Where the concierge points people first
- Dijkman Music — A long-standing general music shop, the sensible first call for strings, reeds, cables and the small things that break on tour. (52.3728, 4.8791)
- Soundplaza — A large Dutch music store with a wide range of guitars, keys and recording gear. The place to try several instruments side by side. (52.3534, 4.8557)
- Buffet Crampon Amsterdam Showroom — The Amsterdam showroom of the French woodwind and brass maker. For clarinettists and saxophonists who want to try instruments properly. (52.3549, 4.8807)
- Bas Maas Vioolbouw — A violin maker's workshop. Repairs, adjustments and bows for string players, usually by appointment. (52.3572, 4.9023)
- Uke Boutique — A shop devoted to ukuleles, which is exactly as specific and cheerful as it sounds. (52.3684, 4.8789)
The rest of the music shops in Amsterdam — every one we hold
- Amsterdam Guitar Company (52.3552, 4.8879)
- Axe Palace (52.3774, 4.8883)
- Camille Dolibeau Vioolbouwer (52.3687, 4.9086)
- Charlie's Muziek (52.3670, 4.8528)
- Diamond Guitars (52.3648, 4.9049)
- Fern's Guitars (52.3621, 4.8891)
- Handpan Studio Amsterdam (52.3997, 4.8934)
- Harpsichord Amsterdam (52.3845, 4.8872)
- Lidah Drums (52.3375, 4.9362)
- Mancave Music & Sound (52.3811, 4.8550)
- Modular Shop (52.3589, 4.8604)
- Palm Guitars (52.3620, 4.9768)
- Prinz guitars (52.3691, 4.8822)
- RebelRelic Guitars (52.3464, 4.9111)
- René van Beeck piano's, vleugels & podium (52.3862, 4.8733)
A vioolbouwer is a workshop, not a shop
A good share of this list are workshops rather than shops. The Dutch word vioolbouwer means violin maker, and a vioolbouw sign usually marks a bench where one or two people work, often by appointment, not a counter with opening hours. For a same-day restring or a day's hire, call or message first and say what you play; the general music shops are the likelier bet for walking in with a broken string, while the makers are where to go for a setup or a proper repair.
Questions people ask
How many music shops are there in Amsterdam?
Num's directory maps 20 musical instrument shops and workshops in Amsterdam, from guitar stores to violin makers.
Where can I get a guitar restrung in Amsterdam?
Try a general music shop such as Dijkman Music, and call ahead to check someone can do it that day.
Can you rent an instrument in Amsterdam?
Some shops rent, but not all. Ask directly before going, and mention how long you need it for.
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