Gallagher Guitars 

"Rings Like a Bell!"

In 1968, Doc Watson was picking under a tree at a music festival with Merle Watson.  J.W. Gallagher and his son Don walked over and offered Doc to play the guitar that was in the case they were carrying. Doc took them up on the offer and liked the sound. When he went to hand it back, J.W. said "Keep it for as long as you play it."

That Gallagher G-50 guitar became the legendary "Ol Hoss" played by Doc on the famous and influential, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band's album, "Will the Circle Be Unbroken".

Doc is still playing a Gallagher today. I guess he liked it.

Don and his son Stephen continue to build what many guitar players consider the ultimate flatpicking guitar. I have heard the words "Power House" used to describe the sound. They are time tested. There are many new builders with their own way of building and many of them are very good, but very few have the proven history of these guitars. This is the real deal!!

Don said, "We use what I call an eggshell effect. A flat surface is not nearly as strong as a radius. Our radius makes (our guitars) structurally stronger. We don't thin our tops and backs down as much as some because we hope you will pass the guitar down from generation to generation. We are building guitars for folks who I helped build guitars for their grandfathers, back in the Sixties!"

Gallagher builds approximately 75 to 125 guitars a year. Most who purchase one, will never part with it.

Choice Guitars is very proud to be part of the Gallagher family dealer network. We are the only dealer in the Minnesota region and are thrilled to offer these beautiful time tested instruments.

Call us to discuss the guitars we currently have in stock, or we can assist in helping you getting one built just for you!

As Merle Travis commented to Doc during the "Circle" sessions.

That guitar "Rings Like a Bell!"