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Brit builder Leigh Dovey is making waves with his PJD Guitars. Barely into his second year of production, a tie-up with a UK store means he’s a busy man

- Dave Burrluck

When Leigh Dovey contacted us last year to see if we were interested in looking at one of his PJD guitars, a Hybrid Woodford, we weren’t sure what to expect. What we got was a very cleanly built double-cutaway guitar with a fairly unique acrylic top – a guitar we thoroughly enjoyed. Since then, plenty has happened. UK dealer Guitar Galleries has taken on sales and distribution of the fledgling PJD range, and Leigh and his single assistant are busy. Very busy.

The trim range, which includes that Woodford and a very in-fashion St John offset (plus a new bass model), centers on the Carey Elite we have here – Leigh’s original design. Opening the very neat fitted SKB case (included in the price) and pulling out the striking blue-finished Carey Elite, there’s nothing to change our original enthusiasm. If the Woodford was good, this one raises the bar.

By his own admission, the Carey Elite is Leigh’s “take on an age-old classic design”. We suggest it references more than one…

“I’ve always preferred bolt-on necks, but I’ve never been a massive Strat fan, although I obviously own one,” comments Leigh. “I’ve always liked the Les Paul. So that’s where the design comes from – the best of both worlds. The feel of a Strat or Tele but the look of a Les Paul. I love the figured woods, the binding… and there aren’t a huge number of guitars that have that with a bolt-on neck. And then there’s the [light] weight. Personally, I find a Les Paul too heavy.”