The Early Music Shop Reviews 

1,071
TrustScore 4.5 out of 5

4.7

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Review summary

Created with AI, based on recent reviews

Evaluating 436 reviews, reviewers overwhelmingly had a great experience with this company. Customers consistently praise the excellent quality and wide variety of products, finding them suitable for their specific needs. Many highlight prompt and secure delivery, with items often arriving sooner than expected and well-packaged. The service is also frequently described as excellent, with helpful staff ensuring a smooth ordering process. However, some customers also noted issues with delivery delays, orders not being shipped, or items arriving damaged or not as described. Additionally, a few reviewers were not happy with communication regarding order status or product availability, leading to uncertainty.

What people talk about most

Product

Reviewers highlight positive aspects of product quality, with many describing items as first-class,... See more

Delivery service

Clients share positive opinions on delivery service, with many reviewers highlighting prompt and timely... See more

Quality

Reviewers mention positive feedback about quality, with many customers expressing satisfaction with the... See more

Service

People report positive experiences with service, often describing it as first-class, excellent, and beyond... See more

Order

Customers consistently note positive experiences with order processing, highlighting prompt handling and... 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

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

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


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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1-star

Asks customers to review

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

Replied to 75% of negative reviews

Typically replies within 1 month

How this company uses Trustpilot

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4.7

All reviews

(1,071)

445 reviews in the last 12 months

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Rated 5 out of 5 stars

The ordering of the tenor recorder was…

The ordering of the tenor recorder was easy. And the delivery was on time and the recorder in perfect condition. I am now enjoying playing it. Thank you.

6 May 2026
The Early Music Shop logo

Reply from The Early Music Shop

So glad to hear this. We hope you continue to enjoy your new tenor and do let us know if we can help with anything else in the future!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Accessibly priced new instruments

Accessibly priced new specialist instruments. Prompt attention, dispatch, instrument well packed and arrived on the far side of the planet (Australia) undamaged.

5 May 2026
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Reply from The Early Music Shop

Always very good to hear that the instruments travel well - thank you! Enjoy playing.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I got my first full-size harp from The Early Music Shop…

I contacted The Early Music Shop because I wanted to buy a full-sized harp. I phoned the shop and the gentleman I spoke to was so helpful. He offered to have the harps tuned up ready for my visit. When I arrived I was greeted warmly and he set me up in a private room so that I could play the Salvi Mia harp I was most interested in. He also brought in a couple of other harps for me to test out. I was over the moon with the Salvi Mia and I was delighted that I was able to take the harp home with me. He even carried the harp out to my car and secured it in the back seat with the seat belts. The service I received from first phone call to purchase was excellent. I love how passionate and knowledgeable these guys are about music and a wide range of musical instruments. It really is worth a visit to support this amazing shop.

1 May 2026
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Reply from The Early Music Shop

Thank you so much for this wonderful review. We’re delighted to hear that you had such a positive experience with us, and especially pleased that you found the perfect harp in the Salvi Mia.
It was a pleasure to welcome you to the shop and give you the opportunity to try a range of instruments in a relaxed setting. We know choosing a harp is a very special and personal decision, so we always want customers to have the time and space to enjoy the experience properly.
Thank you as well for your kind words about our team, which we will pass on. Passion for music and instruments is very much at the heart of what we do, so your feedback really means a lot to us.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Putting the "Lust" in "Lust-hof"!

Putting the "Lust" in "Lust-hof"!

Each beautifully-wrapped shipment has been an absolute delight, as I endeavor to both restore and expand my music library, my recorder collection, and my love of recorder-playing.

29 April 2026
The Early Music Shop logo

Reply from The Early Music Shop

Thank you very much for your kind comments. We’re delighted to hear that your orders have been such a pleasure to receive, and it’s wonderful to know they are helping to inspire your musical journey.
We really appreciate your support and hope you continue to enjoy exploring new music and instruments with us.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Pure inspiration!

