The Early Music Shop Reviews 

1,066
TrustScore 4.5 out of 5

4.7

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Review summary

Created with AI, based on recent reviews

Evaluating 436 reviews, reviewers overwhelmingly had a great experience with this company. Customers consistently praise the excellent quality and wide variety of products, finding them suitable for their specific needs. Many highlight prompt and secure delivery, with items often arriving sooner than expected and well-packaged. The service is also frequently described as excellent, with helpful staff ensuring a smooth ordering process. However, some customers also noted issues with delivery delays, orders not being shipped, or items arriving damaged or not as described. Additionally, a few reviewers were not happy with communication regarding order status or product availability, leading to uncertainty.

What people talk about most

Product

Reviewers highlight positive aspects of product quality, with many describing items as first-class,... See more

Delivery service

Clients share positive opinions on delivery service, with many reviewers highlighting prompt and timely... See more

Quality

Reviewers mention positive feedback about quality, with many customers expressing satisfaction with the... See more

Service

People report positive experiences with service, often describing it as first-class, excellent, and beyond... See more

Order

Customers consistently note positive experiences with order processing, highlighting prompt handling and... See more

Reviews shaping this summary

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

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

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

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

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

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

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

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


Company details

  1. Music Store
  2. Musical Instrument Rental Service
  3. Musical Instrument Repair Shop
  4. Musical Instrument Store
  5. Sheet Music Store
  6. 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

4.7

Excellent

TrustScore 4.5 out of 5

1K reviews

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1-star

Asks customers to review

This company invites their customers to review, whether positive or negative

Replied to 75% of negative reviews

Typically replies within 1 month

How this company uses Trustpilot

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4.7

All reviews

(1,066)

438 reviews in the last 12 months

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Rated 3 out of 5 stars

sticky keys

Very exciting to finally receive the new bass sigo but keys are sticky- any advice please?
Update- Thanks to quick response from customer service problem easily fixed!

July 2, 2026
The Early Music Shop logo

Reply from The Early Music Shop

Hi. Please do get in touch with our shop - hello@earlymusicshop.com - and they can certainly advise on this to ensure you have a fully working instrument

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

A trustworthy company

Although I unfortunately had to cancel my order this time, the customer service team handled my emails professionally and promptly. My refund was processed properly, which gave me peace of mind. Overall, I felt I could trust this company.

July 5, 2026
The Early Music Shop logo

Reply from The Early Music Shop

We're sorry you had to cancel your order, but pleased to hear the process was efficient and professional. Do come back to us if we can help with anything else.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

Delivery was slow

Delivery was slow, overall, since it had to be obtained, slowly, from the publisher.
But there was a wicked price increase for the poor next person who wanted the same book!

July 2, 2026
The Early Music Shop logo

Reply from The Early Music Shop

We're sorry it took so long to obtain this publication. We shipped it as soon as we received it from the publisher, but appreciate this took a little while. Nonetheless, we hope you enjoy the book!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Thank you

Thank you - fabulous service and very much appreciated.

June 29, 2026
The Early Music Shop logo

Reply from The Early Music Shop

Thanks for your feedback, much appreciated also.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

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!

June 29, 2026
The Early Music Shop logo

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!

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

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.

June 24, 2026
The Early Music Shop logo

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.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

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.

June 26, 2026
The Early Music Shop logo

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.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

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?

June 26, 2026
The Early Music Shop logo

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.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Everything on time

Everything on time, and as agreed/promised.

June 25, 2026
The Early Music Shop logo

Reply from The Early Music Shop

Always good to hear this - thank you!

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

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 😡

June 25, 2026
The Early Music Shop logo

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.

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