Coming Of Age

A lot has changed for PJD Guitars in the past year. As well as a new workshop, there are also some new guitars that offer plenty to celebrate

- Dave Burrluck

What You Need To Know

PJD? No, you got me there…

Based in York, PJD was founded by Leigh Dovey in 2010 and became a fully professional operation in 2017. For a limited period the instruments were only available from Guitar Galleries but other dealers will now be added. The PJD range centres on the Carey Elite, which we looked at back in issue 451.

This sounds like more than just one man in his shed…

You’re right. When we last caught up with Leigh he was building with just one assistant, outsourcing the finishing, and making around eight guitars a month. A team of three now builds the guitars and aims to produce about 12 to 16 instruments per month.

Who are these aimed at?

While the 10th Anniversary Custom edges into boutique territory, the core PJD model is the Carey Elite, which starts from £2,399. The slightly stripped-down new Standard drops into Fender USA production territory in terms of price.

It’s been a busy year for PJD Guitars. Aside from a factory move, the company’s founder, Leigh Dovey, has expanded his workforce to include Zach Pygall. “Zach does most of the work when it comes off the CNC machine, refining the necks and doing the sanding,” Leigh tells us. “I still look after wood selection, milling up the wood and kind of getting everything as it should be – the crucial work is so often at the start, the right materials and stuff. Then we have Andy Jackson who has recently joined us; Andy mainly does assembly, wiring and setups.”