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Monaco's Violin Shop

Musical instrument store · Buffalo, NY · reviewed since 2013

How the Experts Score is calculatedEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (standing in the category can only raise it), then weighted; problems flagged in review highlights or a recent slide in ratings are subtracted:Satisfaction 64%97+61.6Reliability 28%97+27.4Replies to reviews 8%22+1.8Experts Score= 91Not enough data for value; its weight is shared by the others.Grade A: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews.91SCORE
AGradeLetter from the Experts Score: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39, F = under 20.
#86 of 187 music lessonsPosition by Experts Score among all companies we track in this category. · better than 54%
5.0 ★★★★★ 119 Google reviews · 11 photos
97%five-star reviews
5.00★last 12 monthsAverage stars on reviews from the last 12 months only.
0%1–2★ in 2 yearsShare of 1–2★ reviews in the last 24 months — or the 20 newest reviews when the company had fewer than 20 in that time.
0%reviews answered by the owner
Sep 2026latest review

Monaco's Violin Shop at a glance

Google reviewers give Monaco's Violin Shop a perfect 5.0 rating across 119 reviews, highlighting the staff's knowledge, friendliness, and helpfulness. Customers frequently praise the shop for reasonable pricing, timely repairs, and excellent rental policies for string instruments. The family-owned business is noted for providing detailed explanations and personalized assistance, with no recurring criticisms identified in the provided excerpts.

  • Google rating: 5.0 out of 5 from 119 reviews (97% five-star).
  • Reviews on this page: 119 Google reviews (77 with written comments, 2 with photos).
  • Owner responses: the business replied to 0% of reviews.
  • Most recent review: September 29, 2026.
  • Service: Music Lesson serving Buffalo, New York.

Data from Google, last updated November 13, 2026.

Score profile vs other music lessons

Score per factor (100 = best)Each factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (star average, share of 1–2★ reviews, price verdicts…); standing within the category can only raise it, never lower it.. Strongest: momentum and satisfaction; weakest: replies to reviews.

Satisfaction97Reliability97Craft & service–Value–Momentum100Replies to reviews22Satisfaction: 97 (median 92)Reliability: 97 (median 92)Momentum: 100 (median 100)Replies to reviews: 22 (median 46)
Monaco's Violin ShopMusic Lessons median0 = centre, 100 = best
SatisfactionSatisfaction · 54% of the scoreRecency-weighted star average (2-year half-life), shrunk toward the category mean by review volume; the company’s own lifetime average as the prior; absolute: 4.0★ = 0, 5★ = 100.Monaco's Violin Shop: 97/100 on this factor. Category median: 92.A
97
ReliabilityReliability · 24% of the scoreHow rarely jobs go badly: share of 1–2★ reviews — 60% the last 24 months (or the 20 newest if fewer), 40% all-time; 0% = 100, 15%+ = 0; the category percentile can only raise it.Monaco's Violin Shop: 97/100 on this factor. Category median: 92.A
97
Craft & serviceCraft & service · penalty only, up to −10 pointsGoogle review highlights: Quality, Professionalism, Responsiveness, Punctuality — how rarely reviewers flag them as a negative, per review since highlights began; 0% = 100, 5%+ = 0. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in — clean highlights are the norm, not a bonus.Not enough reviews for this factor yet. Category median: 100.–
–
ValueValue · 14% of the scoreCustomers’ own price verdicts (Great / Reasonable vs Overpriced) and Value highlights; 65% absolute (all “reasonable” ≈ 80, “great” = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.Not enough reviews for this factor yet. Category median: 92.–
–
MomentumMomentum · penalty only, up to −10 pointsPenalises only a real slide: last-12-month average below lifetime (−0.5★ = 0). Still 4.8★+ over the last year, or steady/improving = 100. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in.Monaco's Violin Shop: 100/100 on this factor. Category median: 100.A
100
Replies to reviewsReplies to reviews · 7% of the scoreHow often the owner publicly replies to reviews under 5★ (1–4★). Needs 3+ such reviews, otherwise not counted; 65% absolute (80%+ replied = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.Monaco's Violin Shop: 22/100 on this factor. Category median: 46.D
22

Bar = this company · dark tick = category median.

