pm

Description

Specialties

We are a small store that carries recordings on all formats with a focus on Vinyl Records & Audio Cassette Tapes. Our objective is to represent the bigger musical picture rather than a magnified look at a single genre or scene. We are interested in nearly all music be it the classics, the forgotten or the completely unusual. We currently carry Rock, Jazz, World, Folk, (real) Country, Reggae/​Dub, Blues, Classical, Instructional, Spoken Word, Soundtracks, Easy Listening, Lounge/​Exotica, Hip Hop, Kiddie, Classic & Modern Soul, Disco/​Boogie, Experimental, Avant Garde, Electronic, Vocal & 50’s-90’s Pop genres. Selection of certain genres is more limited than others, but we are working to equalize that. Jacknife is a constant work in progress & a labor of love. We carry stuff in all price ranges (cheapies & starters to the high end & super collectible) as it is important to us that music is attainable by all. Our stock is always changing & growing. We Buy, Sell & Trade & pay fairly.

History

Established in 2011.

Named after the Blue Note album by Jackie McLean, Jacknife Records & Tapes was opened in June of 2011 by collector David Gunderson to sell off his personal collection.

Soon after its opening, in January of 2012, the shop changed hands and is now run by Trevor Baade.

What was once a small selection of only high end Vinyl LPs in primarily Rock & Jazz genres, Jacknife quickly expanded under the new ownership by catering to a wider audience.

Starting by offering music for all budgets, on almost every format, and in nearly every genre of the musical spectrum, Jacknife is now known for its super eclectic selection, large stock of cheapies & the largest selection of Audio Cassette Tapes on the Eastside.

Meet the Business Owner

Trevor B.

Business Owner

Hard to believe that I’ve been collecting music for probably 20 years now. Classic Rock to Hip Hop to Jazz to Strange, I’ve been through a lot of phases. I still appreciate it all.

I’m from L.A. so I’ve seen the fall of many great record shops. The closing of Aron’s was devastating. Years later, the dust has settled, people are over hoarding silly amounts of digital files, & are interested again in sitting down, slowing down, & actually listening to the music — it’s so important. With all the very different shops popping up in LA, this is such an amazing time for the public. So much incredible music is available because people care again. Take advantage, & support it, people!

After years of collecting, it’s time for me to share with the public — and learn from them as well. It’s about community. Running a shop has taught me that. As the new owner of Jacknife, that’s my goal — grow a shop that I would want to frequent, & contribute something positive to our community.

–Trevor Baade

Jacknife Records & Tapes also recommends

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«When you’re done shopping with us head next door for a coffee or tea. Say hi to the super cool crew & chill out on the shaded tables in front.»

Canelé

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French

,

American (New)

,

Breakfast & Brunch

Trevor B. says,

«Not sure what to try, just close your eyes and point; it’s THAT good. Located just a few blocks east from us, Canele is a must.»

Out of The Closet

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reviews

Used, Vintage & Consignment

Trevor B. says,

«TIP: Park behind OTC, have a look around, find a few treasures, throw ‘em in the car, walk across the street & give us a visit!»

Sweets For The Soul — CLOSED

130

reviews

Desserts

,

Bakeries

Trevor B. says,

«If you’ve got a sweet tooth, Lily & the ladies of Sweets are your new pushers. Personally, I recommend the „shots“.»

Alias Books East

47

reviews

Bookstores

Trevor B. says,

«Alias are our old neighbors (before our move). Patrick runs an incredible super curated shop that simply must be visited.»

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23 reviews of Jacknife Records & Tapes

