From humble beginnings, a place was made naturally

In 1955, Guy Lotte started "La Boîte à musique" in the family home in Hochelaga. At first, it was simple: repairing, renting, and selling music equipment to those who needed it. There was no big business plan, just a response to what musicians needed at the time.

Puis il ouvre un premier magasin de musique au 3167, rue Sainte-Catherine Est, suivi de différents emplacements sur la rue Ontario et la rue Amherst. En 1992, l’entreprise s’installe pour de bon au 2222 Ontario Est, où elle restera jusqu’en 2022. Pendant toutes ces années, la boutique de musique est devenue un lieu reconnu, fréquenté par des musiciens, techniciens, producteurs, enseignants, organisateurs… Pas parce qu’on faisait du bruit, mais parce qu’on était là, fiables, avec le bon équipement et la bonne attitude.

Instrument rentals and management: a hands-on profession​

Si au début la location d'instruments de musique a été un moyen de répondre au besoin d'une nouvelle clientèle, la régie d'instrument est venu plus tard avec la naissance de l’industrie musicale québécoise. Pas juste de fournir de l’équipement, mais comprendre les besoins techniques précis, préparer le matériel, l’installer, l’entretenir, le transporter.

It's a profession we learned by doing, show after show, event after event. That allowed us to build concrete expertise, which isn't based on slogans, but on years of work with real projects and real unexpected challenges.

Guy Lotte and the key figures of La Boîte à musique

Guy Lotte founded La Boîte à musique in 1955 and ran it until its sale in 2007. Throughout all those years, he successfully surrounded himself with trusted people, many of whom helped build the company’s reputation.

Among them was Brian Bélanger, the manager for over 25 years, who played a central role in the development of La Boîte à musique. He left a significant mark on the Montreal cultural landscape and passed away in 2004

 Now located at Cité 2000, La Boîte à musique continues to evolve. We've kept what made us strong: our closeness to people in the industry, our commitment to service, and our ability to deliver the goods with no-nonsense.

But we have also implemented more structured processes :

• Efficient inventory management
• Tools to monitor real-time availability
• Clear procedures for instrument rentals and technical management

We work with festivals, schools, productions, bands... not because we promise the moon, but because we deliver what's needed, at the right time, and we know our stuff.

En plus de nos services de location d'instruments de musique et de régie d’instruments, on offre aussi :

• Accessories for musicians
• A selection of vinyl records and CDs
• Merchandise from local bands we love to support.

Being at Cité 2000 also means being part of a unique ecosystem. The building houses 2015 rehearsal studios, and over 1000 musicians pass through it every month. We are literally at the heart of Montreal's music scene.

We're also very active on social media. Not to play the part of influencers—just to chat about music, show what's new in the shop, make jokes, and sometimes grumble (with love) about a poorly coiled cable.

A local company rooted in its community and focused on the future

We're not trying to be the biggest.

We want to be the best, those who are showing up in times of need! 

To continue building with artists, supporting live shows, and doing our work with professionalism, efficiency, and respect. Today, that's what La Boîte à musique is all about :

A solid, independent team that masters instrument rentals and technical management—and remains deeply connected to the local scene.