Harvest Records

Electronic record selection: 4/5 (very good, 2 bins new, 2 bins used, playing Basic Channel when I walked in) (I like to review record stores, but all record stores deserve 5 stars unless something awful happens, as records are cool, music is great, and my tastes don't make me a good objective reviewer of selection anyway.) Harvest is Asheville's all-around most "legit" record shop, and the one I'd pick to visit. Great balance of new versus used, friendly staff, and a very good collection.

If you’re ever in Asheville, NC- make sure you head to @harvestrecordsavl ! In January, I went there with very little knowledge about what I needed and Annalise (I think that’s her name?) shared some knowledge with me about the used turntables they had available. I ended up going with the Numark TT-1700. It’s my first one and I LOVE it. Every time I go to Harvest Records, every single person working there is so lovely, helpful, and kind. I went to the store yesterday to ask them about a hundred questions because today was going to be my first Record Store Day. They were (as always) patient, helpful, and kind. I got really anxious last night and ended up getting there at 9PM because I REALLY wanted the Em Beihold record and knew they only had one copy. This morning, the Harvest Records folks brought free coffee to everyone waiting in line. I don’t drink coffee, so they were kind enough to heat me up some water in their coffee maker for hot cocoa. I haven’t slept in about 26 hours so I’m not sure exactly how long before 10AM (their opening time today) it was, but Annalise came to the door and invited me to come into the store alone. They all knew by that point that I had been there since 9PM and really wanted Egg in the Backseat, so they told me exactly where it was. Then they asked what else I was looking for and went and got those items for me and brought them to me. It was the most special shopping experience I have ever had in my life. I’ve been into a few other record stores and the employees are never nearly as kind. I know every time I walk in the door at Harvest Records that I will be treated with dignity and respect, even when I don’t have a lot of knowledge about what I’m asking about. As a neurodivergent person with PTSD and multiple other diagnoses that can make even simple tasks daunting, the Harvest folks’ kindness and patience is always very appreciated. Harvest Records is the BEST and you should absolutely give them your business! If I could give them a million stars, I would.

I purchased a new defective record there, took it to exchange it and the woman that worked there did not believe me that it didn't sound right. The record did not function properly and it was visibly very warped. She listened to one of the four sides for no more than 5 seconds and told me she didn't think it sounded bad. I've owned that CD for over 20 years and have listened to it probably a thousand tines and I am a 1000% sure the record did not sound right. I felt like I was in the Twilight zone, she was so rude unprofessional and just downright nasty. I would absolutely never go to this place again and I would advise everyone else the same.