"Leigh Dovey, founder of PJD Guitars, discusses the new phase of control they have attained over their guitar's sound with their in-house pickups, marking a significant development for the UK's pioneering electric guitar brand"
PJD Guitars Celebrates 15-Year Anniversary with the Return of the Classic Standard Series
PJD Guitars, founded by Leigh Dovey in 2010, is marking its 15-year anniversary this year with the reintroduction of the beloved Classic Standard Series guitars. The new series, unveiled in 2023, aims to replicate the original Carey Standard from 2020, offering a fresh take on the iconic design.
The original Standards, known for their roasted and figured maple necks, have been updated in the new series. These have been swapped for industry-standard, plainer, and unroasted maple necks. Another notable change is the replacement of the chambered bodies with solid, yet lightweight, obeche bodies.
The new foundation for PJD Guitars is the Standard Series, which is known for its affordability, especially for UK-built guitars. The series is designed to cater to a wide range of musicians, making high-quality guitars accessible to many.
The limited run of the new guitar will use swamp ash for the chambered bodies, a material choice that adds a unique tone to the instrument. The guitars will also feature PJD's own in-house wound pickups, ensuring a consistent and high-quality sound.
In addition to the Standard Series, PJD's Custom Shop continues to produce unique and custom guitars. Josh Parkin and the founder personally oversee the Custom Shop, which produces around 50 to 60 guitars annually, depending on the complexity of the models. The Custom Shop also marks the return of the Elite models such as the original Carey.
The PJD Classic neck profile, a throwback to the original neck profile of the company's guitars, is also available as an option for any Custom Shop model. This neck profile offers a comfortable playing experience and is a popular choice among musicians.
PJD's guitars have found a significant market in Germany and Austria, and the company recently appointed a new European distributor at the end of 2024. As a result, 50% of PJD's production now goes to Europe.
The PJD Carey Classic, a part of the new Standard Series, has impressed with its wide range of voices, making it far from a one-trick pony. The guitar is planned to be available in white, but different colours may be available upon request.
The Standard line is worked on by a team of four, including Harriet Dovey, Lauren Varley, Luke Bushby, and Ray Kilvington. The founder now personally QC every Standard production and sets up most of them, ensuring each guitar meets the high standards of quality that PJD is known for.
As PJD Guitars celebrates its 15-year anniversary, it continues to push the boundaries of guitar design and craftsmanship, offering musicians a wide range of high-quality and affordable options. The return of the Classic Standard Series is a testament to the company's commitment to its roots and its dedication to creating guitars that musicians love.
- The new Standard Series guitars, introduced by PJD Guitars in 2023, feature updated versions of the original Carey Standard released in 2020, including swapped maple necks and solid obeche bodies, aiming to replicate the classic design with a fresh twist.
- In addition to the Standard Series, PJD's Custom Shop offers unique and custom guitars, overseen by the founder and Josh Parkin, producing around 50 to 60 guitars each year.
- PJD Guitars has expanded its market to Europe, with 50% of its production now going to the region, following the appointment of a new European distributor at the end of 2024.
- The return of the Elite models like the original Carey, along with the PJD Classic neck profile as an option, demonstrates PJD Guitars' dedication to its roots and commitment to creating guitars that cater to a wide range of musicians' preferences and lifestyles, embracing technology and sports-inspired design elements.
