Gallagher's Guitars The Rory Gallagher Collection

by Unknown

• ISBN13: 9780760398487
• ISBN10: 0760398488
• eBook ISBN(s): 9780760398494
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2026-03-17
• Publisher: Motorbooks
• More Book Details

Summary

Get an intimate and exclusive look at the instruments of the beloved Irish guitarist, Rory Gallagher, in this stunningly photographed official volume.

When it comes to guitar heroes, Rory Gallagher is considered one of the greats, a “player’s player” forever linked with his iconic, well-worn 1961 Stratocaster. But like most virtuosos, Gallagher owned many noteworthy guitars, lap steels, and mandolins, 40 of which are featured in this breathtaking collection, along with selected amplifiers and effects pedals. 

Photographed in cooperation with Bonhams before the 2024 auction of the collection, the gear spans Gallagher’s entire career and showcases instruments from all the major manufacturers. Exquisitely detailed photography of the instruments by guitar photographer Eleanor Jane is accompanied by authoritative text from guitar historian Julien Bitoun, including interview material with Rory's brother and manager, Dónal, as well as archival photography from the Gallagher family. 

In addition to the legendary ’61 Strat, Gallagher’s Guitars includes:

• 1958 backup Stratocaster
• 1966 Fender Telecaster
• 1959 Fender Esquire
• 1968 Martin D-35
• 1968 Gibson Les Paul Junior
• 1959 Gretsch Chet Atkins
• 1965 Airline “JB Hutto”

And that’s just a small sampling. Even Rory’s first guitar, a flat-top acoustic acquired when he was nine years old, is included.

In addition to major manufacturers like Fender, Gibson, Gretsch, Rickenbacker, Epiphone, National, Vox, Martin, and Marshall, the collection includes pieces from names that grab the attention of discerning gearheads and collectors—Airline, Teisco, Mosrite, Stella, Silvertone, Kay, Guyatone, and Supro. 

Featuring a foreword by acclaimed guitarist and Gallagher superfan Johnny Marr, this carefully curated and display-worthy book is a fitting tribute to the life and career of one of the most revered guitarists of the rock era.

Author Biography

Eleanor Jane is a professional freelance photographer, primarily in the music industry, and the editor of the luxury print journal Eleven magazine. Based in South Wales, she shoots portraiture for music magazines, live rock ’n’ roll, and product and lifestyle shots for the musical instrument industry, specializing in detailed and atmospheric photographs of iconic and culturally significant guitars. Her photography has been featured extensively in many publications including Guitar World, Guitar Aficionado, Guitar, Guitar Player, Guitarist, The Observer, The Guardian, Total Guitar, and Classic Rock Presents, among others.

Julien Bitoun is a guitarist, teacher, and author. In addition to writing for several guitar magazines, he is the author of a number of books, including Les Paul: 70 Years, Guitars and Heroes and The Story of Woodstock Live: 50 Years.

Table of Contents

Introduction: For the Last Time

1958–1970: Taste 

The Early Years 

- Rory’s First Guitar

Finding the Grail 

- 1961 Fender Stratocaster

Defining One’s Taste 

- Vox AC30TB and Dallas Rangemaster Treble Booster

Looking for Extra Colors 

- Bjärton Acoustic

- Antique Italian Mandolin

- 1959 Guyatone LG-60B

Slip Slidin’ Away 

- 1966 Fender Telecaster

1970–1977: The Early Solo Years 

Life on the Road 

- 1959 Fender Esquire

The Acoustic Side 

- 1968 Martin D-35

- 1930 National Triolian Resonator

- Harmony Sovereign H1270

- 1942 Martin Style A Mandolin

From a Trio to a Quartet 

- Fender Twin and Fender Bassman 

- Hawk II Tonal Booster

The Stones Audition

- Fender Deluxe

Keeping It Fun 

- Oahu Lap Steel

- 1961 Kay K1962 Value Leader

- 1967 Vox Mark XII Special

- 1976 Travis Bean TB500

Notes from San Francisco 

- 1976 Fender Telecaster Deluxe

- 1958 Gibson Les Paul Junior

Custom-Made 

- 1974 Guyatone Rory Gallagher Model

- 1972 Eccleshall Mandola

- 1970s Eccleshall Electric Guitar

- 1979 Eccleshall Strat-Like Electric Guitar

- 1980s Eccleshall Tele-Like Electric Guitar

1978–1990: From Photo Finish to Fresh Evidence 

Getting Harder 

- 1978 and 1980 Marshall 2104 Combos

- Pedals and Pedalboard

The Other Strat

- 1958 Fender Stratocaster

Modded Tools 

- 1963 Gretsch 6135 Corvette

- 1960 Silvertone 1360

- 1978 Fender Musicmaster

- 1957 Rickenbacker Combo 400
- 1960 Gibson Melody Maker

Replacing Old Faithful 

- Washburn Tanglewood

- Takamine Dreadnought

- Charvel 625C

Beautiful Weirdos 

- 1983 Tokai Talbo Blazing Fire

- 1964 Epiphone Coronet

- 1959 Gibson Les Paul Junior

- 1959 Gretsch Chet Atkins PX6121

- 1957 and 1963 Supro Dual Tones

- 1965 Airline “J. B. Hutto”

- 1960 Kay K672 Swingmaster

- 1968 Mosrite Joe Maphis Double-Neck

- 1968 Coral 3S19 Sitar

1991–1995: Rory’s Last Stand  

The Final Session 

- 1965 Teisco TRE-100

- 1960s Stella Harmony H912

Image Captions

Index

Acknowledgments