Sunbrimmer Records

Great selection, cool vibe, not an ounce of elitism or pretension usually found in record stores. Worth popping in to beef up your vinyl collection and make all your hipster dreams come true!

A friend told me about this new store in Avondale Estates. After brunch on Sunday, we drove over to Sunbrimmer Records and arrived at 12:15 PM. The store was clean, uncluttered, well lit, and was very inviting. I met the owner, Michael Tyson. He was very helpful, played a few records for me, and answered all of my questions as I’ve only recently gotten back into vinyl. While listening to one record from 1962, there was some very noticeable pops and clicks. Michael took a few dollars off the price, which was unexpected and not necessary, but I really appreciated it. He also said if I had any problems with any of my purchases, to bring them back. Michael did everything a proprietor should do to encourage a relationship with his customers, to gain their respect, and get their repeat business. And by doing so, he exceeded my expectations.
As another reviewer pointed out, his collection is varied. I bought some 1980’s pop, a 1962 Bossa Nova, and a 1960 Ella Fitzgerald. I appreciated his checkout system as well — I believe it was an iPad using the Square, Inc. service. I was able to type in my email address and get a receipt emailed to me. Very easy to use.
My only constructive criticism is that the store is relatively small compared to other stores in Atlanta. The store opened in April 2014, so I expect, over time, that his collection will grow. And, given his excellent customer service, I have no doubt this will happen. Michael is the kind of guy you just want to support. I very much look forward to returning to his store.

I feel very unhappy to post a negative review about Sunbrimmer Records. I am very big on supporting small, independent stores and I like that the owner and his family are always present. That being said, the positives about the store are a very eclectic group of releases, both new/​sealed and also used. Prices are on the higher side for many. The selection is small. The owner’s person collection. I was there on opening day about three minutes after the door opened to the public. Very much wanted to support these guys. I took some time to select some albums. When I asked the owner for the prices, he said he would get back to me in a couple days, as they had not been priced yet, but he would be happy to sell them to me. I waited. And waited. And waited. Then, a week later, I kindly texted him via Facebook to see if he had priced them. After another delay, he said he could not part with them because he was emotionally attached to the bands. Not the records themselves, but the bands. So, I assume you’ll never be able to buy a Yo La Tengo LP or a Stereolab album here. I wrote back respectfully and told him that if his business is going to be successful, he will have to let go of sentimental attachment to bands. He needs to be in full record store mode. I went back in today, hoping to buy some records. I greeted Mike. He waved and turned around, walked into the back room. When I left, I smiled and tried to exchange pleasantries. But he just said, «cya,» in a very angry way. It is my hope that he will begin to become an actual store owner and not guy some guy who decided to sell his collection and pay someone rent to do it. I will not be coming back here again. Which is sad to me. There’s only so much rooting for the underdog that one can do if treated badly. There’s plenty of other record offerings in town to choose from.

I was pleased to find this store while visiting Atlanta last week. The store was not listed on Unilocal yet so I immediately listed this place giving a quick tip!
Now back home in Chicago I am adding a wonderful review for all to read…
This is an all class, down to earth record store with something for everyone. Looking for something in particular? Let the staff know and they will keep it in mind while finding their treasure.
Go support this new Dad in his new venture!

I was very excited when I saw this place was opening. I visited in the first few days the shop was open. Mike the owner works the floor. What I like about Sunbrimmer over some over shops in town is the variety. I have varied musical tastes, but many of the record stores in Atlanta specialize in certain types of music. You can expect to find a little of everything here. And if you don’t see what you want, ask. He has a store of records offsite that won’t fit in the store.
The prices are reasonable and the customer service is pretty stellar. For example, after telling him that I like disco, Mike suggested a record because he liked it. He even told me that if I didn’t care for it once I got it home and listened, I could return it. This is an exceptional example of a business owner standing behind his products. I really like to support small businesses, and I’ve already been here three times for purchases in the month or so the place has been opened. Sadly, my friends have no interest in vinyl, and don’t understand why I bother with records when I can download music from the internet. That said, I highly recommend Sunbrimmer to audiophiles on the east side.