In all my years looking at various guitar amps in Kenya, I am yet to be impressed with the selection and price of a good quality beginner guitar amplifier in Kenya. Most Quality guitar amps in Kenya are not suited for beginners and are very highly priced. As of writing this article on the 21st August 2023, I called into my favourite guitar store and surprisingly they have stopped stocking one of their better options.
Therefore, I refer my students to buying guitar amplifiers from abroad as they are of much higher quality and far more affordable.
I will give one recommendation for a basic guitar amp that can be found in Kenya, but most of my recommendations are to be sourced from the U.S. or the U.K.
Domestically Available:
Fender Frontman 10G
35,000/=
Available in:
‘Hedgehog Creative’ in Sarit Centre:
- Great for Practicing in your Bedroom
- Headphone Jack
- Aux in Jack
- Basic Distortion Effect
- Durable
- Not the Best tone
- Not Suitable for Performances
- Very Expensive for the quality
The following are great beginner guitar amplifiers I highly recommend if you have the ability to source them from abroad.
International Recommendations:
IMPORTANT NOTE:
When Purchasing amplifiers from abroad, it is essential that the amp you decide to purchase has the same voltage as the country you reside in. Kenya is rated for 240V and so amps bought from the UK work fine, but U.S.A and Japan are rated for 110-120V so you will need a transformer. A simple solution is to ensure the amp you purchase has a ‘Voltage Switch’. This will enable it to be used anywhere in the world.
If you don’t pay attention to this, your first amp will spontaneously light up and turn into smoke… Let’s not do that 😅
Boss Katana Mini
$120
Available on ‘Amazon’:
- Very Small & Super Portable
- Excellent Tone
- Battery Powered and D/C (Can be used internationally)
- Good Sounding Effects (Distortion & Delay)
- Headphone Jack
- Aux In
- Not Adequate for stage performances
Boss Katana 50-MKII
$270
Available on ‘Amazon’:
- Excellent Tone
- Excellent Sounding Effects ( Distortion, Delay, Wah-Wah and many more)
- Built in Reverb
- Headphone Jack (1/4 Inch – Not Traditional size)
- Can be used in Live Performances
- Durable
- Great Weight and Size for for an amp this well built
- No Voltage Switch – Needs Transformer if bought in the U.S. or simply buy it in the U.K.
Orange Crush 20RT
$220
Available on ‘Amazon’:
- Great Tone
- Excellent Sounding Effects (Distortion)
- Built in Reverb
- Built in Tuner
- Headphone Jack (1/4 Inch – Not Traditional size)
- Iconic Design & Colour
- Durable
- Super Portable
- Voltage Switch (Can be used Internationally) – Just make sure you match it correctly
- Not Adequate for Stage Performance
Orange Crush 35RT
$300
Available on ‘Amazon’:
- Great Tone
- Excellent Sounding Effects (Distortion)
- Built in Reverb
- Built in Tuner
- Headphone Jack (1/4 Inch – Not Traditional size)
- Iconic Design & Colour
- Durable
- Portable
- Voltage Switch (Can be used Internationally) – Just make sure you match it correctly
- Adequate for Stage Performance
Each of these International Recommendations are undoubtedly excellent choices as a beginner guitar amplifier, I personally use ‘BOSS’ amps and have a lot of experience with them, but I’ve reviewed ‘Orange’ Amps quite extensively and either one is a good choice. You’ll probably stand out more if you buy an ‘Orange Amp’, but if you want to be more subtle, you can also get it in Black.
Still unsure on which guitar you want to play ? Check out my Best Beginner Guitar Guide and my Best Beginner Electric Guitar guide. Once you’ve got your rig setup (Guitar and Amp), sign on up for your beginner guitar lessons, and let’s begin your musical journey.
Keep Rockin!
Magnus