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Music City

Musical instrument store · Buffalo, NY · reviewed since 2016

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%87+55.3Reliability 28%80+22.6Replies to reviews 8%18+1.5Experts Score= 79Not enough data for value; its weight is shared by the others.Grade B: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews.79SCORE
BGradeLetter from the Experts Score: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39, F = under 20.
#137 of 187 music lessonsPosition by Experts Score among all companies we track in this category. · better than 27%
4.9 ★★★★★ 71 Google reviews · 8 photos
93%five-star reviews
5.00★last 12 monthsAverage stars on reviews from the last 12 months only.
5%1–2★, last 20 reviewsShare 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
Dec 2025latest review

Music City at a glance

Google reviewers rate Music City 4.9 out of 5 based on 71 reviews, with the owner not replying to any comments. Customers frequently praise the store for reasonable pricing, quick turnaround times on instrument setups, and knowledgeable staff who assist with purchases and lessons. Recurring themes include friendly service and a wide selection of guitars and accessories. One common criticism involves a poorly executed guitar setup that required correction at another shop.

  • Google rating: 4.9 out of 5 from 71 reviews (93% five-star).
  • Reviews on this page: 71 Google reviews (48 with written comments).
  • Owner responses: the business replied to 0% of reviews.
  • Most recent review: December 6, 2025.
  • 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.

Satisfaction87Reliability80Craft & service–Value–Momentum100Replies to reviews18Satisfaction: 87 (median 92)Reliability: 80 (median 92)Momentum: 100 (median 100)Replies to reviews: 18 (median 46)
Music CityMusic 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.Music City: 87/100 on this factor. Category median: 92.A
87
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.Music City: 80/100 on this factor. Category median: 92.A
80
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.Music City: 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.Music City: 18/100 on this factor. Category median: 46.F
18

Bar = this company · dark tick = category median.

Star ratings

71 Google reviews we collected

  • 5 stars6693%
  • 4 stars23%
  • 3 stars23%
  • 2 stars00%
  • 1 star11%

Praise vs complaints

Phrases our text analysis found in 48 written reviews

  • Praise4496%
  • Complaints24%

Topic share

How often each topic comes up in the written reviews

  • Staff & attitude1635%
  • Quality & results920%
  • Price & value920%
  • Would recommend715%
  • Speed & response49%
  • Honesty & trust12%

What customers talk about

We read 48 written reviews and marked every phrase about these topics. The same colors are highlighted in the reviews.

  • “He is very knowledgeable about his business and just a great person.”
  • “Amazing service, guy knows how to make a good guitar sound amazing!”
  • “Prices were more than reasonable and the turn around time was faster than I expected.”
  • “Couldn't be happier and highly recommend them for luthier work.”
  • “First, Vince was quick in responding to my initial inquiry.”
  • “Always pleasant & honest service.”

People customers mention

  • Vince 7 reviews

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

Recent reviews

Ben2 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★★★★★

Amazing service, guy knows how to make a good guitar sound amazing! Speedy service , got my charvel feeling easier to play , no fret buzz, great job! Def recommend his services!

MichaelLocal Guide · 40 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★★★★★

Did a great job as usual, setting up my Les Paul. I always like stopping by to see what they've got, to talk to Vince, and soak up the vibes of a real music store.

JLocal Guide · 18 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★★★★★

I brought 5 vintage guitars and a bass to Music City Buffalo for set ups and am extremely happy to say the least! First, Vince was quick in responding to my initial inquiry. He scheduled me right in. He is very knowledgeable about his business and just a great person. Prices were more than reasonable and the turn…

EricLocal Guide · 11 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. · 2 years ago★★★★★

Vincent is a great teacher! Looking forward to furthering my skills with him. Thank you, Vincent!

ChuckLocal Guide · 18 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. · Edited 3 years ago★★★★★

Great selection of really nice guitars for any level player. There's stuff here you can't find anywhere else. Vince knows more about instruments than anyone else in the world. He can repair just about anything, and does it beautifully.

Quinn7 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. · 3 years ago★★★★★

I have smaller hands and a 3/4 guitar I bought online a few years ago was collecting dust in my home. I was happily surprised by Music City Buffalo when I decided to buy a new guitar locally. Store owner Mr. Vincent Mastrantonio has running it for thirty years , is very knowledgeable, patient, and warm. With his…

Photos

Customer reviews

4.9 ★★★★★ 71 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
gareth metz1 reviewTotal number of Google reviews gareth has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

made my guitar sound (approximately) 1000 times better!

Ben Morgan2 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Ben has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

Amazing service, guy knows how to make a good guitar sound amazing! Speedy service , got my charvel feeling easier to play , no fret buzz, great job! Def recommend his services!

Michael BarrLocal Guide · 40 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Michael has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

Did a great job as usual, setting up my Les Paul. I always like stopping by to see what they've got, to talk to Vince, and soak up the vibes of a real music store.

J SLocal Guide · 18 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews J has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

I brought 5 vintage guitars and a bass to Music City Buffalo for set ups and am extremely happy to say the least! First, Vince was quick in responding to my initial inquiry. He scheduled me right in. He is very knowledgeable about his business and just a great person. Prices were more than reasonable and the turn around time was faster than I expected. Anytime I need any musical instrument help, I'm only going here!! Thank you Vince!!!

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

Best in the biz, only place I’ve taken my guitars the last 10 years

Eric KeathleyLocal Guide · 11 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Eric has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

Vincent is a great teacher! Looking forward to furthering my skills with him. Thank you, Vincent!

Chuck NotaroLocal Guide · 18 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Chuck has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

Great selection of really nice guitars for any level player. There's stuff here you can't find anywhere else. Vince knows more about instruments than anyone else in the world. He can repair just about anything, and does it beautifully.

Quinn Yu7 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Quinn has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

I have smaller hands and a 3/4 guitar I bought online a few years ago was collecting dust in my home. I was happily surprised by Music City Buffalo when I decided to buy a new guitar locally. Store owner Mr. Vincent Mastrantonio has running it for thirty years , is very knowledgeable, patient, and warm. With his help, I bought two guitars from the shop, one for home and one to carry around. I love both of my new guitars and my shopping experience! I learned Vincent is a professional musician who has two bands, and decided to take guitar lessons from him and have made progress quickly. I strongly recommend Music City to everyone! Great selection, amazing service, competitive price. I am happy that Buffalo has such a great music store.

Victor Meneses3 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Victor has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

Brought a very old guitar back from the dead. Vince did an excellent job. Can’t say enough great things about this place.

Bill MurphyLocal Guide · 23 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Bill has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

Vince is great! I took lessons from him for a while and he’s a very good teacher. I need to get back for more. I’ve bought great gear there. He has done great setups for me. And I got a fair deal selling him an instrument.

Music City on Google Maps →

Business details