Groove Vault record shop interior
50+ Years of vinyl curation

From a Basement to a Landmark

What began as one collector's obsession quickly became a neighborhood institution. Our founder, Samuel "Groove" Thompson, spent his weekends crate-digging from New York to New Orleans, building a catalog of over 10,000 records before opening the first Groove Vault storefront in 1972.

Today, we're known for our meticulous grading process — every record is inspected under natural light, cleaned on a ultrasonic machine, and test-played before it hits the shelf. We don't just sell vinyl; we preserve the warmth, the crackle, and the soul of analog sound for future generations.

From rare Blue Note first pressings to underground Japanese psych-rock imports, if it found its way into the Vault, it's because someone here fell in love with it.

The Groove Vault Philosophy

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Sound First

Every record is play-graded on high-end turntables. If it doesn't sound exceptional, it doesn't make the cut — regardless of rarity.

🤝

Community Rooted

We host listening sessions, vinyl swaps, and local artist showcases. The Vault is as much a living room as it is a record store.

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Global Curation

From Detroit soul to Berlin electronic, our buyers travel the world seeking pressings that tell stories you won't hear anywhere else.

A Timeline of Sound

1972

First Vault Opens

Samuel Thompson opens Groove Vault's first location on Haight Street, San Francisco with 3,000 hand-picked records and a jukebox.

1985

The Vinyl Crisis

As CDs dominate, most record shops shutter. Groove Vault survives by doubling down on rare pressings and building a mail-order catalog.

2001

Digital Launch

We launch our online store, bringing the Vault's curated selection to collectors worldwide. The first week sees orders from 14 countries.

2012

Vinyl Renaissance

Vinyl sales surge past CD sales for the first time. Groove Vault opens a second location in Brooklyn and expands grading facilities.

2026

Still Spinning

Over 50,000 records curated, 12,000+ loyal collectors served, and a new generation discovering the warmth of analog every day.

The People Behind the Vault

Samuel Thompson

Samuel Thompson

Founder & Curator

Crate-digger since '68. Can identify a pressing plant by the run-out groove.

Elena Marquez

Elena Marquez

Head Buyer

Specializes in rare jazz and Latin grooves. Her ear is worth more than our entire inventory.

Marcus Chen

Marcus Chen

Vinyl Restoration

Vinyl whisperer. Ultrasonic cleaning, sleeve restoration, and grading master.

Ready to Dig In?

Every record in the Vault is waiting for a new home. Come find the one that speaks to you.

Browse the Collection