Destinations / New York City / Top Things to Do in New York City for Record Store Fans in SoHo
Top Things to Do in New York City for Record Store Fans in SoHo
1. Housing Works Bookstore
A beloved SoHo nonprofit shop where the music section hides crates of donated LPs and CDs amid aisles of art, fashion, and culture books. The café and frequent events give it a downtown, community‑radio vibe.
✓ Why Go:
Crate‑dig rare pressings while supporting a cause; the store regularly rotates donated vinyl so you’ll find unexpected gems alongside music histories and photo books.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late afternoon on weekdays for calmer browsing; visit around Record Store Day in April when media donations spike.
✓ Insider Tip:
Scan the endcaps near the checkout—staff often shelve recent, better‑condition LP donations there before they’re dispersed.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Travelers love the warm, volunteer‑run atmosphere, fair prices, and the thrill of surprise finds.
2. Mercer Street Books & Records
A tightly packed SoHo stalwart near Washington Square where used books meet a well‑curated wall of vinyl—especially classic rock, jazz, and soundtrack staples.
✓ Why Go:
It’s a browser’s paradise for fans who want to pair a new‑to‑you LP with a music biography or photo monograph in one stop.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Evenings after 6pm are mellow; Sundays draw neighborhood regulars swapping recommendations.
✓ Insider Tip:
Ask the owner for what’s ‘in the back’—fresh buys often sit behind the counter before they hit the floor.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Reviewers call it a throwback shop with honest pricing and staff who actually know their discographies.
3. Rudy’s Music
SoHo’s guitar gallery: vintage Martins, custom electrics, boutique pedals, and amps displayed like art across a tri‑level space.
✓ Why Go:
Record lovers who play will appreciate trying dream gear; non‑players come for the eye candy and music‑history chatter.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Midday Tuesday–Thursday to get unrushed time in a demo room.
✓ Insider Tip:
Bring your own picks and a familiar riff playlist—staff will happily let you A/B guitars through different amps.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Musicians praise knowledgeable, zero‑pressure service and a museum‑quality selection.
4. Canal Sound & Light
A downtown pro‑audio institution on Canal Street selling DJ mixers, Technics decks, cartridges, speakers, and lighting with a hands‑on showroom.
✓ Why Go:
If your vinyl habit includes DJing, this is the spot to test gear, upgrade needles, or grab a last‑minute slipmat before a set.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late morning on weekdays when demo rooms are open and staff can walk you through setups.
✓ Insider Tip:
Ask to compare cartridges on the same Technics table—they’ll mount options so you can hear real differences on familiar records.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Locals call it reliable and straight‑shooting with solid prices and expert advice.
5. JBL Store SoHo
A street‑level brand showroom on the south side of Houston where you can audition headphones, portables, and compact home speakers on curated playlists.
✓ Why Go:
Great for travelers wanting carry‑on‑friendly listening or a quick comparison of cans before long flights or hotel spins.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekdays right after opening for quiet demos; weekend afternoons often feature product spotlights.
✓ Insider Tip:
Bring a favorite lossless playlist on your phone and ask to try multiple ear tip sizes—fit changes the sound dramatically.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors appreciate the easy try‑before‑you‑buy setup and friendly staff.
6. Devialet
The French hi‑fi brand’s sleek Greene Street boutique offers soundproof listening rooms to experience Phantom speakers and amps at proper volume.
✓ Why Go:
Audiophile candy—hear studio‑grade playback that reveals new layers in well‑worn LP transfers and hi‑res streams.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Bookable demos midweek; ask for a late‑day slot when the store is quieter.
✓ Insider Tip:
Request an ‘imaging demo’ and bring a reference track you know intimately—the staff will tailor the room for it.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Shoppers rave about immersive demos and staff who welcome deep‑dive questions.
7. Morrison Hotel Gallery
A second‑floor SoHo gallery devoted to fine‑art music photography—think Bowie, Zeppelin, Hendrix, and hip‑hop icons in museum‑quality prints.
✓ Why Go:
It’s like flipping through the ultimate gatefold collection on a wall; many exhibits align with film premieres or anniversaries.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Afternoons, Tuesday–Saturday; openings often land on weeknights—watch the calendar.
✓ Insider Tip:
Ask about smaller edition sizes or estate stamps if you’re considering a collectible print.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Fans describe it as a must for music lovers, with rotating shows that feel intimate, not touristy.
8. The Magic Shop
Pilgrimage stop: the former Crosby Street recording studio where David Bowie cut Blackstar and countless artists tracked over nearly three decades.
✓ Why Go:
Though the studio closed, standing on this stoop connects you to SoHo’s recording legacy—perfect for a quiet photo between crate‑digs.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Anytime by day; pair it with a stroll down Crosby for vintage‑SoHo cast‑iron architecture.
✓ Insider Tip:
Queue up Bowie’s Lazarus while you’re there—context adds chills.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Music buffs call it a moving, low‑key landmark woven into the neighborhood’s fabric.
9. Greene St. Recording
Site of the legendary hip‑hop/alt‑rock studio where Run‑DMC, Public Enemy, A Tribe Called Quest, Sonic Youth, and more recorded era‑defining albums.
✓ Why Go:
A streetside nod to the roots of NYC recorded music history—especially meaningful for hip‑hop heads exploring SoHo.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Daylight for façade photos; combine with nearby shops on Greene and Wooster.
✓ Insider Tip:
Bring a playlist of Greene Street cuts to soundtrack your walk between stops.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors appreciate the living‑history feel—modern retail outside, classic sessions in mind.
10. SoHo Recording
A working studio on West Broadway offering bespoke sessions—book time to cut a vocal, transfer a demo, or mix a track during your SoHo day.
✓ Why Go:
Turn your record‑shopping inspiration into a keepsake: leave SoHo with a song you made in the neighborhood.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Reserve ahead; midday blocks are easiest to secure and pair well with morning digging and evening listening.
✓ Insider Tip:
Email your stems beforehand so your booked hours go straight to tracking or mixing.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Artists praise the welcoming vibe, attentive engineering, and convenient location between Prince and Spring.
