Gallagher Doc Watson

Mine is the signature model which has maple binding and added sparkle along the neck. The finish on this guitar was exceptional and clean. The guitar is heavier then Taylors and Martins but just abit lighter then big Gibson Jumbos. so, it is a heavy guitar yet it projects very clear tones and loudness. The neck is abit thicker then most modern acoustics but it does play well after a short adjustment period. The gloss coat seems very thick unlike alot of current makers.Very sharp guitar but not gaudy or overdone like some Gibsons or a Martin D45.Nice well fitting TKL case as well.

Wow!!! What a joy. This guitar is hands down the best Ive heard. Ive heard other mahogonys as good but none better. It really is true that these guitars ring like a bell and have joyous overtones. Yes, mahogony with lots of overtones. I like elixir phosphor bronze which do make this guitar abit bright but loud and proud.The original GHS strings with the guitar were much less bright.Folks, you are not going to find a better mahogony guitar then these for sound quality.

There are two little bruises in my bookmatched spruce top but the add character. The finish was perfect. The action was adjusted by my dealer and is fairly low since alot of bluegrassers like this model. If I really strum hard I do get a slight buzz but it doesnt sound bad? I know this last statement doesnt make alot of sense but to my ears even the slight buzz is musical on this beast.Real bone nut and saddle. Wow! This doesnt happen very often anymore. I think the scalloped bracing and bone help make this clar bell like phenomena.

Only had it a year but Im sure this guitar will outlast my playing days since Im way past middle aged already.I cant emphasize the apparent quality of constuction enough.... or the sound!

Ive spoken to the maker by email. There response was the next day and they seem like true craftsman and take great pride in their 100 guitars every year.

Ive owned dozens of acoustics including numerous Gibsons, Taylors, Larrivees, Yairis, Garrisons, Takamines and Martins. Ive also owned Breedlove, Froggy Bottom, Lowden, Avalon, Washburn,Santa Cruz etc. Ive never heard a better mahogony acoustic that anyone ever had. These Gallaghers are a true players guitar and the best deal around. Try one and I guarantee you will fall in love.

2006 model purchased new. Made by J.W. Gallagher & Co. in Wartrace, Tenn. I've heard they make fewer than 100 guitars per year.

This model is based on a guitar built for Doc Watson in the 1974. It has an African mahogany back and sides, Sitka spruce top, and ebony fingerboard and bridge. This version differs from the basic Doc Watson model in that it has maple binding around the body and neck, and mother-of-pearl "diamonds & squares" fretboard inlays along with Doc's signature at the 17th fret. The purfling and rosette are classic Martin-style herringbone.

The neck is a very thick rounded shape modeled after Doc's 1953 Les Paul. Nut width is 1 3/4". Bracing is scalloped. Construction quality is superb. In all, this is a stunning guitar to look at: elegant but not gaudy.

For starter's, it's a cannon. This guitar is just plain loud. I have a Martin D-41 that's pretty loud, but this guitar is louder by a pretty good margin. It has extraordinary balance with deep bass and very clear, bright trebles. It definitely "rings like a bell", as Merle Travis remarked at a recording session after Doc had finished playing a song on his original model (Merle's remark was captured on tape). Chords are very full and defined. Lead lines cut through with amazing clarity. I wish I could have a Dudenbostel, but since he's booked for life, I'll have to settle for this Gallagher, and I can't imagine the Dudenbostel would sound much if at all better.

The guitar was set up perfectly at the factory, albeit with a bluegrass action. By that, I mean it's got the higher action that most bluegrass players seem to prefer. The action is very low at the nut, and remains reasonable down the run of the neck but gradually rises to about 9/64" at the body fret (14th). The neck is almost dead straight with virtually no relief. I typically prefer lower action, but decided to leave the action on this alone since it plays very easily due to the perfect set-up. Let me explain this a bit further. The string height at the nut is probably lower than most Taylors. The frets are low and perfectly crowned and finished. The low string height at the nut, zero-relief/straight neck and fantastic fretwork make the guitar play as if the action was lower than it really is. And the higher action is what helps to produce the tremendous volume and note clarity. If you like a lower action, it's not problem, as the saddle height is designed to easily accommodate some shaving.

