Christian
Managing Director
Electric and folk guitar, electric bass, vocals
Sale, rental and repair in Brussels and Louvain-la-Neuve since 1919
A family-run instrument shop and atelier backed by over a century of expertise, offering expertly prepared instruments, flexible rentals, and personal guidance from luthiers—from first notes to the concert stage.
Our instrument families
Guitars
Folk · Classical · Electric
Folk, classical, electric, and electro-acoustic guitars selected and prepared by Azzato luthiers.
String quartet
Violins · Violas · Cellos · Double basses
Other strings
Ukuleles · Banjos · Mandolins
Ukuleles, banjos, mandolins, and other plucked-string instruments.
Percussion & accessories
Strings, care & more
Our story
A Belgian lutherie tradition since 1919
Michele Azzato was born on 24 April 1887 in Marsico Nuovo, Italy. A shepherd, driven from his village at around the age of ten, he made his way to Paris on foot. A family of musicians took him in there and taught him the violin; he began an apprenticeship in lutherie and played in the evenings to earn a living.
Called up for military service in 1914, he was wounded in battle and taken to a military hospital, close to death, where he received the last rites. When a friend came to pay him one final visit, Michele asked to be carried outside: he wanted to see the sun, rather than die confined indoors. The story goes that his friend played him a tune on the mandolin. Michele recovered.
Learn more about usThe people behind the Maison Azzato
Ten people across the two shops and the workshop. Each has their own favorite instrument and their own expertise.
Raphaëla
Sales adviser
Violin, viola
Tanguy
Sales adviser and academy contact
Folk and electric guitar, electric bass, keyboards, ukulele
Anthony
Sales adviser and community manager
Folk and electric guitar, electric bass, ukulele, drums, piano
Thierry
Sales advisor Plucked-string luthier
Folk, classical and electric guitar, electric bass, banjo, ukulele
Gaëtan
Sales adviser
Keyboards, folk and electric guitar, electric bass
Maxime
Sales adviser
Folk, classical and electric guitar, ukulele, dobro, banjo, mandolin
Amber
Bowed-string luthier
Cello
Anna
Bowed-string luthier
Baroque cello
Alexandre
Plucked-string luthier
Electric bass
Brussels · Louvain-la-Neuve
Best of all is still to hold it in your hands.
Both our shops are open Monday to Saturday: come try, compare and leave with the instrument that suits you.
Expertise
Our services
A century of expertise, at the service of your instrument.
Lutherie & Repairs
Annual maintenance, bridge repair, nut replacement, action setup, pickup installation, and restoration of older instruments.
Rental & Rent-to-own
Professional-quality instruments under flexible arrangements from €18 per month, or five-month rent-to-own installments followed by a final balance.
Advice & Support
Help with strings, bow selection, sound adjustment, and every stage from a first instrument to a concert instrument.
Courses & Teachers
Azzato does not teach directly but refers customers to music schools and independent teachers nearby.
The brands we distribute
An instrument is tested, listened to and chosen.
We're here to support you through it, with no pressure, at your own pace.
Maison Azzato
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Can't find the answer to your question? The team is at your disposal.
What drives us to work with small suppliers?
Azzato has always favoured direct contact with small suppliers, for better quality control and more direct service. We'd rather pay for the instrument than for the brand.
Do I need to pay a deposit for the rental?
Yes, a deposit equivalent to the value of the instrument is required. It can be held on a credit card without immediate debit.
Do you repair instruments not bought from you?
Absolutely. Our workshop welcomes any instrument in need of a luthier's care, whatever its origin.
Do you offer music lessons?
We don't give lessons directly ourselves. However, schools and independent teachers make themselves known to the house: we can point you towards what's available near you.
Can I try an instrument before buying?
Absolutely, it's even essential. Every instrument has a unique character: come and try it, with or without an appointment.
Do you sell sheet music?
No, but two music bookshops are very close to our Brussels shop: Point d'Orgue, place de la Justice 25, a 4-minute walk away, and Brauer, rue Saint-Christophe 30, a 7-minute walk away.
Do you buy second-hand instruments?
No, we don’t buy second-hand instruments.
Brussels · Louvain-la-Neuve Come try it
Come try it
in the shop
Try, compare, take your time. In Brussels or Louvain-la-Neuve, the team welcomes you with or without an appointment.