The Legendary Instrument Behind Willie Nelsons Signature Sound

The Story Behind Trigger

Willie Nelson's iconic guitar, affectionately named Trigger, has been his constant companion for over five decades. This Martin N-20 nylon-string classical acoustic guitar entered Nelson's life in 1969 and has played a pivotal role in shaping his distinctive sound. Trigger has been with Willie Nelson for more than 10,000 shows, recording sessions, and songwriting sessions, becoming an integral part of his musical identity.

The story of Trigger began when Nelson's previous Baldwin guitar was damaged. He purchased the Martin N-20 but kept the electrical components from the Baldwin, creating a unique hybrid instrument. The guitar's name was inspired by Roy Rogers' horse, reflecting Nelson's admiration for the famous cowboy actor.

Trigger's appearance is as legendary as its sound. Years of use have worn a large hole in its body, and Nelson's picking has etched deep grooves into its surface. Despite its weathered condition, Trigger remains Nelson's preferred instrument, contributing to the unmistakable twang that has defined his country music career.

The Legend of Trigger

Willie Nelson's iconic guitar, Trigger, has become a legendary instrument in country music history. This Martin N-20 acoustic guitar has been Nelson's constant companion for over five decades, shaping his distinctive sound and style.

Origins of Willie Nelson's Guitar

Willie Nelson acquired Trigger in 1969 after his previous guitar was damaged. He purchased the Martin N-20 nylon-string classical acoustic guitar with the serial number 242830. Nelson named it Trigger after Roy Rogers' horse.

The guitar originally cost $750 and was modified by Shot Jackson, a Nashville luthier. Jackson installed a pickup from Nelson's damaged Baldwin guitar, allowing Trigger to be amplified for live performances.

Nelson quickly formed a deep connection with Trigger, vowing it would be the last guitar he'd ever own.

Characteristics of Trigger

Trigger features a Sitka spruce top, mahogany back and sides, and a Brazilian rosewood fretboard. Its distinctive sound comes from its nylon strings and classical guitar design.

Over decades of use, Trigger has developed a large hole above the bridge, caused by Nelson's unique playing style. He uses a pick and strums forcefully, gradually wearing away the spruce top.

Despite its worn appearance, Nelson has refused to retire Trigger. He believes the guitar's increasing age and damage contribute to its unique tone.

Notable Performances and Recordings

Trigger made its recorded debut on Nelson's 1973 album "Shotgun Willie." It has since appeared on countless studio recordings, including the classic "Red Headed Stranger" album.

The guitar has been featured in thousands of live performances, from small honky-tonk clubs to massive festivals. Trigger has been a constant presence during Nelson's appearances on Austin City Limits, helping to define his sound for television audiences.

Nelson's commitment to Trigger has made the guitar a cultural icon in its own right, symbolizing longevity and dedication in music.

Design and Craftsmanship

Willie Nelson's guitar Trigger is a masterpiece of luthiery, combining expert craftsmanship with carefully selected materials. Its unique design and construction contribute to its iconic sound and remarkable longevity.

Materials and Construction

Trigger is a modified Martin N-20 classical guitar, crafted with premium tonewoods. The top is made of Sitka spruce, known for its excellent resonance and projection. The back and sides are Brazilian rosewood, prized for its rich, warm tone.

The neck is mahogany, providing stability and sustain. An ebony fretboard adorns the neck, offering a smooth playing surface. The bridge is also ebony, enhancing string vibration transfer to the soundboard.

Martin Guitars' skilled luthiers hand-built Trigger using traditional techniques. They carefully selected and matched wood grains for optimal sound quality and aesthetics.

The Unique Sound of Trigger

Trigger's distinctive tone results from its materials and construction. The nylon strings produce a mellow, warm sound characteristic of classical guitars. The Sitka spruce top allows for quick response and clear articulation.

Brazilian rosewood contributes to Trigger's rich overtones and sustain. The combination of woods creates a balanced, full-bodied sound across all frequencies.

