Thank you Dana...Very sweet...A nice soul stirring tribute, we're all in line, and the line keeps moving....

Sad news to hear.

When I was a wee, new player, I was seeking a dulcimer without the arm-hair raising twang of an apple creek/peer. We had just arrived at the Unicoi dulcimer gathering and the vendors were setting up. 

I approached a young man who had a massive amount of dulcimers as he was selling his father's estate of dulcimers. "Do you have a dulcimer with a rich, almost guitar tone sound?" I naively ask.

He reached into the pile and handed me an unusual looking dulcimer. "How about this one," he says as he hands me a Gallier Star Song.

I had no idea what the star song was. Had no idea there was a multi year waiting list and to most, it was a legendary almost mythical instrument. 

I sat down to strum those heavenly strings and literally every head in the crowd turned. They approached me as one, "Are you going to buy that??" There was an almost panic look on more than one. Now keep in mind I was a new player. I had no idea what was laying across my lap.

But I wasn't a stupid girl and I could see (and hear) there was something special about this dulcimer. "Yes, yes, I am," says me, not having any notion what this dulcimer would cost.

I went back to the young man, "What do you want for this one?" I ask. He didn't know what to say and threw out a low number. One of the teachers had followed me to the table and said, "No...no, it's worth way more than that". So we agreed on a price and I took my Gallier Starsong home. 

For years, my husband would leave his office and come stand in the den to hear the beautiful sound coming from that instrument. 

I said it was sexy with the flirty brows and sharp curves. After some time, the high action proved to be too much for my fingers and I let it go to a new home, but missed that gorgeous tone.

Rest Gary, we'll all be seeing you. Here's my 'Father Get Ready' on Gary's starsong played by a one year player still learning. Whoops, not sure how to attach the song! Hopefully this works. Again, give me grace. I was only one year in at this point, in 2016. 

https://soundcloud.com/dana-leigh-788283265/father-get-ready-gallier?si=8dc81a70d810418896a743b15788db29&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing

I was at the Appalachian Dulcimer Heritage Day in Sperryville, VA when I learned of Gary's death. It is sad that another great builder and player is gone. I met him at a festival once. He was struggling that weekend and not feeling at all well. He made it through but was not his normal self. He made really nice dulcimers. He will be missed by many in the mountain dulcimer world. 

Ken

"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

I met him in Lexington years ago. He made some very interesting pieces!

I was fortunate to get to hear Gary in Lancaster OH some years ago.  He was a great player and luthier.  

I played the tunes with Gary on one occasion. He played A & G tunes DAd tuning. Yeah like D tunes. Big tone, precise and clear picking. One the great dulcimer flatpickers. A gentleman. 

Thanks, Jon, for sharing that sad news.

I heard about this as well and was hoping to find an obituary before posting anything.

Gary was not just an amazingly innovative dulcimer player, but he and his brother also made wonderful and unique dulcimers.  The Gary Gallier website is still up, and I'd encourage everyone to explore it and learn about Gary's approach to flatpicking on the dulcimer in multiple keys.  There is lot's of tab available as well, although it ain't for beginners.

Going by Bing's post, it looks like Gary Gallier just passed away. I loved his music and also the arrangements he and his brothers came up with.  I just thought I'd pass this information on to those who weren't aware.   take care of everybody from Jon Lilley