This Low-Key Oklahoma Record Shop Holds Decades of Music History Inside

Oklahoma locals have been arguing for years about which record shop truly holds the crown for the best vinyl collection in the state, but one unassuming spot on Pennsylvania Avenue keeps pulling music lovers back for more.

Is this the ultimate treasure trove for collectors, or just another overhyped stop that tourists flock to while the real gems hide elsewhere?

Whether you’re hunting for rare pressings or just want to soak up some authentic music history, this place has sparked plenty of debates among those who know their records. The debate has lasted long enough that even longtime collectors rarely agree on a final answer.

Some swear loyalty based on selection alone, others judge by pricing, atmosphere, or the thrill of discovery. What keeps this particular shop in the conversation is not marketing or trendiness, but repetition.

People return even after saying they have already seen everything. That contradiction fuels the argument.

A Vinyl Paradise Hiding in Plain Sight

Tucked away on North Pennsylvania Avenue in Oklahoma City, Trolley Stop Record Shop doesn’t scream for attention with flashy signage or modern storefronts. Walking through the doors feels like stepping into a time capsule where every corner whispers stories of music legends and forgotten classics.

Rows upon rows of vinyl records stretch across the space, stacked high and deep, creating a maze that collectors dream about exploring. The sheer volume of inventory is staggering, with thousands of albums waiting to be discovered by anyone willing to dig through the stacks.

Owner John Dunning has spent over a decade curating this collection, transforming what started as an antique venture into a full-blown music mecca. His knowledge runs deep, and he can answer questions about obscure pressings without needing to Google a single fact.

Beyond the main displays, boxes and crates overflow with unsorted treasures tucked under tables and along walls. Some visitors spend hours sifting through these hidden gems, never quite sure what rarity might surface next.

The shop’s cash-only policy and old-school vibe keep things refreshingly analog in a digital world.

The location itself feels intentional, almost like a filter that rewards people who are actually looking. First-time visitors often underestimate the scale until they are already inside.

The longer you stay, the more the space seems to expand. What initially feels cluttered slowly reveals its logic. By the end, most people realize they barely scratched the surface.

Address: 1212 N Pennsylvania Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73106

Decades of Music History Under One Roof

Forget trying to browse this place in an afternoon. Trolley Stop houses such an extensive collection that even regulars claim they discover something new with every visit, no matter how many times they’ve combed through the aisles.

From classic rock legends to obscure jazz recordings, the genres span every era and style imaginable. You’ll find everything from 33s and 45s to 78s, cassettes, CDs, and even reel-to-reel albums for the truly dedicated audiophiles.

Music memorabilia covers the walls, with vintage posters, songbooks, and sheet music adding layers of nostalgia to the atmosphere. Buttons, collectibles, and other ephemera create a visual feast that transports visitors back through decades of musical evolution.

What makes this shop truly special is how it preserves formats that many modern stores have abandoned entirely. Finding new old stock singles with original jukebox title strips still tucked inside the sleeves is a thrill that keeps collectors coming back.

The selection isn’t just broad but also surprisingly deep within specific genres, making it a goldmine for anyone chasing down particular albums or completing their collections. Oklahoma’s music history lives and breathes in these stacks.

The collection reflects personal accumulation rather than wholesale buying. Certain eras feel unusually well represented, hinting at years of focused sourcing.

You can trace changes in music formats simply by moving from one section to another. The store does not prioritize trends, which allows older formats to coexist naturally. That continuity is rare even among specialty shops.

Fair Prices That Won’t Break the Bank

One of the biggest surprises for first-time visitors is discovering that Trolley Stop doesn’t gouge collectors with inflated prices. Many reviews praise the shop for offering rates well below market value, especially compared to other record stores in Oklahoma.

Bargain hunters regularly walk away with armfuls of albums for twenty bucks or less, uncovering deals that seem almost too good to be true. The shop’s pricing philosophy focuses on moving inventory and getting music into the hands of people who’ll appreciate it.

New old stock singles often sell for just three dollars, complete with their original sleeves and strips. Compared to online marketplaces where similar items fetch premium prices, these deals feel like striking gold.

While some albums remain unpriced and require asking the owner for a quote, most customers find the final numbers reasonable once they engage in conversation. The cash-only system means no credit card fees eat into your budget either.

Bringing cash also opens doors for negotiation, especially if you’re buying multiple items or building a substantial collection. The owners appreciate serious collectors and often work with them to ensure everyone leaves happy with their haul.

The pricing creates a sense of trust that keeps people digging longer. Shoppers do not feel rushed into decisions by fear of inflated costs.

That freedom encourages exploration rather than comparison shopping. Many locals say the prices are why they keep coming back instead of ordering online. The experience feels cooperative instead of transactional.