A Prismatone pickup was added to amplify Trigger's acoustic tone faithfully. This modification allows Nelson to perform on large stages while maintaining the guitar's natural sound.

Years of playing have worn a hole in Trigger's top, altering its resonance. This unique feature contributes to the guitar's one-of-a-kind voice, beloved by fans worldwide.

Alterations and Repairs

Willie Nelson's guitar "Trigger" has undergone numerous modifications and repairs over its long career. These changes have shaped the instrument's unique character and sound.

Evolution Over Time

Trigger started as a Martin N-20 nylon-string classical guitar. Nelson added the pickup from his damaged Baldwin guitar to Trigger, blending classical and electric elements. This modification allowed Nelson to amplify his sound while maintaining the nylon-string tone he preferred.

Over the years, Trigger acquired its distinctive hole. This wear resulted from Nelson's vigorous strumming style and use of a pick on the nylon strings. Rather than replacing the damaged area, Nelson embraced it as part of Trigger's evolving character.

Luthier Mark Erlewine's Role

Mark Erlewine, a respected luthier, has been instrumental in maintaining Trigger. He performs annual tune-ups to keep the guitar stage-ready. Erlewine's work involves delicate repairs to preserve Trigger's integrity while ensuring its playability.

His tasks include reinforcing the top to prevent further damage, maintaining the original Baldwin pickup, and addressing wear on the fretboard. Erlewine's expertise allows Trigger to continue touring and recording with Nelson, despite its age and heavy use.

Cultural Impact

Willie Nelson's guitar Trigger has profoundly shaped country music and popular culture. Its distinctive sound and appearance have become synonymous with Nelson's iconic style and musical legacy.

Influence on Country Music Industry

Trigger's unique tone has influenced generations of country musicians. Its nylon-string sound, amplified through a pickup, created a signature twang that many artists sought to emulate. This guitar helped define Nelson's outlaw country sound, encouraging other performers to experiment with their instruments and playing styles.

Trigger's longevity and Nelson's unwavering loyalty to the instrument have inspired musicians to form deep connections with their own guitars. Many country artists now view their instruments as lifelong companions rather than replaceable tools.

Trigger in Popular Culture

Trigger has achieved celebrity status in its own right. The guitar has been featured in numerous documentaries, including a Rolling Stone Films production dedicated to its history. Its weathered appearance, with a large hole worn through the body, has become an instantly recognizable symbol of Nelson's enduring career.

The name "Trigger" itself, inspired by Roy Rogers' horse, has entered the lexicon of famous musical instruments. Fans often ask to see or touch Trigger at concerts, treating it as a revered artifact of country music history.

Trigger's cultural impact extends beyond music, appearing in art, merchandise, and even as the subject of academic discussions on the relationship between artists and their instruments.

Tales and Memories

Willie Nelson's guitar Trigger has been a constant companion throughout his career, inspiring countless stories and memories. Musicians and fans alike have shared their experiences with the iconic instrument.

Anecdotes from Fellow Musicians

Leon Russell once remarked that Trigger seemed to have a life of its own on stage. Johnny Cash reportedly joked that the guitar might outlast Willie himself. Kris Kristofferson recalled a memorable jam session where Trigger's unique sound stood out among a dozen other guitars.

Jazz musicians have marveled at Willie's ability to blend genres using Trigger. One noted how the nylon strings allowed for smooth transitions between country and jazz phrasings.

Jerry Jeff Walker shared a story of Willie refusing to let anyone else play Trigger, even for a quick tune-up. The guitar's significance to Willie was clear to all who knew him.

Willie Nelson on Trigger

Willie has often spoken about his deep connection to Trigger. He once said, "This guitar has been with me through thick and thin. It's like an old friend who never lets me down."

In his book "The Tao of Willie," Nelson describes Trigger as an extension of himself. He credits the guitar with helping shape his distinctive sound and playing style.

