Pendergraff said collecting records has been his passion since he was a kid trying to build his Beatles collection. Opening Batcave Vinyl was a way for him to share his passion with others while helping customers grow their collections, he said.
“I collect every kind of record,” Pendergraff said. “I collect all kinds of things. My thing was The Beatles and going after that coveted butcher cover. I finally acquired one last year.”
Over the last year, business at Batcave Vinyl has improved compared to previous locations, he said. The store receives regular customers who are building their collections and new customers who want to find something by their favorite artist.
Pendergraff takes pride in the diversity of records in his store. While many stores offer specific genres, Batcave Vinyl has a little bit of everything. Fans of new music can find tracks from Billie Eilish and John Mayer, while fans of more classic hits can find tracks from Led Zeppelin, The Beatles and many artists in between.
“Like 99% of my records are original first presses,” Pendergraff said. “I don’t usually have reissues or remasters or anything like that. Younger kids have started requesting some of that stuff, though, so I order a little of it for them. Many of these limited releases are sold within the first week of arriving at Batcave Vinyl.”
While avid record collectors visit the shop, Pendergraff said he wants new collectors that are looking for something specific to come in and enjoy the collecting experience.
“For the new people, just buy what you like,” Pendergraff said. “Especially now, because a lot of the records coming out from individual artists are limited runs, and they sell out quickly. Next thing you know, those $20 or $30 records are [worth] $100. It saves a lot of trouble if you go ahead and get it before it sells out.”
In addition to collecting and selling records, Batcave Vinyl also has a collection of concert and band posters, select comic books, collectible toys, and autographs that may appeal to other types of collectors.
In the coming years, Pendergraff hopes to continue growing his collection and meeting more people who love records and music.
“December last year was awesome,” Pendergraff said. “I had people coming in all the time and I met some great people. If I could duplicate what I did last year, then it will be a good year and I hope to continue that.”
Batcave Vinyl
555 W. Bitters Road, Ste. 122, San Antonio
210-990-0071
www.batcavevinyl.com
Hours: Mon.-Fri., noon-6 p.m., Sat. 11 a.m.-6 p.m., closed Sun.
