GORDON SMITH GUITARS
STORY SO FAR
Gordon Smith Guitars was started in 1974 in Partington, near Manchester, by Gordon Whitham and John Smith, and the brand takes its name from both of them. It grew up alongside punk and British rock, building no-nonsense guitars for working musicians under the motto “guitars, not furniture”.
When John Smith decided to retire, the business was bought in 2015 by Auden Guitars and moved to Auden’s workshop in Higham Ferrers, Northamptonshire. Today it is part of the Auden Musical Instrument Company alongside Auden acoustic guitars and Montoya classical guitars. The range includes the GS, Graf, Gatsby, Geist and Griffin models, plus a bass.
DESIGNED BY
Designed by the Gordon Smith team at the Higham Ferrers workshop, carrying on the original Partington designs and adding new models. UK-based: Yes.
MADE BY
According to the brand’s own site, every guitar is handcrafted from raw timber in its workshop in Higham Ferrers, Northamptonshire, and the team winds and pots its own pickups. Visitors can book a tour of the workshop.
TO BUY
Further information
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gordon_Smith_Guitars
Further research reading
https://www.colemansmusic.com.au/blogs/news/gordon-smith-guitars-british-punk-heritage-boutique-tone-now-at-colemans-music
https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/09464531
Region Made
Higham Ferrers, Northamptonshire