Willie recalls the day he bought Trigger sight unseen in 1969. He was drawn to the guitar's balanced tone and knew instantly it was special.

Woody Harrelson, a close friend, recounted Willie saying, "Trigger's been rode hard and put up wet, but she still sings true." This reflects the wear and tear visible on the guitar's body.

Technical Aspects

Willie Nelson's iconic guitar Trigger boasts unique technical features that contribute to his signature sound. These elements combine traditional acoustic guitar craftsmanship with modern electrical components.

Picking Style and Techniques

Nelson's distinctive picking style on Trigger incorporates elements of jazz and country music. He uses a hybrid picking technique, employing both a flatpick and his fingers. This approach allows for intricate melodies and complex chord progressions.

Nelson often employs hammer-ons and pull-offs to create fluid, legato phrases. His use of chromatic runs and jazz-inspired chord voicings adds depth to his playing. The nylon strings of Trigger provide a softer tone, complementing Nelson's gentle picking style.

Integration with Technology

Trigger's integration of acoustic and electric elements sets it apart from traditional guitars. The Baldwin pickup, salvaged from Nelson's previous guitar, is mounted in the soundhole. This setup allows for amplification while maintaining the instrument's acoustic properties.

The pickup connects to a Baldwin amp, creating Nelson's characteristic warm, slightly overdriven tone. This combination enables him to achieve volume and sustain typically associated with electric guitars while retaining acoustic nuances.

In studio recordings, engineers often blend the direct signal from Trigger's pickup with microphones placed near the guitar. This technique captures both the amplified sound and the natural acoustic resonance of the instrument.

Legacy and Memorabilia

Willie Nelson's guitar Trigger has become an icon in the world of music, inspiring other musicians and captivating fans. Its influence extends far beyond Nelson's performances, shaping guitar manufacturing and finding a place in cultural exhibitions.

Trigger-Inspired Models

Martin Guitar released a limited edition N-20WN model based on Willie Nelson's famous Trigger. This replica captures the essence of the original, featuring a classical body style and authentic details. Guitar collectors eagerly sought these models, recognizing their historical significance.

Several other manufacturers have created Trigger-inspired instruments, paying homage to Nelson's distinctive sound. These guitars often incorporate elements like classical-style bodies, pickup systems similar to Trigger's, and even artificial wear patterns to mimic its aged appearance.

Exhibitions and Tributes

Trigger has been featured in museum exhibits dedicated to music history and iconic instruments. The Country Music Hall of Fame displayed the guitar as part of a Willie Nelson retrospective, allowing fans to see the instrument up close.

Tribute concerts often showcase replica Triggers, with performers honoring Nelson's legacy. Some musicians, including Waylon Jennings and Roger Miller, have praised Trigger's unique tone and Nelson's playing style in interviews and performances.

Guitar museums and traveling exhibitions frequently include information about Trigger, highlighting its role in shaping country music. These displays often feature photographs, recordings, and historical context about Nelson's career and his relationship with the instrument.

Conclusion

Willie Nelson's guitar "Trigger" has become an iconic instrument in country music history. The Martin N-20 classical acoustic guitar has been Nelson's faithful companion for over 50 years.

Trigger has played a crucial role in shaping Nelson's distinctive sound and style. Its nylon strings and unique tone have become synonymous with his music.

The guitar's influence extends beyond Nelson's personal career. It has inspired countless musicians and guitar enthusiasts around the world.

Trigger's longevity and continued use demonstrate Nelson's dedication to his craft. The instrument's worn appearance tells the story of a life spent on the road and in recording studios.

Nelson's relationship with Trigger showcases the deep connection artists can form with their instruments. It highlights how a guitar can become an extension of the musician's artistic expression.

As Willie Nelson continues to perform and record, Trigger remains an integral part of his legacy. The guitar stands as a testament to Nelson's enduring impact on country music and popular culture.