Vinyl Record Stores in Lebanon: The Vinyl Revival

Vinyl never really died in Lebanon — older shops in Hamra and Bourj Hammoud kept selling through the digital years. The recent vinyl revival has added new specialty stores, monthly record fairs, and a community of DJs and collectors.

What's available

• New releases: 180 g re-pressings of classics, new indie releases.
• Second-hand classics: rock, jazz, soul, classical at $5–30 per record.
• Arabic and Lebanese rarities: Fairouz, Wadih el-Safi, Sabah, Ziad Rahbani.
• Imported originals: rare first pressings at premium prices.

Equipment basics

• Entry-level turntable from $200 (Audio-Technica, Pro-Ject).
• A phono pre-amp if the amplifier doesn't have a phono input.
• Decent bookshelf or floor-standing speakers.
• Record cleaning brush and cartridge cleaning brush.

Tips for new collectors

• Inspect the record under light for scratches before buying second-hand.
• Store records vertically away from heat and sunlight.
• Use inner sleeves (anti-static) — old paper sleeves scratch records.
• Discogs is the best price reference, but local prices vary.