Selling Violins To Pawn Shops: Learn Which Violins Pawn Shops Buy
Read how you can maximize your offer when you sell your violin to a pawn shop.
Last updated December 10, 2022

Source: Pexels / Clem Onojeghuo
A violin is a stringed instrument of the violin family. It is the smallest and highest-pitched instrument in the family and is used in a wide variety of musical genres, including classical, jazz, folk, and rock. The violin is held between the chin and shoulder and is played by drawing a bow across its strings.
Violins are popular because of their versatility and unique sound. They can be used to play a wide variety of musical styles, from classical to folk to jazz. The violin's sound is often described as haunting and emotive, making it a popular choice for soloists and ensembles alike. Additionally, the violin is relatively easy to learn, making it a great instrument for beginners.
The violin is made up of four main parts: the body, the neck, the fingerboard, and the strings. The body is made of wood, usually maple or spruce, and is hollowed out to create a resonating chamber. The neck is attached to the body and is usually made of maple. The fingerboard is made of ebony and is where the player presses down on the strings to create different notes. The strings are made of metal, usually steel or gut, and are stretched across the body of the violin.
The sound of the violin is produced by the vibration of the strings, which are amplified by the resonating chamber of the body. The sound of the violin can be altered by the way the bow is drawn across the strings, the pressure of the bow, and the position of the fingers on the fingerboard. The sound of the violin can range from soft and mellow to bright and piercing and can be used to create a wide variety of musical styles.
Selling Your Violin To A Pawn Shop
Many pawn shops buy violins, but not all do. We recommend using Pawn Shop Map’s tool to find pawn shops with musical instruments near you. You should contact the pawn shop before you take your violin in for a quote.
The most expensive violin brands are Antonio Stradivari, Giuseppe Guarneri, Carlo Bergonzi, Joseph Guarneri, and Giuseppe Guarneri del Gesu. Pawn shops are interested in buying violins that are in good condition and have value. Popular violin brands that pawn shops buy and sell include:
- Stradivarius
- Guarneri
- Amati
- Stentor
- Yamaha
- Cremona
- Knilling
- Glaesel
- Scherl & Roth
- Eastman
The cost of a new violin can vary greatly depending on the quality and brand. Generally, a basic student violin can cost anywhere from $100 to $500, while a professional-level instrument can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $10,000 or more.
The cost of a used violin can vary greatly depending on the condition, age, and quality of the instrument. Generally, a used violin can range anywhere from $100 to $5,000 or more. Pawn shops may offer you $50 up to several thousand dollars. Typically pawn shops will give you 20% to 60% of the violin’s current resale value. You can read more about how pawn shops determine value.
Pawn shops will generally inspect the following items on the violin:
- Condition: Pawn shops look for any signs of damage or wear and tear, such as cracks, scratches, or dents.
- Strings: Pawn shops want to make sure the strings are in good condition and not frayed or broken.
- Bridge: Make sure the bridge is in good condition and not warped or cracked.
- Pegs: Make sure the pegs are in good condition and turn smoothly.
- Sound post: Make sure the sound post is in the correct position and not cracked or broken.
- Fingerboard: Make sure the fingerboard is in good condition and not warped or cracked.
- Chin rest: Make sure the chin rest is in good condition and not cracked or broken.
- Tailpiece: Make sure the tailpiece is in good condition and not cracked or broken.
- Tuning pegs: Make sure the tuning pegs are in good condition and turn smoothly.
- Sound: Make sure the violin has a good tone and is tuned.
- Bow: The bow is used to play the violin. It should be well-balanced and have good tension.
- Case: A good case is important for protecting the violin from damage.
- Quality of the Wood: The quality of the wood used to make the violin is a major factor in determining the sound and playability of the instrument.
How To Clean A Violin
- Start by wiping down the outside of the violin with a soft, dry cloth.
- Use a small, soft brush to clean the strings and the fingerboard.
- Use a lint-free cloth to gently clean the inside of the violin.
- Use a damp cloth to wipe down the outside of the violin, then dry it with a clean, dry cloth.
- Use a small amount of violin polish on the outside of the violin to keep it looking shiny and new.
- Make sure to use a soft cloth when applying the polish.
- Finally, use a soft cloth to buff the violin to a shine.
How To Tune A Violin
- Start by making sure the strings are at the correct tension. You can do this by using a tuning device or by using a reference pitch from a piano or another instrument.
- Check the bridge and make sure it is properly aligned and not warped.
- Tune each string one at a time. Start with the G string and then move to the D, A, and E strings.
- When tuning the strings, use a fine tuner to make small adjustments.
- Once the strings are in tune, check the intonation by playing two notes together and listening for any beats or dissonance.
- If the intonation is off, adjust the bridge and fine-tune the strings until the intonation is correct.
- Lastly, check the sound of the violin by playing a few notes and listening for any buzzing or rattling. If you hear any, adjust the bridge or fine-tune the strings until the sound is clear.
Types Of Violins
Pawn shops accept many types of violins. The various violin types that pawn shops commonly accept include the violins listed below. All violin images are from guitarcenter.com.
Acoustic Violin
An acoustic violin is a traditional stringed instrument that produces sound through the vibration of its strings when they are bowed or plucked. It is usually made of wood, with a hollow body and four strings tuned in perfect fifths. The strings are typically made of steel or gut, and the bridge is usually made of ebony or rosewood. The sound of an acoustic violin is produced by the vibration of the strings, which is amplified by the hollow body of the instrument.
Acoustic violins are common at pawn shops.
Electric Violin
An electric violin is a type of violin that uses electric amplification to produce sound. It is typically constructed with a solid body and a pickup to amplify the sound produced by the strings. Electric violins can be used to produce a wide range of sounds, from traditional violin tones to more modern sounds such as distorted rock and roll.
Silent Violin
A silent violin is a type of electric violin that does not produce any sound on its own. Instead, it relies on an external amplifier and speaker system to produce sound. It is designed to be used in situations where a traditional acoustic violin would be too loud or impractical, such as in recording studios, live performances, or in the home.
Fractional Violin
A fractional violin is a type of bowed string instrument that is a hybrid of a violin and a viola. It is tuned a fifth lower than a standard violin and has a larger body size and string length than a violin. The instrument is often used in folk music, jazz, and other genres.
Five-String Violin
A five-string violin is a type of violin that has five strings instead of the traditional four. The fifth string is usually tuned to a lower pitch than the other four strings, and it can be used to add a richer, fuller sound to the instrument. It is popular among jazz and folk musicians, as well as those who play classical music.
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