72 Special   The first 72 Special was crafted by Don Gallagher in late 1977.  Since 1978 this model has been distinguished as one of the prize guitars at The National Guitar Championship in Winfield , Kansas. This fine guitar has select abalone pearl inlay hand-fitted into the top and rosette; delicate abalone pearl fingerboard position markers, with a mother-of -pearl bellflower inlay topped by the old English "G" in the Headstock. The body is of selected rosewood, and the back is joined by a variegated marquetry.  The spruce top is especially chosen for tightness of grain and beauty.  The neck is quarter-sawn mahogany, and the fingerboard and bridge are top quality ebony.  The nut and saddle are crafted of bone.  The bridge pins are ivoroid, inlayed with abalone and the strings are secured by gold plated tuning keys.  Both the top and back bracing are voiced.  The 72 Special has the characteristic Gallagher tone: well balanced, clear and resonant.