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Place rating: 1
Los Angeles, CA
Very disappointed in my experience here. I pulled a record in front of a sign stating $ 5 records, when I brought it to the counter the clerk took the record to the back and coming back to telling me it’s $ 40 if I want it. I chose not to pay their new price. Called a friend and told them about the incident without mentioning the stores name and my friend asked if this happened at Jack knife, I suppose this isn’t the first time they’ve done this.
Rather unprofessional, there are far better record stores within the area that care enough to not pull such stunts on their customers.
Place rating: 4
Las Vegas, NV
Cool little hole in the wall record shop. I thought the vintage audio equipment prices were a bit on the high side for most things, especially the turntables. But did pickup a pair of realistic minimus 7 for $ 30 in near excellent condition.
Place rating: 4
Los Angeles, CA
This is a cool shop. We came in looking for some good deals on vinyl to add to our collection. The assortment was decent, but a little pricier than the record shop we usually go to. The nice lady working there gave us a deal on some of the bargain albums in the crates by the front door. Only problem is when we got home we realized one of the albums we bought contained a different record than its cover (different artist entirely) so we’ll probably go back to see if they’ll let us exchange it for a different one. be sure to check what’s inside matches what’s on the outside! A good find, nonetheless!
Place rating: 3
Los Angeles, CA
I enjoyed looking through the records and cassette in the store. The selection are varied from one genre to another. The same can be said as other reviewers, the price can be shockingly high — more than you’d see in most of the local stores out there. One major thing I find it to be somewhat irritating yet strange is that they do not put a price tag on any of their 45/​7″. Therefore, you’d end up having to ask the staff how much it is — which I find it to be tricky. What if you appear to be seen as a newbie to record collecting? My guess would be that you’ll end up getting a higher price than others could’ve paid. Trust me, I want to like this place because of how good of the selections, but the price is just a no-​no.
Place rating: 2
Los Angeles, CA
I don’t really want to crap on this place, because like other reviewers have stated they do actually have decent stuff and a large cassette selection, but as a cassette collector myself these prices are INSANITY, it’s pretty ridiculous. It’s one thing to sell tapes maybe a little more then their worth cause of the niche market and for consumers who might want that instant finding, but selling a tape thats probably worth $ 5 the most based off discogs and the flipping it for $ 25 is gross. I get it, tapes have become cool now and more people have been into collecting them but the whole purpose of buying tapes is cause they’re supposed to be cheaper then vinyl and CD’s, places like this can really kill and ruin these hobbies, besides all that the employee’s are pretty nice.
Place rating: 3
Pioneer, CA
I dropped in here about midday to do a little crate-​digging, and there was only one other customer there. The store is very narrow, so it was a pretty awkward affair trying get around, especially with another person in there. Neither the owner nor the cashier acknowledged me when I walked in, which I figured was just because they were talking to the customer. No big deal.
There were a few semi-​rare 45s, but other than that, the vinyl section seemed lacking to me, not to mention the pretty high prices. There was a pretty good selection of soul records, though.
The cassette section is quite large, which is nice. Unfortunately, those were quite expensive as well.
Not a bad place, just not for me.
Place rating: 5
Sunnyvale, CA
trevor is legit. love his persona, music taste, whole vibe! his attitude truly represented the store. great space, clean, fairly priced, decent selection. i will definitely be back for more.
Place rating: 5
Los Angeles, CA
My girlfriend and I were interested in learning more about records and turn tables. We went in a few months ago and Trevor was very helpful. He broke it down for us and gave us an idea of what we should look for. We only bought a record that day, and began our search for the whole set up (turn table, receiver and speakers). We looked all over (parents house, garage sales, other stores) to find stuff, but decided Jacknife would be our best bet as everything is serviced and working properly.
Over the weekend Trevor helped us pick the turntable, receiver and speakers that fit within our budget. We were excited to get home and set it all up.
Being newbies, we had a lot of questions and issues setting everything up. We called him a number of times and even brought it all back to the store when we thought something was wrong. He was very patient with us and showed us how to set everything up properly. He was way cool about our ignorance.
THANK YOU TREVOR! You have life long customers in us.
Place rating: 4
Glendale, CA
I’m a cd guy that collects cd’s. Thankfully, we now have a shop that can sell you cd’s. I was looking for anything from Bob James to Big Black Delta. What ever really. As I’m shuffling thru memory lane, with nothing in particular in mind, I stumble upon an old friend, Dred Scott — Breakin’ Combs. As I pick up the cd — the owner (Trevor) says, «You like that album huh?» I knew it and he knew it — that this was something that doesn’t really pop up frequently. So in that instance a fellowship was made. Thank you sir.
