What Musical Instruments Do Pawn Shops Buy? How We Evaluate, Price, and Pay (AR & TN)
If you’re selling (or pawning) guitars, basses, keyboards, band/orchestra instruments, or select pro audio, the process should be clear. Below is exactly how we evaluate, how offers are determined, and what to bring so you get numbers you can trust.
What We Buy
Guitars & Basses — electric, acoustic, acoustic-electric, hollow/semi; select amps & pedals
Keyboards & Pianos — stage pianos, synths, controllers
Band & Orchestra — trumpet, trombone, clarinet, flute, saxophone, violin/viola/cello
Pro Audio (Select) — powered speakers, mixers, microphones, audio interfaces, headphones
Condition policy: We primarily buy fully functional gear. Light cosmetic wear is fine. We evaluate case-by-case and may decline items with severe damage, missing critical parts, or safety concerns.
How We Evaluate (In Plain View)
At the counter, we check function and note completeness. Typical checks include:
Guitars/Basses: electronics (pots/switches/jack), pickup output, tuners, truss relief/action feel (quick play test), fret wear, intonation basics
Keyboards: power-on, keybed response, outputs/USB/MIDI, sustain, onboard sounds
Band/Orchestra: valves/slides/pads/springs, alignment, leaks, play test where appropriate
Amps/PA/Mics: power/signal, channels, gain/noise, basic I/O, phantom power (if applicable)
Accessories (case/gig bag, power supply, pedals, cables, mouthpiece/reeds, stands) are listed on your ticket so you know what we evaluated and what’s included.
How Offers Are Calculated
Brand & Model Demand — what players want right now
Condition & Functionality — playability, electronics, cosmetics, service needs
Completeness — case/gig bag, power supplies, pedals, cables, mouthpieces, reeds, stands
Current Market — we reference real comps so prices reflect today’s environment
You’ll get a clear, written offer. If it works, you’re paid same day. No pressure either way.
Sell vs. Pawn (Which Fits?)
Sell when you’re done with the gear, you have duplicates, or you’re funding an upgrade.
Pawn when you want the instrument back—borrow against it, keep ownership, and redeem later.
Pawn terms: 60-day minimum, 30-day renewals, no maximum, with clear monthly service-charge tiers. We can show sell vs. pawn numbers side-by-side at the counter.
What to Bring (Checklist)
Instrument and all accessories you can find (case/gig bag, power supply, pedals, cables, mouthpiece/reeds, stands)
Valid government-issued ID
Any receipts/service notes (optional but helpful)
Give the item a quick dry wipe-down; skip heavy polishing or DIY repairs
Local Notes
Little Rock & North Little Rock: High volume of electric/acoustic guitars, bass rigs, and practice-to-mid keyboards; cases and power supplies help value.
Conway: Student and gigging setups—keyboards/controllers, band instruments, small PA; mouthpieces/reeds and working PSUs matter.
Greater Nashville (Hermitage & Franklin): Mix of guitars, studio mics/interfaces, and live-sound speakers; functional testing and included cables/bundles move numbers.
Process and documentation are consistent at every location.
Typical Questions
Can you quote from photos?
We can provide a ballpark with clear photos and model details; the final offer requires in-person testing.
Do you buy instruments that need work?
Light issues may be considered; non-functional gear or severe problems can reduce value or be declined.
Do I need a case?
Not required, but cases/gig bags improve presentation and usually increase value.
How long will the evaluation take?
Usually minutes, depending on category and accessories. Same-day payment if you accept.