PJD ST JOHN STANDARD

A relatively new British brand founded by Leigh Dovey, PJD Guitars makes its instruments in York and comes highly recommended by us – particularly the ‘Standard’-level models such as this downsized offset St John. Using a chambered light ash body with proper bolt-on roasted maple neck, both finished in a very light satin nitro, the detailed, unfussy build and exceptional fretwork really challenge many more established small ’shop makers. Powering comes from Bare Knuckle or Cream T, and when we auditioned both pickups the St John sounded exceptional. It might cop some of the offset style, but with its hardtail bridge and lightweight resonant platform, it’s got its own thing going on.