|
As part of our ongoing Luthier Interview series, we
present our conversation with Don Gallagher, chief luthier
with Gallagher Guitars.
MF: When you first started building guitars,
what innovations or craftsmanship did you feel made
your guitars different? Are those goals the same today?
 |
|
Gallagher "Doc Watson"
|
Don Gallagher: The first Gallagher guitar was
made in May 1965. My father had made custom furniture
since 1939. Each piece was individually designed and
crafted for a particular person. When we began building
guitars, it was our objective to create a small shop
dedicated to making instruments [that] could express
the high-level craftsmanship characteristic of the furniture
my father made. We also wanted to develop specific lines
of instruments so that the work could be done efficiently.
That work has been divided into three main areas: body
construction, neck construction, and finishing. Over
the years, people who have worked in the shop have worked
in one of these areas with my father, and later me,
being the unifying threat for the overall process. From
the beginning, we have placed a good deal of emphasis
on consistency in building techniques. Tolerances are
held closely by being well jigged up for the various
operations and maintaining good records of our work.
When design changes are made, we note that in our records.
All our instruments are serial numbered. A ledger is
maintained in which we record the serial number, model,
date it left the shop, and who received the instrument.
If the guitar changes hands and we know about it we
update the ledger. This ledger gives us good feedback
as to what is going on with our instruments and helps
us make design changes when appropriate. The ledger
also helps us to maintain personal contact with people
who are playing one of our guitars.
We have always striven to improve our work by building
upon knowledge acquired by the feedback we get our instruments
as well as information gained from other sources; i.e.,
musicians, other builders, etc.
In late 1965, we developed a neck rod that was adjustable
from inside the body. To my knowledge, this was the
first neck road adjustable from inside the body. Even
though this original internal neck rod has changed,
we since that time have always had a neck rod that was
adjustable from inside the body.
MF: What makes your guitars different from other
guitars of a similar build and value?
Don Gallagher: I believe we have one of the
best values for the money of any guitar being built
today.
|
