the Vortex Records — Local services in McMinnville

I went In there this weekend, was looking around 3rd street. I would like to mention that I am new in this town and coming from Portland and. Walking on third street and sporting a place that sells records it was very exciting. So a friend and I stepped inside, as we looked through the records an older gentle man told us not to hold the records like that? As We just held them in our hands . He mentioned and made us feel like we would not have enough money to pay for the amount of records we had in our hands . Also mentioned that if we wanted to look at records we needed to set them on the counter? Now why would we set them on a counter of at any record store u browse and you select the records from where you are standing at . We got at it with him because he we not welcoming nor nice . I maintained my cool until I felt he really was attacking us. And I won't ever ever do business with him. Sad thing is we were goin to buy the 4 records we had selected. Never assume people don't have the money to purchase large quantities sir because little do you know! Worst business I have...

When it comes to small town places, its usually hit or miss when it comes to quality storefronts due mostly to the shop owners unwillingness to change bad qualities they have or by changing so much, they may as well be a Walmart. It's a balance between those you want.

The Vortex still has the atmosphere of a record shop from the 70s or 80s, when records were in their (original) prime. Now that records have made a significant comeback, its fantastic to experience a place like this.

It's a smaller space, but what they do have is quality and expertise.

My first experience here was Record Store Day 2019 and it definitely won't be my last visit. I was impressed. The array of available records and the ease of searching is exactly what you're looking for and I hope it will feel a lot better supporting a local independent shop than it does for you to support the big guys.

Stop in and browse....

I don't usually write reviews like this, but my first experience here tonight was so bad that I need to. I went in to ask about a replacement needle for my dad's old record player. I'm new to record players, so I asked if they carried needles and I gave him the model of player. The man behind the counter cuts me off and says, "THAT TELLS ME NOTHING!" I then showed him a picture and asked if it might help. He just shut me down and went on lecturing me that I need to bring in the player and "what's in my best interest." I understand that what he was saying is right, but his negative tone and condescension really shocked me. Instead of being friendly and helpful, he was rude and dismissive. I will not be bringing my...