Musical instruments: say what exactly you’re looking for

Musical instruments in South Africa: prices, warranties and imports

Updated 4 November 2026

In South Africa, a tambourine or triangle costs about R 59 to R 150, a wooden toy piano from about R 1,200, and a 76-key portable keyboard around R 14,750. Prices depend on the instrument, the brand and the seller, so the quickest way to get current figures is a request on BlaBlaPrice.

Warranties and what the brand covers

Warranty terms depend on the brand. Roland and BOSS products carry a standard two-year minimum warranty in South Africa, and Yamaha has a warranty registration page for its instruments. Keep the proof of purchase, and ask the seller whether the brand has a service point you can reach locally.

Imports and what customs asks for

Imported instruments fall under Chapter 92 of the South African tariff schedule, which SARS uses for customs. Some items are prohibited or restricted: restricted imports need a Letter of Authority from the NRCS before they can be brought in. If you buy from abroad, ask the seller for the tariff code and check whether a Letter of Authority applies.

Season and how instruments are bought here

November is late spring in South Africa, with summer from December to February and winter from June to August. Wooden instruments such as pianos and guitars react to heat and damp, so ask a seller how a used instrument has been kept through the summer months. Delivery between Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, Pretoria and Gqeberha is not always included, so ask whether delivery to your city is included, and whether the price includes VAT.

What to write in your request

Name the instrument, the model if you know it, and whether it is for a beginner, a student or a performer. Say whether you want new or used, your budget in rand, and which city you can collect from or receive delivery in. For keyboards and amplifiers, state the number of keys or the wattage, so sellers quote the same model.

On BlaBlaPrice you describe the instrument in your own words in a free chat, and you can add a photo. The AI asks for missing details, looks through sellers' websites and price lists in South Africa, and shows the prices and businesses it finds. Sellers registered on BlaBlaPrice reply in the chat with their own price and terms, and your contacts stay hidden until you decide to share them. Start with a request on BlaBlaPrice, or see electric guitars and studio equipment.