The world of handcrafted guitars mourns the closure of Gallagher Guitar Company, a Wartrace, Bedford County icon that ceased production in May 2019. After fulfilling its remaining orders, this family-owned business, renowned for its association with legendary guitarist Doc Watson and its commitment to quality craftsmanship, closed its doors, marking the end of an era for American lutherie.
Image alt text: J.W. Gallagher handcrafting a guitar at his workshop, highlighting the artisanal approach of Gallagher Guitar Co.
While discussions of the closure had circulated online, Gallagher Guitar Company officially announced the news in May 2019. Stephen Gallagher, who took over the business from his father, Don, confirmed the cessation of new orders in December 2018 and the subsequent shop closure after existing orders were completed. No specific reasons were publicly disclosed for the decision to close the esteemed guitar maker.
Stephen Gallagher stated in the press 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 formally concluded the production of these highly sought-after instruments.
Image alt text: Stephen Gallagher showcasing a custom Gallagher guitar featuring Rotary International inlay, a testament to Gallagher Guitar Co’s bespoke guitar artistry.
A Family Legacy of Guitar Making
The story of Gallagher Guitar Company began in 1965 when it was known as J.W. Gallagher & Son. J.W. Gallagher, the company patriarch, initially established the business with his son Don. J.W. Gallagher’s craftsmanship laid the foundation for the company’s reputation before his retirement in 1975 and subsequent passing in 1979. Don Gallagher then took the helm, guiding the company from 1975 to 2015. In 2015, the leadership transitioned to Don’s son, Stephen Gallagher, a musician who brought a player’s perspective to the family business. At this time, the company officially became Gallagher Guitar Company, solidifying its brand for a new generation.
Over its history, Gallagher Guitar Company produced approximately 4,000 handcrafted guitars. These instruments became prized for their quality, tone, and playability, gaining recognition far beyond Bedford County.
The Enduring Doc Watson Connection
Gallagher guitars achieved widespread acclaim, notably through their association with the legendary flatpicking guitarist, Doc Watson. Watson began playing Gallagher guitars in 1968, forging a relationship that would significantly elevate the company’s profile within the acoustic music community.
The connection was famously highlighted on the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band’s seminal 1972 album, “Will The Circle Be Unbroken,” recorded in 1971. On the album, Merle Travis can be heard complimenting Watson’s guitar, to which Watson famously replied, “It’s a pretty good ol’ box. Mr. Gallagher made this thing.” This iconic guitar was later honored with a display in the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville, cementing its place in music history.
Gallagher Guitar Company further honored Doc Watson by introducing a signature model endorsed by the guitar virtuoso. MerleFest, the renowned music festival founded by Doc Watson and named in memory of his son Merle, underscored this partnership by awarding a Doc Watson model Gallagher guitar as the first prize in its flatpicking contest since the festival’s inception in 1988. Even after Doc Watson’s passing in 2012, the close relationship persisted; Don Gallagher had planned a visit with Stephen to see Watson shortly before his death. When a sculptor was commissioned to create a statue of Doc Watson, Gallagher Guitars was consulted to ensure the sculpted guitar accurately reflected Watson’s real instrument, even down to the signature “G” on the headstock.
Beyond Doc Watson: Acclaim from Music Icons
While best known for its association with Doc Watson, Gallagher guitars were also embraced by a range of other prominent musicians. Artists spanning genres, from blues-rock icon Joe Bonamassa to country legend Charlie Daniels, acquired and played these handcrafted instruments.
For four decades, from 1978 until 2018, a Gallagher guitar served as the coveted grand prize at the National Flatpicking Contest in Winfield, Kansas. This consistent recognition at a premier flatpicking event further solidified Gallagher Guitar Company’s standing in the acoustic guitar world.
The local Wartrace community also celebrated its connection to Gallagher guitars through the Wartrace Music Fest. This annual festival, inspired by the town’s guitar-making heritage, became a successful event in its own right, further weaving Gallagher Guitar Company into the fabric of the community.
Commitment to Quality and Customer Care
Gallagher Guitar Company’s dedication to quality sometimes presented challenges. In the late 1980s, a change in Sherwin-Williams lacquer formula led to cracked finishes on numerous Gallagher guitars. While mass-producer Martin Guitars reportedly denied responsibility for a similar issue, Gallagher Guitars, under Don Gallagher’s leadership, prioritized customer satisfaction. Production was halted while the company undertook the painstaking task of refinishing the affected guitars at their own expense. Even Doc Watson, a valued customer, was asked to wait for a new guitar until the backlog of repairs was addressed, demonstrating the company’s unwavering commitment to quality over expediency.
Don Gallagher’s commitment to the community extended beyond guitar making. He served as the former mayor of Wartrace and was a member of the Bedford County Board of Commissioners, further embedding the Gallagher family within the local landscape.
The closure of Gallagher Guitar Company marks the end of a significant chapter in American guitar making. While new Gallagher guitars will no longer be produced, the legacy of craftsmanship, quality, and the iconic association with Doc Watson will undoubtedly resonate within the guitar community for years to come. The instruments they created remain highly valued, and the story of Gallagher Guitar Co. serves as a testament to the enduring appeal of handcrafted American guitars.
