The Comprehensive Guide to Musical Instrument Prices in Kenya (2024)

Musical instruments prices in Kenya

Kenya, a vibrant country in East Africa, boasts a diverse music scene that blends traditional rhythms with contemporary sounds. Whether you’re a budding musician, a seasoned professional, or simply a music enthusiast, one of the most crucial aspects of pursuing music in Kenya is understanding the costs associated with musical instruments. In this guide, we will explore the prices of various musical instruments available in Kenya, giving you a comprehensive overview of what to expect when shopping for your next instrument.

Guitars are among the most popular musical instruments globally, and Kenya is no exception. They are versatile, portable, and cater to a wide range of music genres, from traditional Kenyan folk to modern rock and jazz.

1.1 Acoustic Guitars

Acoustic guitars are a staple in Kenyan music, often used in genres like Benga, Ohangla, and Zilizopendwa. The price of acoustic guitars in Kenya varies depending on the brand, quality, and where you purchase them.

• Entry-Level Acoustic Guitars: These are ideal for beginners and generally cost between Ksh 5,000 to Ksh 15,000. Brands like Tagwood, Kapok, and Yamaha offer affordable options for those starting their musical journey.
• Mid-Range Acoustic Guitars: For intermediate players, mid-range guitars provide better sound quality and durability. Prices range from Ksh 20,000 to Ksh 50,000. Popular brands include Fender, Yamaha, and Ibanez.
• High-End Acoustic Guitars: Professional musicians and enthusiasts who demand superior sound and craftsmanship can expect to pay between Ksh 60,000 to Ksh 200,000. Brands like Martin, Taylor, and Gibson are known for their exceptional quality.

1.2 Electric Guitars

Electric guitars are essential for genres like rock, jazz, and gospel music. They require amplifiers, which add to the overall cost.

• Entry-Level Electric Guitars: Prices start from Ksh 10,000 to Ksh 30,000. Brands like Squier by Fender and Epiphone offer good options for beginners.
• Mid-Range Electric Guitars: These are priced between Ksh 40,000 to Ksh 80,000, with brands like Ibanez, Yamaha, and Fender providing reliable instruments for intermediate players.
• High-End Electric Guitars: For professional musicians, high-end electric guitars cost between Ksh 90,000 to Ksh 300,000. Gibson, Fender, and PRS are among the top brands available in Kenya.

Keyboards and pianos are widely used in Kenyan music, especially in gospel, classical, and pop genres. The prices vary significantly depending on whether you’re looking for a digital keyboard, an upright piano, or a grand piano.

2.1 Digital Keyboards

Digital keyboards are versatile and portable, making them popular among musicians in Kenya.

• Entry-Level Keyboards: Prices range from Ksh 10,000 to Ksh 25,000. Brands like Casio and Yamaha offer affordable options with basic features, ideal for beginners.
• Mid-Range Keyboards: Priced between Ksh 30,000 to Ksh 70,000, these keyboards offer more advanced features and better sound quality. Popular models include Yamaha PSR series and Roland GO series.
• High-End Keyboards: Professional-grade keyboards can cost between Ksh 80,000 to Ksh 300,000. Brands like Korg, Roland, and Yamaha’s higher-end models are preferred by professional musicians and music producers.

2.2 Upright and Grand Pianos

Acoustic pianos are a significant investment and are less common in Kenya compared to digital keyboards.

• Upright Pianos: Prices for upright pianos start at around Ksh 200,000 and can go up to Ksh 800,000 depending on the brand and condition. Yamaha and Kawai are popular choices in Kenya.
• Grand Pianos: These are the most expensive, with prices ranging from Ksh 1,000,000 to Ksh 5,000,000. Steinway & Sons, Yamaha, and Bosendorfer are among the top brands available.

• Entry-Level Drum Kits: Prices start from Ksh 20,000 to Ksh 50,000. Brands like Mapex, Tama, and Pearl offer affordable kits suitable for beginners.
• Mid-Range Drum Kits: For intermediate players, drum kits range from Ksh 60,000 to Ksh 150,000. Brands like Yamaha, Ludwig, and Gretsch are popular in this category.
• High-End Drum Kits: Professional drum kits can cost anywhere from Ksh 200,000 to Ksh 600,000. High-end models from DW, Pearl, and Yamaha are known for their quality and durability.

3.2 Traditional Kenyan Drums

Traditional drums, such as the djembe and the nyatiti, are still widely used in Kenya. Prices for these instruments vary depending on their craftsmanship and materials.

• Djembe Drums: These can cost between Ksh 5,000 to Ksh 25,000. The price depends on the size and quality of the drum.
• Nyatiti: The nyatiti, a traditional string instrument with a drum-like base, can range from Ksh 10,000 to Ksh 50,000, depending on the craftsmanship.

Wind instruments, including brass and woodwind instruments, are commonly used in jazz, classical, and traditional Kenyan music.

4.1 Saxophones

Saxophones are popular in jazz and gospel music in Kenya.

• Entry-Level Saxophones: Prices start from Ksh 25,000 to Ksh 60,000. Brands like Yamaha, Mendini, and Jean Paul offer good options for beginners.
• Mid-Range Saxophones: Priced between Ksh 70,000 to Ksh 150,000, these saxophones are suitable for intermediate players. Yamaha, Selmer, and Jupiter are popular brands.
• High-End Saxophones: Professional saxophones can cost between Ksh 200,000 to Ksh 600,000. Selmer, Yamaha, and Yanagisawa are among the top brands available in Kenya.

4.2 Trumpets

Trumpets are widely used in jazz, classical, and marching band music in Kenya.

