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
While we don't verify specific claims because reviewers' opinions are their own, we may label reviews as "Verified" when we can confirm a business interaction took place. Read more
To protect platform integrity, every review on our platform—verified or not—is screened by our 24/7 automated software. This technology is designed to identify and remove content that breaches our guidelines, including reviews that are not based on a genuine experience. We recognise we may not catch everything, and you can flag anything you think we may have missed. Read more
Review summary
Created with AI, based on recent reviews
What people talk about most
Reviews shaping this summary
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
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
Delivery was sooner than expected. The new SIGO tenor head joint is a much crisper design than the original and it fits the existing body - bought last year, perfectly. The fit is much improved from... 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
4.6
Excellent
1K reviews
Asks customers to review
This company invites their customers to review, whether positive or negative
Replied to 77% of negative reviews
Typically replies within 1 month
How this company uses Trustpilot
See how their reviews and ratings are sourced, scored, and moderated.
Great quality music instrument
Great quality music instrument.
Good shipping delay.
Was well packaged.
December 29, 2025
Reply from The Early Music Shop
Thank you for your feedback! Enjoy your purchase.
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.
May 1, 2026
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.
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.
April 29, 2026
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.
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
April 30, 2026
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!
Best quality items
I ordered some strings for my rubab, the quality is very good. Genuine things!
April 27, 2026
Reply from The Early Music Shop
Great to hear this, thanks for letting us know!
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
May 5, 2026
Unprompted review
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!
Really good rosewood recorder
Really good rosewood recorder. Nice sound and professional looking. Great delivery too.
April 28, 2026
Reply from The Early Music Shop
They are beautiful instruments. Wishing you many happy years playing it!
Reply from The Early Music Shop
Thank you for your feedback!
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
April 27, 2026
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.
What I needed when I needed it
What I needed when I needed it, short turn around with speedy delivery.
April 6, 2026
Reply from The Early Music Shop
Glad we could be of service! Thank you for your feedback.
Excellent item very securely wrapped…
Excellent item very securely wrapped and arrived in 48 hrs.Excellent service.
April 23, 2026
Reply from The Early Music Shop
Thank you for letting us know, we appreciate you taking the time to send feedback.
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.
April 22, 2026
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!
first port of call
You have a wonderful selection of instruments. There is always time to try. Expert advice. Fun dealing with you.
April 2, 2026
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!
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.
April 20, 2026
Reply from The Early Music Shop
Thanks Graham, we're glad you receive the recorder in good time. We hope you enjoy playing it!
Reply from The Early Music Shop
Great to hear this, thank you!
Very efficient company
Very efficient company, great service, ordering was easy. Excellent all round.
April 17, 2026
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!
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.
April 17, 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.
April 15, 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.
April 15, 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 Trustpilot Experience
Anyone can write a Trustpilot review. People who write reviews have ownership to edit or delete them at any time, and they’ll be displayed as long as an account is active.
We use dedicated people and clever technology to safeguard our platform. Find out how we combat fake reviews.
Learn about Trustpilot’s review process.
Here are 8 tips for writing great reviews.
Verification can help ensure real people are writing the reviews you read on Trustpilot.
Offering incentives for reviews or asking for them selectively can bias the TrustScore, which goes against our guidelines.