Top-4 of music shops in Barrington

If you’re looking for a record store in the Chicago suburbs, there’s no finer establishment than Rainbow Records. Their vinyl prices are excellent, and the range in selection is top-notch (especially punk records, of which there are many). And, of course, one can’t fully review Rainbow Records without mentioning the owner, John. He is an absolute fountain of knowledge, as friendly as they come, and you can spend almost as much time talking with him than you can browsing their selection.

If you find yourself in the northwest suburbs, or are just looking for a great resource for new and old vinyl, head out to Rainbow Records.

Great selection of vinyl… Friendly and knowledgeable employees!

Rainbow Records is hands down the best record store I’ve been to. Before stumbling upon it on the way back from a doctor’s appointment, I would either order my vinyl online or take a trip to some overpriced record stores in the city. After one visit, I can confidently say that this is where I’ll be purchasing the vast majority of my records from now on.

It’s small, but makes good use of every last square foot. There are boxes full of great records – from classic rock to jazz – and if you look hard enough, you’re bound to find a handful of steals. My first visit, I spent over an hour flipping through boxes upon boxes of records, and I could have easily spent a couple more.

I ended up walking out with an original pressing of Bowie’s Station to Station for $20, and an original pressing of My Life in the Bush of Ghost by Brian Eno and David Lynch for $10. Don’t get me wrong, not all prices are great. There were a few records that I thought could’ve been $5 to $10 cheaper, but most are priced very generously.

But pricing and selection aren’t the only reason I love Rainbow Records. One of the biggest attractions for me is its owner, John. He is one of the most knowledgeable individuals I have ever met in my life, and I’d be hard pressed to say that I’ve spoken with someone more passionate about music than he. The man truly loves what he does. I spent over a half hour talking with him about Brian Eno, The Talking Heads, Lou Reed, and the Velvet Underground. It was the most pleasant and enlightening conversation I’ve had in a record store, period.

I can’t wait for my next visit to Rainbow Records. If you’re a music junkie living in the Northwest Suburbs, I highly suggest you pay this hidden gem a visit. You’ll be glad you did.

Gotta say it looked good from the window, open Saturdays only. To be updated with in store experience

Great little vinyl shop! Took my daughter (15 yrs old) to let her browse and she found a couple Christmas albums she bought. Wonderful vibe and a place you can’t just hang out.

Nice old school record store

– Lots of product
– Super clean store.
– Unfortunately this place has a very boutique feel to it, and that includes the prices. Used records are definitely over priced.
– Could benefit from more proper/accurate labeling/organization
– Lady at the counter was more interested in her phone than anything else.

I used to go to Rainbow Records often and Loved It!!! John was incredibly knowledgeable, friendly and the place exuded the love of music. Scratched Vinyl doesn’t have that vibe; it’s more of an overpriced music boutique than a true “record store;” selling good condition used vinyl at the price you could find it new and playing music that once would expect to hear in a trendy clothing store. I really think it’s a shame that Rainbow Records’ legacy wasn’t carried on with the new ownership and location but all good things must come to an end.

I bought a trumpet from PJLA Music a PHAETON Trumpet PHT-2040 Black Chrome Onyx plated finish with 24 K Gold Plated finger buttons, top/bottom caps & water keys. I have been playing trumpet for 40 years and I have never had a better horn then this. I got it and starting playing and it played freely and was open and the horn allowed me to do as i wished with it and truly went over the top with its performance.. Thank you for my Horn!