• Entry-Level Trumpets: Prices range from Ksh 15,000 to Ksh 40,000. Brands like Yamaha and Jean Paul offer affordable options for beginners.
• Mid-Range Trumpets: These are priced between Ksh 50,000 to Ksh 100,000, with brands like Bach, Yamaha, and Jupiter providing reliable instruments.
• High-End Trumpets: Professional trumpets can cost between Ksh 120,000 to Ksh 400,000. Brands like Bach and Yamaha are preferred by professional musicians.

String instruments like violins, cellos, and double basses are used in classical music, orchestras, and even some traditional Kenyan music.

5.1 Violins

Violins are among the most popular string instruments in Kenya, especially in classical music education.

• Entry-Level Violins: Prices start from Ksh 5,000 to Ksh 20,000. Brands like Stentor and Mendini offer affordable options for beginners.
• Mid-Range Violins: Priced between Ksh 30,000 to Ksh 70,000, these violins are suitable for intermediate players. Yamaha and Cremona are popular brands.
• High-End Violins: Professional violins can cost between Ksh 80,000 to Ksh 300,000. Brands like Yamaha and Fiddlerman are available in Kenya.

Cellos and double basses are less common but are still important in orchestras and classical music settings.

• Entry-Level Cellos/Double Basses: Prices start from Ksh 30,000 to Ksh 80,000. Brands like Cecilio and Mendini offer affordable options for beginners.
• Mid-Range Cellos/Double Basses: Priced between Ksh 90,000 to Ksh 200,000, these instruments are suitable for intermediate players. Yamaha and Stentor are popular choices.
• High-End Cellos/Double Basses: Professional instruments can cost between Ksh 250,000 to Ksh 1,000,000. Brands like Yamaha and Strunal are available in Kenya.

DJing has become increasingly popular in Kenya, with many young people turning to DJing as a career or hobby. The cost of DJ equipment can vary greatly depending on the type and brand.

6.1 DJ Controllers

• Entry-Level DJ Controllers: Prices start from Ksh 15,000 to Ksh 50,000. Brands like Pioneer DDJ-200 and Numark offer affordable options for beginners.
• Mid-Range DJ Controllers: Priced between Ksh 60,000 to Ksh 120,000, these controllers are suitable for intermediate DJs. Pioneer DDJ-SR2 and Denon DJ are popular choices.
• High-End DJ Controllers: Professional DJ controllers can cost between Ksh 130,000 to Ksh 300,000. Pioneer DJ, Native Instruments, and Denon DJ are the top brands available.

6.2 Turntables

For DJs who prefer vinyl, turntables are a must-have.

• Entry-Level Turntables: Prices start from Ksh 20,000 to Ksh 60,000. Brands like Audio-Technica and Numark offer good options for beginners.
• Mid-Range Turntables: Priced between Ksh 70,000 to Ksh 150,000, these turntables are suitable for intermediate DJs. Pioneer DJ and Technics are popular brands.
• High-End Turntables: Professional turntables can cost between Ksh 160,000 to Ksh 400,000. Technics and Pioneer DJ are preferred by professional DJs.

6.3 Mixers and Other DJ Gear

Mixers, headphones, and other DJ gear are also essential for a complete setup.

• Entry-Level Mixers: Prices start from Ksh 10,000 to Ksh 40,000. Brands like Behringer and Numark offer affordable options for beginners.
• Mid-Range Mixers: Priced between Ksh 50,000 to Ksh 100,000, these mixers are suitable for intermediate DJs. Pioneer DJ and Allen & Heath are popular choices.
• High-End Mixers: Professional mixers can cost between Ksh 110,000 to Ksh 300,000. Pioneer DJ and Allen & Heath are the top brands available.

In addition to musical instruments, audio equipment such as microphones, speakers, and amplifiers are essential for live performances and studio recording.

7.1 Microphones

Microphones are used in various settings, from live performances to recording studios.

• Entry-Level Microphones: Prices start from Ksh 3,000 to Ksh 15,000. Brands like Shure and Audio-Technica offer affordable options for beginners.
• Mid-Range Microphones: Priced between Ksh 20,000 to Ksh 60,000, these microphones are suitable for intermediate musicians. Shure SM58 and Rode NT1-A are popular choices.
• High-End Microphones: Professional microphones can cost between Ksh 70,000 to Ksh 300,000. Brands like Neumann and AKG are preferred by professional musicians and studios.

7.2 Speakers and Amplifiers

Speakers and amplifiers are crucial for live performances and studio monitoring.

• Entry-Level Speakers/Amplifiers: Prices start from Ksh 10,000 to Ksh 50,000. Brands like Behringer and JBL offer affordable options for beginners.
• Mid-Range Speakers/Amplifiers: Priced between Ksh 60,000 to Ksh 150,000, these are suitable for intermediate users. Yamaha, JBL, and Mackie are popular brands.
• High-End Speakers/Amplifiers: Professional-grade speakers and amplifiers can cost between Ksh 160,000 to Ksh 500,000. Brands like QSC, Electro-Voice, and Yamaha are available in Kenya.

Kenya’s musical landscape is as diverse as its people, and the availability of musical instruments reflects this diversity. Whether you’re a beginner looking for your first guitar or a professional seeking a high-end piano, there’s something for everyone in the Kenyan market. Understanding the prices and knowing where to shop are key to making informed decisions that suit your budget and musical needs.

By following the tips provided in this guide, you can navigate the Kenyan musical instrument market with confidence, ensuring that you get the best value for your money. Whether you choose to buy from physical stores or online marketplaces, the joy of owning and playing a musical instrument in Kenya is within reach for everyone.

Happy playing!