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
4.7
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
How this company uses Trustpilot
See how their reviews and ratings are sourced, scored, and moderated.
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!
12 March 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.
10 March 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
11 March 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
10 March 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.
9 March 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
9 March 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
9 March 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.
3 February 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!
4 March 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.
13 March 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!
Great to have the product available
Great to have the product available, and it came quickly in the post. Easy to purchase.
27 February 2026
Reply from The Early Music Shop
Thank you, glad we were able to get this to you quickly. We look forward to welcoming you again soon.
Ordered 2 recorders
Ordered 2 recorders, both arrived as ordered and described, good quality, prompt delivery.
23 February 2026
Reply from The Early Music Shop
Lovely to hear this, we hope you enjoy the instruments!
Reply from The Early Music Shop
Thank you, we'll pass your comments on to Barry, our technician.
Quick reactions in an emergency…
Quick reactions in an emergency situation (snapped vielle string)
25 February 2026
Reply from The Early Music Shop
Thank you. We’re always glad to help in a string-related emergency - snapped strings don’t wait for convenient moments!
Recorder servicing
Prompt return of recorders on completion of work with excellent packaging for postal service
24 February 2026
Reply from The Early Music Shop
Thank you, glad we were able to help with your recorder servicing requirements.
They were beyond helpful
They were more than helpful with my order after it was labeled as “returning back to the sender” . As a University student with clinical anxiety I am really grateful for their opacity during the progress, when I wasn’t able to track the packages movements. They were quick to reply my emails, plus their packaging was amazing either. As a person who had experience with different stores in multiple countries across Europe and Asia I can say that their service was beyond ordinary. I am looking forward for my next orders.
28 February 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from The Early Music Shop
Thank you for your kind words - we’re glad we could help get everything sorted and keep you updated along the way. Postal adventures aren’t always predictable, but we’re always happy to keep an eye on things and step in when needed. Do let us know if we can help with future purchases.
Prompt deliver of my Kunath tenor…
Prompt deliver of my Kunath tenor recorder to Australia. I was able to track the delivery most days.
23 February 2026
Reply from The Early Music Shop
Great news, thank you for your feedback. Enjoy your instrument!
Consistently good.
I first bought an instrument from the Early Music shop in the Autumn of 1975. They have been consistently good & helpful throughout the 50 years since.
23 February 2026
Reply from The Early Music Shop
This is so lovely to hear, thank you very much for sharing. We're delighted that you've been visiting us for the last 50 years!
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.