Things to Know when Buying a Guitar at a Pawn Shop

​A pawn shop can provide the knowledgeable buyer with a treasure trove of opportunity when it comes to big ticket items such as jewelry, electronics and musical instruments. Typically, you’ll find these items, though gently used, are as good as new at up to half or a third of the retail price. Musical instruments are among the most popularly pawned items and guitars, both newer and vintage, can frequently be found at deeply discounted prices.

Recent guitar devotees and seasoned experts alike will relish visiting pawn shops and seeking that
particular instrument that will capture their attention. Pawn shops are the perfect place to stumble upon that one-of-a-kind guitar, or steal of a deal. If you’re a new student of guitar and just learning to play, it may help to take someone along with you who has an idea of what is and what isn’t normal wear.

Most individuals will know to look at the body of the instrument, check for visible scratches and warping of the neck in both acoustic and electric, but someone who has a bit more experience in playing the instrument will be able to recognize subtle signs your potential purchase may not have had the best care. Unevenly worn frets, a loose neck or a bridge that wobbles are all red flags and you probably need to keep looking.

An electric guitar needs to be checked for all the obvious signs as well as electronic stability. Ask to plug in to an amplifier if there’s one available, or, if you have access to a portable amplifier, the pawn shop shouldn’t object if you want to run through some licks to be assured that all is in working order. A case may or may not be included.

Practice patience when you’re looking to purchase a guitar from a pawn shop and your diligence will be rewarded. Take your time, shop around and check out your potential purchase before any money changes hands. You just may end up getting the deal of a lifetime.