Local Resources

Where to obtain an instrument in Kenya

Brass instruments can be purchased in several shops in Nairobi:

• Asanand Music

• Credible Sounds

• Musicland Kenya

• Shopit.co.ke

Do you know another local instrument supplier that should be included in this list? If so get in touch →

When purchasing instruments, it is important to be aware that not all manufacturers and models are of the same level of quality.

Those at the lower end of the pricing scale are made from less hard-wearing materials, and require more specific care and maintenance. Those at the higher end are more robust, easier to play, and will make a better sound.

Available Models

There are instruments of several different brands currently available new from retailers in Kenya, as follows:

• Explorer, Zeff, and True Tone are mass-produced, less expensive instruments that are a good option for beginners to learn to make their first notes and get used to playing.

• Suzuki and Proel Grassi are a step up, made from somewhat higher-quality materials which are likely to be somewhat less prone to failure. They are also a good option for beginners.

Trumpets from these brands tend to be priced in the KSh 20,000-40,000 range.

• Yamaha is the international standard for well-made, reliable, robust student and intermediate instruments. They are extremely durable and will hold their resale value reasonably well if kept in good condition. A 20-year-old well-maintained Yamaha instrument will still outperform the other options here.

New Yamaha trumpets are available in Kenya for around KSh 100,000-130,000. Bigger instruments (trombone, euphonium, etc.) are correspondingly more expensive.

Higher-level instruments need to be imported separately, and are more expensive than manufacturers listed here.

Beware Counterfeits

Exercise care when purchasing these more expensive instruments in Kenya. They should always bear a laser etching of the Yamaha logo on the top of the bell as shown below and if new should come with a Yamaha-branded case, usually made from moulded plastic. There should be a stamp (not an etching) of the model number and serial number on the second (middle valve) as shown in the second photo below.

The Yamaha student-model options that are currently manufactured are listed below. If you see a seller offering something other than this as brand new, be careful as there’s a chance it is a cheaper instrument masquerading as Yamaha.

Yamaha trumpet bell etching (click thumbnail to expand)

If you are looking to purchase a second hand imported instrument, be sure to ask the seller for the make, model, and serial number and research these thoroughly online.

Information will be available about the quality of the instrument and estimates of how much it is worth.

For more information about Yamaha instruments, you can visit their site →