This Might Be The COOLEST Guitar I've EVER Played!!

I LOVE featuring brands that may not be house-hold names yet, but are making really high quality products! Today, I'm looking at the incredibly cool PJD CAREY ELITE!
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[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

Love to feature smaller builders on the channel and this PJD is REALLY nice! Enjoy :)

[@leadertogod3657]

Nice video!!!

[@bushmanjive6314]

Please check out my comment and respond..... it could even be a video idea

[@dylanpullam3820]

What type of pedals do you use regularly, if you use any that is? I love the tone you have coming out of the guitar, and I was just curious if it was just one of your rather nice amps or if you have a pedal rigged up too.

[@jasonmendoza5850]

Stunning guitar

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

Just using the Mezzabarba today :)

[@austinledley]

Nothing about the design elements of the guitar itself are that unique... but all of them put together looks like something I’ve never seen before. Very cool!

[@bgomusicco]

For sure. It has the classic LP look with a heavy tele thinline vibe. I really dig it.

[@p_mouse8676]

They remind me a lot of Cort or Fernandez guitars.

[@AffiBlues]

It's a the outspring of a Les Paul and a Tele thinline semi acoustic reissue, was my first impression. Both Gibson and Fender have contributed to this lovely instrument. I'm in love

[@picksalot1]

The aesthetics and tone of that guitar are absolutely stunning. What a gorgeous instrument! Thanks for demoing it.

[@dlux703]

The only thing it is missing is coil splitting. "One cannot live with humbuckers alone", especially in the neck pu (for $2500).

[@abrahamyanes2405]

And Piezo

[@leceleemmomin7821]

Also tremolo...

[@chriss9340]

I believe it is 2500 bp which is about $4000

[@zwz.zdenek]

They [PJD] probably expect to have rich customers who would have a separate guitar for every occasion.

[@user-ss1vm2ke4c]

I hear you

[@thedude7450]

Why is your guitar tone always so f’ing good on your solos no matter what guitar you play? I would kill for that tone!

[@nathansousa4871]

The best fingers provide the best tone. Fingerboard wood, guitar wood, amp, and brands are secondary. But a great amp definitely has something to do with it too 😅

[@jjdillon2007]

A touch of distant reverb, and delay.

[@danielbuhr4260]

It's the amps he uses. They are all nice, even the cheaper ones

[@mrsavedbygrace2569]

Cause he's a mean motor scooter and a bad-ass go getter

[@kevinblackburn3198]

Agreed! I pretty sure Darrell could get tone out of strung up spatula plugged into an air purifier.

[@bradpoole400]

I looked at their website. Tons of credit from us lefties. They make all models left handed too. They are releasing a less expensive guitar in December.

[@bartvansliedregt5482]

Man that is actually awesome!

[@a.jacobson2932]

As soon as I click on these "Small Builder" reviews, I'm immediately checking out the builder's link for pricing info. Waiting until the end of the video just hurts too much,..

[@antlereddruid8359]

@Mladen Caran but why should one care about resale value? I buy a guitar to play it and enjoy it and not to re-sell it...

[@jerryhollis8155]

Antlereddruid Yea, me too.

[@guitourney]

@@antlereddruid8359You never know when you're gonna run out of bills money

[@a.jacobson2932]

@Mladen Caran I feel ya. That's something that's always in the back of my mind when spending 4+ figures on a guitar when I'm not earning a living from my music. But one must separate that mindset when shopping for boutique guitars. Darrell shows us examples of what modern Luthiers are doing these days in an attempt to broaden our palette. This is comparable to an A5 Wagyu. Not all of us can afford it, and those that can will savor it as a special treat once in a while. If you're looking for resale, stick with the major players.

[@traviswilke6051]

@Mladen Caran just under $2000

[@alanmcleans]

Love the way the strings are straight through to the tuners, no angle, it's almost a hybrid in shape, really like it!

[@RC32Smiths01]

It looks very pristine and polished indeed, also sounds really great man!

[@Bluesky5553]

Clearly out of my price range, but a very, very nicely made guitar with a lot of attention to detail. Superb Craftsmanship.

[@jasonmendoza5850]

The result of the mixing of a les Paul a 335 and a tele all in one

[@seanb.5899]

Fender already did, it’s called a Tele Thinline HH

[@matthewlunsford4351]

The Starcaster, with the wide-range pickups, fits that niche.

