The world of handcrafted guitars is losing a legend as Gallagher Guitar Company, a cornerstone of Wartrace, Bedford County, Tennessee, announces the cessation of production. After decades of crafting exquisite instruments beloved by musicians worldwide, including the legendary Doc Watson, Gallagher Guitars will close its doors once outstanding orders are fulfilled. This marks the end of an era for a family business synonymous with quality, tradition, and the rich sound of American craftsmanship.
News of the closure had circulated on social media, prompting the company to officially acknowledge the decision on Wednesday. Stephen Gallagher, the current owner, stated, “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.” No specific reasons were publicly disclosed for this significant decision, leaving many to reflect on the remarkable history of Gallagher Guitar and its impact on the guitar community.
A Family Legacy of Guitar Craftsmanship
The story of Gallagher Guitar began in 1965 under the name J.W. Gallagher & Son. J.W. Gallagher, the company patriarch, established the business with his son Don, laying the foundation for a legacy of handcrafted excellence. J.W. Gallagher helmed the company until his retirement in 1975, passing away in 1979. Don Gallagher then took the reins, guiding Gallagher Guitars from 1975 to 2015. In 2015, the company transitioned to the third generation when Don entrusted the business to his son, Stephen, and the name officially became Gallagher Guitar Company. Interestingly, Stephen brought a unique perspective to the company, being known as a more accomplished musician than his father or grandfather.
Over its history, Gallagher Guitar Company produced approximately 4,000 guitars, each one a testament to the art of lutherie. These were not just instruments; they were handcrafted pieces built with meticulous attention to detail and a deep understanding of tonal quality. The guitars became particularly renowned through their association with the iconic flatpicking guitarist Doc Watson.
The Doc Watson Connection: Endorsement and Enduring Influence
In 1968, Arthel “Doc” Watson, a legend in bluegrass and folk music, began playing Gallagher guitars. This pivotal moment cemented Gallagher’s place in guitar history. Doc Watson’s Gallagher guitar became his signature instrument, known for its clear, powerful tone that perfectly complemented his masterful flatpicking style. The recognition reached a wider audience when, on the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band’s seminal 1972 album “Will The Circle Be Unbroken,” Merle Travis famously complimented Watson’s guitar. Watson’s humble reply, “It’s a pretty good ol’ box. Mr. Gallagher made this thing,” resonated with musicians and solidified the Gallagher guitar’s reputation for exceptional quality. This very guitar was later honored with a display in the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville, a testament to its cultural significance.
Gallagher Guitars further honored Doc Watson by introducing a signature model endorsed by the guitar legend. MerleFest, the renowned music festival founded by Doc Watson and named in memory of his son Merle, further cemented this partnership 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 after Doc Watson’s passing in 2012, the connection remained strong. When a sculptor was commissioned to create a statue of Doc Watson, Gallagher Guitars was consulted to ensure the sculpted guitar was an exact replica of Watson’s instrument, even down to the distinctive “G” trademark on the headstock.
Beyond Doc Watson: Acclaim from Music Legends
While inextricably linked to Doc Watson, Gallagher guitars also found their way into the hands of other notable musicians. From blues-rock icon Joe Bonamassa to country music legend Charlie Daniels, various artists recognized the quality and unique sound of Gallagher instruments. For four decades, from 1978 to 2018, a Gallagher guitar was the coveted grand prize at the National Flatpicking Contest in Winfield, Kansas, further underscoring their prominence in the flatpicking community.
The local Wartrace community also embraced the Gallagher legacy. The Wartrace Music Fest, an annual event celebrating the town’s musical heritage, was directly inspired by the town’s connection to Gallagher guitars. This festival continues to be a successful event, scheduled to be held at Jernigan Field in Wartrace, showcasing the enduring cultural impact of Gallagher Guitars on its hometown.
Commitment to Quality and Customer Care
Gallagher Guitar Company was not only known for the sound of their instruments but also for their unwavering commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. This dedication was famously tested in the late 1980s when a change in Sherwin-Williams lacquer formula led to cracked finishes on many Gallagher guitars. While mass-producing companies like Martin Guitars reportedly denied responsibility, Don Gallagher chose a different path. Prioritizing his company’s reputation, he halted new guitar production to personally refinish every affected Gallagher guitar, even informing Doc Watson that he would have to wait for a new instrument until all existing issues were resolved. This commitment to standing behind their product, even at significant cost and delay, exemplifies the values of Gallagher Guitar Company.
Don Gallagher’s contributions extend beyond guitar making; he also served as mayor of Wartrace and is currently a member of the Bedford County Board of Commissioners, further embedding the Gallagher family in the local community.
The closure of Gallagher Guitar Company marks a significant moment in the history of American guitar making. While new Gallagher guitars will no longer be produced, the legacy of J.W., Don, and Stephen Gallagher, and the exceptional instruments they crafted, will undoubtedly resonate for generations of guitar players to come. The sound of a Gallagher guitar, forever linked to the masterful playing of Doc Watson and many others, will continue to inspire and enchant music lovers around the world.
