It’s easy to get intimidated by top pawn shops where you need to be buzzed in and the people behind the glass act like bank tellers. But not at Glendale Pawn, where the guy overseeing the modest musical instrument section let me touch and even play a Peavey guitar in the $129 to $229 range that no one would ever try to steal (though you could if you really wanted to).

Your Friendly Pawn Shop: Honest Deals and Welcoming Service

Guns and jewelry seem to dominate pawn shops but this Pawn 1st also has a formidable music section that occupies a whole wall and features a nice selection of beginner acoustics and electric guitars—including a Washburn acoustic for only $279 and a Fender Squire bass. But the real bargains are out back, where a Roland mixing board is less than half of what you’d pay online and two turntables with a microphone and mixer combo are just $225.

Unlike the crooked jewelry appraisers at some other pawn shops, the crackerjack pair of appraisers here—Maurice and Elad—talk you through the purchase process openly. And they have a great selection of used musical instruments that can give any Mom and Pop music store a run for its money.