Rory Gallagher’s use of the electric Coral Sitar on tracks like “Philby” is well-known, but the true cost of his dedication to its unique sound is less understood. The 19-string instrument, produced by the Danelectro sub-brand Coral in collaboration with session guitarist Vinnie Bell, is surprisingly rare, with only about 50 ever made. Many of these were owned by famous musicians like Pete Townshend, which led Rory to hire one for his tours—a choice that proved to be quite expensive.
“I reached a point of frustration with touring costs,” recalls Donal Gallagher, Rory’s brother. Determined to eliminate the high rental fees, Donal set out to find a Coral Sitar for Rory to purchase. Unfortunately, a promising lead in Australia was turned down by Rory, leaving Donal to continue covering the rental expenses. Eventually, he spotted another Coral Sitar for sale in New York for $1,500.
Taking initiative during a business trip for negotiations with Mercury Records, Donal decided to buy the sitar. However, he soon discovered that this acquisition would come with its own set of challenges.
“I had to make a short trip out to the States as we were negotiating a new record deal,” Donal explains. “I was under pressure, but I took the time to visit a guitar trader in New Jersey who had a Coral Sitar listed.”
On the last night of his trip, his accountant and lawyer suggested attending a concert by Cliff Richard, who happened to be in town. Excited, Donal agreed, having not seen Cliff in some time. After the show, they chatted briefly, and Cliff mentioned they were on the same flight back to London the next day.
It turned out Cliff was on the 10 o’clock Concorde, while Donal’s group was booked on a different flight at the same time. Curious, Donal asked about switching to the Concorde and was informed that it would be possible for a cash payment. With a bit of New York bravado, he made the change, allowing the sitar to travel back on the iconic aircraft.
Upon arriving at Heathrow, as Donal collected his baggage, he decided to walk through the “Nothing To Declare” lane with his well-dressed companions, even though the sitar was awkwardly tucked inside a guitar case.
However, he was soon stopped by a customs inspector. “I explained that I was bringing it back for my brother and that I wasn’t a player,” Donal recalls. The inspector noted the potential value of the instrument, and to Donal’s dismay, he was informed he would need to pay import tax.
The customs officer returned with a manual that included the price from the guitar trader’s pamphlet, making the sitar even more costly. “It became an even more expensive guitar—but worth every penny,” Donal concluded, happily paying the customs charge.
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