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Auden Musical Instrument Co buys UK Guitar Builders’ assets following liquidation
Auden has hailed it a “new exciting project” for British guitar building.
Image: Auden Guitars
Auden Musical Instrument Co, parent company of both Auden Guitars and Gordon Smith Guitars, has purchased the machinery and wood stock of the now-liquidated UK Guitar Builders Ltd (UKGB). Chapman Guitars first hinted at the manufacturer’s closure earlier this month, revealing that UKGB would not be able to fulfil orders for its UK-made Workshop Series.
- READ MORE: Chapman Guitars warns of delays to UK-made Workshop Series, hints at closure of UK Guitar Builders
In a post to Instagram, Auden shared the news and its excitement about the recent acquisition. “I am delighted to announce that The Auden Musical Instrument Co. Ltd (Auden Guitars/ Gordon Smith Guitars) this week has completed the purchase of the assets of UK Guitar Builders Ltd (in Liquidation) and has started the process of re-locating all plants, machinery and material stocks into a new Northamptonshire workshop,” said owner Doug Sparkes.
“This is the first stage of an exciting new project for both brands and British guitar building of which more details will follow soon, stay tuned!”
You can see the full post below:
Sparkes also clarified in a comment that Auden/Gordon Smith would not be taking on the orders for Chapman’s Workshop Series. Chapman itself has stated that it is “already in dialogue with an alternative experienceed, high-end guitar builder with a view to being able to resume production in the next 4-6 weeks.”
Following the news, many commenters speculated that PJD Guitars, a brand closely associated with UKGB, would also be affected by the liquidation. However, it clarified in its own Instagram post that the two were completely separate companies. “PJD Guitars is here to stay!” the statement reads. “2022 was our most successful year to date. This year, we will be making many a fine guitar and continuing our relationships with the world’s best retailers, customers and artists.”
You can see the full post below: