I live in the US and was on a search for compositions by the Australian composer, Peggy Glanville-Hicks (20th c., not "Old Music" :-)) Ordering was easy and both Old Music and Royal Mail provided tim... See more
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My Sigo Tenor is fabulous, and I appreciate the feedback by The Early Music Shop. I initially thought that it was playing flat but I was totally wrong ! I had the head unnecessarily pulled out. Tha... See more
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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
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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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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 80% of negative reviews
Typically replies within 1 month
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Reply from The Early Music Shop
Great to know!
Plenty of ready advice
Plenty of ready advice. A great selection of recorders to suit any budget with information about each one. Delivery service excellent.
March 28, 2026
Reply from The Early Music Shop
Thank you for the positive feedback.
Fantastic All Around Experience
Easy ordering process; great variety of instock instruments; quick shipping
March 16, 2026
Reply from The Early Music Shop
Thank you!
Fabulous instrument, exceptional customer service
Alfie is a star. ⭐ His advice and guidance led me to the purchase of a fabulous bass recorder which I fell in love with the first time I played it!
March 27, 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from The Early Music Shop
We agree (and we'll let Alfie know)! Hope you continue to enjoy your recorder.
It was easy to order on the website
It was easy to order on the website. Pricing was clear, good description and prompt shipping. The tracking provided was excellent and the item arrived well within the indicated time frame to me here in Canada.
I will absolutely consider ordering from you for any future Musical purchases. Thank you !
March 16, 2026
Reply from The Early Music Shop
Thank you, we're glad to hear that it arrived with you swiftly and safely. We look forward to welcoming you back!
Reply from The Early Music Shop
We always try our best, and so good to know that your order went smoothly and arrived promptly. Thank you.
Not on the job
I have dealt with this company for about 40 years, I have found them honest and normally reliable. However this time they let me down over a stockout and failed to deliver my strings order even after 2 months. I had to chase them ... a company that was on the job would contact the customer and keep them informed of delays without having to be chased
March 13, 2026
Reply from The Early Music Shop
Thank you for your long-standing support over the years - it really does mean a great deal to us.
You’re right to expect better communication from us, and we’re sorry that on this occasion we didn’t keep you properly updated while we were waiting on stock from our supplier. We should have been in touch sooner, rather than you having to chase.
As soon as it became clear, we sent what we had available and issued a refund for the remaining items straight away, but we appreciate that the delay and lack of communication was frustrating.
Thank you for your honest feedback.
EMS has exceptional customer service!
I have always received excellent customer service from Alfie and crew at EMS, and I won an opportunity to take part in an exceptional promotion involving an EMS Heritage Six Course Lute during a 400 year celebration of Dowland and his lute compositions. My lute is a joy to play, and and a beautiful work of craftsmanship. Every time I play it, or one my wooden recorders, I am transported back in time to enjoy the music of the Medieval, Renaissance and Baroque ages. EMS is my go to shop for early instruments par excellence!
March 12, 2026
Reply from The Early Music Shop
Thanks so much for this, it is really appreciated. We’ll make sure Alfie and the team see your kind words. Delighted to hear you’re enjoying the lute and that it’s getting plenty of use. It is indeed a joyful instrument!
Thanks again for your support - we look forward to welcoming you back.
kind helpful and patient.
You were very kind, helpful and patient on the phone helping me to choose the right instrument for me.
it was a quick easy service and a good result. Thank you.
March 10, 2026
Reply from The Early Music Shop
What a lovely review to read – thank you.
Choosing the right instrument is such a personal process, so we’re really glad we could help you find something that feels like the right fit.
Wishing you lots of enjoyment with your new instrument 🎶
My Kung bass recorder restored new
My Kung bass recorder restored new. I love it thank you
March 11, 2026
Reply from The Early Music Shop
Great stuff! We’ll let Barry our technician know. Thank you for your feedback.
I ordered a new tenor recorder
I ordered a new tenor recorder. Went dine as usual. but then was wrongly-delivered. Support from customer service waas polite and helpful. |I tracked down my parcel myself, so all well
March 10, 2026
Reply from The Early Music Shop
So glad you managed to track it down and it eventually reached you safely. Enjoy your new recorder!
Great service
Easy to order. Received quickly. I had to return the item for personal reasons and this was dealt with and refunded quickly and easily.
March 9, 2026
Reply from The Early Music Shop
Glad we were able to help out with this. Do let us know if we can be of service in the future.
Reply from The Early Music Shop
All great feedback. Thank you 🙏
Order dispatched and delivered to…
Order dispatched and delivered to chosen address without problem
March 9, 2026
Reply from The Early Music Shop
Great news, thanks for letting us know.
Reply from The Early Music Shop
Thank you, very good to hear this. We will pass it onto our team!
The instrument arrived in good…
The instrument arrived in good condition.Well packed.Post was trustworthy and fast. Thank You
March 9, 2026
Reply from The Early Music Shop
Thank you for your feedback, glad the instrument arrived safely. Enjoy playing it!
The Early Music Shop provides not only…
The Early Music Shop provides not only an extensive range of items for sale but also provides very good advice - thank you.
February 3, 2026
Reply from The Early Music Shop
Glad we were able to help!
I got what I paid for!
I got what I paid for! Very happy! Ten days from London to Las Vegas not too bad!
March 4, 2026
Reply from The Early Music Shop
Great, we aim for happy customers! Glad the delivery was reasonably speedy too. Enjoy your new instrument!
Tin whistle Lir
I was glad to find the original LIR tin whistle silverplated in your shop. Arrived in Germany at my house after 5 days! Top! Thank you!
I am a little bit disappointed that there is no pouch included. And as an information for customers from Germany I had to pay 29,60€ tax.
March 13, 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from The Early Music Shop
Thank you for your kind review, we’re very pleased to hear that your LIR whistle arrived safely in Germany and that you’re enjoying it.
We’re sorry that it wasn’t clear on the website that this whistle doesn’t come with a pouch, and we really appreciate you drawing this to our attention.
Thank you as well for mentioning the import tax for customers in Germany, which is helpful for others to be aware of. We do hope you enjoy your whistle!
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