BC’s Boutique Music Stores

 

Osoyoos

A well-loved destination for anyone really into music, the back room, behind the jewelry and memorabilia of Elvis Fine Jewelry & Music Room is run by Elvis’s younger brother Trevor. Always ready with a snappy comment and backstory about his wares, Trev runs this Pee-Wee’s Playhouse haven of musical instruments, hard-to-find-vinyl, and much more with a sense of fun.

 

Williams Lake 

The Guitar Seller has been operating for 40 years, and now managed by Matt, an Australian singer/songwriter. Selling mostly new instruments, beginner books, consignment vinyl (most $20 each) and lessons to kids offered by Paul, the “heart and soul of the store”, who has worked there for a couple of decades.

 

Kelowna 

Located in the cultural district, flipping through the many racks of vinyl at Underground Music Records makes you feel transported into the indie film High Fidelity, and you swear you’ll see Jack Black any minute. Think of a musical genre and they’ve got it, from jazz to indie to blues, punk and more.

 

Penticton 

The Grooveyard is where you’ll pick up that Nirvana t-shirt you still want even years later, that Johnny Cash flipping the bird poster, all while you shop for music that drew you into the store in the first place. 

 

Kamloops 

Lee’s Music are experts in guitars, from the instruments themselves to selling a variety of sheet music, picks, cases, and offering repairs and lessons for all levels.  

 

Grand Forks 

Misty Mountain Music offers used and consignment instruments, new guitars, music lessons and new arrivals of vinyl plus other goodies every week. The recording studio can set you up too if you’re ready to hit the big time, or just make a nice record for mom. 

 

Prince George:

Since 2003, Sound Factory has been owned and staffed by active musicians who perform around town and offer their expertise on the musical instruments they sell, provide professional lessons, and more.

 

Revelstoke

Fable Book Parlour goes well beyond books and into vinyl, music accessories and gifts, but lots with a music lovers vibe.

 

Creston 

Public Vinyl is the only record store in town, located within Modern Alchemy, and sells new vinyl plus vintage classics. Need something to play that record on? Turntables, speakers, and other accessories are for sale as well.

 

Fernie 

Cold Storage Clothing & Records sells used clothing and a curated selection of new and used vinyl.

 

Kimberley 

Arrow & Axe considers their brand ‘Mountain Made’ and proud of it, offering an eclectic mix of vinyl that seems like your best friend chose for you.

 

Nelson

Packrat Annie’s is a used bookstore that carries new and used vinyl, books about your favourite musical artists, and unexpected finds reinforce the thrill of the hunt, is real.

 

Whistler

TMC Freeriderz carry records, guitars, and accessories, formerly known as “The Mogul Corner”, TMC was started in 1994 by then 16-year-old competitive mogul skier Yosuke “Yo-ski” Henry Hamazaki. Now do you get it? If you do, you’re on your way there already.

 

New Westminster

Neil Douglas Guitar Shop is the only shop to purchase musical instruments in New West. A good selection of electric and acoustic guitars, basses, ukuleles, mandolins, and banjos is available. Lesson on music theory, how-to-play books, accessories and essential parts like tuning pegs, strings and more.

 

Groove Cat Books & Records has a friendly neighbourhood vibe and where you’ll find vinyl, soundtracks from old movies, books about musicians and bands, magazines, plus more.

 

Relove Records

Across the street from the Skytrain Station, pop in to shop for new records, used vinyl, CD’s and 7”. Metal and rock fans know this is where to shop, but electronica and classical fans love it too.

 

Sunshine Coast  

Rockit Music + Coffee, in Powell River, calls itself the small store with a big personality. Keyboards, amps, guitars, drums and more.

 

Surrey

Elevated Music is in Cloverdale and owned by Surrey local Bill Haggerty whose lifelong passion for music is shared here. As a former record producer, audio engineer, and musician, he offers music enthusiasts and collectors a well-thought mix of vinyl, CDs, cassettes, and more, including a recording studio.

Redrum Records in South Surrey, is an old-school record shop with the largest collection of Japanese pressings in BC. Be sure and catch one of their epic Open Mic Nights too.

Matterhorn Music is where to go for woodwind and brass repairs. Real craftsmanship is what owner David Gsponer offers in instrument repair, having trained, and worked for 10 years in Switzerland before relocating to Canada.  

Heartbeat Percussion| offers the best in, you guessed it, percussion including cymbals, drums, bags, sticks, and more. Their instruments are handcrafted in Turkey.

 

Langley 

The Creative Bookworm  is a charming corner store in the heart of Downtown Langley, that also happens to sell used vinyl. Sometimes these are the best spots to find that hidden gem you’ve been looking for.

 

Cranbrook 

Some serious vinyl bargains to be had at Retro Sound and Collectibles (retrovinyl.ca)

including $2 and $5 records, plus cassettes, CD’s, and other treasures.