GettiNg geAr for A kEnyAn RocK bANd

 I decided to do something different for this article and get some expert advise on the matter. After all, who better to tell us how to get equipment than those who've been there and done that. Parkinglotgrass and Murfy's Flaw were more than happy to help and here are a few thoughts from their own experience in sourcing music equipment.

Firstly, how did you decide on the best equipment for the band. Was there a brand you really liked and why? 

Murfy's Flaw: We started out not knowing anything about music, and also

  limited by what was available. 9, Jojo and Jozie ended up with Yamaha Electric Guitar, Keyboard and Bass, simply because that was what was available, and Yamaha is a solid, reliable brand that also happens to produce instruments in our budget. Vicky's first drum kit was a chinese brand called Acustica. I think she bought it coz it was cheap and red and massive, there were about 7 drums in that kit. Punky was playing an acoustic she'd had from before, she bought a pick up for amplification.

ParkinglotGrass: It starts with individual tastes and preferences within the band. You have to play an instrument that you're happy playing. Then that must match with the band's overall sound. Third consideration after all those, and which always wins, is budget! Cash is king. If you cant afford the exact gear you're looking for, then you have to settle for 2nd best until you can. Those are the three main considerations.
As far as brands, well there you'd actually have to talk to the individual members given that everyone has their own tastes and preferences. However, Vic & Ali, guitarists, are happy with Ibanez. Good brand, good variety and good value.

 Did you have to know the specialist stuff like how many watts for the amps, tone of the guitars and such?
Murfy's Flaw: When we started out, we didn't have a clue. Nine and Jozie, just bought 15 watt practice amps, which was all that was required to amplify their instruments during practice. Now, they have some larger amps, but these were bought much, much later in the band's career, and are mainly for use during gigs where sound is not provided. For practice, it's still back to those 15watt amps.

Did you experience any difficulties in sourcing gear for the band and gigs?
Murfy's Flaw: Luckily, shortly after we started out, we met an amazing band Rock of Ages, and the front man Mark, happened to have a business for providing sound, Rock Audio. So, at least sourcing gear for gigs is no longer a problem.

ParkinglotGrass: The main challenge in getting gear is getting quality stuff within Kenya. Most shops don't stock quality brands and quality gear. So you end up having to get the stuff from outside the country and unless you have links out there, that can be quite the headache

 What do you think can be done to make it easier to get instruments and equipment?

Murfy's Flaw: Nairobi definitely needs more suppliers. The music "district" in Nairobi is now limited to about 2 shops, mostly supplying middle to low quality instruments. If there were more specialist music shops, things could be better. Also, there is a lack of qualified technicians who can adequately fix gear. Once when we were looking for someone to service some guitars, we got recommendations from about 5 different musicians. They all recommended the same person. And the guy is SO BUSY it's impossible to get him to look at your gear.

ParkinglotGrass: To make getting gear easier, well, to be very frank, unless someone sets up a good store and is not eager to rip people off by putting crazy mark ups simply because they know they are the only ones with that stuff here, we're not going to get anywhere. So thats what needs to happen. Echo Music Gear are doing that but with smaller stuff like picks, tuners, strap-locks, strings and that kind of thing (check out their FB page)

Do you have any advice for budding rock bands in terms of sourcing equipment?
Murfy's Flaw:When you go shopping for an instrument, try to go with someone who actually plays that instrument. Could save you a LOT of money and heartache. You don't have to spend tonnes of cash on a guitar, but then again, usually when an instrument is very cheap, you're getting what you're paying for. Also, don't limit yourself to new instruments. Look on boards at malls for advertisements of people selling instruments second hand. Sometimes, you'll find an instrument that may not look all bright and shiny, but will have unbelievable tone, and is not likely to be found in any shop.
And finally, if you decide to play guitar, you can NEVER have enough plectrums.

ParkinglotGrass: Budding rockers...hmmmm. They should just do their research before they make any purchase. Don't buy a guitar or drums because they are expensive or because you saw a guy in a video using it. Research and ask around from more experienced people then try out as many as you can before you spend. But...also be willing to invest in yourself, your band and your music. You'll get out what you put in.
Music stores in Nairobi...none. Unless you're looking for supplementary gear which Echo Music can provide, for the instruments...there's none that comes top of mind at the moment.