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Converted from paper version of the Broad Ripple Gazette (v05n02)
Missing Link Records moves, offers new services to music lovers - by Ashlee McCann
posted: Jan. 18, 2008

After a recent move from just south of Broad Ripple to the up and coming corner of 49th and College, Missing Link Records is still going strong as a destination location for those who have a passion for music, specifically vinyl.

Owning a record store seems to be a big dream of many music enthusiasts, but to actually get that dream up and running is a different story. Rick Wilkerson, owner of Missing Link Records of Broad Ripple knows how to keep a record store going. He's been the owner of Missing Link since 1993, when they first opened on the Southside and has seen the music industry change from vinyl to mp3s.
Wilkerson recently moved Missing Link to 4905 North College Avenue, where he now only boasts approximately 20,000 pieces of vinyl for sale.
"Everyone's had to adapt in this industry. We moved to downsize and focus on a higher quality of merchandise," Wilkerson said.
Starting in 1993 meant CDs were the way of the future. Pre-internet, which brings amazon.com and ebay.com, Wilkerson dove into selling CDs as well as vinyl. But once the internet and downloading hit, he decided it was time to specialize in vinyl and indie music that is harder to find.
"Our idea was to be a place to buy new and used vinyl. We also have a large selection of indie CDs that not many others have," Wilkerson said.
With more and more options online to purchase music, Wilkerson understands there is competition. He knows you don't have to leave the comfort of your vintage sofa to get that hard to find Fugazi album. That in mind, Missing Link will be having a full online store in the next few months where everything from vinyls to t-shirts will be for sale. Missinglinkrecords.com is the page where all the merchandise will be on display and can be ordered.
"More and more is happening online. People don't have to go to the stores. I do because it's in my blood," Wilkerson said.
For those that also have music in their blood, Wilkerson is offering even more than just selling vinyls and CDs. With a brand new location, what better time to roll out some new products and features for customers? New services include a transfer service to change vinyl to CD or VHS videos to DVDs. Also, Wilkerson is debuting the service of burning and labeling CDs for local artists in several bulk sizes. To check out pricing and details on services, visit missinglinkrecords.com

4905 N. College Ave: One of the few places in the city that you can find Beethoven in a Slayer shirt.
4905 N. College Ave: One of the few places in the city that you can find Beethoven in a Slayer shirt.

Yet another specialty item Missing Link has is a whole Indiana section of albums. Anything from new to used vintage, Wilkerson has it in stock to provide for the Indiana music loving crowd.
Specializing in vinyl, Missing Link has jazz and soul to hip hop DJs and of course many punk albums from new to old. With the huge selection Missing Link has in store, there is something for every music collector. If an album is not in store, you can always check out the Missing Link Records website for an even larger selection.
"People are surprised new vinyl is being made but it's actually increased in sales since 2000. Artists like it and are releasing it a lot. Also, some records come with a CD included. Basically, two for the price of one," Wilkerson said.
This is a great shop for anyone just starting to collect vinyl or for someone who has been collecting for years. From the new records that come with CDs as well for old vinyl that are very hard to find, Missing Link has something for everyone that is passionate about music.


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