Rasputin Music Telegraph Avenue Berkeley
A legendary Berkeley music store offering endless aisles of new & used CDs, DVDs, video games, and collectible vinyl records.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier browsing
Rasputin Music Telegraph Avenue Berkeley
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier browsing
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A legendary Berkeley music store offering endless aisles of new & used CDs, DVDs, video games, and collectible vinyl records.
"One of the few places left to see and buy pre-digital music and memorabilia. Come and browse thru floors of music history."
Support Local Music
Buy something to help keep this music institution alive! :musical_note:
Parking Patience
Parking can be tricky; arrive early or be prepared to search. :car:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Floors of Music History
Entire store
Browse through endless aisles of new and used CDs, DVDs, video games, and collectible vinyl records.
Underground & Indie Gems
Basement
Discover a vast selection of underground, indie artists, jazz, and classic rock, especially in the basement.
Collectible Vinyl Records
Vinyl section
Hunt for rare and desirable 45s and LPs, with some hidden gems tucked away.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Support Local Music Stores
Parking Challenges
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Support Local Music
Buy something to help keep this music institution alive! :musical_note:
Parking Patience
Parking can be tricky; arrive early or be prepared to search. :car:
Record Shopping in California: Berkeley or San Francisco?
Stores on SF peninsula? (Bay Area, CA, USA)
Explore the Basement
Don't miss the basement for a huge selection of records and CDs. :arrow_down:
Check All Stacks
Desirable vinyl might be in separate stacks, so look carefully. :mag:
Tips
from all over the internet
Support Local Music
Buy something to help keep this music institution alive! :musical_note:
Parking Patience
Parking can be tricky; arrive early or be prepared to search. :car:
Explore the Basement
Don't miss the basement for a huge selection of records and CDs. :arrow_down:
Check All Stacks
Desirable vinyl might be in separate stacks, so look carefully. :mag:
Used Record Value
Expect ~40% of value back in store credit for used records. :moneybag:
CDs & DVDs Galore
Massive selection of new and used CDs, DVDs, and video games. :film_frames:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Rasputin Music is a beloved institution for its vast selection of new and used CDs, DVDs, and especially vinyl records. Visitors appreciate the opportunity to explore physical media and support a local music store. However, some find the staff less than welcoming, and parking can be a significant challenge.
"One of the few places left to see and buy pre-digital music and memorabilia. Come and browse thru floors of music history. In the age of digital streaming media, stores like this face an uphill battle just to stay afloat. Visit and buy a thing or two to support such stores."
Ton T
"Sam, the employee, he sucks. Over charged me for a cd and has no customer skills
These people like trash music on their free time.
Endless amounts of music and cinema. Giant selections of anything you want. I found Norwegian black metal for cheap"
Masked Maniac Reviews
"I sold some used records and got ~40% of the value back in terms of what I spent on them. This was for store credit.
This location is better than the Pleasant Hill one.
They have a solid selection of used records.
Staff aren’t the warmest, but definitely better than the PH location. Worst part about this place is finding parking."
Jesús Salas
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Rasputin Music is located on Telegraph Avenue in Berkeley, a vibrant street easily accessible by public transport. The nearest BART station is Downtown Berkeley, a short walk away. Many bus lines also serve the area. Parking can be challenging, so consider public transit if possible.
Parking near Rasputin Music can be difficult, especially during peak hours. There are some street parking options and nearby parking garages, but they can fill up quickly. Visitors often mention this as a drawback.
From San Francisco, you can take BART directly to Downtown Berkeley station. From there, it's a short walk to Rasputin Music on Telegraph Avenue. This is often the most convenient option to avoid parking hassles.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no admission fee or ticket required to enter Rasputin Music. You can freely browse the extensive collection of music and media.
Rasputin Music typically opens in the morning and closes in the evening. It's advisable to check their specific hours before your visit, as they can vary.
Yes, Rasputin Music buys used records and CDs. However, be aware that you'll likely receive about 40% of the item's value in store credit.
While not always advertised, keeping an eye out for in-store promotions or asking staff might reveal special offers. Supporting local stores like this is encouraged.
🎫 🎶 Music & Media
Rasputin Music boasts an incredibly diverse selection, including classic rock, jazz, Norwegian black metal, underground/indie artists, and much more. You can find almost anything you're looking for.
Absolutely! Rasputin Music offers a substantial collection of both new and used vinyl records, including 45s and LPs.
Rasputin Music also carries a wide array of DVDs, video games, and other physical media, making it a comprehensive stop for entertainment collectors.
Many visitors find the Berkeley location to be better than the Pleasant Hill branch, with a solid selection of used records and a more positive staff experience.
Yes, Rasputin Music is known for its collectible vinyl and a vast selection that can include rare finds. It's worth exploring all sections carefully.
🎫 🛍️ Shopping Experience
Rasputin Music offers a nostalgic experience, reminiscent of a bygone era of music retail. It's a place to browse and discover, with a vast collection that can feel overwhelming in the best way.
Staff experiences can vary. While some reviews mention staff not being the warmest, others find them adequate. One specific employee, Sam, has been noted for poor customer service.
For music lovers, Rasputin Music is an excellent place to find unique gifts. The sheer variety of CDs, vinyl, and DVDs means you're likely to find something special.
While generally well-stocked, some visitors note that organization can be a bit confusing, with desirable titles sometimes placed in separate stacks away from the main sections.
Definitely. Collectors of vinyl, CDs, and DVDs will find Rasputin Music a treasure trove, with a wide range of genres and formats to explore.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
Vinyl Enthusiasts
While the store credit for selling used vinyl is around 40% of its value, it's a great opportunity to trade in records you no longer spin and find new treasures. The sheer volume means you're likely to discover something unexpected, making the hunt part of the fun.
Budget-Conscious Shoppers
If you're looking to sell items to fund your purchases, remember the store credit policy. While you won't get cash, the credit can be used to acquire more items from their vast inventory, effectively stretching your budget further.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Allure of Physical Media
The sheer volume of inventory is staggering. You can spend hours exploring the basement alone, uncovering underground artists, rare jazz recordings, and classic rock albums. The store's longevity in Berkeley has cemented its status as an institution, a place where generations have discovered new sounds and revisited old favorites. Supporting Rasputin means supporting the preservation of this tangible connection to music.
Navigating the Collection
When considering selling your own used records or CDs, be prepared for the store credit offer. Visitors report receiving approximately 40% of the item's value in store credit, which can then be used to purchase other items from their extensive inventory. This trade-off allows you to refresh your collection while supporting the store's ongoing operations.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit