Tone Army Records

Was organizing my collection and got reminded of how many records I bought from this place at unbelievable prices when I used to live here. If you like classic rock and don't mind some disc wear or cosmetic scratches, this is the place to go. Probably the best hidden gem record shop in the east bay.

You've found the best vinyl shop in the Bay Area. Michael(Owner and Operator) is *constantly* bringing in incredible finds and offering them at prices so low you wouldn't believe. I'm in at least once a week, and every time I'm in there a bunch of exciting additions to the featured Recent Arrivals rack. The generous $2 section has tons of iconic records and deep cuts, and with the exception of some minor warping on maybe one or 2 records over the dozens and dozens I've purchased, they're pretty much always in great shape. Are you looking for original pressings? Soundtrack gems? Limited editions and sealed iconic records? All here. Tone Army may be small in size, but it sets a Gold Standard for vintage vinyl in the San Francisco Bay Area.

This place is decent. First off, you’re not going to find new release records. It’s not one of those records stores which I was very lost in sauce about when I got there. It’s also very small and just tight in there quick. I have been there a handful of times and every time I go the guy working there just seems very miserable. I was asking him questions and it seemed like I was bothering him. I asked him to clean a record for me because I was interested in it, just wanted to see if it would improve, and it seemed like it was a chore for Him. I even felt necessary to apologize for bothering him. The cleaning didn’t really help the record, but I was just too scared to tell him I wasn’t interested after asking him to clean it. But the good thing is, I did find some cool records for cheap. Just know what you’re getting yourself into really.

This is a solid spot for finding older records 60’s-90’s stuff. Some newer items mixed in, but mostly 70’s. Cramped space and stacked isles, so it’s perfect for spending an hour. Pricing is fair for current market values. I got a Kraftwerk 12” single for $10.

Amazing store. Such a great collection of records for music lovers of all taste. Michael, the owner, was so great with my kids too. Played arcade games with them and everything. Amazing store.