Instruments - Parts -
Accessories
- Books/Courses - Software
- Recorders - Videos/DVD
- CDs
Gallagher Guitars
Wartrace, Tennessee
est. 1965
J.W. Gallagher first began woodworking as a cabinet maker in Wartrace in 1939. He made fine quality furniture. However, by 1965 J.W. Gallagher was making guitars exclusively.
Don Gallagher, the fifth generation Gallagher in Wartrace was born in 1947. He literally grew up working in his father's shop. In the early 1960's he closely assisted his father in development of the guitar business. In 1976, Don Gallagher assumed the responsibility of operating the family business when his father semi-retired.
Gallagher Guitars are built in very limited numbers. from 1965 to 1990 only 2064 instruments were made, indicative of the time and care given each instrument. Early Gallagher Guitars had paper labels. The serial number on these labels indicate the year and month the guitar was made. Starting at the first of 1970, the serial number indicates the actual number of guitars that have been built. This number, together with the model number, is stamped on the neck block inside every Gallagher guitar.
There is no substitute for fine craftsmanship in a musical instrument. The workmanship on all Gallagher guitars is the same regardless of price or model.
The difference in cost of the various models is governed by the cost of materials and the amount and type of trim used.
2000 marks the thirty-fifth anniversary of Gallagher Guitars. In some ways it seems like it was only yesterday when I was a young man helping my father in the shop. It was exciting sharing with him his thoughts and aspirations about guitar making. The older I become, the more I appreciate that experience.
You must understand, however, it has never been our goal to just make guitars. We have aspired to use guitar making as a way of expressing excellence in craftsmanship. Our objective has never been to make large quantities of guitars. Our objective has been to constantly strive to improve our guitars both in terms of craftsmanship and tonal quality. Over the years, we have continued to make improvements in our instruments; by developing better technical procedures, building a large inventory of well seasoned woods, perfecting wood curing processes, refining our designs, listening to what people have to say, and keeping up with what is happening to our guitars over the years.
Since 1965 every guitar we have built has been recorded in our ledger by model, serial number, initial owner, and the date it left the shop. If work is done on a guitar or if it changes owners and we know of it, we so note these changes in our ledger.
In some ways as I think back over the past thirty-five years, it seems like a very long time ago when we first started making guitars. What has made this business so special over the years are all the people we have had the pleasure of making instruments for.
Our guitar making is not just a business, it is a way of life. We take a lot of pride in what we do, and we hope we are making instruments today that can be enjoyed for many years to come.
Instruments - Parts -
Accessories
- Books/Courses - Software
- Recorders - Videos/DVD
- CDs
