Music Inn New York
Instruments, custom & stock
Geoffrey from New York
In 1958, around the time Bob Dylan was shadowing Karen Dalton in the West Village while folk music ascended in popularity, The Music Inn opened its doors. From the get-go, Jeff Slatnick was part of the Music Inn scene too, hanging there Saturday afternoons while a high school student in Newark. Time passed, Jeff went to India for seven years of sitar study with Ali Akbar Khan, moved to San Francisco where he hung with Black Panthers, with Chuck Berry, opened on sitar for Sly and the Family Stone, and while returning to New York via St Louis re-met Chuck both there and again in New York.
Several instances of being in the right place at the right time led Jeff to the present day and his role as a shop owner, teacher of Classical Indian sitar, instrument inventor, designer and maker, repairer (even of darabukas), player of stringed instruments, a seller of all, including percussive instruments and vinyl records. And, producer: on Thursday nights, beginning 7 pm, he hosts an open mike for rising stars.
This shop is similar in style to the Red Caboose, one of the pre-eminent railroad hobbyist stores in North America. Upstairs and downstairs there's stuff everywhere, hardly any two pieces alike. Beauty abounds on every hand whether you're noticing the quality of wood, brass, stainless steel, shape of instruments, suppleness of hide, or uniqueness of purpose.
Interesting video, and here are some of the recognizable, unnameable instruments hanging on his walls: Balafone, L'oud (Lute), Charango, Dutar, Dirube.
New York Spotter Geoffrey
About this spot
Our New York City Guide
Find your way with 308 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Loved it? Join us!
Loved this Spot?Join your international community. Share your favs and become part of our international community!
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in New York
1166 Sixth Avenue
Lichenstein & Otterness
In the lobby of 1166 Avenue of the Americas in NYC hang some significant tapestries by Lichtenstein & a large bronze homage to capitalism by Otterness...
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Subway Nostalgia
Vintage subway train excursions
The MTA in NYC offers subway "nostalgia rides" during the summer months on old cars from the '30s and '40s. Book your ticket now!
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Teranga
Senegalese food at the Africa Center
"Teranga" in New York City, in the Africa Center, is a restaurant as well as a library. It feels musical and maintains a feeling of communal comfort...
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
S&P Lunch
1928 Lunch Counter
S&P Sandwich Shop, opened in 1928, serves Jewish classics like matzoh ball soup and latkes in a nostalgic setting that feels like stepping back in time. A must-visit!
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Dive 75
Quality trivia contests
"Dive 75" in NYC is a noteworthy sports bar for its Tuesday Night Trivia contests. Clientele is also big on board games, and the beer is relatively cheap!
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Professional Baseball
April 4 opener 2025
Games of Professional Baseball in New York doesn't just mean watching the Yankees play and paying 100s of dollars: watch a Class A game for much cheaper!
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Paris Cinema
Last single screen cinema in NYC
"Paris Cinema", est. 1948, is the last single screen cinema in NYC today; what irony that it was saved from closing by Netflix itself...
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Gray's Papaya
Traditional NY hot dogs
"Gray's Papaya" in New York equals classic hot dogs. This place has been here at least 45 years, and it's easy to see why. Great people-watching spot too.
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Revson Fountain
Lincoln center
"Revson Fountain" at the Lincoln Center in NYC is one of the results of the renovation that started in 2006. It's spectacular and a must-see!
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Rubenstein Atrium
Lincoln Center free concerts
"Rubenstein Atrium" in New York's Lincoln Center has a free performance every Thursday night. I recommend you try to arrive around 18:30 to catch a seat.
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
La Casa Bella
Bay Ridge Italian
The White Clam Sauce linguine is classic. So much is served that what can’t be eaten on the spot can be taken home and easily reheated the next day,
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Heading to New York?
308 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
Heading to New York?
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 308 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
City guides by those who know the city in and out!
Our Locals' Favorite New York
Our team loves New York
Get to know our other Spotters from New York
As featured on:
