jbalch - Posted - 09/10/2011:  07:26:33

My son, Tnomas, and I visited Gallagher Guitars in Wartrace, TN.  It was the first time I have been back since about 1978. 

We had an awesome time.  We enjoyed a tour hosted by Don & Steve.  Played several new guitars. Even jammed a bit with Steve.  But he highlight was playing Doc Watson's original 1968 G-50...Old Hoss.  It is easy to see why Doc chose that guitar.  It has a very big old dry tone.

My 1975 G-50 is a great guitar too. It was fun to compare them.

DEmery - Posted - 09/10/2011:  08:10:11

John I am glad you got to make the trip to Wartrace. It is hard to believe it has been that long since you were there. I knew you chose your G-50 based on Doc's guitar and it is nice to see the photos of both. Interesting to see Thomas there with you. He was even a thought when you bought that guitar. He is holding a piece of history for sure. David E.

rinemb - Posted - 09/10/2011:  16:23:16

I still have my 1980 +/- Gallagher dreadnaught, herringbone and rosewood.   Trouble is, anymore it mostly sits in its case. Not good, eh.  I would love to visit the factory someday.  The scratches I put in it from a wold night of pickin reallly killed me back when it was nearly new.

Brad

jbalch - Posted - 09/10/2011:  17:26:03

David:  I hope Thomas can appreciate how special that guitar really is.

DEmery - Posted - 09/10/2011:  17:29:01

Ole' Thomas is a pretty thoughtful fellow. My guess he does or will over time as he listens to Doc. Question. Is the headstock on Doc's guitar a little longer and thinner cut than your G-50? I cannot tell if it is the color and grain of the headstock on Doc's guitar or in fact is may have been cut on a longer profile. David E.

Edited by - DEmery on 09/10/2011 17:29:48

jbalch - Posted - 09/10/2011:  18:25:06

I think the older headstocks were shaped a little different.  In fact, the overall dimensions of the guitar felt different too...but  I did not take time to see for sure.  Doc's guitar has a woody tone that is really great.  It might have something to do with the fact that he played it so well for so long.  The guitar is in great shape...but the finish is completely gone from the neck....all from Doc's hand.

Edited by - jbalch on 09/10/2011 18:26:55

WildJimbo - Posted - 09/10/2011:  18:55:16

If you happen to want something like this guitar Jim Grainger has been busy...

Edited by - WildJimbo on 09/10/2011 18:56:26

Slingerland - Posted - 09/10/2011:  20:44:37

Wow! Congrats! I am very jealous.

Robxx - Posted - 09/11/2011:  00:56:59

What a great sounding guitar, but more to the point I started to play that tune the other day, and could think what it was. Now my memory is jogged, I can start to learn it properly.

pastorharry - Posted - 09/12/2011:  20:27:20

Glad you got to play ol hoss John...what a piece of history! Did you see that "over the top" cowboy'ed out 12 string sitting back there...to quote Steve,"Not for sale".

pastorharry - Posted - 09/13/2011:  18:54:00

BTW; John I don't know if you got the same feeling I did, but when Steve put that guitar in my hands it was akin to being givin Picasso's paints and brushes and being told, "Here, paint whatever you like"....kinda humbling to say the least!

jbalch - Posted - 09/14/2011:  13:42:36

quote:

---

Originally posted by pastorharry

BTW; John I don't know if you got the same feeling I did, but when Steve put that guitar in my hands it was akin to being givin Picasso's paints and brushes and being told, "Here, paint whatever you like"....kinda humbling to say the least!

---

 It was a very special experience indeed.  Combined with great memories of 1974 when I ordered my G-50...and the excitement of picking it up a few days before my high school graduation.

jb

pastorharry - Posted - 09/14/2011:  14:34:23

John, your Gallagher is a very wonderful instrument!

Ronnie - Posted - 09/14/2011:  16:11:39

beautiful