On Saturday 21 March 2026 I visited the Vintage Guitar Show Veenendaal, and if you’ve never been, you’re missing one of the best days a guitar lover can have in the Netherlands.
Held twice a year at De Basiliek in Veenendaal, it’s widely seen as Europe’s largest international vintage guitar show. Dealers, luthiers, guitar shops and private collectors from Belgium, Denmark, Germany, England, France, Luxembourg, Sweden and the Netherlands come together under one roof for a day of buying, selling, trading and talking about guitars.
The Venue
De Basiliek is a purpose-built event venue at Wiltonstraat 56 in Veenendaal, close to the A12 and within walking distance of Veenendaal-De Klomp station and a Van der Valk hotel. It’s bright and spacious, and handles a show of this size comfortably, with separate areas for the main exhibition floor, the Guitar Market and the Guitar Cafe in the foyer.
On the Show Floor
The numbers speak for themselves: close to 100 exhibitors and more than 1,200 guitars. The focus is firmly on vintage, with rare electrics, classic acoustics, used amplifiers, pedals, spare parts, building components, books, CDs, picks and accessories. Newer guitars and custom builds have their place too, as long as they fit the spirit of the show.
Walking the floor is an experience in itself. There are instruments in every price range, from affordable player-grade vintage guitars to rare collector’s pieces you’d struggle to find anywhere else in Europe. The exhibitors know their stuff and love talking about it. You can spend hours here and still feel you’ve missed things.
The Guitar Market
One of the highlights is the Guitar Market in a separate room. Visitors, not just exhibitors, can bring one guitar of their own to display or sell. You check it in at the entrance, get a proof of ownership and set it up in the Guitar Market. Stay with it all day to talk to buyers, or leave your contact details and enjoy the rest of the show. It’s a well-organised, low-key way to sell a guitar without platform fees.
Open Stage, Awards and More
There’s a lively programme all day. The Open Stage hosts demos, workshops and performances from exhibitors and guest artists. The Vintage Veenendaal Awards for the Most Authentic Vintage Guitar and the Most Bizarre Guitar always draw a crowd and some entertaining debate. A lottery gives visitors the chance to win a guitar, amp or pedal, and an advertising board lets you post a notice if you’re looking for something specific.
Practical Information
The show ran from 10:00 to 16:30. Entry was €10 for adults, and children under 12 got in free with an adult. The Guitar Cafe in the foyer kept everyone going.
Coming from Haarlem, Amsterdam or Utrecht is easy: the train to Veenendaal-De Klomp puts you within walking distance, and there’s good road access via the A12. For full visitor details, see our Vintage Guitar Show Veenendaal visitor’s guide.
Worth the Trip?
Absolutely. Whether you’re a collector hunting for a specific piece, a working musician looking for a characterful guitar to gig with or someone who just wants to spend a Saturday surrounded by extraordinary guitars and the people who love them, this event delivers. The atmosphere is relaxed and friendly, there’s no pressure to buy, and the sheer variety makes it hard to leave.
Bought a Vintage Guitar?
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