The Early Music Shop Reviews 

1,074
TrustScore 4.5 out of 5

4.7

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Review summary

Created with AI, based on recent reviews

Evaluating 434 reviews, reviewers overwhelmingly had a great experience with this company. Customers consistently praise the high quality of products, often finding unique instruments and parts hard to source elsewhere, alongside excellent service with smoothly processed and quickly delivered orders. Helpful staff and an efficient ordering process ensure items arrive safely and in perfect condition, often sooner than expected. Conversely, a small portion of people felt that some orders experienced significant shipping delays, with items not sent for weeks or arriving past the expected timeframe. Additionally, a few customers noted insufficient packaging, leading to damaged items, or received products that did not meet their quality expectations.

What people talk about most

Product

Reviewers mention positive feedback about product quality, with many describing items as first-class and in... See more

Delivery service

Users describe positive interactions with delivery service, frequently highlighting speedy and prompt... See more

Quality

Customers consistently note positive experiences with quality, praising instruments and products for being in... See more

Service

Customers had positive experiences with service, describing it as faultless, first-class, and beyond... See more

Order

Consumers generally find the ordering process to be positive, highlighting easy navigation and good advice... See more

Reviews shaping this summary

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I bought a Fipple recorder as part of my campaign to keep arthritic fingers moving. It’s great. Makes a good sound but best of all the holes at the foot of the instrument are perfectly placed for my... See more

Company replied

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

They carry more obscure parts and instruments that are hard to get from other places. The delivery took a bit longer than expected, but that might be just because of the current global crises, so can'... See more

Company replied

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I got in contact with The Early Music Shop and was put through to the Snape Maltings branch. The member of staff (I think her name was Esther) was fantastic! She went above and beyond to check the rec... See more

Company replied

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

The recorder bag I bought was exactly as described and fits all my recorders snugly. Shipping from the UK was reasonable, and the package arrived quickly. I would buy from this company again. I... See more

Company replied


Company details

  1. Music Store
  2. Musical Instrument Rental Service
  3. Musical Instrument Repair Shop
  4. Musical Instrument Store
  5. Sheet Music Store
  6. Used Musical Instrument Store

Written by the company

The Early Music Shop is the largest source of historical musical instruments worldwide. We are an independent music shop specialising in Early Music instruments, accessories and printed music. Our expert staff have years of experience helping you to find the perfect instrument for you!


Contact info

4.7

Excellent

TrustScore 4.5 out of 5

1K reviews

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Asks customers to review

This company invites their customers to review, whether positive or negative

Replied to 78% of negative reviews

Typically replies within 1 month

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4.7

All reviews

(1,074)

417 reviews in the last 12 months

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Companies on Trustpilot aren't allowed to offer incentives or pay to hide reviews. Reviews are the opinions of individual users and not of Trustpilot. Read more

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Recorder servicing

Prompt return of recorders on completion of work with excellent packaging for postal service

24 February 2026
The Early Music Shop logo

Reply from The Early Music Shop

Thank you, glad we were able to help with your recorder servicing requirements.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

They were beyond helpful

They were more than helpful with my order after it was labeled as “returning back to the sender” . As a University student with clinical anxiety I am really grateful for their opacity during the progress, when I wasn’t able to track the packages movements. They were quick to reply my emails, plus their packaging was amazing either. As a person who had experience with different stores in multiple countries across Europe and Asia I can say that their service was beyond ordinary. I am looking forward for my next orders.

28 February 2026
Unprompted review
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Reply from The Early Music Shop

Thank you for your kind words - we’re glad we could help get everything sorted and keep you updated along the way. Postal adventures aren’t always predictable, but we’re always happy to keep an eye on things and step in when needed. Do let us know if we can help with future purchases.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Prompt deliver of my Kunath tenor…

Prompt deliver of my Kunath tenor recorder to Australia. I was able to track the delivery most days.

23 February 2026
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Reply from The Early Music Shop

Great news, thank you for your feedback. Enjoy your instrument!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Consistently good.

I first bought an instrument from the Early Music shop in the Autumn of 1975. They have been consistently good & helpful throughout the 50 years since.

23 February 2026
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Reply from The Early Music Shop

This is so lovely to hear, thank you very much for sharing. We're delighted that you've been visiting us for the last 50 years!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Great.

My recorder arrived just two days after I ordered it, all present and correct. (Love the recorder by the way).

