iHow 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%60+38.1Reliability 28%35+9.9Replies to reviews 8%35+2.9Momentum penalty45−5.5Experts Score= 45Not enough data for value; its weight is shared by the others.Grade C: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews.45SCORE
CGradeiLetter from the Experts Score: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39, F = under 20.
#71 of 71 art classesiPosition by Experts Score among all companies we track in this category. · better than 0%
4.7★★★★★111 Google reviews · 22 photos
85%five-star reviews
4.20★last 12 monthsiAverage stars on reviews from the last 12 months only.
18.2%1–2★ in 2 yearsiShare of 1–2★ reviews in the last 24 months — or the 20 newest reviews when the company had fewer than 20 in that time.
Customers frequently praise the store's extensive vinyl and instrument inventory, knowledgeable staff, and structured music lessons that balance theory with practical performance. Positive reviews also highlight helpful trade-in offers and friendly service for both beginners and experienced musicians. However, several low-rated reviews criticize perceived rudeness from staff, unexpected price changes at the register, high card processing fees, and delays in instrument repair services.
Google rating: 4.7 out of 5 from 111 reviews (85% five-star).
Reviews on this page: 111 Google reviews (73 with written comments, 2 with photos).
Owner responses: the business replied to 5% of reviews.
Most recent review: June 11, 2026.
Service: Art Class serving Topeka, Kansas.
Data from Google, last updated November 2, 2026.
Score profile vs other art classes
Score per factor (100 = best)iEach 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: satisfaction and momentum; weakest: replies to reviews.
Top City MusicArt Classes median0 = centre, 100 = best
SatisfactioniSatisfaction · 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.Top City Music: 60/100 on this factor. Category median: 92.B
60
ReliabilityiReliability · 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.Top City Music: 35/100 on this factor. Category median: 94.D
35
Craft & serviceiCraft & 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.–
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ValueiValue · 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: 95.–
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MomentumiMomentum · 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.Top City Music: 45/100 on this factor. Category median: 100.C
45
Replies to reviewsiReplies 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.Top City Music: 35/100 on this factor. Category median: 69.D
35
Bar = this company · dark tick = category median.
Star ratings
111 Google reviews we collected
4.7of 5
5 stars9485%
4 stars1110%
3 stars00%
2 stars11%
1 star55%
Praise vs complaints
Phrases our text analysis found in 73 written reviews
87%praise
Praise5987%
Complaints913%
Topic share
How often each topic comes up in the written reviews
7topics
Staff & attitude3653%
Price & value1319%
Would recommend812%
Quality & results69%
Speed & response23%
Honesty & trust23%
Communication11%
What customers talk about
We read 73 written reviews and marked every phrase about these topics. The same colors are highlighted in the reviews.
“The manager was super helpful and we found exactly what we needed.”
“Went in to sell some things to him one time and he was very rude and told me it was all worthless junk very pretentious”
“Good selection, reasonable prices, and Dave is awesome.”
“Don't shop here if you don't want to pay a nearly 15 dollar fee to use a card, in an era where cards are prevalent.”
“and I would recommend you and your store to any music lover.”
“10 out of 10 would recommend for anyone looking for great service and pricing.”
“…de and more excuses than trying to fix the issue he grab a rag and a quick once over and I still paid full price.…”
“Well worth the drive to deal with an honest broker, I highly recommend doing business with Top City.”
People customers mention
David3 reviews
praise complaint · found by our text analysis, Google review wording unchanged.
Recent reviews
TTanglewoodLocal Guide · 7 reviewsiTotal 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. · 5 months ago★★★★★
The lessons were well-structured and balanced between music theory, technique, and practical performance. I especially appreciated how the instructors encouraged creativity and helped students improve step by step without feeling overwhelmed. They also provided useful practice tips and feedback that made progress noticeable after only a few sessions.
DDylan1 reviewiTotal 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. · 7 months ago★★★★★
Ive bought many guitars, amps, and records from top city and it is about the best service, quality guitar store in topeka.
BBradLocal Guide · 40 reviewsiTotal 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★
Went in to sell some things to him one time and he was very rude and told me it was all worthless junk very pretentious
AA8 reviewsiTotal 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. · 11 months ago★
Don't shop here if you don't want to pay a nearly 15 dollar fee to use a card, in an era where cards are prevalent.
