About us

           Folkies Music began in 2008 when the late John Leslie, and Omri Schitrit opened the shop as an extension of Accordions of London. Folkies became the leading musical instrument specialist in Kilburn, dealing with sale of all kinds of instruments and accessories, as well as repairs and restorations. 

            Kilburn had been home to more than one historical music shop, Accordions had been around since 1977 and Blanks had been around since the early 1930s. After Blanks shut down, Mr Leslie began to receive frequent requests for services outside the realm of accordions.

     Above shows Mr. Leslie in the Accordions of London van waving through the window.

     Mr. Leslie contacted Omri Schitrit, a local luthier who had been working at Blanks and together they set up Folkies Music, a place that dealt with all manner of musical instruments, books, accessories, and repairs. It was set up just around the corner from Accordions, on the Kilburn High Road.

          Kilburn has welcomed musicians for many generations, especially famous for its Irish population – and people coming from other places - who brought their music with them.

        Above shows a tapestry by local artist, Helen Delany (Electronic Sheep) featuring our shop.  

 Of course have been some historical music venues in Kilburn, such as the Gaumont State Cinema where everyone from John Coltrane to The Smiths performed – and George Formby who’s autographed banjolele lives in our shop.

          However, Kilburn’s notoriously large community of musicians did not only need venues to perform in, they inevitably required places to buy, repair, and maintain their instruments. This is where we come in.

         To this day, Folkies Music continues to support Kilburn’s musical community by providing repairs, equipment, lessons, and honest advice. A place for musicians from all walks of life, free from pretension.

Over the years we have provided service to many fantastic and notable clients including:

Bert Jansch (R.I.P),

Chrissie Hynde,

Hugh Burns,

Matty Healy (The 1975),

Daughter,

Glen Matlock (Sex Pistols),

Graham Gouldman (10cc),

Finley Quaye,

Laselles James (Boney M),

Reeves Gabriel (The Cure, David Bowie),

Wargasm,

Cassyette,

Jimmy Haynes,

General Levy,

Delroy Washington (R.I.P),

Sorry,

Swim Deep,

Razorlight,

London Grammar,

and many more.