Standard Shimmers

Back in 2023, revitalised Brit-maker PJD rejigged its range to start with the new solidbody hardtail Standards. Need a vibrato? No problem: here comes the Standard Plus

- Dave Burrluck 

Production-style methodology has always been at the heart of PJD: clean craft and design, well executed and far from expensive. In fact, its new Standard range – which kicked off in 2023 and includes the single-cut Carey, the S-style Woodford, the original-shaped T-inspired York and PJD’s previously best-selling offset St John – actually kicks off at just £1,299. The next Standard Plus tier all include vibratos at £1,499, while a lightly wornlooking ‘spray over’ finish, available on both levels, adds between £250 and £300.

The York-based brand has also recently installed a Plek machine to add further consistency as the company slowly ramps up production. It’s a long way from the ‘man-in-shed’ style of many Brit makers. But while the build is purposely streamlined, the craft remains very tidy.

The main difference between the new 2023-onwards Standards and the earlier, more expensive models of the same name is the switch from chambered lightweight ash bodies to solid (but still lightweight) obeche. While the inspiration is obvious with our offset – it’s slightly downsized from the Jazzmaster template – we get an arm-reststyle forearm contour and a lightly dished ribcage cutaway on the back. The edges are radiused like a Strat or Jazzmaster, unlike the sharper chamfered edges of the original Standards, while the finish is very thin nitro that’s silky smooth and open pore. There are quite a few finish options, too, including the Shell Pink over sunburst of our review model – hardly a true relic, but it all ties in with the lightly aged hardware to create a far from precious lived-in and well-gigged feel.