October 23, 2024, we marked the 40th anniversary of the passing of Merle Watson — a gifted guitarist, the beloved son of Doc Watson, and a true voice of acoustic roots music. His legacy continues to resonate across generations and instrument makers alike.
Merle’s first Gallagher guitar was a Gallagher G-40. This is the guitar you see often pictured with Merle at such performances as playing at the White House for President Jimmy Carter. This was also the very guitar that Karen Watson-Norris brought to us for repair. That led to the consideration of offering a Merle Watson Commemorative G-40. When we consulted with Karen about how may we should consider building, she simply said: “He began playing guitar when he was 15 years old — why don’t you build 15.”
The number 15 proved deeply meaningful. Shortly after that guitar was built in 1968, the model number was changed to G-45. A recent review of our records revealed that at that point there had been 15 G-40s built. Merle had one of the last G-40s. Now, with the Commemorative edition, we are building another 15 G-40s in honor of Merle’s original. History has come full circle.
The Final Guitar G-40
The final guitar in the run — #15 of 15 — will be presented at the MerleFest auction, with proceeds supporting Wilkes Community College and the broader MerleFest mission.
Availability & Inquiries
We are offering #14 of 15 directly for purchase by the discerning collector or player who understands and values this legacy. If you are interested, please contact us at Info@gallagherguitar.com or call (615) 624-4196 for full details and to reserve your instrument.
Merle Watson commemorative G-40 model
• Mahogany back and sides
• Sitka spruce top
• 1 3/4″ neck with unbound fretboard
• Rosewood headstock overlay
• Tortoise binding and pick-guard
• Black/White/Black/White top purfling
• Wood purfling with Black/White/Black strip on the back
• Three ring rosette with light rope inner ring
• Brace pattern of Merle’s 1968 G-40
• Special rose inlay on the headstock with abalone and stone
$6,200
At MerleFest 2022, we had the opportunity and responsibility to receive Merle Watson’s first Gallagher guitar, a G-40. Karen Watson-Norris, his daughter, brought it to us for repairs. It is a unique guitar – not only because of its history with Merle, but also in its appointments. We have never seen another G-40 with those appointments.
After considerable discussions with a number of people who knew and/or played with Merle, and then further discussion with Karen, we have decided to build a limited number of the Merle Watson G-40 model. We do so with great respect to Merle and as a way to honor his place among the great guitar players.
While being in the inevitable shadow of his father, he had his own deserved place on the stage with Doc. They won Grammy awards together in 1974 and 1978. Merle truly established himself as a guitar player. In 1985 Merle was awarded the Best Finger Picking Guitarist for Folk, Blues or Country by Frets Magazine. Tragically, with so much more to offer, Merle left us too soon in 1985.
Karen shared the following thoughts with us: “My family and I are extremely honored and grateful to have a guitar made and named after my father. It is such an honor to his legacy and so special for our family and the next generations to come to have such a wonderful tribute to him and by which to remember him.”
JP Cormier and Jake Lauzon visited our shop in October. After having played at the Station Inn earlier in the week, they shared a show with us on the Gallagher Unplugged stage. Prior to the show, we found ourselves with a special opportunity. We had a 1966 G-50 which would have been very similar to what Doc played. We also still had Merle’s 1968 G-40. I shared the video with Karen. She responded: “The sound of them playing brought tears to my eyes…it sounded so familiar.”
We will have new Merle Watson G-40 models with us at MerleFest 2023. If you have interest in reserving one of these guitars, drop us an email to: GallagherGuitarCo@gmail.com