AAndy1 reviewiTotal 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★★★★★
Cool store! The manager was super helpful and we found exactly what we needed. We’ll be coming back.
RRussell8 reviewsiTotal 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 a year ago★
I wish I could leave a better review. Unfortunately this is not the case. I came here to have one string replaced on my epiphone and was told it needed all strings replaced and cleaned for a fair price. Would be a few days took a week which I understand things happen. When I picked up my guitar. It was not clean I…
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
T
Tanglewood TanglewoodLocal Guide · 7 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Tanglewood has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
The lessons were well-structured and balanced between music theory, technique, and practical performance. I especially appreciated how the instructors encouraged creativity and helped students improve step by step without feeling overwhelmed. They also provided useful practice tips and feedback that made progress noticeable after only a few sessions.
D
Devin The DudeLocal Guide · 111 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Devin has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
I have nothing but great things to say about Mr. Schaffer and his store. He has a heart of gold and I'd like to tell you why. My girlfriend was trying to learn the guitar but didn't have the proper guitar needed to fulfill her dream of learning to play. I unfortunately didn't have the money to get her what she needed and he saved the day. He took a guitar 🎸 sitting idle in the back of his store. He fixed it up for her and donated it to her. I must say I had lost most of my hope in people and Mr. Schaffer showed me there are still good people out there. I cried tears of joy when he made my girls dream come true. I didn't expect such an act of kindness!!! He even offered to give her a free lesson to get her started. It's apparent that Mr. Schaffer loves ❤️music and wants to share that passion with everyone interested.
Mr. Schaffer, I owe you a debt of gratitude 🙏 for helping me and my girl...and I would recommend you and your store to any music lover...beginner or expert.
Even when times are hard, you can always find a kind soul to make someone's dream and passion come true.
The guitar 🎸 is beautiful 😍 and I wish you could see the smile it brings when my girl play!!!
Thanks 😊 do very much! Staci
B
Brad Tyler (9Bit)Local Guide · 40 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Brad has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Went in to sell some things to him one time and he was very rude and told me it was all worthless junk very pretentious
Response from the owner · 10 months ago
Hello. That does not sound like me, but I'm very sorry if you had a bad experience. If I don't choose to buy something, i need to be careful not to offend with my HONEST opinion of an item/items , I am very sorry for that. 😒 When did this happen? You say it happened "one time" .
A
A S8 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews A has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Don't shop here if you don't want to pay a nearly 15 dollar fee to use a card, in an era where cards are prevalent.
Response from the owner · 10 months ago
I’m very sorry about that. It is a relatively new thing (at least for us) that the CC processors are doing. We do not receive that fee. The banks are initiating that, collecting the fee. It is only for Credit cards. There is no charge for Debit Cards. I definitely should have a sign up that indicates the 2% or so fee for Credit Cards.
I’m still trying to understand it myself. They brought me a new machine a few months ago, did not really explain the new CC fees.
A
Andy Mendoza1 reviewiTotal number of Google reviews Andy has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
I wish I could leave a better review. Unfortunately this is not the case. I came here to have one string replaced on my epiphone and was told it needed all strings replaced and cleaned for a fair price. Would be a few days took a week which I understand things happen. When I picked up my guitar. It was not clean I mean yes there is scratches and dings on it cause I use it and the cords were done perfectly and it sounds great but it’s not what I was sold and when I brought it up, I got a bit of attitude and more excuses than trying to fix the issue he grab a rag and a quick once over and I still paid full price. I think they could’ve done better. I was wanting to come here for lessons to improve but I think I might go elsewhere.
S
Sara WoodLocal Guide · 47 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Sara has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
We came to the store for my son to get his first guitar. The store is clean and well stocked. Not only with a good selection and variety of guitars but also a ton of vinyl stock. Logan, the staff member who greeted us, helped my son decide between a few options and took the time to talk through gear. We appreciated his expertise, patience, and above all kindness. It can be intimidating for a kid to walk into a store with very talented staff and overwhelming choices. We were able to get him the right guitar, the right equipment, and some guidance on how to get started. This is a great place where beginners feel welcomed. Thank you!
A
Adrian HallLocal Guide · 615 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Adrian has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
