Established by husband and wife Pete and Mannie McClelland, the Hobgoblin ethos is to give beginners a chance to take up a folk instrument, provide the best for those who already play and encourage more people to discover and enjoy traditional music from all over the UK! We spoke to Hobgoblin Birmingham Manager, Mark McCabe to find out about the Brum branch.
How would you describe your shop in three words?
Acoustic Instrument Specialists
How did the business get started?
Hobgoblin Music started in 1976 in a barn in Crawley by husband and wife Pete and Mannie McClelland who still own the company now. Both folk musicians themselves, they struggled to find instruments to buy for themselves back then so decided to open a shop!
What does your shop specialise in?
Acoustic instruments from all over the world.
What additional services do you offer?
Sales, repairs, lessons and a fun experience! We also have lessons in more unusual instruments here like Banjo, Mandolin, Autoharp, Cittern and others.
What’s your favourite item for sale in the shop right now?
A 1940’s Gibson Mandolin (see image —>)
Name a favourite piece of music. (From any genre you like, absolutely no judgement!)
The Cow That Ate The Blanket!! (Traditional Irish Jig)
Do you get involved in your local community? If so, how?
We’re all gigging musicians so we’re involved in all sorts of genre’s of music between us! We sponsor local music community events so keep an eye on our pages for what’s coming up.
Visit Hobgoblin Birmingham at:
8 Priory Queensway,
Birmingham,
West Midlands,
B4 6BS
0121 212 9010