Rockstars shredding it out on the electric guitar is what causes most students to want to learn to play the guitar. Many times they know what they’re asking for and the last thing they want is something that might be more suited for them, a beginner acoustic/classical Guitar (Check my Best Beginner Guitar guide for more information) or a Beginner Electric Guitar that is just right!
In order to play the electric guitar, there are three things that are necessary:
- An Electric Guitar
- An Amplifier
- A Guitar Cable
The following is a list of electric guitars available in Kenya that are absolutely perfect for beginner guitarists or guitarists looking to transition from the acoustic guitar. to the electric. Let’s break down the specs and prices so we can get playing as soon as possible.
Yamaha ERG 121U Guitar Package
48,000/= OR 30,000/= (Guitar Alone)
Available in:
- ‘Credible Sounds’ along Moi Avenue
- ‘Yamaha Store’ in Village Market
This guitar package comes with:
- Yamaha ERG 121U Electric Guitar
- Mini Combo Amplifier
- Guitar Cable
- Guitar Case
The perfect solution for beginners guitarists who want to get playing with minimal thought towards which electric guitar to buy.
Please note that the guitar cable that comes with most guitar packages does not last longer than 2 weeks and you should buy a new good quality cable as soon as you can.
The guitar amplifier is a practice amp designed to be used in the bedroom. It is meant to produce sound, not high quality tone.
If you desire to play in front of people, I would highly recommend a different amplifier that will produce good quality tone. Check out my Best Beginner Guitar Amplifiers for more information.
Yamaha Pacifica 112J
40,000/=
Available in:
- ‘Credible Sounds’ along Moi Avenue
- ‘Yamaha Store’ in Village Market
Whenever I pick up a Pacifica, I find myself forgetting what I came to do. The tone from every strum leaves me savouring it’s sweet sound.
This guitar will leave you satisfied both during practice and on stage (If that’s where you hope to be eventually).
I am always amazed at how such high quality tone can be so affordable, the Pacifica is one of the best value guitars out there!
Fender Squier Affinity Stratocaster
~70,000/=
1 Image Credits Below
Available in:
‘Creative Hedgehog’ in Sarit Centre
One of the most classic guitars ever created, it has an iconic tone that was made popular by guitarists like Jimi Hendrix and Stevie Ray Vaughn. The ‘Squier’ is the budget version of the original Fender Stratocaster, but don’t think less of it, the tone is pretty much the same!
Whenever you’re on the streets of Nairobi you will most definitely come across guitars with this label but don’t be fooled, they are not original guitars! Fender allows you to input the serial code on their website to verify that it is an original guitar.
I have had many a student come with a fender squier that their parents quickly swooped up because of the price but were later disappointed to find out that it wasn’t original.
Fender Squier Affinity Telecaster
~70,000/=
Available in:
‘Creative Hedgehog’ in Sarit Centre
If there was ever a guitar I regret not owning myself, it is the Telecaster. Oh man, the tone is just something… The Telecaster is present in most modern pop songs and is ironically one of the oldest designed guitars of all time. Why is it still present today ? Its tone never gets old and its body will probably live longer than you (It can take one heck of a beating).
The ‘Squier’ brand is the budget version of the Original Fender Telecaster, but the tone is pretty much the same!
Be sure to verify the serial code on Fender’s website to make sure it’s original.
Note:
Due to the nature of import fees and currency variations, guitar can be almost 2.5x the price in Kenya than in the U.S. or Europe. I highly recommend individuals to purchase their Electric guitars from abroad as the price will be immensely cheaper, and transporting it as hand luggage on the plane will bring no issues (I’ve done it multiple times).
In regards to voltage differences between Kenya and the U.S. , Electric guitars are not affected by voltage differences and so can be purchased in the U.S. and used in Kenya without any problems.
The main item that requires attention is the Amplifier. You want to make sure the amplifier’s voltage can be adjusted from region to region, or simply purchase a transformer if it does not have a voltage switch. For more information regarding Amplifiers please head over to Beginner Guitar Amplifiers Kenya.
You’re one step closer to purchasing your first beginner electric guitar. Hope you pick good, and I can’t wait to jam with you for your First Guitar lesson.
Start Rockin!
Magnus
- Fender Stratocaster Image By irish10567 from Little Falls, NJ, USA – 1978 Fender Stratocaster Hardtail, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=39987176 ↩︎