[@JCGronewold]

Shhh. There goes my excuse to own 3 guitars

[@ironmaidenfan66670]

Id say its more of a Les Paul Jr-Florentine combo with perhaps the most gorgeous Tele-style neck I've ever seen

[@hoangnguyennguyen1032]

@Joel Gronewold you are wrong! This one is the perfect excuse to own 4. 3 very different guitars and one in between. Now go and hear your wallet cry.

[@scottpickett9779]

Darrell your the man & thanks for all you do giving info on alternative gear instead of the main stream stuff.

[@markbaum9615]

That pickguard is nice..... I'd rather have the coverplates match the mahogany back...the quilt seems odd back there....

[@lesterross1]

Just black would look better. IMO

[@nazmoking3171]

I felt the same way.

[@guitarguy7428]

Agreed, but that quilt looks sick though!

[@musicformadmen]

"One of the nicest nuts" - Darell 2020

[@Wargasm644]

Perfect nuts are all the rage.

[@kevinblackburn3198]

Well played.

[@pipibulet]

Right...

[@beehype46and2]

Oh no.😂

[@pipibulet]

You got that right

[@paulsimmons8444]

To add a bit of balance to the comments. I live in the UK and have had a PJD Carey Elite like this one (different finish) for a year now and used it for a lot for gigs until the world went crazy. Its one of the best guitars I own. I've been through several PRS's and Fenders and never got on with any of them. I really enjoy playing the PJD - light, comfortable, lovely neck and great pickups. True that small boutique brands don't hold their value well but I don't buy guitars thinking of how much I can get for it. Its more important to me to 'feel' the guitar when you strap it on. Really important to support smaller luthiers - everyone has got to start somewhere.

[@nathansousa4871]

For some reason I thought you had 1 MIL subscribers! I can’t believe you only have 600k!! Can’t wait to see you get there 🎸

[@DavidOakesMusic]

Darrell - have you ever tried a Paulownia wood guitar ? It's like Balsa Wood ! I made a Parts-caster Strat out of a Paulownia wood body and a Wilkinson High Output Humbucker in the bridge and it GROWLS !! Yeah the wood is really light and soft and dents easily but a thick paint job will sort that out ! Maybe try one !!

[@alphamegaman8847]

You know this man is a Pro when he can say almost anything with a straight face!😀 Or perhaps just good editing?👍 Keep up the Great Content Darrell! Thanks!🎸🎵

[@bw1955]

Wow what an incredible guitar! Thanks for spreading the word about them. I have never heard of PJD and am really impressed!

[@malcolmspillett8172]

When talking about UK luthiers, I must give a mention to Martyn Booth, who designed the MSG for Yamaha and makes guitars under his own name from his small workshop here in Suffolk, England. I'm the proud owner of a Martyn Booth Classic and it really can't be beaten by anything else I've played in it's genre (solid bodied twin splitable humbucker double cut ).

[@jennekke]

The Chibson keeps moving. You’re making me question what’s real Darrell.

[@drax_mx]

Lol I love this guitar but the more and more I watch, the more and more I notice how much money I don't have to afford one 😂😂

[@jamesflack8471]

Nice guitar. Fell in love with the Trans White Carey on the website.. Not sure sure I even like, like, the base price... Especially with no hands on "mauling" prior to purchase...

[@fatback2]

I'm getting a Huber meets. St. Louis Blues vibe

[@danhworth100]

That's amazing. It's like a thinline telecaster les paul mix. Just verified for anyone interested, it's a 25.5 scale length which you may have assumed. Would have been interesting if it was 24.75.

[@toneydavis9802]

Always nice to learn of new brands. Love the Bare Knuckle Old Guards.

[@vpelleri1]

Who dusts off all of your gear? Your studio is much cleaner than mine!

[@johncuriale7085]

Great looking guitar, Really nice tone, The only negative For me, would probably be, The cover plates on the back, The different color grains just look like a mistake, or We lost the original, A flat color shade of brown,or just a Pearl white or black, would have been better, Thanks Darrell

[@russellklassen7951]

Darrell, thanks for another beautiful guitar. Say, have you ever looked at Wolf guitars? They make a neck thru body Tele (and others) sub $500 USD! Beautiful guitars too. Would love to see you review one. Keep on rockin!

