The Amsterdam Vintage & Custom Drum Show - 25 and 26 October 2003

The first Amsterdam Vintage & Custom Drum Show was held in October 2003. Having visited drum shows in England and America, Dutch vintage drums supremos Tanco Baart and Winnie Mensink decided that Amsterdam needed a drum show - and they were the guys to do it. After consulting with drum show organisers in the UK and the US, Tanco and Winnie set to work securing a venue, organising the publicity and booking stands for the show. They invested an enormous amount of time - as well as putting up all the capital - to make the show happen......and what a success it was....

Drum specialists travelled from throughout the world to see this event. On the Friday evening, I met up with Johnny Craviotto, Tanco Baart, John Aldridge, Winnie Mensink and Rob Cook, as well as "Sir" Alan Buckley to talk drums over some pizza and wine.

Winnie and Tanco had put a great deal of thought into the show and the entrance featured an impressive display of drums of all ages. The display alo featured Winnie's collection of bass drum pedals, including what has to be the oldest double bass drum pedal in existence.

Inside the main hall, drums of all shapes and sizes were on display and on sale. Trade was brisk and a number of very happy drummers left with a plethora of goodies.

Custom drum makers were well represented with gorgeous kits on display from Lignum, Soprano and the very wonderful David Nuttal with his Jalapeno drums.

The Amsterdam show combined an excellent venue, some great drums and drum enthusiasts and experts from throughout Europe and America. The atmosphere was excellent and drummers of all ages were welcomed.

Winnie and Tanco have worked hard to create an event to equal any on the global drum show calendar and of that, they should be proud.

At the end of the show, Winnie announced that there would be a show in 2004 and, if this first event is anything to go by, the 2004 event will be unmissable.