Giffin Guitars

Overview

Giffin Guitars is a brand of custom electric guitars built by luthier Roger Giffin. It occupies a niche in the high-end custom guitar market, with instruments played by notable musicians including Eric Clapton, Pete Townshend, John Entwistle, Mark Knopfler, and David Gilmour.⁸⁶ The brand emphasizes handmade construction and detailed craftsmanship.⁹⁵

History

Roger Giffin founded Giffin Guitars in England in the late 1960s, operating a workshop under a bridge by the River Thames in London that attracted prominent players.² He later worked for Gibson's Custom Shop in Los Angeles before resuming independent production in 1997, building guitars there until relocating to Portland, Oregon in 2004.⁵⁶ The operation continues from Beaverton, Oregon, near Portland.¹

Product Lines

Manufacturing

Guitars are handmade by Roger Giffin in his workshop in Beaverton, Oregon.¹⁵ Production is in-house and small-scale, focused on custom builds.³

Notable Products

• Giffin Les Paul Replica - Single-cutaway solidbody modeled after Gibson Les Paul, used by Eric Clapton.
• Giffin Strat Replica - Stratocaster-style guitar played by David Gilmour and Mark Knopfler.
• Giffin Semi-Hollow - Semi-acoustic model favored by Pete Townshend.
• Giffin Custom Shop Guitar - Bespoke electrics built for high-profile musicians.

Reputation

Giffin Guitars are regarded by enthusiasts as premium custom instruments due to Roger Giffin's luthier expertise and celebrity endorsements.⁸⁶ Professionals value the detailed craftsmanship and playability.⁹ Limited production may restrict accessibility.⁵