The Abbott brand was initially founded by Englishman JG Abbott who worked for Barnes and Mullins in banjo production, and later began making  banjos both under his own name and as an OEM maker. His son also went into the business and both worked together to make guitars, banjos and banjo ukuleles in their London factory.

Abbot & Co used various other trade names including: Abbott-Victor,  Amboyna, Aristone, Mirabile and Monarch.