Company Details

I recently ordered a Paetzold MASTER Basset in Birch online and The Early Music Shop responded promptly to my queries. The instrument arrived by DHL to Australia in a timely fashion and plays the full two octave range moderately well, but the thumb keys and lowest F/F# keys need to be pressed very firmly to produce an airtight seal. My 1990’s Paetzold Contrabass recorder has keys that do not require so much pressure to ensure an airtight seal, so I am unsure if the Basset keys are slightly out of adjustment or if it is simply a different key mechanism and I need to become accustomed to pressing the thumb keys and lowest keys with more pressure than I am accustomed to with my contrabass. The 3D printed Basset spike I ordered did not fit tightly the Basset or telescopic pole so would slip while playing. Fortunately my husband was able to adjust it and now it fits without slipping. Since I have only been playing the Basset for a few days I hope to grow accustomed to applying greater pressure to the thumb keys and F/F# keys in time. I love having a baby sister to my Paetzold Contrabass in Birch Ply!

Very efficient prompt service giving exactly what I ordered.

High quality wooden recorders are difficult to find in the US, so I decided to order from The Early Music Shop. They had an excellent selection at very good prices. The order was shipped the same day and it arrived at my home in Northern California exactly seven days later. I received updates on the progress of the shipment from both Royal Mail and the US Postal Service. I am very happy with the service and I will check The Early Music Shop first if I wish to purchase something in the future.

I purchased a recorder from them, it shipped in a few days and arrived just over a week later in perfect condition. I am very happy with this recorder, it's lovely and am satisfied with my experience with the early music shop.

My parcel arrived within four days of placing the order, in a sturdy box and the contents were well wrapped. Everything was in order and I was delighted with my recorders and accessories. I was extremely pleased with how DHL Express (the courier service that The Early Music Shop used), handled my international shipment. Customs was cleared and monies due were paid over before my parcel even arrived here in South Africa. Online tracking and messaging kept me well informed as to my parcel's status. I would definitely shop at The Early Music Shop again.

I've wanted to visit the EMS since the mid seventies! At last, I got there! Fascinating shop. Highly knowledgeable & helpful staff.

Excellent help in trying to locate Benjamin Britten’s recorder ensemble music! Thank you.

Quick service - thank you!

Great specific help in ordering specialist strings

Very good service & quality products

The Early Music Shop gave immediate answers to my questions followed by prompt delivery. The used recorder I bought was in excellent condition, exactly as described.

Easy to use website, instrument arrived safely and promptly

Helpful and friendly staff member.Recorders arrived soon afterwards and the Approval period was suitable.

I was able to explain what I wanted, was offered a range of instruments, and left in peace to try them out. I didn't feel pressured.

Not good for EU deliveries. Parcel never got delivered due to a 29 euros duty tax to be paid. Not the postman or anyone else tried to get in touch with me about this, and before I knew it, the parcel was sent back to expeditor. I’ve notified Early Music Shop about this, still waiting for a response and refund..

Great shop recorder arrived faster than expected Thank you x

I haven’t received the item purchased No updates on the shipment

As usual plenty of good and knowledgeable advice given by their staff over the telephone. The purchase of the instrument was very easy and it arrived on the requured day as promised. Excellent company to deal with.

The strap supplied does not fit without modification. Do you supply 1st strings to suit the 6 course Ute individually, if so could you please give me a price Regards J Denton

Good experience with help and advice from staff.