Vigier Guitars

What Vigier Guitars does

Vigier Guitars is a privately-held French manufacturer of electric guitars, basses, and related components, founded in 1980 and operating from a single factory near Paris. The company designs and produces its entire instrument range in-house, marketing technology-driven differentiators such as the proprietary Vigier 2010 bearing-based vibrato, the Vigier 2011 non-locking tremolo system, stainless steel frets (standard since 2010), the segmented Zero Fret S design, and the Surfreter metal fretboard option. Its portfolio is anchored by the Excalibur series (Supra, Special, Indus, Ultra, Original, Custom, Thirteen, Kaos, Bfoot, DoubleBfoot, Shawn Lane signature, Surfreter, and 7-string variants), complemented by the Expert, G.V. (Wood/Rock/Metal/P90), Marilyn, and legacy Passion/Arpege/Nautilus models on the guitar side, and the Excess (4/5-string), Passion Bass, and Arpege Bass (4/5/6-string) on the bass side. The company also sells a parts catalog (vibrato arms, jacks, nuts, frets, Zero Fret S, string dampeners, Teflon nuts in multiple string-gauge variants) through a dedicated e-commerce storefront.

Vigier goes to market exclusively through a global authorized dealer network and international distributors, with no direct-to-consumer sales for instruments. French distribution is handled internally by High Tech Distribution, a wholly-owned subsidiary/department. The company targets a horizontal segment of professional and semi-professional musicians across at least eleven countries (France, USA, UK, Germany, Netherlands, Spain, Belgium, Italy, Switzerland, Portugal, Brazil), supporting customers through an active multilingual community forum (over 2,000 members), comprehensive technical documentation (34 wiring diagrams, 22 current and legacy manuals), and a parts shop. Pricing is not publicly disclosed and is set at dealer level.

Revenue mechanics are hardware sales through the dealer channel plus aftermarket parts, with no disclosed revenue, headcount, or unit volume. Ownership remains private with no identified external investors or parent company; founder Patrice Vigier is actively engaged in the business as evidenced by direct participation in the official forum. The company's stated operational discipline — delivering instruments "perfectly set up right out of the box" — and its 45-year continuous manufacturing history position it as a niche, craft-scale manufacturer in the premium segment.

Name

Vigier Guitars

Legal name

Vigier Guitars

Website

https://vigierguitars.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1980

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Vigier Guitars is a privately-held French manufacturer founded in 1980 that designs and builds electric guitars, basses, and proprietary components in its factory near Paris, selling exclusively through a global authorized dealer and distributor network to professional and semi-professional musicians across 11+ countries.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Electric Guitars and Basses (Musical Instruments)

NAICS

Musical Instrument Manufacturing (339992)

SIC

Musical Instruments (3931)

akta.pro primary industry

Musical Instruments (Acoustic & Electric) (MPAIAJAA)

akta.pro secondary industry

Audio Accessories & Consumables (Cables, Stands, Cases, Strings, Picks, Heads) (MPAIAJAF)

Keywords

• Electric guitar manufacturing
• Bass guitar manufacturing
• Musical instrument design
• Tremolo vibrato systems
• Guitar parts accessories

Headquarters

HQ city

Near Paris

HQ country

France

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Operations, Supply Chain, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Guitar and Bass Sales: Vigier Guitars manufactures and sells high-end electric guitars and basses through a network of authorized dealers and international distributors. All instruments are designed and produced in-house near Paris, France.
2. Spare Parts and Accessories: The company operates a dedicated parts shop (parts.vigierguitars.com) for selling spare parts including vibrato arms, jacks, nuts, frets, and other components. Parts can be ordered through dealers.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

Vigier Guitars designs and manufactures premium electric guitars, basses, and fretless instruments at its own factory near Paris, France, alongside related components and accessories. Its instrument lineup centers on the Excalibur series of electric guitars, complemented by the Expert, G.V., and Marilyn models, as well as bass offerings including the Excess, Passion Bass, and Arpege Bass lines. The company also produces and sells replacement parts and accessories (vibrato arms, jacks, nuts, frets, string dampeners) through its dedicated parts shop and dealer network.

Product overview

Vigier Guitars is a French manufacturer of electric guitars and basses, founded in 1980, with all instruments designed and manufactured in their factory near Paris. The company produces a diverse portfolio of products centered around the Excalibur series of electric guitars (including Supra, Special, Indus, Thirteen, Kaos, Ultra, Original, Custom, Bfoot, DoubleBfoot, Shawn Lane, Surfreter, and 7-string variants), the Expert model, the G.V. series (Wood, Rock, Metal, P90), Marilyn, and legacy models (Nautilus, Passion, Arpege). Bass offerings include the Excess series (4 and 5-string), Passion Bass, and Arpege Bass. Key technological differentiators include proprietary tremolo systems (Vigier 2010 bearing-based vibrato and 2011 non-locking tremolo), stainless steel frets (installed since 2010), Surfreter metal fretboard option, Zero Fret S segmented design, and non-adjustable necks designed for stability. All instruments are delivered perfectly set up right out of the box.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Excalibur: Main guitar model line featuring various configurations including Supra, Special, Indus, Thirteen, Kaos, Ultra, and Shawn Lane variants
• Expert
• Excess
• G.V.
• Marilyn
• Passion
• Arpege

