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
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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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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
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.
5*Communication
Communication was excellent and really helpful. I received support in making decisions and my soprano recorder arrived promptly.
15 April 2026
Reply from The Early Music Shop
We're glad to hear this, thanks for letting us know. We will pass your comments onto our team!
The packaging needs to be improved
The packaging needs to be improved
The instrument was.irreparably damaged in transit.
It is very disappointing, especially given I have had no response to my email.
15 April 2026
Reply from The Early Music Shop
We’re really sorry to hear that your instrument arrived damaged, and thank you also for flagging the packaging issue; we’ll review this carefully, as instruments should always be protected well enough to withstand transit.
We’ve now picked up your email and will be responding today. As a small team, our customer service isn’t always staffed over the weekend, but we do aim to respond as quickly as possible once we’re back in.
In the meantime, please be assured that we’ll arrange a replacement instrument for you as quickly as we can and make sure this is resolved properly.
Thank you for your patience, and again, our apologies for the disappointment.
The Right Stuff in the Right Place.
15 April 2026
Reply from The Early Music Shop
Thanks so much. Great to hear everything was in the 'right' place and just as it should be. Enjoy!
I did not know what I was buying as I…
I did not know what I was buying as I am an amateur music learner. The booklet, A Chantar, was just right for me. I was especially pleased that the order came to me in the United States within a week of purchase. Will definitely order the the EMS again
Thank You
Thomas Thibeault
15 April 2026
Reply from The Early Music Shop
We’re so pleased to hear that A Chantar was just right for you - it’s a great choice, especially when you’re starting out.
It’s also good to know your order reached you in the United States so quickly. Thank you for your kind words, and we look forward to helping you again in the future!
the books shipped quickly and got to…
the books shipped quickly and got to the US safe and sound
15 April 2026
Reply from The Early Music Shop
Glad to hear they made it to the US. Enjoy!
My own Sigo Tenor Recorder at last!
I had dithered about buying a Sigo Tenor Recorder for nearly a year and then I decided to get one. It’s many years since I owned a tenor recorder but I couldn’t face the weight and stretch of my fingers so the Sigo was what I wanted. I’d never have considered any other supplier and I was not disappointed with the service. The recorder arrived very quickly and I’m delighted with it. It is relatively easy to play and I will get used to finding low C. It has a lovely tone even with me playing it. I’m so glad I bought it.
14 April 2026
Reply from The Early Music Shop
This is a lovely report on your new instrument, thank you so much for sharing it with us. The Sigo Tenors are proving very popular, and rightly so!
I wanted to order the new SIGO alto…
I wanted to order the new SIGO alto recorder. It was quick and easy to do that. However, I understand it won't be available now until June
11 April 2026
Reply from The Early Music Shop
Thanks for placing your order for the new SIGO alto - we’re glad the process itself was straightforward.
Apologies for the delay on availability; as you’ve heard, the next batch isn’t expected until June, which is frustrating when you’re keen to get started. These have been in particularly high demand, but we’ll keep you updated and make sure yours is sent out as soon as they arrive.
Excellent service from order to delivery
The ordering process was quick and straightforward and the international delivery experience was great, with almost daily updates from the Royal Mail.
13 April 2026
Reply from The Early Music Shop
Glad to hear you had a good experience, and that Royal Mail kept you well updated. Thank you for your purchase
Reply from The Early Music Shop
Thanks for your feedback - much appreciated.
Reply from The Early Music Shop
Apologies that you needed to chase, we try our very best to keep customers updated with communications, especially where delays are concerned. But we're glad you like the product, and thank you for your custom.
Very helpful and friendly
Very helpful and friendly. Expert advice in helping me to choose an instrument
11 April 2026
Reply from The Early Music Shop
Thanks for letting us know.
Reply from The Early Music Shop
Thank you for your custom!
No or very response from customer service
Their homepage is fantastic, unfortunately is their internal processes not as good. No or very slow response from their customer service. And very slow shipping of products they have in stock, despite their promise of being very fast.
9 April 2026
Reply from The Early Music Shop
Thank you for your feedback - we’re glad the website made a strong first impression, but it’s clearly frustrating that the experience didn’t carry through to service and delivery.
We’re sorry for the slow response and dispatch on items that were showing as in stock, that’s not the standard we aim for. We’re currently reviewing our internal processes to make sure communication is clearer and orders move more quickly.
If you’re happy to get in touch with your order details, we’d really like to look into what happened here and put it right.
Excellent communication and fast…
Excellent communication and fast shipping. Instrument arrived in tiptop shape.
7 April 2026
Reply from The Early Music Shop
That's good to hear, thanks for your feedback.
I got what I wanted and didn't have to…
I got what I wanted and didn't have to wait long. I was out but they left it where I asked them to. I struggle with technology so won't add more
6 April 2026
Reply from The Early Music Shop
Thank you for taking the time to leave a review, it means a lot.
I have a tuneful Giso tenor recorder
I have a tuneful Giso tenor recorder, thanks to this shop making it available for my arthritic fingers.
26 September 2025
Reply from The Early Music Shop
So pleased we were able to help. Enjoy your new instrument!
The book I bought wasn’t very well…
The book I bought wasn’t very well protected, so its corners were already damaged.
3 April 2026
Reply from The Early Music Shop
Thank you for your feedback, and I’m sorry the book didn’t arrive in better condition.
We do our best to package items securely, so it’s disappointing to hear this wasn’t the case here. If you haven’t already been in touch, please do contact us - we’d be happy to put things right.
Prompt shipping and nice products
My recorders were shipped promptly and are very nice instruments, I shall enjoy playing again.
30 March 2026
Reply from The Early Music Shop
Lovely to hear this, thank you for your comments.
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