Hub City Vinyl — Local services in Hagerstown

Hub City is actively working on becoming a destination for vinyl collectors from all over, but they already are. The store is huge, and they're in the process of becoming even larger, which could make them one of the largest record stores on the east coast. When I learned they were expanding, it almost sounded like overkill, but they really are trying to be somewhere that people plan a trip to.

That said, my wife and I plan trips there at least once a month from the DC area. That's because they're always getting great used stuff, but we actually go there primarily because they have the fairest prices on new vinyl and keep LOTS of albums in stock that others don't have the space for. When I say fair prices, you often see an album online for $21. But in most record stores, the album will be $25-30. I get it. It's not easy to stay afloat in the business, and I gladly pay for the convenience. But sometimes it's nice to take a nice drive to Hagerstown and buy 5 or 6 new records for the same price you'd pay online, but without the shipping. They really are fantastic.

Also, if you're into 45s, they have more than any store I've been to. They have the single largest section of 12" singles I've ever seen, as well. They even have a corner where they sell vintage stereo equipment. OH. And the owner lets his adorable little dog run around and she loves to be petted.

Plan a trip out there. I warn you that you'll...

Finally, a record store that rivals Bananas records in St. Petersburg FL in size. The retail portion of the business is well organized and there are lots of records to dig through. I wish I'd had more time to thoroughly dig into their inventory, though I did pick up a couple things before my attention moved to the other part of Hub City - their live music venue. I was there to see a live show that evening. The room was a good size, capable of holding about 130 people seated or 200 standing, very nicely decorated, with a nice bar that runs the length of the right side of the room. A good size stage with easy access from either the left or right sides that easily handled the 4 piece band playing that night with lots of extra space, yet could accommodate twice that many with no issues. Very friendly wait staff and bar tender and good drinks. Had a few words with the owner of the venue, a very friendly, smart and knowledgeable man. As the venue filled, I was impressed with the turnout - the owner actively promotes his live shows unlike many others who expect the acts to do it all. The show went off like a treat and I had a great time. Best part is that they are building out a new larger space in the same building capable of holding 500. I will keep my eye on this place whenever I'm in the area to see who's playing there and the progress on the new room. A pretty amazing turnaround for what was a derelict old...

I travel regularly for work providing sound and lighting for a popular touring band. While on the road I routinely seek out record stores to continue to build my vinyl collection. When I pulled up to Hunt City Vinyl I was absolutely amazed. The building is beautiful and upon entering I was greeted by endless crates of difficult to find and reasonably priced records. They even sell vintage hi-fi equipment. The owner and his wife were among some of the most gracious and pleasant people I've ever encountered on the road and I was delighted to hear the story of how they came to collect records and the founding of Hub City Vinyl. These two folks are building something truly special here with plans to turn the location into a real cultural destination. Do yourself a favor and stop in here. It's always a pleasure to spend my VERY hard earned money with people who earned theirs the same way. This place is an ESSENTIAL visit. DO...