The neck is a handful. I personally love thick necks like this one; my favorite Strat neck, for example, is the '54 boatneck shape. But if you like thin necks, the standard version of this guitar is definitely not for you. It's way thicker than you'd find on a Taylor, and considerably thicker than a modern Martin low-profile. It's even thicker than a typical pre-war Martin V-shape. There's no V at all to this one: it's round and thick. For me it's perfect, because it makes barre chording, hooking the thumb to play bass notes, and playing fast leads really easy because you don't have to squeeze hard at all - there's so much wood to grab. I understand that Don Gallagher will customize the neck to any desired shape though, so you can't get it built the way you want if prefer something thinner.

Fit and finish are impeccable, same with the fretwork. The nut slots are cut perfectly, with not a sharp edge in sight. The quality of this guitar rivals anything I've seen from any maker: Collings, Huss & Dalton, Froggy Bottom, Santa Cruz, etc.

As I've said, this is an extraorinarily well-built guitar.

This is a company with a strong reputation for one-on-one customer service. Don Gallagher talks to his customers.

I've been playing acoustic and electric guitar for over 30 years. I've owned more than 30 acoustics, including numerous Martin's and Taylor's. I currently have a Martin D-41, Taylor 414ce Ltd, Tacoma DR-20, and Takamine EAN-70. As far as dreadnoughts, I've owned a Martin D-28, Taylor 410, Larrivee D-05 and a variety of other models from Seagull, Yamaha, etc. This Gallagher, my D-41 and my DR-20 are my all-time favorites; each has its merits. The Gallagher is the best bluegrass guitar I've ever played. The Tacoma excels at fingerstyle playing, while the Martin is a great bluegrass guitar that can hold its own for fingerstyle. Before buying the Gallagher, I looked at several Collings D2's, a Santa Cruz Tony Rice, and Larrivee D-50 and D-60 models. The Gallagher beat them all. The Gallagher was priced way less than the Collings and the Santa Cruz, and only a bit more than the Larrivee's.

Build in 1993 - bought it 2004 in a German beergarden :-) and worked out to be one of the best deals I've ever made.
Very good condition, a marvellous neck and a outstanding fine grained, warm coloured top with some "bearclaws" and a very fine herringbone.
Nice colored sides and back from African mahogany, ebony fretboard and bridge.
Overall nice and tasteful...

Gee, that's the main strength of this guitar !! Very full rich tone, sparkling and warm with a unexpected good attack.
Best sounding box I've played since 30 years guitarplaying ! (And I played a lot of high end guitars)
Pure pleasure, still makes me shiver at the first strum.

Action was high, but o.K. for me, I prefer higher action and a "free" sound...
I got it 12 years old used, in very good condition but of course some wear and tear... the original fit & finish sure was and is exceptional.
Very, very thin coat of high gloss nitrolacquer, perfectly colored top and nice marquetry.

The top shows surprisingly little bellying, less than a 2 years old all solid guitar of another brand I own.
The neck is quite slim, like an old Les Paul, but very stiff.
This guitar is sure a workhorse.

Came to know Hazel at Gallagher as a very nice and helpful person when I got my used guitar registered to my name.
I'm sure those people help you with any problem gladly.

I play guitar for more than 30 years, have owned or own (chronologically) Martin D28, Santa Cruz D, Santa Cruz 00, Martin 000-28 GE, Martin D-41. The Gallgher is my favourite. I'd always buy it again.
If you find one, get it (or tell it to me ;-))

I believe my Doc Watson was made in 1981. As they say over and over, it rings like a bell. My model has a sitka spruce top and mahagony back and side. The stain on the back and side is not dark but more of a light ran color. Different. All other features have been noted. Folks at Wartrace a good people and will spend time with you. I have added a strap peg and a Fishman Rare Earth Humbucker.

When I bought my Doc Watson my choices came down to the Gallagher and a Martin D28. Money was not an issue. I preferred the DW because it had a clearer ring. When I say ring, I dont mean a little tinker bell. The DW rings like church bells. And projects well. It sounds best with medium guage strings, however I ofter use medium lights to make it more playable for chords out of the first position.