(Post scrip)
Minimize buying music thru the internet — support your neighborhood record store.
Place rating: 5
Los Angeles, CA
I’m not really an expert when it comes to finding new music that I love. My favorite thing to do is walk into Jacknife and tell Trevor (the owner) how much money I want to spend and let him pick out some selections for me. Just tell him a couple bands you like and he will find some new undiscovered treasure you’re sure to love!
Amazing selection of records and tapes! I
Place rating: 5
Atwater Village, Los Angeles, CA
Awesome collection of refurbished vintage audio equipment. This is my go-​to neighborhood record store. The owner always has a kind word for me, even when he’s weary of all the usual vinyl collector dorks with whom he is tasked with communicating.
Walked in the other day and was looking around for a bit and Trevor says «What are you looking for?» I said I needed some early ’70’s Kinks vinyl. I looked and didn’t see anything I needed in the racks. He comes walking out of the back room with a super minty gatefold copy of Muswell Hillbillies from ’71. Although the man didn’t give it to me for FREE, neither did he overcharge me for it. I know what it is worth, and that’s exactly what he charged me. Win/​win.
To every bargain-​hunter who leaves comments here about the price NOT being right: You can’t fault a shop owner for charging what a record is worth. Especially when you just waltzed in there wearing $ 139 skinny jeans. You wanna haggle? 2nd Sunday of every month you can go to the Rose Bowl Flea Market and maybe save yourself 3 big bucks, if you don’t mind the heatstroke. Or for the anti-​social you can order your vinyl on Discogs from someone you don’t know, if you don’t mind paying extra for shipping. OR? Stream your songs on Spotify instead, because you just may not LIKE records well enough to part with some $ in exchange for them. Just own up to it.
OR?
Support your local record retailer.
Place rating: 5
Los Angeles, CA
Trevor’s shop is fantastic! Selection is great in the store and the selection of what he can order covers the rest. Great recommendations and chill atmosphere.
Place rating: 5
Los Angeles, CA
This store gets better and better. Trevor, the owner, has added some super cool events, too. Keep up the good work, Jacknife!
Place rating: 5
West Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA
Here’s the deal: Jacknife. Is. The. Best.
Trevor has got everything you’re looking for. And, bonus, he’s got surprise gems you didn’t even realize you needed.
The service is exceptional, the vibe of the store is warm and welcoming, the collection is A++… I never want to leave once I’m in there.
Great tunes are always playing when you walk in too. I always have a new piece of music to fall in love with, thanks to his top-​notch taste.
I’m so glad Jacknife exists.
Place rating: 5
NORTH HOLLYWOOD, CA
Trevor is a good dude with good taste!
Copped an awesome cassette pressing of a Bizarre Ride II: The Pharcyde as well as Eno’s Here Come The Warm Jets and a bootleg of eno bbc sessions.
SO MANY CASSETTES. SO MANY RECORDS. SO MUCH YES.
Place rating: 5
Burbank, CA
As I entered, the owner assured me that they had equal amounts of releases in all three formats. That said, I came looking for and was stunned to find…
CASSETTES! Thousands of them as you walk in, perfectly organized by genre and then alphabetical. I’ll go out on a limb and say this is the finest selection of cassettes you’ll find in LA.
He probably has as many as you’ll find at Amoeba, but unlike that fine store’s sadly picked-​over selection, Trevor’s is booming. Actual copies of albums by artists you’re craving (eg 20+ Beatles cassettes, just for starters). Basically lots and lots of albums you love, in cassette editions you’ve never actually seen.
Downside is they’re not cheap. Mostly throughout LA you can pick up prerecorded tapes for $ 1 – 2 and sometimes $ 3. Depending on the store you may find good stuff or terrible stuff. Trevor’s stuff is 100% killer, but his prices start at about $ 6 and go up to $ 25 (as far as I could tell). Prices are about the same as those for an equivalent vinyl version: eg Jam for $ 10 – 15, Tom Waits and hip hop for $ 20 – 25.
I don’t mean to suggest that Trevor is overcharging; imho cassettes are largely undervalued these days and I think his pricing is fair. So if you’re collecting cassettes because they’re cool and rare, come here. If you’re grabbing them because they’re cheaper than LPs, still come by but don’t get your hopes up. If anything the prices will validate your decision to drop 50¢ each on Soul II Soul and Swing Out Sister tapes across the street at Out of the Closet.
Place rating: 5
Los Angeles, CA
I’m updating — the store has moved up the block now, and it’s a cozy location. The selection is great, and I love that Trevor Sharpies info on the plastic on each record that hangs on the wall. You can find classic vinyl to build your collection — Fleetwood Mac’s Tusk, for example — or rare 12″ singles that are actually quite reasonably priced.
As I watch Atwater changing, I find comfort in places like Jacknife that keep the small town vibe. Remember, the Beastie Boys used to call this stretch of Glendale Blvd their stomping ground.
Place rating: 3
Los Angeles, CA
If you are looking for used vinyl than this place would be great for you. My problem with it is that when I went they opened and hour late. I got there like 20 after they should have opened and the employ just left the store for about half an hour. I sat outside for his return and he was not helpful. The store was very cluttered.
Place rating: 4
Sherman Oaks, CA
