After decades of crafting some of the most respected and sought-after acoustic guitars in the United States, Gallagher Guitar Company of Wartrace, Tennessee, has announced the discontinuation of its production. This marks the end of an era for the family-owned business, renowned for its dedication to hand-crafted instruments and its significant influence on American guitar making. The company, a cornerstone of Bedford County, confirmed the closure in a public statement on Wednesday, May 15, 2019, following social media discussions about its future. While the company acknowledged ceasing new orders in December 2018 and the shop’s closure, no specific reason was publicly disclosed for this decision. Stephen Gallagher stated in the news release, “We stopped taking orders for new guitars in December, 2018, and the shop is closed. The orders on hand will be completed and shipped. After that there will be no new Gallagher guitars.” This announcement officially closes the book on new Gallagher guitars, solidifying its place in guitar history.
A Family Legacy of Guitar Craftsmanship
The Gallagher Guitar Company’s story began in 1965 when it was established as J.W. Gallagher & Son. J.W. Gallagher, the founder, led the company alongside his son Don Gallagher until his retirement in 1975. Following J.W.’s passing in 1979, Don Gallagher took the helm, steering the company from 1975 to 2015. In 2015, the leadership transitioned to Stephen Gallagher, Don’s son and J.W.’s grandson, and the business name evolved to Gallagher Guitar Company, reflecting the ongoing family dedication. Notably, Stephen Gallagher brought a deeper musical background to the business, being recognized as a more accomplished musician than his father and grandfather. Over its history, the company has meticulously produced approximately 4,000 hand-crafted guitars, each bearing the hallmark of Gallagher’s commitment to quality and sound.
The Enduring Association with Doc Watson
Gallagher guitars gained widespread recognition, particularly through their association with the legendary Arthel “Doc” Watson. Doc Watson began playing Gallagher guitars in 1968, a partnership that would significantly boost the company’s profile in the acoustic music world. A notable moment came in 1971 during the recording of the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band’s seminal 1972 album, “Will The Circle Be Unbroken.” On this record, Merle Travis is heard complimenting Watson’s guitar, to which Watson famously replied, “It’s a pretty good ol’ box. Mr. Gallagher made this thing.” This very guitar later achieved iconic status, being displayed in the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville, cementing the Gallagher name in music history. The company further honored this relationship by introducing a “Doc Watson” model guitar, officially endorsed by the flatpicking icon. MerleFest, the music festival co-founded by Doc Watson and named in honor of his son Merle, further solidified this bond by awarding a Doc Watson model Gallagher guitar as the first prize in its prestigious flatpicking contest since the festival’s inception in 1988. Even in the later years of Doc Watson’s life, the connection remained strong. At the time of his passing in 2012, Don Gallagher had plans to visit Watson in North Carolina with Stephen. When a sculptor was commissioned to create a statue of Doc Watson, Gallagher Guitars was consulted for precise measurements to ensure the sculpted guitar accurately reflected Watson’s real instrument, even down to the distinctive “G” trademark on the headstock, symbolizing the deep respect and accuracy associated with the Gallagher brand.
A Brand Favored by Music Legends
Beyond Doc Watson, Gallagher guitars attracted a diverse roster of prominent musicians across genres. From blues-rock virtuoso Joe Bonamassa to country music icon Charlie Daniels, various artists chose Gallagher for their sound. For an impressive 40 years, spanning from 1978 to the previous year of the article’s writing (2018), a Gallagher guitar stood as the coveted featured prize at the National Flatpicking Contest in Winfield, Kansas. This consistent recognition underscores the brand’s long-standing reputation within the flatpicking community and the broader world of acoustic guitar enthusiasts. The Wartrace Music Fest also owes its inspiration to Gallagher Guitars. This annual festival, celebrating Wartrace’s musical heritage intertwined with the Gallagher legacy, has become a successful local event, scheduled to continue at Jernigan Field in Wartrace.
Uncompromising Commitment to Quality
Gallagher Guitar Company was not only known for its sound and celebrity endorsements but also for its unwavering commitment to quality, even when faced with significant challenges. In the late 1980s, this dedication was tested when Sherwin-Williams altered the formula for its lacquer in 1987. This change resulted in cracked finishes on numerous Gallagher guitars, threatening the company’s hard-earned reputation. While Martin Guitars, a much larger manufacturer, faced a similar issue but reportedly chose to charge customers for refinishing, Don Gallagher took a different path. Demonstrating his commitment to customers and quality, Don Gallagher made the difficult decision to halt new guitar production entirely. He prioritized refinishing every guitar affected by the lacquer problem at the company’s own expense. This commitment to quality extended to even their most prominent endorser, Doc Watson, who was informed that he too would need to wait for a new instrument until all the existing guitars were repaired. This instance, detailed in the 2017 book “J.W. Gallagher & Son: A Legacy of Craftsmanship” by David Tipton and Steve Kerr, perfectly encapsulates the Gallagher ethos of prioritizing quality and customer satisfaction above all else. Don Gallagher’s dedication extends beyond guitar making; he is a former mayor of Wartrace and a current member of the Bedford County Board of Commissioners, further embedding the Gallagher family within the local community.
The Final Chord
The closure of Gallagher Guitar Company represents more than just the cessation of a business; it signifies the end of a significant chapter in American guitar making. For over half a century, Gallagher guitars have been synonymous with exceptional craftsmanship, superior sound, and a deep-rooted family tradition. While new Gallagher guitars will no longer be produced, the legacy of J.W. Gallagher & Son and Gallagher Guitar Company will undoubtedly resonate within the music community for generations to come. The instruments they crafted will continue to be played, cherished, and admired, serving as a lasting testament to the Gallagher family’s dedication to the art of guitar making and their profound impact on the world of music.
