Since 1945
Larry and Dorothy Lauzon opened the doors in 1945. Ken took over in 1974 and grew it across two floors. Dave runs it now, and the shop is known for boutique and custom one-off guitars.
The family
Three names, one building, and the same reason people keep coming back to it.
Lauzon Music opened in 1945 as a small family-run shop, specialising in piano reconditioning and restoration. The bench came first, and it never left.
Ken took over and led the second generation. The business grew, and the Wellington Street building filled up with instruments across two floors.
The third generation runs it today, with the focus on curating rare, high-end guitars for players who already know what they are looking at.
The wall
Most of what hangs here was chosen piece by piece. We pick the selection, the specs and the tops, so a stock build gets thought about before it is ordered rather than arriving as whatever the allocation happened to be.
That is why the wall reads the way it does, and why a lot of what is on it is a one-off.
The bench
Service has been part of the business since 1945, and it is not a side line. The same in-house bench that takes in outside repair work checks, adjusts and signs off every instrument the shop sells before it goes out the door.
Ian Vance runs it, a Fender Custom Shop Technician and Taylor Gold Level Technician, and a player himself.
The room
There is a private studio upstairs. You can take an instrument into it, sit down with it, and find out what it actually does before anybody talks about money.
If you cannot get to Ottawa, ask and we will take it down off the wall, plug it in and tell you what we hear.
The brands
Fender Custom Shop, Gibson Custom, Two-Rock, James Tyler, Suhr, Collings, Novo and Powers Electric. Authorized for every brand on the wall, with full manufacturer warranty.
Electric
Fender Custom Shop, Gibson Custom, James Tyler, Suhr, Novo and Powers Electric. Masterbuilt and team-built pieces, one-offs, and stock builds specced here rather than ordered off a sheet.
Acoustic
Built in Austin, and the anchor of the acoustic room. Most people who go in there to try one thing come out having played four.
Amps and effects
The boutique side started in the 1990s with Fulltone effects and Dr. Z amps and has been part of the business ever since. Two-Rock anchors the amp room now.
From the Players
“Fantastic people, fantastic instruments. Can't wait to visit again.”
“Amazing guitar selections, great sales support and excellent tech. This in an all round excellent place.”
“Friendliest staff you can find. Great selection of great instruments. Would recommend to everyone I know.”
“Shipped the same day as ordered, arrived the next day. Extremely happy with my purchase and the service!”
“Best high end guitar shop in Town. If you are in the market for top notch guitar, look no were else.”
“The service level and quick replies from Sean were outstanding. Wouldn't hesitate to buy again online from this store.”
“Best music store I've visited in years. The customer service was exceptional, and the staff WAS HONEST AND FRIENDLY.”
“Best shop ever. was looking for a Fender Custom Japan Limited for years and Lauzon helped me find one for a great price.”
“Best Music Store in Ottawa. Beautiful store and great staff! Lots of awesome guitar gear.”
Real people, real answers
Ask about anything in the building. Someone who plays reads it, not a ticket queue.
