In 2017, a very small, but all the more enthusiastic team of the editorial staff of GITARRE&BASS magazine had the idea to set up an event dedicated to their favorite instruments – a show with 100% focus on guitars, basses effect pedals and everything that goes with it – a festival with an extensive WORKSHOP program and thrilling live CONCERTS with international top international top-artists, surrounded by a big EXHIBITION featuring all the top brands in the industry, representing a huge variety and a comprehensive overview of the market.

Workshops & Concerts

100+

FEATURING HIGH-PROFILE GUITAR & BASS ARTISTS FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD

Stages

7+

ON THE 4 LEVELS OF THE ROSENGARTEN WITH INSPIRING WORKSHOPS, EXCLUSIVE MASTERCLASSES AND COOL CONCERTS

Exhibitors & Brands

500+

ALL THE HOTTEST BRANDS FROM LARGE AND LEGENDARY MANUFACTURERS TO SMALL CUSTOM SHOPS

Visitors

14.000+

AMATEURS, PROFESSIONALS, FANS, MANUFACTURERS AND DISTRIBUTORS. FACE-TO-FACE MEETINGS AND EXCITED GEARTALK

LEARN FROM THE BEST

WORKSHOPS

More than 100 workshops on 7 stages will feature top guitar and bass personalities covering a wide range of different topics, ensuring that there is something for all of you – whether you are a beginner or a professional musician – starting with playing techniques and playing practice, to songwriting and recording, buying guides, technical tips and self-marketing strategies.

MASTERCLASSES

Along with the extensive workshop program, we offer exclusive masterclasses with renowned artists for those of you who want to dive even deeper. This is where a large range of topics are covered in great detail in small groups.

DIY AREA

You always wanted to build your own guitar amplifier at boutique level on your own? The idea of a self-built guitar has been causing you sleepless nights for years? You’ve always wanted to turn a circuit board and a handful of small parts into a stage-ready, custom effects pedal? Well, then we can help! In our DIY area you can let the soldering irons glow, because here you have exactly the chance and that with expert supervision!

HANDS-ON

The hands-on events are not just for you to watch, but to actively participate in. In the beginner’s guitar course with Germany’s most popular guitar teacher, Peter Bursch, you will learn the basics and be able to play your first song within minutes.

In the Ukulele Circle you will learn more about the feel-good instrument – not only beginners will be taken by the ukulele fever.

And if you want to boost your physical and mental wellness, you can take part in the yoga course for musicians.

EXPERIENCE THE BEST ARTISTS LIVE ON STAGE

FRIDAY & SATURDAY NIGHT IN CONCERT

Experience unique musical moments during the spectacular concerts on Friday and Saturday evenings that will be remembered for years to come! Here, a major part of the artists who are on workshop and masterclass stages during the day, come together in the Mozartsaal of the Rosengarten to perform once again.

On both evenings, the focus will be on acoustic and electric guitars / basses in a balanced way. So you can look forward to acoustic acts as well as blues, rock, jazz and metal artists. The “Friday & Saturday Night in Concert” shows offer a real fingerstyle fireworks, extensive jam sessions and stunning all-star concerts.

International stars of the guitar scene including Paul Gilbert and Billy Sheehan, Stu Hamm, Jeff Loomis, Henrik Danhage, Henrik Linder, YouTube star Pete Thorn, Uli Jon Roth and Bon Jovi guitarist Phil X – to name just a few – have already joined in.

DISCOVER EXCITING NEW GEAR AND TIMELESS CLASSICS

ELECTRIC GUITAR & BASS AREA

The Electric Guitar & Bass Area features all the top manufacturers of electric guitars, basses and accessories. Here you can talk directly with the manufacturers, distributors and guitar builders and try out the instruments directly at the exhibitor booth or in the test cabins. Acoustically isolated from the exhibition, you will also find the Electric and Bass Stage, where theme-related workshops will take place.

The Silent Stage, which is located in the middle of the exhibition area, offers entertaining workshops and concerts directly via headphones. The focus here is on the use of amp simulations, isolation boxes and in-ear monitoring systems.

The Boutique Area is dedicated to special, handmade guitars. This is where, among many other guitar builders, the members of the European Guitar Builders e.V. (EGB) present their artistic creations.

AMP WORLD

The Amp World features a large guitar & bass amp exhibition with all well-known manufacturers as well as the Tube-Ampfinity. Here you can use a switching system to connect and compare a comprehensive selection of exclusive amps with a range of cabinets of different types, speaker configurations and sizes – at the touch of a button!

And even the low-frequency lovers can enjoy the benefits of this unique switching matrix: In the dedicated Bass-Ampfinity you have the possibility to combine different bass amps with all different speaker formats at the push of a button.

PEDAL SHOW

An Eldorado for effect aficionados, boutique pedal collectors, pedalomaniacs and FX freaks of all kinds: At the Pedal Show, numerous manufacturers show their current pedal lineup. Here you can try out, test and of course compare every pedal! Enjoy a lot of cool floor pedals from different manufacturers. And the panel discussions and workshops on the adjacent I’m Sound Stage are guaranteed to keep you entertained.

ACOUSTIC AREA

The acoustic guitar community comes together in the Acoustic Area. Here, many renowned manufacturers from all over the world present acoustic guitars, acoustic amps, various string instruments as well as accessories. Spontaneous unplugged sessions take place on the small stage in the middle of the exhibition or Germany’s most popular guitar teacher, Peter Bursch, shows the first chords in his guitar course for beginners. Close to the Acoustic Area, you will also find the Acoustic Stage, where acoustic guitar topics will be featured.

WHAT ELSE?

FLEA MARKET

Our Guitar Summit Flea Market will take place on the forecourt of the Rosengarten. Hunters and collectors, gearnerds and G.A.S addicts, vintage and metal heads will be given the chance to enjoy shopping and browsing through the offerings of the private sales booths.

FOOD TRUCKS

Those with a growling stomach do not need to worry, because the food trucks on the forecourt of the Rosengarten offer a wide selection of culinary delights for a quick snack in between.

The Guitar Summit will take place in the Rosengarten in Mannheim.
The traditional concert location, with a total area of 25,000 square meters in the heart of the city, is only a 5-minute walk from the main train station and is located directly in front of the Mannheim shopping area in between hotel and restaurant periphery. Those arriving by car can use the parking garages directly below the Rosengarten.

Of all places, why Mannheim?
Mannheim is a city of music! The Pop Academy located there with its renowned teachers and constantly expanding range of courses, along with the Musikpark as the only German start-up center for the music industry, is known far beyond Germany’s borders. Since 2014 Mannheim is Unesco City of Music! By the way, the legendary instrument maker Friedrich Gretsch was born in Mannheim, whose instruments were or are played by icons like Chet Atkins, Brian Setzer and many others. Well, if that doesn’t fit…

Address
m:con Congress Center Rosengarten Mannheim
Rosengarten Square 2
68161 Mannheim