Friendly Owners Who Know Their Stuff

John Dunning and his wife run Trolley Stop with a warmth that turns casual browsers into loyal regulars. Their friendly demeanor creates an inviting atmosphere where questions are welcomed and music conversations flow naturally.

John’s expertise is legendary among visitors, with an encyclopedic knowledge of music history that impresses even the most seasoned collectors. He can identify pressings, discuss label variations, and share stories about artists without ever needing to consult reference materials.

Staff members are equally helpful, always ready to assist customers in tracking down specific albums or navigating the massive inventory. Their genuine passion for music shines through in every interaction, making the shopping experience feel personal rather than transactional.

When John isn’t in the shop, employees can text him photos of records customers are interested in, and he’ll call back with pricing. While this system occasionally requires patience, it demonstrates the personal attention given to every sale.

The couple’s background in antiques adds another layer of expertise to their operation. They understand value, condition, and collectibility across multiple categories, which translates into better buying and selling experiences for customers throughout the state.

Conversations here tend to turn into stories rather than sales pitches. Questions often lead to unexpected recommendations instead of upselling.

The owners treat curiosity as a sign of seriousness, not inexperience. Their willingness to pause and explain sets the tone for the entire shop. It feels like knowledge is shared, not guarded.

An Antique Shop Connection Adds Extra Charm

Trolley Stop isn’t just about music. The shop connects to an antique store that expands the treasure-hunting experience beyond vinyl and into vintage collectibles of all kinds.

Comics, movies, and various antiques fill the back sections, creating a hybrid shopping experience that appeals to multiple interests. You might walk in looking for a Beatles album and walk out with a vintage poster or a rare comic book too.

This dual nature reflects John’s long history as an antique dealer before fully diving into the record business. His eye for quality and value extends beyond music, making every corner of the space worth exploring.

The antique side showcases some of John’s personal collections on the walls, offering glimpses into decades of careful curation. These displays add character and authenticity that chain stores simply cannot replicate.

For families visiting together, the variety keeps everyone engaged. While one person digs through jazz records, another might browse vintage toys or retro memorabilia.

It’s a destination that offers something for multiple generations, making it a perfect stop for a weekend outing in Oklahoma City.

The antique connection reinforces the sense that the store grew organically. Nothing feels added simply to increase foot traffic.

The overlap between music and collectibles feels natural rather than forced. Visitors often find themselves browsing areas they did not plan to explore. That drift is part of the appeal.

Live Music Events and Community Vibes

Beyond selling records, Trolley Stop hosts live music events that bring the community together. The shop features a stage where local artists and touring musicians perform, creating an intimate venue atmosphere that music lovers crave.

These events transform the space from a retail shop into a cultural gathering spot where people connect over shared musical passions. Attending a show here feels like being part of something special, a secret that only those in the know get to experience.

The live music mentions in customer reviews highlight how important these events are to the shop’s identity. They’re not just selling music history but actively creating new memories and supporting artists in the process.

Dogs wandering through the store add to the laid-back, welcoming vibe that defines Trolley Stop. This pet-friendly policy makes the space feel more like a community hangout than a sterile retail environment.

Regular customers talk about the shop like it’s a second home, a place where they can spend hours without feeling rushed or pressured to buy. That sense of belonging keeps people returning week after week, year after year, building relationships that extend beyond simple transactions.

The events blur the line between audience and performer. Musicians and customers often mingle before and after shows.

The space encourages listening rather than spectacle. Regulars talk about performances long after they happen. It reinforces the idea that the shop is still actively contributing to music culture.

A Treasure Hunt That Rewards Patience

Shopping at Trolley Stop requires a different mindset than browsing organized chain stores. The inventory’s sheer volume and somewhat chaotic organization mean you need to embrace the hunt rather than expect instant gratification.

Stacks of records sit on floors and under tables, many unsorted and waiting for someone to take the time to explore them. Critics might call it disorganized, but collectors see it as an adventure where the next bin could hold that elusive album they’ve been chasing for years.

Multiple CD sections organized alphabetically without clear distinctions between them can feel confusing initially. However, regulars learn the layout through repeated visits and develop their own strategies for navigating the space efficiently.

The shop rewards those who invest time and energy into the search. Quick in-and-out shoppers might leave frustrated, but dedicated diggers consistently uncover incredible finds that make the effort worthwhile.

Bringing cash is essential since card payments aren’t accepted, though an ATM is available on-site. This old-school approach fits perfectly with the shop’s overall vibe and keeps transactions simple.

For anyone serious about building a vinyl collection in Oklahoma, Trolley Stop represents an essential destination worth visiting repeatedly.

The lack of strict order changes how people shop. Instead of scanning quickly, visitors slow down and commit.

Small discoveries build momentum rather than fatigue. Many collectors say their best finds came late in the visit, not early. The store rewards endurance more than efficiency.