Decent but small selection of used vinyl. Good music playing and will return looking for that elusive copy of Astral Weeks. Parking kind of tricky in that part of town but we lucked out with a metered spot on a Sunday.
Place rating: 5
Los Angeles, CA
I love going to Jacknife because it’s always fun. There is always something new on the vinyl wall that grabs my attention. The owner, Trevor, always has great recommendations, especially once he gets to know your musical taste.
There are tons of tapes and vintage electronics as well. If you haven’t listened to a tape in a while go buy something you used to listen to, when you listened to tapes, … the sound will absolutely transport you. Warm toasty analog goodness, especially if you are lucky enough to have a tape player in your car.
Finally, they press hand picked local releases on the Jacknife label… supporting local music!
— All about the music! (you can waste an hour talking music geek stuff)
— Product in ALL genres, graded and priced fairly
— Vintage gear
— A cornerstone of Atwater Village, a must visit
Place rating: 5
Boston, MA
Jacknife is a standard-​bearer shop.
Firstly, it is nice to see a crew of record store clerks who seem to be singlehandedly trying to reverse the stereotype of dudes behind the counter. These guys are easy to talk to, super knowledgeable and not at all arrogant. They get that to run a successful shop the way you treat people matters, and I’ve always had excellent browsing sessions here.
As for the merchandise, they truly honor the whole «Records & Tapes» honorific with a selection that is both lovingly curated and fairly priced.
Also of interest is a pretty decent selection of hi-​fi gear for the discerning earholes of the greater LA area.
This is one of the places I miss most about living in LA, and though I haven’t been to the new location a few doors down from the old, I trust these guys to have only made the new venue better.
SUPPORT LA RECORD STORES!
Place rating: 5
Simi Valley, CA
I was walking around this area with some friends and stumbled across this magical little place. They were not record people, so I told them to continue on without me so I could explore without feeling pressured.
It’s teeny. Just big enough to fit two racks of records on either side of a one-​man aisle. But upon inspection, it’s clear that the owner (that cool bearded man named Trevor that you’ve been hearing about in the other reviews) refuses to sell lame records and keeps stocked with interesting stuff of all genres. I ended up walking out with a bootleg The Smiths record that I’d never seen before, 2 jazz boxsets (both under $ 10) and a recording of authentic native american music made by actual Sioux indians. And as I was checking out and chatting with Trevor, I noticed a wall of tapes behind him (good stuff too — Sky Valley by Kyuss and Discovery by Daft Punk caught my eye).
As someone who lives 45 minutes from this place and can probably get records cheaper via mail order, I’m dying to go back. There’s no app or website that can replicate the passion and diligence of an independent record store owner who works tirelessly to make sure his store is stocked with cool/​unexpected finds at decent prices. This guy is awesome and deserves your patronage.
Place rating: 5
Los Angeles, CA
Before I had kids I always heard parents complain about how their young kids wouldn’t eat anything other than junk food and pasta. Likewise, parents usually complain because all their kids listen to is Barney and crappy Top 40.
But now that I have kids I made an amazing discovery: they eat what I feed them. If there is no junk food in the house, how is it that that is all they will eat? Similarly, if I play crappy Top 40 in the car, or let them sit in front of screens all day watching Barney, youtube, and having 10,000 song files to chose from, what should I expect to happen?
I also realized that if you take your kid shopping with you, and actually communicate with them, they will help pick out kale and apples, and fixings for salad and soup, and then, since they helped pick it out, they will help prepare it and then be more likely to eat it and enjoy it because they feel like they are part of the process (which they are and should be).
So this brings me to Jacknife Records and Tapes.
If I listen to good music (which I do. Who doesn’t think the music they listen to is good?), then my kids will listen to good music (do they have a choice at this young age?). And, as with shopping together for food, when I bring my kids into Jacknife and allow them to pick through the records and find stuff the «looks good,» I have a better chance that my kids will listen to, for example, Bowie’s Ziggy Stardust, or Bob Dylan, or Neil Young, or Nirvana or maybe even Radiohead or Pavement as their taste develops.
So, bring your kids shopping with you and let them take part in the process… and by shopping I mean music shopping. It is not like downloading a song and watching it pop up on a screen. It is real and important to let kids see the covers and feel the materials, and pull out the record and set it on the turn table and drop the needle and hear the music come on. Just like it is better to wash, cut, and cook your food before you put it in your mouth than it is to pull into a drive through and have a ready-​made Happy Meal pushed through your window.
Bring your kids to Jacknife where the owner will help you raise your kids on good music. Let him be a member of the village that it takes to raise your child… without screens, fast food, dancing purple dinosaurs, cage fighting t-​shirts, and music that you have to download onto tiny little boxes with glowing screens.