Violin, guitar or saxophone: pledging your instrument

Four institutions that list instruments

The Crédit Municipal de Paris includes musical instruments on its list with no specific published condition. Bordeaux, Reims and Toulouse also mention them among accepted items, which covers the Paris region, the South-West and Champagne.

Guitars, brass and violins in Bordeaux

The Bordeaux institution names guitars, trumpets, saxophones and violins, provided they are from a major brand and come with their invoices. A student instrument without an invoice therefore has little chance of being accepted at 29 rue du Mirail.

The two-thirds ceiling

Article D514-8 of the Code monétaire et financier limits any loan on goods other than gold, silver or platinum to two thirds of the valuation. In its 2022 sheet, Toulouse announced a loan of between 50 and 70% of the valuation.

Who values an instrument

Under article D514-2, valuation falls to judicial auctioneers appointed as appraisers for renewable three-year terms. For a specialist item, Reims asks people to call ahead: the same precaution applies to an old violin or a luthier-made guitar.

Reims: a flat one per cent per half-year

The Crédit Municipal de Reims lends for six months with a flat charge, insurance included, of 1% of the amount per half-year. An appraiser is present on Mondays from 11 am to noon, except in August, so the deposit needs planning.

APRs published in Toulouse

The Toulouse pre-contractual sheet posted online in April 2022 states an APR of 13.21% for €1,000, 9.41% for €5,000 and 4.45% for €10,000. The higher the loan, the lower the relative annual cost.

The Bordeaux scale of November 2022

Bordeaux lent at 0% up to €100, then at an APR of 14.81% up to €3,000, 9.85% up to €6,000 and 5.10% above that. This scale dated 15 November 2022 should be rechecked.

Wood, glue and temperature: an uncovered risk

The Paris general terms dated 1 May 2026 exclude compensation for damage caused by insects, worms, oxidation or temperature changes. For a wooden or stringed instrument, this point deserves discussion before signing.

Specialist sales at the Paris auction house

The CMP has held sales devoted to musical instruments, as well as a Music, Books, Paintings, Objects sale and another titled Music, Art and Decoration. An unredeemed instrument is offered to buyers there, with 15% in sale fees.

Maximum term set by the Code

Article D514-7 lets each institution set the term, without exceeding two years including extensions, and allows the item to be redeemed before maturity. For an instrument, each institution applies its own timetable, detailed under the length of a pawn loan in France.

Invoice compulsory depending on the category

The Crédit Municipal de Paris specifies that the invoice is strictly compulsory for certain categories of items. For an instrument, always present it along with any luthier or workshop certificate: these documents can make the appraiser's valuation easier.

Comparing with other accepted items

If the instrument is refused, other goods can serve as security, such as jewellery or silverware, listed in the guide to items accepted as a pledge in France. For sound or electronic equipment, the institutions consulted publish no rule: ask the branch.

Institutions accepting musical instruments

• Crédit Municipal de Paris: Lists musical instruments among accepted items and holds specialist music sales.
• Crédit Municipal de Bordeaux: Accepts major-brand guitars, trumpets, saxophones and violins, only with invoices.
• Crédit Municipal de Reims: Takes musical instruments, six-month loan with a flat 1% charge per half-year.
• Crédit Municipal de Toulouse: Lists musical instruments in its pre-contractual sheet, lending 50 to 70% of the valuation.

Depositing an instrument as a pledge

1. Gather the invoice, any luthier certificate, the case and the instrument's original accessories.
2. Phone the institution to find out whether a suitable appraiser will be present and whether an appointment is required.
3. Carry the instrument in its case, avoiding temperature swings, then present it with your identity papers.
4. Hear the valuation and the amount offered, capped at two thirds, then sign the contract if you accept it.
5. Repay or renew before maturity, within the two-year limit set by the Code monétaire et financier.

Published costs for a pawned instrument

Documents for pawning an instrument

• Purchase invoice for the instrument
• Luthier or workshop certificate
• Photo identification
• Proof of address
• Bank details in your name

Mistakes to avoid with a pawned instrument

• Bringing an entry-level instrument without an invoice to Bordeaux, where only major brands accompanied by invoices are accepted.
• Arriving in Reims outside the Monday morning slot, the only announced time the appraiser is present, or during the month of August.
• Assuming that damage from humidity or temperature will be compensated, when the Paris terms exclude it.
• Pawning the instrument essential to your professional work without planning repayment, at the risk of seeing it go to auction.
• Confusing a pawn loan with a buy-back by a second-hand music shop, which deprives you of the instrument for good.

General information, up to date as of October 2026 and non-contractual: always check the terms with the Crédit Municipal or the institution concerned.