Instead of a matching dinnerware set, a bread-maker appliance or a honeymoon, Lisa and Jake Luck got something they really wanted for a wedding present: their own record store.

"We signed the lease two days after our wedding," Lisa recalled, talking over a Funkadelic record last week at Yeti Records. "We figured it was now or never. When else would we be getting wedding money?"

Since opening their small shop in south Minneapolis four months ago, the Lucks have shown the kind of clever approach that Jake was already known for applying in his reverb-drenched psychedelic band Leisure Birds, and from being a keyboardist in Gayngs. Their niche-carving gimmicks include a mix-tape exchange program and a cared-for local section that boasts an assortment of one-of-a-kind items. Perhaps savviest of all, Yeti boasts a small lounging and play area at the front of the store with a collection of music-related toys.

"Customers are supposed to have a good time in record stores," Jake said. "These days, what's the point if it's not fun?"

Jake, 28, said the idea for the store was "one of those things you talk about like, 'Yeah, we should do that... ,' but then one day you're actually doing it." They had been storing up used vinyl for more than a year off estate sales, Craigslist, eBay, you name it. They were ready to open by early fall but had to put it off for a few weeks so Jake could join Gayngs' first tour. Running the store together allows both of them flexibility to pursue their other interests (she's also an artist).

The Lucks have indeed enjoyed a little luck since opening. They found out shortly after signing their lease that restaurant empress Kim Bartmann (Red Stag, Bryant-Lake Bowl, Barbette) plans to open a new gastropub called Pat's Tap next door, all near the corner of Nicollet Avenue and 35th Street that also already boasts the popular B-Squad vintage shop.

Jake's musical property value has also risen in that time, following Totally Gross National Product's release of Leisure Birds' debut album, "Copper Scroll," and especially since Gayngs' ascent. The all-star band returns to First Avenue on Sunday (see page 14) and has been working on a second album. Said Jake, "Nobody in Gayngs really knows what's going on besides Ryan [Olson], but it's been so much fun, we're all up for anything."

Ironically or not, neither Gayngs' nor Leisure Birds' albums were among the bins at Yeti Records last week, a fact that underscores the store's focus on rare and/or used items. Still, you would think the bands' labels could deliver a few copies -- at least as a late wedding present.