Many musical instruments in Kabul were destroyed by the Taliban, including those that were owned by Radio Afghanistan. One of the few instruments in the radio station to have survived is the baby grand piano in one of the studios. Kabul's leading instrument makers, the Qader family, are back from exile in Pakistan, with two workshops in the Shor Bazar, very close to where the family previously had its business, and at least four family members are busy making rebabs, tambours, dhambouras and dutars. There are plenty of instruments like harmoniums and tablas for sale, imported from Pakistan.

Many musicians are too poor to own their own instruments. When in need for an engagement at a wedding party they hire what they need from a music shop. Even some of Kabul's leading musicians seem not to own any musical instruments.