This Old-School Tennessee Record Shop Is A Treasure Trove Of Classic Albums And Rare Finds

A dog named Ziggy regularly wins employee of the month at this record shop. Her pay?

Treats, according to one of the owners.

That alone would earn a visit from me. Then you add crates of vinyl, cassette tapes, CDs, posters, and even vintage stereo gear.

This East Tennessee shop mixes brand-new pressings with carefully chosen used albums. The staff will check the back for a title you’re hunting, and they’ll order it if it’s missing.

I could easily lose an afternoon flipping through the bins here.

Some people drive over an hour just to shop here. Others plan road trips around a quick stop.

Find out what makes a small music store worth that kind of mileage.

The Crates Here Hold Way More Than Your Parents’ Old Favorites

Lost and Found Records is the kind of shop that makes your to-buy list grow longer by the minute. The store sells both new and used vinyl, and the bins cover a huge stretch of music history.

Classic rock sits alongside newer releases, so a single trip can bounce between decades. The shop also prides itself on a large variety, including a strong indie music section.

That mix matters more than it sounds. A parent can grab a beloved album from high school while a teen finds a band that dropped a record last year.

The vinyl selection is the store’s biggest talking point by far. It’s the reason many music fans put this Knoxville spot on their must-visit list.

Here’s a smart way to shop. Bring a short list of albums you really want, then leave room for surprises.

Half the fun of record hunting is finding something you didn’t know existed. A wide selection like this one makes those happy accidents much more likely.

Give yourself time, though. Rushing through these crates feels a little like speed-reading a great novel.

Used Records That Actually Look Loved, Not Wrecked

Nobody wants to bring home a scratched album that sounds like bacon frying. Thankfully, this shop is known for skipping the beat-up stuff when it comes to used vinyl.

Vintage albums here come with care built in. That makes the used section a safe bet for beginners who don’t yet know how to judge a record’s condition.

One staff member, John, has a reputation for going the extra mile. When the store has more than one copy of an LP, he’ll inspect them to help you pick the best one.

That kind of attention is rare in a big-box world. It turns buying a used album into something closer to getting advice from a friend who knows music cold.

Here’s a helpful tip for any used record. Hold it at an angle under light and look for deep scratches or warping.

Also check the sleeve for water damage or heavy wear. Even at a careful shop like this, a quick look teaches you a lot.

Better yet, just ask. The folks behind the counter clearly enjoy talking about the records they sell.

Cassettes, CDs, And Stereo Gear Get Their Moment Too

Cassette tapes are having a comeback, and this store is ready for it. The tape selection gets plenty of attention from music fans who love that chunky, rewind-and-play charm.

CDs are on the shelves as well. So if your car still has a disc player, you’re in luck.

Then there’s the hardware. The shop carries some vintage stereo equipment, and at least one happy shopper walked out with a tape deck.

That’s a big deal for anyone building a home setup. Finding old gear in good shape can feel like chasing a unicorn across a parking lot.

Posters round out the mix too. A fresh band poster on the wall makes a bedroom or office feel instantly cooler.

Here’s practical advice if you’re eyeing equipment. Ask questions about how it works and what you’ll need to connect it at home.

Old stereo gear sometimes needs specific cables or speakers. A quick chat can save you a frustrating evening of unplugging and replugging.

Either way, it’s nice to see a store that treats every format with respect. Music doesn’t care how it’s stored.

Meet The Furry Staff Who Steal Every Shift

Ziggy might be the most popular team member on North Broadway. One owner jokes that she earns employee of the month regularly and gets paid in treats.

Shoppers have also met Bear, a senior golden retriever. Honestly, it’s hard to stay focused on album hunting when a golden wants attention.

The furry welcome doesn’t stop at the staff. The store is pet-friendly, so your own dog may be able to tag along on the record hunt.

That makes the shop a fun stop for animal lovers. It also gives the place a relaxed, homey feel that big chain stores just can’t copy.

And there’s one more resident worth a look. A fish tank holds a clownfish named Nemo, which seems like the only correct name.

A quick tip for bringing your pup along. Keep them on a leash and watch tails near low bins of albums.

Records are sturdy, but excited wagging can still knock things around. A calm dog makes the visit easier for everyone, including Ziggy.

Bring a little patience for belly rub breaks. They seem to be part of the experience.

