Whether you’re a budding musician (or are raising one) or a seasoned musical veteran, chances are you have looked for the best ways to buy quality music equipment without busting your wallet. But have you ever considered buying – or selling – your musical instruments at your local pawn shop?
Your local pawn shop is a great place to either pick up a new set of musical gear, or to sell an instrument that you’ve outgrown. Pawn shops make it super easy to buy, pawn and sell all kinds of musical instruments and accessories, including drum kits, guitars, flutes, violins and even pianos.
Buying a Musical Instrument
If you’re starting out as a beginner or interested in trying out a new instrument, be sure to check your local pawn shop’s inventory! Shopping for a gently used instrument through a pawn shop is a perfect way to start playing or to experiment with different instruments without a huge investment.
If you have your eye on a specific instrument or brand, contact the pawn shops in your area to ask what they have in stock. Most pawn shops maintain a wide array of the top models and brands of musical instruments, and their inventory changes frequently, so check back often if you’re looking for specific items. With a little patience, you’re bound to find a great deal on the exact instruments or accessories you want.
Unlike buying online, buying a gently used instrument from a pawn shop means you have a chance to really check out the instrument’s condition before you buy. When you visit the pawn shop, check the instrument carefully for any signs of wear and tear. While you can always restring a guitar or violin, other issues like rust, cracked pegs, extreme discoloration, broken hinges or warped fret boards are much easier to spot in person than in an online post.
Also, most pawn shops will let you play the instrument and test it out before you commit to buying. If you know how an instrument should sound, playing it in the store can tell you a lot about its condition and quality. If you’re not as knowledgeable, you can always bring someone with you to help you find the right instrument for you. Testing the instrument out in person also helps you get a better feel for the size of the instrument, whether it’s a good fit for you, how comfortable you feel about playing it and how much space you may need for your new instrument.
Pawning vs. Selling Musical Instruments
For dedicated musicians, it can be difficult to even imagine selling a beloved instrument. But sometimes, life happens, and you may find yourself needing quick cash unexpectedly, or needing to trim down your musical collection for any number of reasons.
Here at Gene’s Jewelry & Pawn, we totally get that. And that’s why you’ll always have the option to pawn your instruments and gear, rather than outright selling it. We understand that the decision to pawn or sell an item is an extremely personal one. If you need quick cash but aren’t ready to let go of your cherished guitar forever, a pawn loan may be your best option. However, if you need the most cash possible, selling may be the way to go. Regardless of your situation, our staff will work with you like family to determine what’s right for you and get the most money possible for your musical instruments and accessories.
If you’re looking to get a fair price and quick cash for selling your instrument, a pawn shop is the logical choice. When it comes to selling musical instruments, here are a few tips for getting the most money for your gear:
- Do your homework. Even if you have a lot of previous experience in buying or selling musical gear, it still pays to learn as much as possible about the going rate for your items. Market prices can vary widely based on several factors, so don’t be afraid to look at completed sales at both big-box music stores and online auction sites. You can also learn a lot by getting your instrument appraised at a local music shop.
- Gather up your accessories. Before you take your item to your local pawn shop, think about any other gear and accessories you may have lying around. Offering your item with a case, extra strings, straps, amps or other accessories can help you get a much better deal.
- Clean it up. Make your instrument look as shiny and new as the day you first took it home. The more attractive it is when you bring it in, the easier it will be for the pawnbroker to sell it, and the easier it may be for you to negotiate a higher amount.
- Negotiate. Whether you’re pawning or selling your instrument, you should walk in fully ready and willing to negotiate on a price. This is where your research comes in handy. Knowing the going value of your item, what a fair price is for it and what other options you may have available gives you some leverage when you walk in the door of the pawn shop. Because instruments tend to go quickly at pawn shops, the more prepared you are when you go in, the more likely your pawn broker will be willing to make you a great offer.
Selling your instrument to your local pawn shop is far more convenient and simpler than trying to do it through a website or app. Instead of dealing with a potentially frustrating experience, working with your local pawn shop means working with helpful, friendly, knowledgeable professionals who can help you get the cash you need in just minutes.
Your local pawn shop can be a treasure trove of great deals for musicians young and old. If you are in the market for an instrument, or looking to sell or upgrade your collection, you owe it to yourself to visit your local pawn shop. Come check out our inventory at Gene’s Jewelry & Pawn today. Shop online, or stop by one of our three locations in the greater Charleston, S.C., area and let us show you why Gene’s is a cut above the rest!
