"PJD Guitars founder Leigh Dovey discusses the growth and development of Britain's captivating electric guitar brand, highlighting their newly acquired control over the instrument's sound with their in-house pickups."
In the world of guitar manufacturing, PJD Guitars has made a significant impact since its inception around 2007. Founded by Leigh Dovey, the company began as a passion project, with Dovey crafting prototypes during his spare time while working as a software director at a biotech company.
The official start of PJD Guitars as a business came in 2010, a year marked by the production of the first fully functional and marketable guitars. It was around this time that Dovey introduced his innovative EndurNeck design, which improved wrist angle playing and became a defining feature of the brand.
Based in the UK, PJD Guitars celebrated its 15th anniversary in 2025, counting from the year 2010. Since then, the company has expanded its product lines and launched a Custom Shop in 2024.
The Standard Series, the new foundation for PJD Guitars, was introduced in 2023. These affordable UK-built electric guitars feature PJD's own in-house wound pickups and solid, lightweight obeche bodies, replacing the original chambered bodies. The necks, however, have been swapped with industry-standard plainer and unroasted maple, although the PJD Classic neck profile, which is closer to the original PJD neck profile, is still available as an option.
The PJD Carey Classic, a standout model from the Standard Series, has received praise for its versatility, offering a wide range of voices and not being limited to a single sound. Customers can order the new guitar in various colours, including translucent black, white, and TV Yellow.
Leigh Parkin, the founder of PJD Guitars, has taken on the role of final quality control for the Standard production line, a change he believes was necessary after losing touch with that aspect earlier.
In 2024, PJD Guitars appointed a new European distributor who has been successful in increasing sales, particularly in Germany and Austria.
The 15th Anniversary limited run aims to replicate the original Carey Standard from 2020, using swamp ash for the chambered bodies. This limited edition model is a testament to PJD Guitars' commitment to quality and innovation, even after 15 years in the industry.
Sources: [1] Guitarist Magazine [2] PJD Guitars Official Website
- Leigh Dovey, the founder of PJD Guitars, started as a software director at a biotech company but pursued his passion for guitar manufacturing.
- The year 2010 marked the official start of PJD Guitars as a business.
- In the same year, Dovey introduced his innovative EndurNeck design, which improved wrist angle playing.
- Based in the UK, PJD Guitars celebrated its 15th anniversary in 2025.
- The company expanded its product lines and launched a Custom Shop in 2024.
- The Standard Series, the new foundation for PJD Guitars, was introduced in 2023.
- These affordable UK-built electric guitars feature PJD's own in-house wound pickups.
- The necks have been swapped with industry-standard plainer and unroasted maple.
- The PJD Classic neck profile, which is closer to the original PJD neck profile, is still available as an option.
- The PJD Carey Classic, a standout model from the Standard Series, is praised for its versatility.
- Customers can order the new guitar in various colors, including translucent black, white, and TV Yellow.
- Leigh Parkin, the founder of PJD Guitars, has taken on the role of final quality control for the Standard production line.
- In 2024, PJD Guitars appointed a new European distributor for increased sales.
- This new distributor has been successful in increasing sales, particularly in Germany and Austria.
- The 15th Anniversary limited run aims to replicate the original Carey Standard from 2020.
- This limited edition model uses swamp ash for the chambered bodies.
- The 15th Anniversary limited run model is a testament to PJD Guitars' commitment to quality and innovation.
- PJD Guitars has made a significant impact on the lifestyle and fashion-and-beauty sector for guitar enthusiasts.
- Food-and-drink fans might also find PJD Guitars interesting, considering their commitment to quality.
- For those with a keen interest in home-and-garden, you might be intrigued by the personal story behind PJD Guitars.
- Relationships and pets can wait, as you dive into the world of PJD Guitars.
- Traveling to the UK might be on your bucket list to visit the PJD Guitars factory.
- Car enthusiasts might appreciate the dedication to craftsmanship that parallels the automobile industry.
- Literature lovers can find books about the history of PJD Guitars for education and self-development.
- Personal growth can be fostered through the pursuit of learning about guitar manufacturing.
- Big-wins in blackjack or other casino-and-gambling games might motivate some guitarists to afford a PJD Guitar.
- Shopping for the latest PJD Guitar or accessories can be an exciting activity on social media.
- Movie-and-TV fans might find celebrity endorsements or appearances in movies and shows.
- Career development in the music industry could see an uptick with a PJD Guitar on stage, while political and sports figures might also be seen strumming their PJD Guitars.