Monkey Feet Music is a used vinyl shop in Oklahoma City that buys, sells, and trades records across rock, soul, jazz, country, and electronic genres, with inventory that rotates based on what local collectors bring in and what the shop acquires at estate sales.
The shop operates as a small, independent record store focused on used vinyl rather than new releases or reissues. Inventory skews toward 1960s through 1990s pressings, though older and newer records appear depending on what sellers offer. Unlike larger retailers or online marketplaces, Monkey Feet prices items individually based on condition, pressing details, and current demand rather than using a flat markup formula. The space functions as both a retail shop and a buying station where collectors can offload unwanted records on the spot.
The shop stocks albums across multiple genres. Rock holdings typically include classic rock LPs, punk, and indie releases. Soul and R&B sections carry Motown pressings, funk records, and 1970s and 1980s soul albums. Jazz inventory ranges from Blue Note reissues to contemporary labels. Country and Americana records are present, though not the shop's primary focus. Electronic and experimental records, including electronic music and post-punk, round out the stock.
Prices for used vinyl at Monkey Feet range from $3 to $15 for common albums in good condition to $25 and above for rare pressings, first editions, or albums in near-mint condition. A 1980s pressing of a mainstream rock album might cost $5 to $8; an original pressing of a sought-after soul record could reach $30 or more. The shop buys records at roughly 20 to 40 percent of resale value, depending on condition and demand. Bring records in playable condition with intact covers; severely damaged albums or water-warped records are typically declined or purchased at minimal value. Confirm current buying prices when visiting, as they fluctuate with market demand.
Monkey Feet is one of two long-standing independent record shops in Oklahoma City. Goro Records, also in the city, leans more heavily toward new vinyl, reissues, and a smaller used section, making it the better choice if you want current pressings or newly manufactured records. Monkey Feet prioritizes used inventory, so if you're hunting for vintage or out-of-print albums, it's the more likely source.
Online platforms like Discogs and eBay offer vastly larger selection and the ability to search by pressing or catalog number, but they lack the ability to inspect condition in person or negotiate on price. Monkey Feet's advantage is the ability to browse, handle records before purchase, and sell albums the same day without shipping or listing delays. The trade-off is a smaller inventory and limited hours compared to what online marketplaces offer.
Monkey Feet works well for collectors who want to inspect vinyl in person, sell records quickly without managing an online listing, or hunt for used albums without paying new-release prices. Browsers who enjoy the experience of flipping through crates will find value in the format. It's also suited to people buying gifts for vinyl enthusiasts, since staff can recommend albums based on genre and rarity.
The shop is not ideal if you want new releases, extensive selection in a single genre, or the convenience of shopping without leaving home. If you're looking for a specific pressing and don't want to call ahead, online searches with detailed filtering may save time.
Walk in, browse crates or shelves organized by genre. Pull albums, check the vinyl for scratches or warping, and read the cover for condition notes the shop may have marked. Ask staff about specific albums or pressings; they can often tell you about pressing history or condition details. If you want to sell records, bring them to the counter and let staff assess them. Expect the process to take 10 to 20 minutes for a moderate-sized collection.
Monkey Feet operates as an independent shop with limited hours; verify current hours before visiting, as independent record stores often adjust seasonally. Street parking is typically available in the neighborhood. The shop occupies a small storefront without dedicated parking, so arrive prepared for street parking or nearby lot access. The space is not wheelchair-accessible without prior coordination; call ahead if accessibility is needed.
Monkey Feet's role in Oklahoma City's music community rests on its position as a local, hands-on alternative to chains and online retailers, offering immediate gratification for record hunters and fair cash payouts for people clearing collections.