Chatting About Music Is Basically Encouraged

Some stores just want you to grab your stuff and leave. Lost and Found Records seems to run on the opposite idea.

Owner Maria has shared that some of her favorite records came from chatting with customers. Music talk flows both ways here, and that’s refreshing.

Staff members have a reputation for being friendly and knowledgeable. They’ll recommend albums you’ve never heard of, which is how great discoveries usually start.

The owners also respect shoppers who like browsing quietly. They’ll let you know they’re available, then give you room to dig.

So how do you get the best recommendations? Mention a few albums you already love and ask what sounds similar.

Be specific if you can. Saying you like a certain singer’s voice or a band’s guitar sound gives them much more to work with.

You might leave with a record that becomes your new favorite. Or at least a fun story about why you bought it.

Either way, the conversation feels like part of the purchase. That’s the kind of thing online shopping still can’t do.

Can’t Find That One Album? They’ll Go Looking

Every music fan has a white whale. Maybe it’s an out-of-print album or that song you heard on the radio years ago.

The team here takes those hunts seriously. Staff will check inventory to see what can be brought over from stock that isn’t on the floor yet.

If the record still isn’t there, they’re happy to order it for you. That saves you hours of scrolling through online listings.

The shop also helps with hard-to-find titles in general. If staff don’t know the album right away, they’ll do their best to track it down.

Here’s how to make a special request easier. Write down the artist, album title, and any version details you care about.

Some records come in different pressings or colors. Knowing exactly what you want helps the staff find the right copy.

Out-of-town shoppers get a bonus perk too. The store has helped visitors ship their record hauls back home.

That’s handy when your suitcase is already packed tight. Nobody wants to explain a stack of vinyl at the airport.

Your Old Albums Might Find A New Home Here

Got a closet full of records you never play? This shop buys and trades, so those dusty albums could turn into store credit or cash.

Selling your music can feel a little bittersweet. One longtime shopper calls this an honest place to bring albums when it’s time to let some go.

Trust matters a lot here. You want someone who knows what a record is worth and treats you fairly.

Trading in can also keep your collection fresh. Swap out albums that no longer fit your taste and grab something that does.

Before you bring anything in, sort your records by condition. Clean, complete albums with their original sleeves usually make the best impression.

Wipe off dust with a soft cloth if needed. Don’t use harsh cleaners, since those can damage the grooves.

It also helps to know which albums mean the most to you. Keep the sentimental ones and trade the rest.

Somebody out there may be searching for exactly what you’re holding. Passing it along feels pretty good.

Record Store Day Turns This Shop Into A Party

Mark your calendar for April. Record Store Day is a big yearly celebration for independent music shops, and this store joins the fun.

The event brings special releases that you won’t find just anywhere. Collectors love it because some pressings are limited.

Owners here have built a reputation for supporting their music community. Record Store Day shows that spirit at full volume.

It’s also a great introduction for new collectors. The excitement is contagious, even if you only leave with one album.

Planning helps a lot on big days. Check the official Record Store Day release list ahead of time and pick a few favorites.

Follow the shop’s social media for updates on its plans. That way you won’t miss details about what’s coming.

Bring a backup list too. Popular limited titles can disappear quickly, so a second choice keeps the day fun.

Here’s a final tip worth remembering. Thank the staff, because special events take serious work behind the scenes in any Tennessee shop.

Plan Your North Broadway Visit Around These Hours

Finding the shop is easy once you know where to look. Lost and Found Records sits at 3710 N Broadway, Knoxville, TN 37917.

It’s on a main road north of downtown. That makes it a simple stop if you’re passing through East Tennessee.

Hours are friendly for most schedules. The store opens at 11 AM Monday through Saturday and at 1 PM on Sunday.

Closing time is 7 PM Monday through Thursday and 8 PM on Friday and Saturday. Sunday wraps up earlier, at 6 PM.

Weekday afternoons give you more breathing room for slow browsing. Weekend evenings are great for an after-dinner music hunt.

Before you leave, look for little extras with your purchase. The shop hands out bumper stickers, and one fan proudly stuck his on a fridge.

There’s also a store-branded turntable mat. It’s a fun souvenir for anyone spinning records at home.

The space isn’t huge, but it’s well organized and easy to explore. Give yourself at least an hour here.

Your wallet may protest, but your ears won’t.