[@agdtec]

Darrell, You said it's "not" going to cost you 3 to 5 grand but it does, Straight from their site PJD GUITARS CAREY ELITE $3,159.85 now add tax and shipping.

[@TheLeadSled]

Very nice sounding git-fiddle, but a little to steep for my budget

[@adiiqbal8010]

Love the way you overview guitars, really unbiased. Could you do some more acoustics maybe Yamaha.

[@eclipsekitsune4837]

I'd love to see darrell demo a solar. Maybe one of their single cuts or the A2.6 model.

[@Bliggick]

Still waiting for you to go down the Guild rabbit hole. Only one of the oldest brands still in production today.

[@mikecarreca7864]

Great sounds. Looks good too. Did you receive my questions about Michael Kelly guitars?

[@joem9360]

I love that these are made in my hometown

[@CanadianArchivist]

That guitar is very clean and bright sounding . Great sound. Great craftsmanship.

[@bradwitt4672]

Beautiful, but for $2500 I would like to have seen the cream binding on the "f" hole.

[@joemorrow7691]

Brad just checked out pricing its 3200 now

[@bradwitt4672]

@@joemorrow7691 "Gulp"

[@dragan4658]

Leigh Dovey is behind these PJD hand crafted guitars from York England. Very nice work! Another one of Darrell's great finds!

[@lelik6233]

Hi, Darrell! Try to find Padalka guitars. It’s absolutely amazing! This is a small Russian firm. Only one man creates guitars. Everyone, who played his guitars, says that was super!

[@bofuscrapshaw]

amazed ive never seen a kiesel on your channel, They are truly amazing

[@paulsquires9818]

I've got one of these and I have to say I agree with this review. A couple of points I wasn't too impressed with were the vintage gotoh tuners, which wouldn't hold the top E string without slipping. I changed them for gotoh SD91 locking tuners which make stringing much more straight forward and secure, also the Old Guard pickups did take a bit of getting used to as they aren't the highest output humbuckers. They do sound lovely clean though so a tweak on the volume knob on the amp is required a little when gigging the Carey. These are superb guitars and so resonant. Strum a chord and time how long it rings. Just loving it.

[@fatworksfoods]

the only thing i didn't love was the logo. beautiful guitar. i think i would stare at it about as much as i would play it.

[@jjdillon2007]

At that price point, it'd be nice if they would bind the F hole, with the same binding used around the guitar.

[@markgray2835]

Lovely looking guitar and sounds great too. But I'm totally distracted by that amazing Durstburst behind you!

[@koreycraft5496]

Gorgeous. Tiny tiny bit of criticism would be the football output jack instead of something less invasive in those amazing sides and binding

[@ZaneDalton]

Wow, love that top! Looks sweet!

[@johninama585]

This is stunning. A real aspirational guitar. You should check out Hagstrom guitars for something more affordable. I have an Ultra Swede and it's a great little guitar. Reminds me a little of this one (a little :) ).

[@dikaananto]

It's a beautiful guitar. It will be super incredible if they have their own design of headstock.

[@wearytraveler3524]

I've got an Ovation Custom Celebrity Elite with that quilted maple, "Tiger Eye" finish! It never fails to make their mouths pop open! Nice guitar! You can tell when the labor is done with love!

[@jwc00789]

Love the design, sound, and finish! Going to have to seriously consider buying one!

[@Wishmasternet]

They start at $2,500. The model shown, with the quilt top, is $3,185.51? Wow!

[@H_mzaS]

I love small guitar manufacturers. They usually come with something very unique. And this guitar is really something else. Amazing! Also Darrell I love your videos. Keep up the good work!

[@diegocoronel1473]

Hey Darrell, if you’re planning another affordable guitar video, might I suggest Hard Luck Kings? They make some cool stuff at a pretty fair price for what you get. I have one and it’s pretty fun to mess around on!

[@TheCatholicPrius]

With the paint texture and the single hole it kind of gives off the impression that even though the pick guard is on top of the guitar, it looks almost set in, it isnt until the light hits the egde that you can tell. Very cool, I dont like the plastic look of that panel most of the time but here it looks really nice, nice work.

[@hoffguitars479]

Awesome man I kinda want one of those!

