• Model: Doc Watson
• Top: Solid Sitka Spruce
• Back & Sides: Solid Mahogany
• Binding: Ivoroid
• Trim: Herringbone
• Scale Length: 25 /12"
• Neck: Mahogany
• Fretboard: Ebony
• Fretboard Inlay: Mother-of-Pearl Dot
• Nut: Bone
• Nut Width: 1 3/4"
• Saddle: Bone
• Bridge: Ebony
• Finish: Nitrocellulose Lacquer, Gloss
• Crafted in Tennessee

Doc Watson and His First Gallagher Guitar: The Story
J.W. and Don attended the Fiddler’s Convention at Union Grove in 1969. They brought two guitars to show around – a rosewood G-70 and a mahogany G-50. J.W. didn’t want to sell the G-50 because it had been cracked in production, but they brought it so people could try playing the two different models.

J.W. first saw legendary guitarist Doc Watson at this festival. Later, he introduced himself while Doc and his son, Merle, were picking under a tree. After the festival, J.W. and Don stopped by Doc’s house so Doc could try out the guitars. Doc was partial to the G-50, but J.W. hadn’t wanted the blemished instrument to be out in the world, so they made a deal. J.W. allowed Doc to have the guitar and play it for as long as he wanted, as long as he gave it back when he didn’t want to play it anymore.

As a result, that guitar became known as “Ol' Hoss” and was played by Doc on many recordings. One of these recordings includes the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band’s seminal Will the Circle Be Unbroken. During this recording, Merle Travis famously commented that Doc’s guitar “rings like a bell.”