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
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Review summary
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Reviews shaping this summary
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
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
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
- Music Store
- Musical Instrument Rental Service
- Musical Instrument Repair Shop
- Musical Instrument Store
- Sheet Music Store
- 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
The Early Music Shop, Salts Mill, Victoria Road, BD18 3LA, Shipley, United Kingdom
- +44 1274 288100
- hello@earlymusicshop.com
- earlymusicshop.com
4.7
Excellent
1K reviews
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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Good selection at reasonable prices.
29 June 2026
Reply from The Early Music Shop
Great to know - thank you.
The recorder bag I bought was exactly…
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. In fact I am already perusing other merchandise!
29 June 2026
Reply from The Early Music Shop
Thank you for letting us know, and glad the recorder bag works for your instruments. Do let us know if we can help or advise with anything else!
2 stars
The score itself is authentic and usable, but unfortunately it arrived with several dents and damaged corners because the packaging was not sturdy enough. I also had to wait almost a month for delivery, and I was surprised by the additional customs fees, which made the total cost much higher than expected. In the end, it would have been more economical to buy it locally. Overall, the product is good, but the packaging, delivery time, and unexpected extra costs were disappointing.
24 June 2026
Reply from The Early Music Shop
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We're pleased to hear that the score itself met your expectations, but we're very sorry that it arrived with damaged corners and dents. Music should always arrive in excellent condition, and we're sorry that our packaging did not provide sufficient protection on this occasion.
We also understand your frustration with the delivery time and the unexpected customs charges. Delivery times can unfortunately vary depending on destination and customs processing, and import duties or taxes are determined by the destination country's authorities rather than by us. We appreciate that these additional costs can come as an unwelcome surprise.
Your comments regarding our packaging are particularly valuable, and we will review them with our dispatch team as we are always looking for ways to improve how items are protected in transit.
Please do contact our sales team direct at hello@earlymusicshop.com so that we can try to put this right for you.
Brilliant Experience
I think that what made this experience great was that the shop kept in contact with me and regularly let me know what was going on.
26 June 2026
Reply from The Early Music Shop
Always good to hear feedback like this - thank you for sharing. We hope you truly enjoy your beautiful new instrument.
I like the tone on the instrument
I like the tone on the instrument, but found the springs attached to the keys - to be a little weak/ top easy to move out of a ligament.
Also, I would be interested in an Alto or Tenor version - in Bb?
26 June 2026
Reply from The Early Music Shop
Thank you for this feedback on the instrument you bought. Please do get in touch with our shop in Saltaire, on 01284 288100 / hello@earlymusicshop.com, and they will be able to assist with any teething problems and advise on other instruments too.
Great customer service and prompt…
Great customer service and prompt delivery! I’m very happy :)
26 June 2026
Reply from The Early Music Shop
We're happy that you're happy! We hope you enjoy your beautiful new instrument.
Reply from The Early Music Shop
Always good to hear this - thank you!
I paid 100 pounds for an express…
I paid 100 pounds for an express delivery. It's the 16th day now, and I still haven't gotten anything 😡
25 June 2026
Reply from The Early Music Shop
Hi. We're so sorry to hear that it has still not arrived as it was dispatched quickly. I have spoken to my colleagues and somebody will be in touch to help rectify the situation.
Just an all around great company
Just an all around great company. Not just a music shop but specialists.
25 June 2026
Reply from The Early Music Shop
Thank you, what a lovely comment.
Brilliant service
Brilliant service! My recorder arrived in Australia 6 days after I placed the order. Great recorder as well.
25 June 2026
Reply from The Early Music Shop
Speedy! Glad it arrived promptly. Enjoy your new instrument.
Great catalog of more obscure instruments
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't blame them. The parts I ordered came in good condition, and most likely I will be ordering again when I need more recorder related things.
25 June 2026
Reply from The Early Music Shop
Thank you for your review. We're delighted to hear you were able to find the more specialist recorder parts you were looking for, and that everything arrived safely and in good condition. We really appreciate your understanding regarding the delivery time, and we're grateful for your patience. We look forward to helping you again whenever you need us!
good communication and packaging
23 June 2026
Reply from The Early Music Shop
Thanks, this is great feedback.
Great service
I ordered some rosin for gut strings as I needed it for tomorrow EMS sent it separately so I had it in time for the Canterbury Medieval Pageant. It arrived today and I’m delighted to find that it doubles as a frog for my medieval bow!! Great service from EMS, thank you so much!!!
3 July 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from The Early Music Shop
Thank you so much for your lovely review! We're delighted we could get the rosin to you in time, and that it found a second career as a frog for your bow – that's certainly one of the more creative uses we've heard! 😄
Reply from The Early Music Shop
That's good to hear, thanks for letting us know.
Loving my new mollenhauer descant.
28 January 2026
Reply from The Early Music Shop
Ooh good, we're so pleased!
First class service all around.
18 June 2026
Reply from The Early Music Shop
Excellent to hear this. Many thanks for taking the time to give your feedback.
Good quality product fast delivery
19 June 2026
Reply from The Early Music Shop
Thanks for your feedback, glad we were able to help.
Always a pleasure to do business with…
Always a pleasure to do business with the Early Music Shop.
16 June 2026
Reply from The Early Music Shop
Likewise!
Reply from The Early Music Shop
Good to know. Thank you
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