Star ratings

119 Google reviews we collected

  • 5 stars11597%
  • 4 stars33%
  • 3 stars11%
  • 2 stars00%
  • 1 star00%

Praise vs complaints

Phrases our text analysis found in 77 written reviews

  • Praise116100%
  • Complaints00%

Topic share

How often each topic comes up in the written reviews

  • Staff & attitude4741%
  • Quality & results2522%
  • Would recommend1513%
  • Price & value1412%
  • Speed & response65%
  • Honesty & trust65%
  • Communication33%

What customers talk about

We read 77 written reviews and marked every phrase about these topics. The same colors are highlighted in the reviews.

  • “Staff was very attentive, answered all questions and didn't make me feel rushed.”
  • “Wow really an amazing store with fantastic service!”
  • “I highly recommend and trust Monaco's violin shop, and despite the geographical distance, look forward to taking all our string instrument business to…”
  • “Fixed my son violin and done a great job didn't take long either and very good price”
  • “Fixed up our old violin in a timely manner and explained the repairs !”
  • “He is very honest and did a wonderful job restoring my instruments.”
  • “She explained the rental process/contract to me prior to bringing out any violins to show my daughter.”

People customers mention

  • Mark 5 reviews

praise complaint · found by our text analysis, Google review wording unchanged.

Recent reviews

RegieLocal Guide · 77 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 4 months ago★★★★★

Their rental policy is excellent and affordable. I have not run into any issue yet, but I love renting from them so far. Very easy to work with.

TomLocal Guide · 125 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 6 months ago★★★★★

Awesome experience at Monaco's! They restringed my Godin Acoustic/MIDI Guitar which has classical guitar strings. Their string job looks fantastic & sounds great! ***** Stars all the way! Thanks Manaco's!

KellyLocal Guide · 15 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 6 months ago★★★★★

Staff was very attentive, answered all questions and didn't make me feel rushed.

Dot4 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 8 months ago★★★★★

Have had a few things worked on, but getting my should rest adjusted and my bows rehaired has made the absolute best difference! Service was fast and right on time! Thank you so much. Will recommend this place over and over!

MusicLocal Guide · 17 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 10 months ago★★★★★

Music Lovers Shoppe has had the privilege of establishing a relationship with mark over the years. His experience in the field makes him a rare commodity. Professional, Friendly, and Excellent Service. Support Local ~ Shop Local

SusanLocal Guide · 67 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a year ago★★★★★

Wonderful family owned business ! Fixed up our old violin in a timely manner and explained the repairs ! They were reasonable !! Recommendation from a few musician friends so you knew it was the best around ! Customer for life 🎵💕🎵

Customer photo from Susan's review

Photos

Customer reviews

5.0 ★★★★★ 119 reviews on Google · rating breakdown

Reviews from Google, shown as published (original wording, unedited).

Team members customers mention
Filter by topic — each topic is highlighted in the reviews in the same color
tomvitale1Local Guide · 58 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews tomvitale1 has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

Very knowledgeable and helpful... Highly recommend

DianaLocal Guide · 20 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Diana has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

Wow really an amazing store with fantastic service! So honest!

Regie NLocal Guide · 77 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Regie has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

Their rental policy is excellent and affordable. I have not run into any issue yet, but I love renting from them so far. Very easy to work with.

Connie EvjenLocal Guide · 16 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Connie has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

The owner is very knowledgeable and helpful

Tom I.Local Guide · 125 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Tom has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

Awesome experience at Monaco's! They restringed my Godin Acoustic/MIDI Guitar which has classical guitar strings. Their string job looks fantastic & sounds great! ***** Stars all the way! Thanks Manaco's!

Kelly SierackiLocal Guide · 15 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Kelly has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

Staff was very attentive, answered all questions and didn't make me feel rushed.

Dot Carrigan4 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Dot has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

Have had a few things worked on, but getting my should rest adjusted and my bows rehaired has made the absolute best difference! Service was fast and right on time! Thank you so much. Will recommend this place over and over!

Ben Georgia4 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Ben has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

Very personable and friendly!

Music Lovers ShoppeLocal Guide · 17 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Music has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

Music Lovers Shoppe has had the privilege of establishing a relationship with mark over the years. His experience in the field makes him a rare commodity. Professional, Friendly, and Excellent Service. Support Local ~ Shop Local

Susan JaworskiLocal Guide · 67 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Susan has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

Wonderful family owned business ! Fixed up our old violin in a timely manner and explained the repairs ! They were reasonable !! Recommendation from a few musician friends so you knew it was the best around ! Customer for life 🎵💕🎵

Monaco's Violin Shop on Google Maps →

Business details