Fender Pawn Shop '51

$514.36 Price Tier: Standard

4.0 (1)

3 Critic Reviews

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Page last updated Jul 01, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated July 1, 2026.

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5.0 (17)

$514.36 7 available Used

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Average Price: $514

Standard/Professional

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

In the Solid Body Electric Guitars category, Fender Pawn Shop '51 is priced in the Standard/Professional range. This is quality gear at a fair price point, suitable for beginners, hobbyists, and pros alike.

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Description

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Discover a true gem in the world of electric guitars with the Fender Pawn Shop '51—a brilliant fusion of classic Fender design and modern versatility. Crafted to evoke the spirit of both the Telecaster and the Stratocaster, this guitar offers a unique blend of tonal prowess and playability that's sure to captivate any musician. With its double-cutaway body, you gain effortless access to the upper frets, making it a dream for intricate solos or energetic rhythm playing.

The heart of the Pawn Shop '51 lies in its pickup configuration. The Texas Special single-coil neck pickup delivers crystal-clear tones perfect for blues and country, while the hot Enforcer humbucker at the bridge brings a powerful punch suited for rock and beyond. This combination provides a dynamic range of sounds, further enhanced by the versatile volume and tone controls, including a coil-tap function for additional tonal diversity.

Built with a '70s-style hardtail Stratocaster bridge and vintage-style tuners, this guitar ensures stability and tuning precision. Its '60s-'70s design flair not only adds a touch of nostalgia but also makes it a standout piece on stage. Whether you're combing the depths of a blues riff or soaring through a rock solo, the Fender Pawn Shop '51 promises an exceptional playing experience, all wrapped up in a distinctive, vintage-inspired package.

Key Features:

Single-coil Texas Special neck pickup
Hot Fender Enforcer humbucking bridge pickup
Master volume control with push-pull coil split function
'70s-style hardtail Stratocaster bridge
Vintage-style tuners and strap buttons
'60s-'70s design styling
9.5"-radius fretboards for easy playability
Case: Gig bag included

Product specs

Brand	Fender
Model	Pawn Shop '51
Finish	Black, Blonde
Year	2012 - 2013
Made In	Japan
Categories	Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Shape	Double Cutaway, S-Style
Body Type	Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type	String-Through
Color Family	Black, Yellow
Finish Style	Gloss
Fretboard Material	Maple
Model Family	Fender Fifty-One
Neck Construction	Bolt-On
Neck Material	Maple
Number of Frets	21
Number of Strings	6-String
Pickup Configuration	HS
Right / Left Handed	Right Handed
Scale Length	25.5"
Series	Fender Pawn Shop
Wood Top Style	Plain

FAQs

What kind of pickups does the Fender Pawn Shop '51 have, and how do they affect the sound?: The Fender Pawn Shop '51 features a humbucker in the bridge position and a single-coil in the neck position. This HS configuration provides a versatile range of tones, from warm and full sounds with the humbucker to bright and clear tones with the single-coil, suitable for various music styles.
Is the Fender Pawn Shop '51 suitable for beginner guitarists?: Yes, the Fender Pawn Shop '51 is suitable for beginners due to its comfortable S-Style body shape and manageable 25.5" scale length. However, its versatile pickup configuration also makes it appealing to more advanced players seeking a unique sound.
What is the neck profile of the Fender Pawn Shop '51 like?: The Fender Pawn Shop '51 features a modern C-shaped neck profile, which offers a comfortable grip for most players, making it suitable for both chord playing and lead work.
How does the Fender Pawn Shop '51 compare to a traditional Stratocaster?: The Fender Pawn Shop '51 has a similar body shape to a Stratocaster but features an HS pickup configuration and a vintage-style bridge, offering a different tonal palette and playing experience compared to the traditional SSS setup of a Stratocaster.
Does the Fender Pawn Shop '51 come in different finishes?: Yes, the Fender Pawn Shop '51 is available in Black and Blonde finishes, both with a gloss finish style, providing aesthetic options to suit different player preferences.

Videos

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N Stuff Music

Fender Pawn Shop '51 Stratocaster

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2011 Fender Japan Pawn Shop ‘51 electric guitar

Jake Wildwood & Co

Reviews

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PROS

Exceptional neck feel, often praised as one of the best in non-Custom Shop Fenders
Unique combination of Strat body and Tele neck adds versatility
Minimalist controls enhance ease of use
Versatile pickups offer a range of tonal options
Well-built with high-quality materials, especially for a non-U.S. model
Distinctive aesthetic appeal, especially in Butterscotch Blonde
Lightweight and comfortable for extended play
Offers great value for its price point, often compared favorably to more expensive models
Highly playable with excellent action and intonation
A rare find that's becoming increasingly sought after

CONS

Bright pickups can sound brittle on certain gain settings
Lack of tone control may limit tonal customization
No truss rod adjustment at the headstock
Tuners may need upgrading over time

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fender Pawn Shop '51.

