McNeela Instruments Reviews 

483
TrustScore 4.5 out of 5

4.6

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Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I’ve purchased twice now from McNeela Instruments, a Wild whistle and a Swan concertina. I couldn’t be more pleased with my experiences. The instruments are top notch and beautiful both in looks an... See more

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Having recently joined a border Morris side it’s reignited my love of playing music. I haven’t played (clarinet) for over 30 years, not since I was at school but wanted to get back into playing. Af... See more

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Really impressed with the McNeel bow, feels really well made and the quality is fantastic especially for the price. It’s comfortable to use, feels solid, you can tell a lot of care has gone into makin... See more

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

The product was good, but not great for the price. There were slight issues with the pain and finishes off the tin whistle, and although the case was a nice touch, it would have been great if it... See more


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4.6

Excellent

TrustScore 4.5 out of 5

483 reviews

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4.6

All reviews

(483)

159 reviews in the last 12 months

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Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Quite disappointed with the experience

Quite disappointed with the experience. I purchased an accordion and was told 4-5 days later that the item was out of stock, however, I checked and it was still in stock. I was offered no alternative and when I wrote to them via email I received no response.

May 1, 2026
Unprompted review
McNeela Instruments logo

Reply from McNeela Instruments

Hi Chris,

Thanks for taking the time to leave your review, and I'm genuinely sorry for the experience you had.

We looked into your order following your feedback, and you're right, our out-of-stock process wasn't working as it should have been. Although you were refunded, that's not the level of service we aim to provide, and we're sorry you felt let down.

The positive to come from your review is that it prompted us to investigate the issue thoroughly, and we've since changed our entire process for handling out-of-stock products to help ensure this doesn't happen again.

We really appreciate you bringing this to our attention. Honest feedback like yours helps us improve, even when it's difficult to hear.

We apologise again, and wish you all the best.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I was inspired by the many YouTube…

Stuart Evans

I was inspired by the many YouTube videos from both Mcneela people and private players… specifically Shaun Laverty playing Slan le Maigh. When I received the Wild D whistle, I was not dissapointed with what really matters, tone quality, playability and ease of use. The quality of manufacture is exceptional which simply adds to the pleasure of ownership

June 26, 2026
Unprompted review
Rated 2 out of 5 stars

No specifications of their instruments available

I tried to get some info on the specifications of one of their mandolins; they do not disclose them on their homepage, which is quite unique (not to say a total failure for someone selling musical instruments over the internet). I got a reply to my inquiry very quickly, but the information I asked (nut width of a specific model) was apparently not really known to them either. I would not recommend buying musical instruments at a store where people don't really know what they sell.

June 16, 2026
Unprompted review
McNeela Instruments logo

Reply from McNeela Instruments

Thank you for your feedback. We’re sorry we weren’t able to provide the specific nut width information you were looking for at the time.

The nut width for this mandolin is 1.18 inches. We understand how important detailed specifications are when choosing an instrument, especially when buying online. As a direct result of your review we are currently working on improving the specifications and information available on our website to make this process easier for our customers.

We really appreciate you bringing this to our attention and will continue to work on providing the best possible service and product information.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Thrilled to bits with my Whistle case

Thrilled to bits with my Whistle case. I know having one isn't strictly necessary, but ordering one from McNeela (intercontinentally, no less) was well worth it. It's a beautiful padded soft case, and it puts my mind at ease knowing my whistle isn't just lying exposed.

June 26, 2026
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Irish bouzouki from McNeela

I ordered an Irish bouzouki from McNeela. It arrived on time and in perfect condition.

The instrument was beautiful, well built, and had a lovely tone. It sounded excellent when amplified through the pickup. However, acoustically it didn't quite have the character I was looking for. For that reason, I decided to make use of the 30-day return policy and order a different instrument instead.

The replacement instrument also arrived promptly and turned out to be an excellent choice. Throughout the entire process, including a few unexpected hiccups along the way, Jack was exceptionally helpful, responsive, and communicative. His support made everything easy and stress-free.

Thank you for such an unusually personal and human approach to customer service—something that has become all too rare in online shopping.

I can wholeheartedly recommend McNeela to anyone looking for quality instruments and outstanding customer care.

June 22, 2026
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Nice wee whistle, excellent maker and shop

Just recently got back into playing the whistle and i wanted a d that was better than my old set but without spending too much in case I just stopped again. The mcNeela aerflo is perfect, nice overblow, easy on the breath. Customer service is excellent, the messages from the list are informative and encouraging, and the website is easy to use and sensibly constructed. Really impressed, I might even get round to replacing my old bòdhran.
Móran taing from north east scotland

May 1, 2026
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

African Blackwood Wild Whistle in the key of D.

I purchased an African Blackwood Wild Whistle in the key of D.
Right away the quality of workmanship is obvious. The instrument feels right in the hands, pleasing to the ear and has great tone.
McNeela Instruments was prompt in filing my order and quick in answering any questions I had.

June 13, 2026
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

The best to deal with

The item I bought is absolutely perfect and well worth the money. And the fact that they replied to all emails is an added bonus. They were great to deal and so professional and so knowledgeable. I highly recommend this company definitely ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

June 18, 2026
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

My experience with McNeela Instruments…

My experience with McNeelea Instruments was exceptional. They offered fantastic advice on purchasing the Viking banjo and made the online order incredibly easy. Receiving the banjo was a real pleasure. It’s a professionally crafted instrument by a talented luthier and rivals the quality of anything from Fender or Gibson’s custom shop. I’m thoroughly satisfied with the entire process. Thank you.

June 15, 2026
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Alto A Wild Irish Whistle

The Wild Irish Alto A is exceptional. I was playing in a basement that had good acoustics and some people thought it was a recording. Top notch and well worth the price, easily would pay double for the quality. It also has some good weight to it and you can tell that there is a lot of care in the craftsmanship. I am a bass player yet, I always though just a novice whistle to return to my irish (yet american) roots. I also got exceptional service on the delivery of the item, they changed the shipping country for me as I was not in the US at the original time of order and did not without me having to pay an extra dime. Thank you so much!

June 11, 2026
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Great tin whistle course

McNeela represents a joy & knowledge of music and shares that well. I am really enjoying my entry level Irish whistle course. John is an encouraging instructor.

June 4, 2026
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Helped me in more ways than one

I had been playing a whistle for many years and given up on that along with a lot of things.
Having a routine of playing everyday, even for a short while, has given me back an interest and a goal to work on the course. So mental health wise it has been a plus to buy and commit to the course. I am 72 years of age.

June 3, 2026
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Lovely buying experience.

Great communication from the team and always happy to help and follow up any questions I had. They made the buying and shipping to a different country very smooth and easy. The instrument was very well packaged and tracked through shipping. I highly recommend this lovely business.

June 3, 2026
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Bodhran To Japan

I currently live in Japan and have always wanted a Bodhran. I was so happy that I was able to purchase on and have it shipped to me. The Bodhran is great! I received the package product so was provided with a full set of tippers and even a cream to maintain the drum skin. Just a great product and service!

May 7, 2026
Unprompted review

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