23 February 2026
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Reply from The Early Music Shop

Glad you love the recorder, it's a beautiful instrument. Enjoy!

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

Good and affordable modern/Renaissance instrument

The EMS website does not explain the difference between the two series of Dream recorders, apart from the type of wood (and neither does the Mollenhauer website).

This is an excellent instrument for the price, and easy to play. (My other soprano of this type is an Eagle Ganassi.) Do bear in mind this is more of a Ganassi/Renaissance instrument with a larger bore. Sounds great and the volume is higher. So good for solo and when playing in a band. But if you try it in a consort with Baroque recorders you'll get some funny looks from the other players.

23 February 2026
The Early Music Shop logo

Reply from The Early Music Shop

Thank you for your review and for sharing your experience with the Dream recorder. We’re delighted to hear that you’re enjoying the instrument.
You also make a fair point about the differences between the two Dream series not being clearly explained on the website. We’ll certainly take that feedback on board and look at how we can make this clearer for customers in the future.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Exceptional customer service for international orders!

I live in Hong Kong and recently ordered "Baroque Recorder Anthology 3" from this store. There was a small mix-up with the initial shipment, and I received the Renaissance edition by mistake. However, the way they handled it was perfect.

I emailed them about the error, and they responded very promptly. They immediately sent out the correct book free of charge and didn't even require me to go through the hassle of returning the wrong one. The correct book arrived today in perfect condition. Mistakes happen, but it's how a company fixes them that matters. I am very impressed with their honesty and efficiency. Highly recommended!

23 February 2026
The Early Music Shop logo

Reply from The Early Music Shop

Thank you for your kind review. We’re very sorry for the initial mix-up, but we’re delighted to hear that everything was resolved quickly and that the correct book reached you safely in Hong Kong.
Our team always aims to put things right when mistakes do occur, so it’s good to know our service met your expectations. Thank you again for your support, and we hope you enjoy the anthologies (both of them)!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Excellent service

I was very pleased with the instrument I purchased which arrived extremely quickly. I would certainly purchase from them again.

19 February 2026
The Early Music Shop logo

Reply from The Early Music Shop

Great to hear this, glad we were able to help! Enjoy your purchase.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Good products

Good products, fast delivery.

20 February 2026
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Reply from The Early Music Shop

Great to hear this, thank you!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Quick service

The service was quick, even considering the horrible weather. The music arrived in perfect condition. I look forward to buying from them again. 5 stars!

20 February 2026
The Early Music Shop logo

Reply from The Early Music Shop

Thank you very much - we aim to deliver, whatever the weather! We look forward to welcoming you back.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Lovely Sopranino recorder

Lovely Sopranino recorder - delivered quickly and a really nice sound. Very happy with this beautiful little instrument.

18 February 2026
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Reply from The Early Music Shop

Thank you - enjoy!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Delivery was timely, good selection.

Delivery was timely, and in good condition. Good selection of instruments. Was able to get a better alternative to the Yamaha recorderwith much nicer sound for only $30 more.

18 February 2026
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Reply from The Early Music Shop

This is great feedback, thank you. We're glad you found the right instrument for you.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Buying an expensive instrument remotely—made easy and stress-free

Buying a very expensive instrument remotely can be incredibly stressful—so many details, so much trust involved, and you want everything handled perfectly. Alfie at The Early Music Shop made the whole process smooth from start to finish.

Communication was fast, clear, and genuinely friendly, and every question I had was answered with professionalism and patience. I always felt informed and reassured at each step.

If you’re considering a serious purchase from a distance, I can honestly say you’ll be in excellent hands here. Highly recommended.

16 February 2026
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Reply from The Early Music Shop

Thank you so much for your thoughtful review. We completely understand that making a significant purchase at any distance can feel daunting, so it’s especially lovely to hear that the process felt smooth and reassuring throughout.
Alfie will be delighted to know that his communication and care made a difference, and we'll be sure to let him know.
Thank you again for your trust and recommendation.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I appreciate the shops’ inventory and…

I appreciate the shops’ inventory and delivery from UK to Western Canada. A store that I can count on if I manage to get talented. 🙂

12 February 2026
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Reply from The Early Music Shop

We're always on hand! Much talent already, we've no doubt!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Fast

Fast, beautifully packed and not too expensive.

13 February 2026
The Early Music Shop logo

Reply from The Early Music Shop

We'll let our packers know. Thank you!

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