Gallagher guitars are built by hand in limited numbers and with many of the same tools responsible for some of the finest acoustic guitars made over the last 55 years. Some of the jigs and equipment pieces still in use were originally made by J.W. Gallagher. Doc Watson's relationship with J.W. Gallagher is well-known. The Gallagher Guitar Co. Doc Watson model dreadnought features include a solid Sitka spruce top, solid mahogany back & sides, 1 3/4" nut (what Doc Watson preferred) and jumbo frets. It is the quintessential and most recognized Gallagher guitar.
The exact appearance of this item may vary.
More Details

More Details

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.”

Gallagher Guitar Co. Doc Watson Dreadnought Guitar and Case

Expert Setup

Intl. Fees

Limited Warranty Included

SKU: GWATSON

Regular price: $4,300 USD
Regular price
Sale price: $4,300 USD
Unit price: per

Product variants

Gallagher guitars are built by hand in limited numbers and with many of the same tools responsible for some of the finest acoustic guitars made over the last 55 years. Some of the jigs and equipment pieces still in use were originally made by J.W. Gallagher. Doc Watson's relationship with J.W. Gallagher is well-known. The Gallagher Guitar Co. Doc Watson model dreadnought features include a solid Sitka spruce top, solid mahogany back & sides, 1 3/4" nut (what Doc Watson preferred) and jumbo frets. It is the quintessential and most recognized Gallagher guitar.

More Details

Quantity