Build quality

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Some Fender Pawn Shop '51 models feature a walnut plug, while others have a black plastic truss rod plug, indicating possible variances in manufacturing.
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While generally well-built and lightweight, the Squier's tuners are seen as a weaker component, prompting consideration for upgrades.
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Setup and maintenance

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The neck pickup is mounted directly to the body without springs, requiring removal of the pickguard for height adjustments, which may affect ease of setup.
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Mods and upgrades

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Owners have upgraded their Pawn Shop '51s with Seymour Duncan Invader and SH-8 pickups, noting significant tonal versatility, especially with coil splitting capabilities.
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Owners plan to replace pickups with Wilkinsons M, citing previous positive experiences with these pickups in custom builds.
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Comparisons

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Squier '51 models from the 2013-2016 run can be string-through, resembling Fender counterparts, though typically have different bridge screw configurations.
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User experience

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Despite potential authenticity concerns, some users find the modified Squier versions comparable in quality to mid-range Fender guitars, enhancing their playing satisfaction.
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It's noted that the Squier '51 has been used extensively for live performances and recordings, indicating its reliability over a decade.
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Features and functionality

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The Squier version has a unique slanted neck pickup design and lacks a tone control, which some find adds to its straightforward appeal.
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Value and pricing

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The Squier '51 is considered a good deal at approximately US$240, given its unique design features and potential for customization.
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Critic Reviews

Fender Pawnshop Series – Fender ’51 review – Guitar Design Reviews

guitardesignreviews.com

The Fender Pawn Shop '51 is a nostalgic nod to the brand's rich history, blending classic design elements with modern playability. Its standout features include a comfortable, contoured body and a glossy maple neck that offers a sleek feel and aesthetic. The guitar's tonal versatility shines, offering powerful, clean sounds and dynamic overdriven tones, making it suitable for various music genres. However, the design choices, like the scratchplate, might not appeal to everyone. Priced at around £575, it feels slightly steep; a lower price point would make it more tempting. Overall, it's a well-executed mashup that will appeal to those who appreciate its unique style and sound.

positive

Full Review

Fender Pawn Shop Series: Fender '51, Mustang Special & Fender '72 review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The Fender Pawn Shop '51 stands out as a retro-inspired, versatile guitar with a quality build, featuring a powerful Enforcer humbucker that delivers high-gain sounds. While its design is a nod to the past, it offers a modern feel and sound. However, it might not cater to everyone's tastes, particularly those who prefer a classic bridge humbucker, rosewood fretboard, or tone control. Despite these minor drawbacks, the '51 is a stylish and well-priced option that could appeal to those seeking a unique blend of vintage aesthetics and contemporary performance.

positive

Full Review

Fender Pawn Shop Guitars: '51, '72, Mustang Review - Premier Guitar

premierguitar.com

The Fender Pawn Shop '51 guitar offers a unique blend of vintage aesthetics and modern playability, appealing to those seeking a no-frills, rock-steady instrument. Its minimalistic design and splittable humbucker offer a range of biting tones, making it ideal for blues and hard-rock styles. However, the absence of a tone knob might be a dealbreaker for players who rely on adjusting their tone through hardware rather than technique. Overall, the '51 captures a nostalgic spirit while providing enough versatility for varied musical explorations, though it may not satisfy those needing greater tonal flexibility.

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4.0 out of 5

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Alicia Bognanno

Singer, Guitarist

Bully

Verified via Thecurrent

Alicia Bognanno's main guitar is a Squier '51 body and a Bluesman neck, given to her as a gift. It was purchased at Springfield Guitar Company. The humbucker is not stock but the pickup brand is unknown. Other modifications include the pickup covers.

Alicia told Luke Taylor with The Current, "[I]t's a Squier '51 body and then a Bluesman neck. I don't know if Bluesman made the neck or if it was a Fender neck and they redid some stuff. It is [from Springfield Guitar Company] — I've never been there before, it's based outside of Nashville, about 45 minutes, in Springfield, Tennessee — and I'm always on this pickup, which is the humbucker. I don't remember off the top of my head exactly what the brand of pickup it is. But then there's two knobs; there's the volume knob, and then this is your pickup switch — you can either go all the way to the humbucker or all the way to single-coil or to the middle and get a little bit of both."