A cabinetmaker in Wartrace, TN since 1939, my grandfather, J.W. Gallagher, started building guitars in 1965 as a way of expressing and showcasing his craftsmanship.  He began with two basic models, the G-50 with mahogany and the G-70 using rosewood.  Before long some of the best musicians in Nashville and around the U.S. began commissioning J.W. to make new, custom guitars.  In 1968 as a custom order for Grandpa Jones he made his first Grand Concert guitar.  Word spread and as the years passed musicians began wanting something unique and custom to meet their specific needs and preferences like a special tone wood, a unique pearl or abalone inlay design to make their guitar one of a kind.  One thing never changed however.  The hand craftsmanship and sound of every Gallagher Guitar “Rings Like A Bell.”

After growing up in the shop and assisting J.W. in the 1960’s, my dad, Don, officially took over Gallagher Guitar in 1976 and today Gallagher offers a full service custom shop.  You can work with Don, or with me to design your custom guitar.  There is no minimum and, if you are inspired, almost no limit to what can be done. We can help you work out choices in wood from our standard high quality mahogany and Sitka spruce to exotic Brazilian, Herringbone, Ebony, engraved tuners, custom designed hand inlay and neck dimensions.

Below is a list of some of the common custom options.  If you don’t see something you want, just ask.  You are not limited to these custom options.  A custom Gallagher Guitar is the ultimate expression in a fine hand crafted instrument.  It is made to last a lifetime and, like the skill and craftsmanship I learned from my father and he learned from his father, to and pass on from generation to generation.