I like your on line-shop a lot. I often return to it as a really nice pastime. So far, I’ve made two purchases, but there will probably be more. Inspiring presentation of what you offer. And the videos are great! Good that you use DHL for the deliveries, you can always trust them. Though the purchases get a bit more expensive since I live in Sweden, it’s definitely worth it.
Karin Ödman

30 April 2026
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Reply from The Early Music Shop

Thank you so much for your lovely review, Karin. We’re delighted to hear that you enjoy browsing the shop. We always hope the website feels inspiring as well as useful, so your comments about the presentation and videos are especially appreciated.
We’re also very pleased that your orders to Sweden have arrived reliably with DHL, even if the extra costs can be frustrating at times. It means a great deal to us that you feel the instruments and service are still worth it. We look forward to welcoming you back again soon!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Best quality items

I ordered some strings for my rubab, the quality is very good. Genuine things!

27 April 2026
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Reply from The Early Music Shop

Great to hear this, thanks for letting us know!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Excellent Customer Service

I got great service from the Early Music Shop. Mr Buckley was extremely helpful answering my many questions regarding the purchase of a spinet harpsichord. I was impressed by the speed and care with which the instrument was shipped. It is my dream instrument and I am very happy I found it at the Early Music Shop

5 May 2026
Unprompted review
The Early Music Shop logo

Reply from The Early Music Shop

Thank you so much for your kind review. We’re delighted to hear that you had such a positive experience purchasing your spinet harpsichord, and that Alfie was able to help with your questions along the way.
It’s good to know the instrument arrived safely and that it has become your dream instrument - comments like this truly mean a great deal to our team. We wish you many happy years of music-making with it!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Really good rosewood recorder

Really good rosewood recorder. Nice sound and professional looking. Great delivery too.

28 April 2026
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Reply from The Early Music Shop

They are beautiful instruments. Wishing you many happy years playing it!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Always a reliable service

Always a reliable service and my go to store for Recorders. Love that the product I bought had an example sound clip and a review by Sarah Jeffery/ Team Recorder. Recommend any recorder player to support The Early Music Shop

27 April 2026
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Reply from The Early Music Shop

Thank you so much for your kind words and continued support. We’re delighted to hear that the sound clips and Sarah Jeffery/Team Recorder reviews helped with your choice - we know how valuable it is to hear an instrument before buying. We really appreciate your recommendation.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

What I needed when I needed it

What I needed when I needed it, short turn around with speedy delivery.

6 April 2026
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Reply from The Early Music Shop

Glad we could be of service! Thank you for your feedback.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

New recorders

Choice, delivery, product - all delivered to my expectations. Started breaking in my soprano today! Love the sound. Kunath tenor sounds great and not so wearing on my thumb arthritis.

22 April 2026
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Reply from The Early Music Shop

Thank you very much for your kind review. We’re so pleased everything met your expectations. It’s great to hear you’re enjoying your soprano already, and that the Küng tenor is both comfortable and sounding good too. Wishing you many happy hours of playing!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

first port of call

You have a wonderful selection of instruments. There is always time to try. Expert advice. Fun dealing with you.

2 April 2026
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Reply from The Early Music Shop

Thanks so much for the lovely feedback. We’re really glad you enjoy the range and it’s always a pleasure to help!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

On line purchase of recorder.

The item was accurately described, and definitely worth its price. The shipment arrived within the time frame stated. I am very satisfied.

20 April 2026
The Early Music Shop logo

Reply from The Early Music Shop

Thanks Graham, we're glad you receive the recorder in good time. We hope you enjoy playing it!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Very efficient company

Very efficient company, great service, ordering was easy. Excellent all round.

17 April 2026
The Early Music Shop logo

Reply from The Early Music Shop

We're glad you had such a positive experience. Do let us know if we can help with anything in the future!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Very helpful when called over the…

Very helpful when called over the phone. It was a little slow getting here but not bad. The recorder I ordered is superb and I love it! A very good experience overall. Thank You.

17 April 2026
The Early Music Shop logo

Reply from The Early Music Shop

Thanks for your feedback. We're sorry it was a bit slow in arriving, but hopefully worth the wait. Hope you enjoy your instrument and do let us know if there is anything else we can help with.

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