I saw this Gallagher Guitar FB post today, and it led to this blog. Here’s that Gallagher post:
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1HRAQF1tmU/?mibextid=wwXIfr
You see, our good friend Angie Newell, from Westmoreland, TN, recently received her new Gallagher G45M (M for Modified).
(Angie and her G45M at the Gallagher shop pictured with David Mathis, owner)
There are four main modifications: 1) It’s a slope-shouldered dread; 2) it’s a 12-fret guitar; 3) its neck profile is custom; and 4) its headstock is slotted. It’s basically a Gallagher Bluegrass Bell with some changes.
Why did Angie want this particular model? Because 12-fret guitars with sloped shoulders are easier on a picker’s neck and back.
Angie barely survived a terrible car wreck a few years ago. Her neck and left hand were broken, and she still suffers severe pain. Playing guitar for very long can be unbearable for Angie.
I can personally attest to this particular guitar type’s ergonomics. My 2021 neck surgery left twelve screws and two rods in my neck. Since the surgery, playing guitar while standing for very long can leave me painfully stiff—until last year when I found a Larrivee slope-shoulder 12-fret.
(me and my Larrivee at The Rosine Barn Jamboree with my band The Caney Creek Gang)
You might not think the difference between a 12-fret and standard 14-fret would be enough to improve a guitar’s ergonomics, but I promised you it does for me.
Here’s what Angie says about her new guitar and how the folks at Gallagher helped her:
“Because of my hand injury they reshaped the neck to help my hand from hurting. The wreck caused so much damage to my wrist I didn’t think I’d be able to play without pain. The shape of the neck is perfect. The twelve frets to help me stay centered so that I don’t play on the neck. The lightweight guitar doesn’t hurt my neck when standing.”
Angie’s husband Kenneth Newell told me, “It fills my heart with joy that she’s so happy with it.”
I’m happy for them both.
Kenneth also told me David Mathis took the time to work with Angie and a 12-fret model with different neck profiles to see if it would help her before they ever committed to having one built. Sounds like Mr. Mathis and the folks at Gallagher are excellent to work with.
To be fair, Gallagher and Larrivee aren’t the only brands with 12-fret slope-shoulder guitars.
Martin, Gibson, and most of your major brands have them, though with most brands they cost a little extra.
How does this particular type of guitar sound? I haven’t heard Angie’s G45M yet, but Kenneth says it’s the best guitar he’s ever heard or played.
As for how my Larrivee SD40R sounds, it has everything I need. It’s comfortable to play when standing for extended periods. It’s warm and mellow with plenty of low end.
If you want to hear them for yourself, you can see and hear my Larrivee when the Caney Creek Gang plays at Rough River Lodge January 9, 2026, at 7:30pm. CCG will also be at the Rosine Bluegrass Gospel Show March 28, 7pm.
You can see and hear Angie’s Gallagher February 13 at the Kentucky Opry in Benton. Also, May 23 at 6pm, she and Kenneth will be playing the Rosine Bluegrass Gospel Show that evening.
I’m sure I can speak for Angie and say—we would love to “see and hear” you at these events.
