If you’re an avid musician, you may eventually want to get a new instrument or replace an old one. Pawnshops often provide excellent deals on pre-owned models, and understanding how to evaluate them will help you make the best purchase. Here’s what you need to know about buying a used instrument.

The Benefits of Purchasing Pre-Owned Instruments

Save Money

Woodwind, brass, and string instruments are often available for a fraction of their original prices when you purchase them used. This is because they lose the bulk of their value within the first few years of ownership, even if they’ve only been used or simply taken out of the original packaging.

Additionally, used instruments typically retain their value, which is helpful if you anticipate reselling. If you buy a keyboard, guitar, or trumpet after its value on the used market stabilizes, you can likely resell it for the same amount years later. This prevents you from potentially losing money by selling an instrument you originally bought new for its much reduced depreciated value.

Help the Planet

Another reason many people decide to become used instrument owners is that it’s a more sustainable option. When you buy pre-owned, you minimize the waste of resources, such as lumber, metal, and brass, for manufacturing and fuel for product transportation.

How to Evaluate Them

Inspect It

Look for dents and tarnishing on the body, which can suggest that previous owners neglected proper maintenance. Additionally, make sure all the keys and valves move properly, as sticking can indicate more extensive problems with sound and mechanics.

Try It Out

If you’re a brass or woodwind player, bring your own mouthpiece to the pawnshop to test the product. A few minutes of playing will alert you to any obvious physical or intonation problems. Ask the staff about extended warranty agreements that may still be valid and cover potential repair issues in the future.

If you want to buy a used musical instrument, check out the selection available at A Happy Pawn in Honolulu, HI. This pawnshop is located in Chinatown, and it buys and sells used instruments along with other valuables, including jewelry, electronics, and collectibles. To ask about their current inventory, send a message online or call (808) 383-5253.