Products and services

• Excalibur Series Electric Guitars A flagship line of electric guitars featuring proprietary Vigier 2010/2011 tremolo systems, available with multiple pickup configurations (HSH, HSS, SSS, HH, active) and finish options; designed for professional and semi-professional musicians.
• Expert Electric Guitar A premium electric guitar model available with a 2010/2011 vibrato system and 250k Log potentiometers, finished in Normandie Red gloss; targets professional players.
• G.V. (Gitage Vigier) Series Electric Guitars A range of electric guitars in multiple configurations: G.V. Wood, G.V. Rock, G.V. Metal, and G.V. Wood P90, each offering distinct pickup setups and tonal characteristics.
• Marilyn Electric Guitar An electric guitar with a distinctive body shape, available with a SecurityLock system and 9-46 string gauge; targets players seeking a unique Vigier body design.
• Excess Series Electric Basses Bolt-on neck electric basses available in 4-string (40-95 or 45-100 gauge, including Roger Glover signature) and 5-string (40-120 gauge) variants.
• Passion Bass A 4 or 5-string electric bass with neck-through construction.
• Arpege Bass A neck-through construction electric bass available in 4, 5, and 6-string variants.
• Vigier Replacement Parts and Accessories Shop Spare parts and accessories for Vigier guitars and basses, including Vigier 2010 vibrato systems, 2011/2017 non-locking tremolo arms, Surfreter fretboards, Zero Fret S segmented replacement frets, Teflon nuts (in guitar and bass string-gauge variants), string dampeners, and related components, sold via parts.vigierguitars.com and through authorized dealers.

Quantifiable outcome

• All instruments delivered perfectly set up right out of the box

Segments1 record

Ideal customer profiles1 record

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Five partnerships are on record, tiered primary and minor.

• High Tech DistributionprimaryChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorHigh Tech Distribution is the official French distributor for Vigier Guitars. It operates as an internal department of Vigier Guitars, handling all distribution within France.
• SchallerminorOthersVigier offers Schaller vibrato arms as replacement options for certain models. Schaller reference 13080200 for 6mm tremolo arms.
• KahlerminorOthersLegacy partnership for Kahler vibrato systems. Kahler USA continues to manufacture parts for Kahler vibratos used on older Vigier models.
• Stewart McDonaldminorOthersRecommended tool supplier for Vigier jack replacement (Jack The Gripper tool). Stewart McDonald is a luthier tools supplier.
• MusicNomadminorOthersVigier recommends MusicNomad instrument care products for guitar maintenance, including String Fuel for string cleaning and Cymbal Cleaner for Surfreter metal fretboards.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Direct peers

• PRS Guitars: Paul Reed Smith Guitars manufactures high-end electric guitars and basses targeting professional and semi-professional musicians with proprietary hardware innovations and in-house production — directly comparable to Vigier's positioning.
• Music Man: Music Man produces premium electric guitars and basses engineered around proprietary hardware (e.g., tremolo systems, pickups) — directly comparable to Vigier's non-locking tremolo and Surfreter innovations.
• Charvel: Charvel builds premium electric guitars targeting professional players with proprietary hardware features (e.g., locking tremolos, No-Neck-Tilt systems). Comparable positioning to Vigier in superstrat-style premium electrics.
• Ibanez: Ibanez manufactures a broad electric guitar and bass lineup including signature artist models (e.g., Steve Vai, Joe Satriani) with dealer distribution worldwide; comparable range, build philosophy, and channel structure to Vigier.
• ESP Guitars: ESP manufactures electric guitars and basses including signature artist models and premium Custom Shop builds with broad international dealer distribution, mirroring Vigier's product line breadth and distribution model.
• Schecter Guitar Research: Schecter manufactures electric guitars and basses distributed internationally via dealers, with broad model lines and signature artist offerings overlapping Vigier's catalog structure.

Emerging players

• Aristides Instruments: Aristides builds boutique electric guitars with proprietary multi-wood resonance chamber construction and active electronics — comparable premium boutique positioning, custom/signature artist approach, and innovative material science focus.
• Mayones Guitars & Basses: Mayones is a boutique electric guitar and bass manufacturer known for custom specs, premium builds, and signature artist collaborations — directly comparable boutique positioning and model-line philosophy.
• Strandberg Guitars: Strandberg designs boutique ergonomic electric guitars with proprietary hardware (headless designs, EndurNeck) and DTC + dealer distribution. Comparable as an innovation-led boutique competitor chasing premium players.
• Reverend Guitars: Reverend is a boutique-style electric guitar manufacturer targeting prosumer and professional players with proprietary pickup designs and dealer-based international distribution — closely comparable niche positioning.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/VigierGuitars
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/vigier-guitars

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Vigier Guitars