- Importance of Authenticity Verification: Before pawning a musical instrument, it is crucial to verify its authenticity using serial numbers and official sources to avoid low offers on counterfeit or modded items.
- Knowing the True Value of Instruments: Understanding the actual worth of your instrument, whether vintage or modern, helps you get a fair offer and avoid undervaluation when pawning or selling.
- Preparation Helps Speed Up the Process: Bringing detailed information about your gear, including model and condition, allows for quicker evaluations and more accurate offers at pawnshops like Dixie Pawn.
- Legal and Identification Requirements: A valid ID is required for pawn transactions according to Florida law, ensuring a secure and regulated process for pawners.
- Scope of Services at Dixie Pawn: Dixie Pawn offers not only pawning and selling of musical instruments and jewelry, but also quick assessments and fair pricing, emphasizing the importance of preparation to maximize value.
Whether it’s a Fender Strat, a Gibson Les Paul, or even a dusty trumpet from your school band days, pawning musical instruments can be a fast and fair way to get cash when you need it. But here at Dixie Pawn in north central Hollywood, Florida—just minutes from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FFL)—we see too many people walk in unprepared.
Save yourself time and get a better offer by avoiding these three common mistakes:
1. Skipping Research on Brand Authenticity
You’d be surprised how many people bring in a guitar or instrument assuming it’s real—without ever checking.
If you’re pawning a Fender, Gibson, Ibanez, Epiphone, PRS, Taylor, or Martin, look up the serial number before visiting. The same goes for brands like Yamaha, ESP, Jackson, and even boutique makes like Gretsch or Rickenbacker. Don’t rely on a logo alone—clones and modded instruments are common.
Pro Tip:
Use official websites, Google Lens, or serial number checkers to verify the model and originality of the electronics or components. Knowing the difference between a $1,200 Strat and a $150 Squier copy can save you hours driving from shop to shop.
2. Not Knowing What You Actually Have
A lot of instruments come in as hand-me-downs or garage sale finds. Sometimes it’s a gem. Other times, it’s a student model that looks vintage but holds little value.
This isn’t limited to guitars. If you’re pawning keyboards (Yamaha, Casio, Roland), brass instruments (trumpets, trombones, saxophones), or drum kits, it pays to look up your gear first.
Sites like Reverb, Sweetwater, eBay completed sales, and even manufacturer pages can give you a quick ballpark value.
We’re here to help—but we can’t identify everything on the spot if you don’t know the basics.
3. Expecting the Pawnshop to Do the Work for You
We’re your neighborhood shop, not a free research service. It sounds blunt, but it’s true.
At Dixie Pawn, we’re happy to test your equipment, assess condition, and give you a fair offer—but we can’t spend hours identifying every unknown model or tracking down obscure resale data. Pawnshops operate on speed and risk—the more info you bring in, the better your outcome.
If you show up knowing what your Gibson acoustic or Roland keyboard is worth, we can get you in and out quickly with a solid offer in hand.
Final Thoughts from Your Local Shop
We’ve served Hollywood and the surrounding Broward County area for over 30 years. We’ve seen incredible vintage gear come through, but also too many people walk away disappointed just because they didn’t take a few minutes to prepare.
Whether you’re pawning a guitar, keyboard, sax, trumpet, drum set, or DJ gear, do your homework before stopping by.
It’s your gear. You deserve to know what it’s worth.
Dixie Pawn – Serving North Central Hollywood & beyond!
📍 2316 N Dixie Hwy, Hollywood, FL 33020
🌐 dixiepawnfl.com
📞 954-927-8400
🕘 Open 6 days a week, minutes from FFL Airport
Frequently Asked Questions – Pawning at Dixie Pawn
Q: What do I need to bring to pawn or sell an instrument at Dixie Pawn?
A: You must bring a valid state-issued ID or passport—no exceptions. This is required under Florida law for all pawn transactions. If you’re returning later for pickup or payment, we offer text message reminders and online payment options, even if you’re out of town or on vacation.
Q: What exactly is a pawn?
A: A pawn is a short-term collateral loan. You leave your item with us (like a guitar, tool, or gold chain), we give you a cash loan, and you can come back later to repay the loan and reclaim your item. No credit checks. No pressure to sell. It’s a fast, flexible way to get funds when you need them.
Q: Can I pawn gold or diamonds at Dixie Pawn?
A: Yes—we specialize in gold, diamonds, and fine jewelry. Whether you have a single ring or an entire jewelry box, we test and weigh everything in front of you. You can choose to sell it outright or take a pawn loan against its value. Either way, we offer honest, competitive pricing right here in Hollywood, FL.