Our History

Ziggie Zardus

Ziggie founded the shop in the late 1920s. He was on his way to California and stopped in the valley. He ended up staying in Phoenix and began teaching people how to play accordion after getting a position in a radio band at the Westward Ho.

He and his wife Evelyn bought a house on 3rd street and brought Ziggie's to the property. The shop brought all types of customers, from famous people like Sonny Bono and Jessi Colter to the everyday person looking for music supplies. His music lessons were a big hit, and he became the first Fender dealer in Arizona.

Dionne Hauke

When her grandfather Ziggie passed, Dionne stopped her studies at ASU to take over the store. Ever since, she has worked to keep Ziggie's thriving and to honor her family history. Ziggie taught her the ropes of repair and music.

Dionne quite literally grew up in Ziggie's. She is a main reason of why the store has become a central part of music in Downtown Phoenix for years.

Despite troubles with the business after Chuck's passing, Dionne has persisted in a way that Ziggie would absolutely be proud of.

Chuck Hauke

Chuck is truly a legacy of Ziggie's. He worked on instrument repairs for customers until his passing in 2017.

Chuck is truly loved and missed, and his memory will forever carry on and find a warm home within Ziggie's. He helped make the "Zig-Mart" what it is today with his wife Dionne.

Repairing and making equipment feel new again, Chuck was a master of his craft.