Massachusetts RSD FAQ
Massachusetts is a premier vinyl destination with over 50 independent record stores. While Boston, Cambridge, and Somerville hold the highest concentration, significant hubs exist in Northampton, Worcester, and Salem.
Absolutely. The “Pioneer Valley” (Northampton, Easthampton, and Amherst) is home to some of the most historic and well-stocked shops in New England, specializing in everything from indie rock to rare jazz.
Yes, there are dedicated year-round shops in towns like Hyannis and Dennis, with additional seasonal pop-ups and vintage dealers appearing during the summer months.
Participation varies, but most “indie-exclusive” stores in our directory order RSD titles. We recommend checking individual store profiles a week before the event to see who has confirmed their shipment.
While vinyl is the primary focus, many Bay State shops maintain large sections for CDs and cassettes, particularly those catering to the metal, punk, and hip-hop communities.
Most shops in The Record Store Directory buy used vinyl. For collections over 200 items, many dealers will travel to your home anywhere from the Berkshires to the South Shore to evaluate the lot.
If you know of a new opening or a hidden gem we’ve missed, use the “Submit a Shop“ link at the bottom of the page to help keep The Record Store Directory the most accurate resource in the state.
Most shops in Boston, Cambridge, and Somerville are easily accessible via the Red, Green, or Orange lines. Several “Commuter Rail” towns like Salem and Lowell also have shops within walking distance of the station.