FAIRHOPE — Wade Wellborn has a passion for music.

Nearly three decades ago, Wellborn had just finished college and was contemplating law school when a conversation with a vinyl-collecting physician would lead him to follow his dream of owning a record store.

He was so influenced by the conversation that he named the store Dr. Music Records and more than 25 years and three locations later, the moniker of Dr. Music has become his own, selling vintage records, CDs and a few component items from his store on South Section Street in Fairhope.

When Charles Strozier, manager of the local Radio Shack, contacted Wellborn about taking over ownership of the local store and turning it into Dr. Music Audio, he jumped at the chance.

“He was looking to concentrate on just the repair aspect of the business and asked me if I would like to take over the sales component,” Wellborn said.

Turns out the original owner, who was based in Mississippi, had recently died and his son, who had taken over ownership, had never even visited the store.

It was a pretty easy sell to allow Wellborn to take over ownership and Dr. Music Audio opened for business at 19551 S. Greeno Road in Fairhope.

Walking into Dr. Music Audio is like walking back in time.

The front of the store is much the same as an old Radio Shack. There is everything from batteries to power adapters, cables, CB equipment and electronic parts. Vintage record players are also featured predominantly up front for those looking to buy.

For those looking for something a little more contemporary, the store offers what Wellborn calls “black-front” audio components from the 1990s and early 2000s.

From there you step back into a sound room that was a staple in stores from the 1970s into the 90s.

“It’s not perfect,” Wellborn said. “But we were surprised at the sound quality we were able to get in here.”

Vintage stereo equipment lines the walls of the sound room where Wellborn or a member of the staff can match receivers, to player components (turntables and CD players), and speakers.

“It’s been a long time since a lot of people have heard good two-channel audio and for the younger generation, a lot of them have never heard it,” Wellborn said. “I think once they do, they will not want to go back.”

Behind that sits Stozier’s repair department, which services classic audio equipment, stereo consoles, guitar and tube amplifiers.

“When you have a shop that sells vintage audio equipment, you have to be able to maintain it and it’s essential that we have all that in one location,” Wellborn said. “And those who purchase vintage equipment need to be able to take it to someone for maintenance and repair. If someone tells you they are purchasing vintage equipment and don’t need that, they are lying.”

Dr. Music Audio is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. For more information visit drmusic123.com or email info@drmusicaudio.com. You can also check out the Dr. Music Audio and Dr. Music Records pages on Facebook and Instagram.