[@danielsakalaki]

wouldnt mind giving one of these a try too!

[@Tolbens]

The result is a very super sound with sharpness and warmness!!!

[@fazooleq1523]

i think one big mistake they made : they used an offset headstock design modeled after EBMM but they retained the hackneyed string trees of a Fender.

[@michaelnettles2570]

Bro...I'd really like to see you review/demo a Peavey T-27. I've heard it's one of the best guitars of all time. Scott Grove did a review that I respect greatly. You probably know him. He may not be with us much longer. Can you come up with a 2nd opinion. This might be a great time to get ahead of a great American guitar resurgence. Luthiers in America would bless your soul.

[@ramjam6934]

I got a custom Mithans from Slovenia, it was half the price of a Gibson LP.

[@gregorwalton]

They make Gibsons look like overpriced trash

[@pdp977]

Slovenia's guitar industry is really making a mark these days: great brands, great workmanship. If I needed a new guitar I'd certainly look there. Why give Gibson your cash for second-rate workmanship when you can have hand-made guitars and the cash goes to the guys doing the work. If you want Gibson quality just buy a PRS SE. I don't own a PRS but every time I've played one I've been really impressed with the quality control.

[@ramjam6934]

@@pdp977 absolutely true and is also my Mithans looks amazing.

[@miscovitz]

Looking them up right now!

[@ramjam6934]

@@miscovitz they have some on reverb.

[@_Meng0]

You should really check out Oswald Guitars from the Netherlands!

[@Furtheronmusic]

Keep hearing great things about these pjds

[@robinicus1133]

I don't know. For $2500, I'd much prefer if the neck was glued on, or thru the body, the binding went up both sides of the neck, the pickguard was transparent (or gone), and the tele headstock was a 3x3 type of headstock design. But that's just me.

[@davidkastin4240]

Gorgeous guitar. It's a L.P. thinline I guess? Sounds excellent! 🎸❤

[@jimmyz2098]

I like it. But they need to lose the pick-guard on it. I'd rather see the guitar. I'd also prefer flame-maple, or natural wood figuring.... than that quilted look. But that's just me, and I'm guessing they have some different finish options. Looks like a pretty cool guitar.

[@tonepilot]

I’d be ok with a clear pickguard. The matte black one already shows pick gouges.

[@SaxJockey]

I like the quilt maple, but that pick-guard seems pointless (small). The quilted maple back covers are strange, mahogany would look good.

[@GustavoZelele]

Darrell: "They don't have the marketing budget of a Gibson, a Fender..." Me: "Oh, I'm definitely checking this out then" Me after seeing the most affordable guitar in their website starts at £1000: "Hmmm ok nothing to see here"

[@jarsonfalconsmusic]

GustavoW right you can get a nice used LP from Gibson and. Nice tele from fender

[@shauncarter924]

Good work, DB. Interesting guitar, for sure. However that T style headstock paired with a single cut LP style body kinda throws me off lol.

[@bobbya8622]

Looks great, sounds great!!!

[@MrGixxer1300r]

OMG - there is a Fred Dirsht Les Paul cutout hanging in the background. :)

[@DannyBrooks1]

Love it but for the price I would just buy a PRS.

[@MrRyanS1983]

Or D’Angelico Atlantic Premier Series.

[@alexbitzan8747]

@@MrRyanS1983 that’s not too common - I’ll have to check that out!

[@tomdixon8219]

I have a custom 24. It feels like the perfect guitar !

[@bradpoole400]

I think that PRS is an exceptional and versatile guitar.

[@pdp977]

A PRS SE with a pickup swap to Bare Knuckles would be a great way of getting similar tones. Bump it up to a Hollowbody and you have a very similar configuration for half the price. And who knows, perhaps you'd decide the pickup swap wasn't necessary. The D'Angelico range has some lovely guitars at a reasonable price if you want a variation from standard designs.

[@thierryholweck6883]

Wonderfull ! Talking about handcrafted guitars in the UK, there is another brand making wonderfull instruments, called Gordon Smith that might be worth to check. But you probably already did...

[@neje1967]

Thanks for showing this guitar to us !!

[@dommadonia9207]

Blimey mate! This one is better that a Liverpool Championship.

[@tdtom1376]

why not recess the ferrules for the string thru?