I play church worship. It suits my style when flat pick strumming or occasional lead playing. Wonderful finger picking sound. I have even used it with finger picks and it sounded incredible. When compared side-by-side with Tak's, Olson, Martin, I believe it sounds better. It has the ability to ring out over the band instruments I am forced to play with. However, the battle for this EQ is hard fought. It does very well in mid-range and high end. Low is just fine.

The Doc Watson has a bright sound that rings. For you new to acoustics you may not appreciate its strengths, however many oldtimers end up moving towards a brighter sound as the years go by. Personally I dont like the dull, muddy sounds of many acoustics. Don't get sucked into the "listen to that low end bass." It becomes tiresome over the years.

The guitar came fine from the factory. Over the years I have had some bridge work done due to dryness. Also had a fret job for same reason. The neck has slid just slightly where it connects to the body but this can be dealt with. Most of my problems have occured due to my neglect with humidity and leaving it exposed on its stand around two kids and a dog. With any acoustic, keep it in its case and pay attention to humidity.

I love the neck. It's width makes it easy to play.

I am experiencing some finish wear on the neck over the years.

Experts tell me the guitar is in very good shape for its years.

The body has held up very well (except for my neglect, often I play it very hard.)

See above.

Have had zero problems with hardware. Holds tune very well, never had a problem. Inlays have all stood the test of time.

If you want to get the pegs out easier, loosen the strings and push them up from underneath.

NA

I have been playing off and on for 30 years. If it was stolen I would buy it again. However, I would check out other mahagony options as well. Lots has changed since the 80's I have only come across one other mahagoney guitar (from the big island)that I felt sounded better but it costs twice as much.

It is a quality instrument. Acoustic dealers that know there stuff appreciate its unique sound and craftmanship. But it.

Made in 2001, Wartrace, TN, USA
Dreadnought
Solid spruce top
Mahogany back and sides
Mahogany neck w/ low gloss finish
Ebony fretboard and bridge
Bone saddle and nut
Schaller tuning machines
Nice tweed hardshell case - made in Canada
This model is not ornate, but it is very elegant.

This guitar simply has a terrific sound. It has a very sweet, full tone, and it projects extremely well. I have played Martins, Taylors, and Gibsons, and none of them sounded as good as this one. The sound is the best reason to buy this guitar. Friends have played and/or heard it and thought the same.

The neck on this guitar is very nice and comfortable. I like the satin finish. The clear finish on the body of the guitar is quite good. I haven't noticed any defects or specks in it. The binding around both the top and the sound hole is attractive.

I honestly think this guitar is heirloom quality. Nothing about it is cheaply made. I haven't had it long enough to wear out the finish, but it doesn't look thin or suspect. It looks similar to what you would expect from other fine guitars such as Taylor and Martin.

I have not needed to repair it. I have toured the workshop where these are made and they were very friendly.

I've been playing guitar since around 1983. I have had several different acoustic and electric guitars, and this is the best acoustic by far. I would buy one of these again.

I think its best feature is the sound. It also is very playable, feels nice, and looks very good. It is not fancy, but it is elegant in its simplicity.

The only thing I could criticize at all about it is the string pins. I have a bit of a hard time pulling them out to change the strings, but that may just be because I try very hard not to scratch the bridge. This is not a major problem.

If you plan to buy a premium acoustic guitar, this is worth considering.

1998 model made in Wartrace,Tenn. by Don Gallagher. 14fret Dreadnought,sitka spruce solid top...African Mahogany back and sides.
Mahogany neck . Body and heastock is bound in ivoroid. Ebony bridge and fingerboard. 1 3/4 nut width. Jumbo frets.

This guitar is great for rhythm and lead in any acoustic style . It has a warm,punchy but open tone and rings like a brass bell. Very clear notes all over the neck.

Neck was modeled after a Les Paul neck at the request of Doc Watson on the first model made for him. Its very comfortable and fills up the hand great.

Great.

I've played mahogany dreadnoughts from every maker offered in stores and this is the best one yet. It leaves you satisfied in all areas.