Clifford Essex is a British maker of fretted instruments and accessories founded in London in 1900 by jazz banjoist and teacher Clifford Essex, who had previously partnered with Alfred D. Cammeyer in the Essex & Cammeyer banjo brand at 59 Piccadilly. The company built a reputation around the British classic banjo scene of the early twentieth century, producing high-end models such as the Paragon five-string and tenor banjos, and worked with luthier Marco Roccia, who hand-built classical and plectrum guitars under the Clifford Essex name from 1927 onward. In 1903 the firm launched BMG (Banjo, Mandolin and Guitar) magazine, a long-running journal devoted to fretted-instrument players.

The original company traded until 1977 and was re-established in 2007 by Clem Vickery, who also revived BMG magazine. The business is based in Braunton, Devon, and is run by Clem Vickery Jr.

The product line covers banjos, mandolins, guitars and ukuleles alongside a long-standing catalogue of strings for fretted instruments, plectra, cases, tailpieces and other hardware. Vintage Paragon banjos remain sought after by classic-style and Irish tenor banjo players, and modern offerings include models such as the Gambler tenor banjo and the Weaver five-string.

Clifford Essex has 2 products cataloged on Equipboard, including Banjos and Hollowbody Electric Guitars. Their gear is featured by 3 artists, with the strongest followings in Rock, Pop, and Jazz. Notable users include Andy Summers, Vic Flick, and Chris Copping.