Gallagher 72 Special

* Builder: Gallagher Guitars, Don Gallagher
* Model: 72 Special
* Type: Dreadnought
* Year: 1992
* Back/Sides: Indian Rosewood
* Top: Sitka Spruce
* Neck: Mahogany, 1 Piece
* Headplate: Brazilian Rosewood
* Headstock Inlay: Builder Logo
* Fingerboard: Ebony
* Fingerboard Bindings: Ivoroid
* Fret Markers: Custom Floral Pearl Inlay
* Frets to body: 14
* Bridge: Ebony
* Pickguard: Tortoise Style
* Body Bindings: Ivoroid
* Top Trim: Abalone
* Back Strip:
* Rosette: Abalone
* Tuners: Schaller Gold
* Case: OHSC Tweed Look
* Pickup: Highlander IP1
* Body Length: 19 7/8 in.
* Upper Bout: 11 1/2 in.
* Lower Bout: 15 3/4 in.
* Body Depth @Neck Heel: 3 7/8 in.
* Body Depth @Tail Block: 5 in.
* Scale Length: 25.25
* Nut Width: 1 3/4
* Strings Spacing: 2 1/4

I bought this guitar in excellent condition, with a tone that has to be experienced to be believed. It's the only Sitka guitar I've ever played that has as much headroom as a guitar with a red spruce top, even though the tonal signature is different. I play country, country rock, bluegrass, pop, southern rock, blues, and original compositions. This guitar is versatile enough to handle all of them.

The instrument is incredibly warm, without overwhelming the trebles, which are fat and round. The mids are defined, clear and powerful, and it has a truly wonderful Martin-like bass. The treble cut is not quite as prominent as my other guitar, a 2005 Collings D3 with an Adirondack top, but the over-all balance from string-to-string is the best I've ever heard. I played a 25 year old Martin D-42 last year that was very similar (and quite amazing), but the Gallagher is better. It is actually an even louder guitar than the Collings, with unusually good note separation for a Sitka guitar. Heck, for any guitar. You can flat-out Travis-pick this guitar, strum very hard without the sound breaking up, and yet still play fingerstyle with round ringing tones, exceptional dynamics, and a richness that is best described as lush.

The set-up for this guitar was very well done, and this is the first time I've bought an instrument that didn't require any adjustment whatsoever.

All woods are bookmatched and perfectly quarter-sawn, with no visible runout. The quality of the fit and finish, the delicate inlays, and the overall attention to detail of this guitar is superior. The top AND the back are voiced.

I've played guitar all my life; I've owned at least a dozen, and I've got a good ear. This guitar is nearly absolutely flawless in every respect, despite being a 17-year old instrument. The years have only opened up the guitar and improved the sound. It has an amazing sonic footprint.

This guitar could obviously withstand live playing, in practically any venue.

The tuners operate very smoothly.

The finish is hard, smooth, and has little damage beyond a few minor scratches and tiny dings.

The strap button is solid and positioned correctly.

While I have no as yet had the instrument very long, I would assume that the guitar is reliable.

I would not hesitate to use this guitar on a gig, with or without a backup.

No repairs are needed. It is not under warranty, but I did take the time to e-mail Don Gallagher and give him my personal information for their records.

Based on the reputation of the company, and many newspaper articles written about the Gallaghers over the years, I'd expect nothing less than the best in courteous service.

I've been playing since 1969. I own a Fender Acoustasonic Junior DSP amp, a Fender Princeton Chorus amp, and a Fender Blues Deluxe tube amp. Half a dozen stomp boxes. A 2005 Collings D3A. A '91 Guild GF-55. A 2004 Washburn D10SCEDL Deluxe Cutaway Dreadnought, and a 2007 Epiphone Dot.

If it were stolen, I'd be on the phone with Mr. Gallagher to order another one almost immediately.

I love the fact that it is the most vibrant, tonally resonant guitar I've ever had the chance to play.

I hate that I didn't find it sooner!

I wish it had a second pickup, and I'll be doing something about that very soon. Probably a L.R. Baggs Dual Source. They are pretty incredible.

Note: If you see a Gallagher hanging in a shop somewhere, before you buy any other guitar, I'd suggest you check it out. You might be very pleasantly surprised at what you could discover.