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Pawnshopping

kjpollo

kjpollo

Mar 17, 2008
3,456
87
CT
#1
So I wandered into a pawnshop I had never visited before.

Nothing amazing but there was a Peavey Milestone III for $139, a Squier VM with case for $269 and a MIM P-bass for $329 (I think).
I know none of the posted prices are a bargain, but what would be decent offers for these axes? The Squier was the most interesting to me and it looked to be in very good shape. I didnt get to play any of them though, due to a lack of time and lack of a bass amp ready to go.

I *might* have a little play money available in the next few weeks and if I missed out on a used Yamaha I saw on CL, one of these basses might be my next purchase.
 
#4
I think your best buys are on Craigslist, a lot of stuff is overpriced there, but there are a lot of good deals mixed in. I don't understand how all the pawn shops think they can charge MORE than guitar center for similar used gear, maybe they just make all their money on loans, I can't imagine anybody pays their prices (around here anyway).
 
#5
I always ask what they have in the bass. If they look at me like they think I'm prying (I am) I tell them today is the day they'll sell it if they come up with a good price over their cost.

I let them have their 40% mark-up, after all they are running a business.

But they usually get a bass in for $100.00 if they are asking for $200.00, which I won't even consider paying.

So - I figure quickly that they will break a little over even if they let it go for $150.00.

Let's face it, basses and guitars are all over the place and they are dragging some serious cash out of the pawn shop's working cash, so if they can move it today at somewhat less than they wanted, but still a small profit, they usually frog on it.

There's a really nice BTB that I'm 'working' on and I got it down to a nice price. I figure in another week or so, I'll get it for a split of what I offered and what he absolutely/positively/needs-to-have for a profit.

If not, we at least are friendly and go to the taco shop next door for lunch and a beer when I show up. We alternate buying the food/beer, so he trusts me and I him.

I like to make a regular circuit of the pawns in the area so they begin to recognize me as a friend and a customer. Some are so friendly that I get behind-the-counter privileges now.
 
#7
perkidan said:
One of my local pawn shops has a used Squier Affinity P and will not come off $180.00. Unbelievable
Click to expand...

Yeah - those shops exist I know!

There's one in Hemet, CA (Cindy's) and she has a wall full of basses.

Some are just the "Pac-type" of starter Squiers and she wants $400.00 to $500.00 for them - each!

She should keep them as ballast in her funeral barge, 'cause she's never gonna sell them since when they are NEW that are yards cheaper.

I point that out to her (she's a little on the hormonal side 24/7 I think) and she said "That's the way it is, now get out!"

I've been thrown out of better places.

Dust off your shoes and go somewhere else, methinks.
 
#8
Did my once a week local pawn shop tour and came across a Bongo 5'er. Orange color and asking price of $895.00 Can.
Would love to pick it up, but funds aren't as disposible at this time.
I like to tour the shops if forno other reason than to see what they get in... some stuff hangs for months, others, well, they don't last long!
Fishheadjoe
 
#16
The one good thing about the basses is that they all looked like they were decently cared-for. They looked pretty clean hanging near the window. Another plus is that I think they all come with either a hard case or a gig bag-there were several of each stacked below them.

The Milestone was only priced at $139- I would think $100 should do it. I just wish they had a decent combo amp set up for playing.
The only thing they had nearby was a MESA M6 and Mesa cabs that werent ready to go
 
#18
The days of finding an amazing deal on a guitar in a pawn shop are long gone IMO - thanks to Ebay and other online resources where a pawn shop owner can look up anything to find it's worth...

pawn shop basses are often overpriced because of this as well, IMO - they've gotta make money. I think Craigslist is the new pawn shop because you'll find a lot of people looking to dump something quick or too lazy to figure out the value of what something might be worth. That's how I got my 1962 P for $950...
 
#19
Spinal Tapper said:
The days of finding an amazing deal on a guitar in a pawn shop are long gone IMO - thanks to Ebay and other online resources where a pawn shop owner can look up anything to find it's worth...

pawn shop basses are often overpriced because of this as well, IMO - they've gotta make money. I think Craigslist is the new pawn shop because you'll find a lot of people looking to dump something quick or too lazy to figure out the value of what something might be worth. That's how I got my 1962 P for $950...
Click to expand...

yup from what ive seen pawnshops around here tend to charge what ebay would charge which is more than what they can be had for on here. as for CL depends on how small a town you are looking in. here in south florida they want ridiculous prices for bass gear practically retail for used gear.
 

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