Mario de Laat is a highly regarded figure in the vintage drum community and a central personality at the Dutch Vintage Drum Meeting. He is the event organizer and a passionate vintage drum collector himself, Mario has dedicated countless hours to sharing his knowledge and love for vintage drums with others. His expertise in drum history, restoration, and preservation has not only helped the Dutch Vintage Drum Meeting grow but has also made it a key event in the European vintage drum community.
For drummers, vintage instrument enthusiasts, and music history buffs, the Dutch Vintage Drum Meeting (DVDM) has become a unique celebration of all things percussion. Every year, drummers from around the world gather in the Netherlands to dive deep into the beauty, craftsmanship, and nostalgia of vintage drum kits. This event is not just a swap meet but a festival of rhythm, where collectors, musicians, and historians share their love for vintage drums, exchange stories, and celebrate the evolution of the instrument that drives music across genres.
What is the Dutch Vintage Drum Meeting?
The Dutch Vintage Drum Meeting is an annual event held in the Netherlands, dedicated to showcasing vintage drum kits, cymbals, and percussion equipment. It brings together collectors, drummers, and experts from across Europe and beyond. The meeting is designed as an open platform where enthusiasts can network, learn, and experience the finest vintage drums up close.
This isn’t a traditional trade show or exhibition; it’s a gathering of like-minded people who share a passion for the golden age of drumming. It’s common to find classic kits from brands like Ludwig, Slingerland, Gretsch, Sonor, and Rogers, all with their original finishes, hardware, and unique sound signatures. Each piece tells its own story, from jazz kits of the 1930s to iconic rock sets from the ’60s and ’70s.
Why Vintage Drums?
Vintage drums have a distinct appeal for several reasons. First, there’s the craftsmanship. Drums from earlier eras were often hand-made, with each set showcasing meticulous attention to detail. These older drums were also built with unique materials and construction techniques, resulting in sounds that can be hard to reproduce with modern equipment. Whether it’s the warm tones of a mahogany kit or the rich, deep resonance of maple shells, vintage drums have a sound that modern drums sometimes struggle to match.
For many drummers, vintage kits also carry a sense of nostalgia. Playing on the same type of drum that legends like Buddy Rich, Gene Krupa, John Bonham, or Keith Moon once used creates a personal connection to music history. Additionally, the aesthetic of vintage drums — with their aged finishes and retro designs — makes them visually striking additions to any stage or studio.
What to Expect at the Dutch Vintage Drum Meeting
The DVDM offers a variety of activities for both newcomers and seasoned vintage drum enthusiasts:
1. Exhibits of Rare and Classic Drum Kits
One of the main attractions is the display of rare and historically significant drum kits. These exhibits are often curated by dedicated collectors who have spent years restoring and maintaining these pieces. You’ll find kits that span decades and styles, each with information about its origin, materials, and famous users.
2. Buy, Sell, Trade Area
A central feature of the Dutch Vintage Drum Meeting is its marketplace, where attendees can buy, sell, or trade vintage drums, cymbals, and accessories. This is a prime opportunity to add rare pieces to a collection or find that perfect snare or hi-hat to complete a kit. For collectors, finding original parts or authentic hardware from specific decades is particularly rewarding, as it can be a challenge to locate these items elsewhere.
3. Networking and Community Building
The Dutch Vintage Drum Meeting is as much about community as it is about drums. It’s a rare chance for drummers, collectors, and hobbyists to come together, share their passion, and form connections that extend well beyond the event itself. Many attendees return year after year to reconnect with friends and fellow collectors and to share their latest finds and insights.
The Dutch Vintage Drum Meeting is a unique gathering that celebrates not only the history of drums but also the drumming community itself. It’s a space where rhythm lovers can indulge their passion, learn about classic kits, and share their enthusiasm with others. Whether you’re a professional drummer, a vintage drum collector, or simply a fan of percussion, this event offers an inspiring and immersive experience.
