Gallagher Guitar Co. Brings Handcrafted Music Tradition to Rutherford County, TN
Recognized for its robust manufacturing base in automotive, food and beverage, and metal fabrication, Rutherford County is also home to a lesser-recognized music production industry that plays a significant role in the region’s economic story. Gallagher Guitar Co. produces handcrafted instruments from its Murfreesboro location. Its reach, however, is nationwide as the company’s guitars are sold by specialty dealers across the country.
“Building guitars in Murfreesboro connects us to both tradition and community,” says David Mathis, who owns Gallagher Guitar. “This is a place where craftsmanship still matters, and we’re proud to contribute something enduring to the musical landscape from right here in Rutherford County.”
Building a Legacy Since 1965
Gallagher Guitar Co. was founded in 1965 by J.W. Gallagher and his son Don in Wartrace, Tennessee. As the story goes, J.W. was a master woodworker who once sawed a dreadnought guitar in half in order to figure out how it was made.
Over time, Gallagher Guitars found their way into the hands of serious players, most notably, legendary guitarist Doc Watson, whose Gallagher Guitar became known as “Ol’ Hoss.” Watson played the guitar on many recordings, including the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band’s “Will the Circle Be Unbroken,” according to the company.
After a brief closure, Mathis and his wife Reina acquired the company at the end of 2019 and reopened it in Murfreesboro on January 1, 2020. “We are committed to preserving its legacy while building a sustainable future for the next generation of players,” Mathis says.
Tradition and Technology in Harmony
Today, Mathis says Gallagher Guitars are built with an old-school mindset where tone comes first. The transfer of assets to Mathis when he acquired the company included the original Gallagher patterns, molds and machines. Some of the old jigs and equipment pieces used today were originally made by J.W. Gallagher himself.
“Wood selection, joinery, voicing and finishing are all critical skills,” Mathis says. “Many of our processes trace directly back to the early days of the company. At the same time, we use modern tools where they genuinely improve consistency or safety. The balance is intentional: Technology supports the craft – it doesn’t replace it.”
Small-Batch, Global Reach
While its workshop is in Murfreesboro, the company’s reach is international. Not only does the business sell through its network of dealers, but it also works directly with individual players who commission custom instruments.
Gallagher Guitars are built by hand in limited numbers and take three months and 70 to 80 hours of labor. The company produces a few hundred guitars per year, depending on model mix and customization.
Mathis says the company is intentional about remaining a small-batch builder. “We grow carefully, only as fast as quality allows,” he says. “Maintaining consistency and craftsmanship matters more to us than volume.”
Core customers have broadened over the years and today include professional musicians, amateurs, collectors and a growing number of young musicians. In fact, the company has a webpage dedicated to artists who have chosen Gallagher.
Mathis says small manufacturers like Gallagher contribute to the region’s economy by creating skilled jobs, preserving traditional crafts, and attracting people who value creativity and quality.
“Culturally, we help tell a story about Middle Tennessee that goes beyond scale and speed – a story rooted in artistry, patience and pride of workmanship,” he says. “Economically, we’re proof that creative manufacturing can be both meaningful and sustainable when it’s done with care.”
This spirit of craftsmanship finds its loudest expression once a year. Every spring, the company hosts its Gallagher Music Fest in May, with a focus on “bringing bluegrass back to the ’Boro.” Community and music come together at the one-day festival, which features artist performances and instrument contests for free.
Also based in Murfreesboro, Mario Guitars crafts vintage-inspired instruments that honor the region’s rich musical heritage. The presence of both companies highlights how niche manufacturing adds depth and diversity to Rutherford County’s broader industrial base.
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