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, more than 40 of which are featured in this breathtaking collection, along with selected amplifiers, effects pedals, mandolas, and mandolins.
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, Donal, 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 is included.
In addition to major manufacturers like Fender, Gibson, Gretsch, Rickenbacker, 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.
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.
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
Height:296
Width:235
Spine:27
Weight:1810.00