[@roddunne]

Nice!!! Would love to hear your take Darrell on 3-5 really versatile guitars (mix of tones, range of genres they can be used in, clean sounds to o'drive..). Digging your format for reviewing guitars... the only bits I miss is 'Guitars with longevity... due to quality, resilient components, classic tones that don't datestamp them..).

[@thelifeandtimes.ofazombiegirl]

Gorgeous guitar! I would like to see what a cream pick guard that matches the binding would look like on it. Really nice! J.

[@craigthomson3621]

PJD offer a choice of pickguard and pickup surround cover colours.

[@TexanUSMC8089]

It's a Tele-Paul done very well. Attn to detail takes time and time is money. Beautiful guitar.

[@tomix1970pl1]

Super clean tone and this is where i start.Good sound.

[@chrisggoodwin777]

Looks like someone left a thinline tele and a les paul alone together for a little too long... 😂😂😂 Thanks, Darrell! Another great review putting the littler guys on the map

[@charlesharper7292]

Damn Darrell! That's the most beautiful guitar I've seen in a while.

[@magnotize0633]

Hey, u should do a review of the ibanez grx70

[@planetearth7824]

if that pickguard wasn't there it would be cool

[@michaelnettles2570]

Canada too. Let's build them here !

[@frantisca]

There is obviously a niche market for those nice, hand-made guitars. Quite cheaper than American equivalents, particularly for European customers. The neck material, carve, as well as the finishing on this guitar is quite fabulous. Gordon Smith, also from the UK, have acquired quite a reputation for their guitars in the same vein, maybe less upper class, but for a much more affordable price. An alternative to consider...

[@thomasschrein7584]

Beautiful! I’ll keep that on my radar.

[@andrewmuelleranantababaji8073]

Tele headstock, stratocaster type neck? Would have liked binding on neck too, but not as thick as body. Don't know why I just prefer playing on necks with binding, can't explain difference. Love pickgaurd! Don't like different wood for cavity covers, but since hand made sure can have choice? Darrell thought this was going be like Harley Beaton price when you said price I nearly dropped way out of my league.

[@rhymunar]

Love tha pickguard and the tone is so chunky its beutiful

[@Jesse-xi5tf]

This is a great looking guitar.. such unique finishes to. I Shared this in the discord and twitter.

[@barrywebber100]

It is a beautiful guitar which screams quality, very nice. Thanks for posting.

[@jerryvon4847]

you should check out the Ashley line from CMG Guitars from Statesboro, Ga. Great guitars!

[@jasong546]

Great job man, that’s a real value and would be a lifelong guitar for sure!

[@liuntika]

I just subscribed :) Please, can you make a video on electric guitar strings, like what's the difference in tone/tonality/volume/sustain between 8s, 9s, 10s, 11s and 12s?

[@antoniopaloumusic3914]

Beautiful guitar!

[@tleary4358]

Great Looking Guitar ! Any Chance that you'd do a follow-up on the newer 2019/2020 Epiphone headstock change and go over the angle comparison again ?? Keep it up , Love the Channel !!!

[@zaneknorr6600]

Only thing that I would change personally, is adding coil tapping. Other than that, I want one sooo bad now!!!

[@gordonramsay8459]

Love the videos Darrel 👍🏻

[@ronnie5129]

That Guitar is Awsome, Cousin Figel

[@RJsCave]

PJD as in Paul Jr. Design? from american chopper? nice guitar! nice video!

[@LD-qj2te]

Great looking guitars! Always love these conversations !!

[@lokarrsboots9337]

Out of context they seem like rather pricey guitars but beautiful and well designed indeed. I like that they went for this kind of bridge instead of the tune-o-matic stuff most of us would usually expect when looking at such a body shape. The same goes for the T-style headstock instead of the typical open book headstock design. They basically took the best of both worlds. The functionality (bolt-on neck, string-through-body, 25,5" scale length, bridge design) from the big F and the classy looks and sounds (humbuckers) from the big G. The only thing that's missing to me is coil splitting.

[@shawnwright5332]

Darrell got a idea why don't you do a video on capacitors you could set up a switch going from ceramic to paper in oil and all the frequencies set up on a toggle switch plumb into say a Les Paul showing all the different sounds just by changing the toggle switch what do you think?