When we decided to introduce PJD Guitars to Australia, we knew the Sydney Guitar Show 2026 was the right place to do it. What we didn’t anticipate was walking away from the weekend with a Best in Show win. That’s exactly what happened.
PJD Guitars, one of the UK’s most respected independent guitar manufacturers, made their Australian debut at the Sydney Guitar Show 2026, and the Origin Series left a mark on the floor from the first day.
Who Is PJD Guitars?
Founded in 2010 by luthier Leigh Dovey, PJD has built a quietly formidable reputation in the UK guitar market. Dovey started the whole operation with woodworking tools inherited from his father, a prop maker at the Royal Opera House, and that origin shapes everything. These are instruments made by someone who grew up around craft, precision and attention to detail.
PJD operates out of York, England, where their Custom Shop British-made guitars are built by hand. The brand’s aesthetic leans into distinctive body shapes, refined contours, and a modern British design sensibility that sits comfortably between boutique and contemporary. They are not a factory brand with a boutique price tag. They are a boutique brand that has found a way to reach more players.
The Origin Series: Boutique DNA, Accessible Price Point
The guitars we brought to the Sydney Guitar Show were from PJD’s Origin Standard Series. Four shapes, Carey, St John, York and Woodford, designed in the UK, built in Indonesia to PJD’s own specifications and tolerances. The brief from Dovey was clear: bring the feel, balance and character of a PJD instrument to a wider audience without losing what makes it special.
“They aren’t substitutes for our Custom Shop guitars. They’re simply PJD instruments made more accessible, considered and built with intent.” — PJD Guitars
The Origin Series delivers boutique electric guitar tone, solid hardware and premium finishes. Built for gigging musicians, recording artists and players who demand professional performance and reliability without the Custom Shop wait time or price point.
Best in Show @ Sydney Guitar Show 2026
Popular YouTube presenter Gabor Josika from SuperFunAwesomeHappyTime Pedal Show hosted the Sydney Guitar Show’s Australian answer to NAMM’s Best in Show on the main stage on Sunday. The panel, which included Tash Wolf and Josh Owen, discussed their standout gear from the weekend.
Gabor chose the PJD Guitars Origin Series Apprentice as his pick for the show. For a brand making its first appearance in Australia, on a floor packed with established names, that recognition means something massive.
A Note on the Australian Debut
PJD founder Leigh Dovey had planned to make the trip to Sydney for the launch in person. Unfortunately the outbreak of conflict in Iran made that impossible at the last minute. A crate of guitars made the journey regardless, and the instruments did the talking on their own terms. We’re looking forward to welcoming Leigh to Australia when the time is right.
PJD @ Paytons
PJD Guitars felt like a natural fit for Paytons for a number of reasons. First and foremost, the instruments themselves ticked every box. Beautifully made guitars offering the Australian market something genuinely fresh. As a fifth-generation, family-owned business, we’re selective about the brands we represent. They need to align with our values and be products we can proudly stand behind.
Leigh’s story also resonated strongly with us. The name PJD is a tribute to his late father, and each model is named after a person or place meaningful to him. It makes the brand deeply personal, and that sense of care and intention is reflected in every guitar that carries the PJD name on its headstock. For us, it made the decision to work together an easy one!
Coming soon to Australian Retailers
The PJD Origin Series is now coming to independent music retailers across Australia. Dealer appointments and availability details will be announced in the coming months. If you’re a retailer interested in stocking PJD Guitars, please get in touch with us to discuss the range.
Attendees of Sydney Guitar Show got first look, the rest of the country is up next!