Unveiling the Legend: What Willie Nelson Calls His Guitar Will Leave You in Awe

Willie Nelson's guitar has become as legendary as the country music icon himself. Known for its distinctive sound and worn appearance, this instrument has been a constant companion throughout Nelson's illustrious career. Willie Nelson calls his beloved guitar "Trigger," named after Roy Rogers' famous horse.

Trigger is a Martin N-20 classical acoustic guitar that Nelson acquired in 1969 for $750. The purchase came after a drunk patron stepped on and damaged Nelson's previous guitar at a show in Texas. Since then, Trigger and Nelson have been inseparable, with the guitar featuring prominently in his performances and recordings for over five decades.

The guitar's unique character stems from its nylon strings and the large hole worn into its body from years of Nelson's vigorous strumming. Despite its battered appearance, Trigger continues to produce the signature tone that has become synonymous with Willie Nelson's music. This enduring partnership between artist and instrument has cemented Trigger's place in country music history.

The Legend of Trigger

Willie Nelson's guitar Trigger has become an iconic instrument in country music history. Its distinctive sound and appearance have been integral to Nelson's career for over five decades.

Origins and Acquisition

Willie Nelson acquired Trigger in 1969 after his previous guitar was damaged. The Martin N-20 classical acoustic guitar was purchased sight unseen for $750. Nelson named it after Roy Rogers' horse, reflecting his love for western culture.

Trigger's unique characteristics include its nylon strings and built-in pickup. Nelson kept the electrical components from his damaged Baldwin guitar, creating a hybrid instrument that would define his sound.

The guitar's serial number is 242830, indicating it was brand new when Nelson obtained it. This chance encounter between musician and instrument would spark a lifelong partnership.

Significance in Willie Nelson's Music Career

Trigger has been featured on nearly every Willie Nelson recording since 1969. Its mellow tone and Nelson's distinctive playing style have become synonymous with his music.

The guitar has traveled extensively, accompanying Nelson on countless tours and performances. It has been present for the creation of iconic songs like "On the Road Again" and albums such as "Red Headed Stranger."

Trigger's worn appearance, with a large hole in its body, tells the story of Nelson's long career. Despite offers to replace it, Nelson has remained loyal to his trusty guitar.

The instrument has become a symbol of Nelson's authenticity and longevity in country music. Trigger's endurance mirrors Nelson's own resilience in the ever-changing landscape of the music industry.

Craftsmanship and Features

Willie Nelson's beloved guitar Trigger showcases exceptional craftsmanship and unique features that contribute to its legendary status. This Martin N-20 classical guitar has undergone various modifications over the years, resulting in a truly one-of-a-kind instrument.

Design and Construction

Trigger is a Martin N-20 classical acoustic guitar built in 1969. It features a Sitka spruce top and Brazilian rosewood back and sides. The guitar's soundboard is made of high-quality spruce, known for its excellent tonal properties. Martin Guitar, renowned for their craftsmanship, constructed Trigger with a mahogany neck and a rosewood fingerboard.

The N-20 model combines elements of both classical and steel-string guitars, resulting in a versatile instrument. Its larger body size compared to traditional classical guitars contributes to its powerful sound projection.

Unique Sound and Modifications

Trigger's distinctive sound is partly due to the large hole worn in its top from years of Nelson's vigorous strumming. This modification inadvertently altered the guitar's resonance and tonal characteristics.

Nelson added a Baldwin 800C pickup to Trigger, allowing him to amplify the guitar for live performances. This early piezo-style pickup significantly shaped Trigger's amplified sound.

The guitar's action has been lowered over time, making it easier for Nelson to play his signature flatpicking style. Despite the wear and tear, including cracks and additional holes, Trigger's unique modifications have become an integral part of its sound and character.

Tales of Survival

Trigger, Willie Nelson's beloved guitar, has faced numerous perils over its decades-long journey. The instrument has endured physical threats and extensive wear, yet remains an integral part of Nelson's performances.

Encounters with Disaster

In 1969, Nelson narrowly avoided disaster when his previous guitar was crushed by a drunk patron. This incident led him to purchase Trigger, a Martin N-20 classical acoustic guitar. Years later, Trigger faced another close call during a house fire at Nelson's Texas home. The guitar was rescued from the blaze, escaping significant damage.

Trigger also survived a potentially career-ending encounter with the IRS. When agents seized Nelson's assets in 1990 due to unpaid taxes, his daughter Lana managed to secretly remove the guitar from his home, keeping it safe from confiscation.

Maintenance and Repairs

Despite its age and heavy use, Trigger continues to function thanks to regular maintenance. Guitar technician Mark Erlewine has been responsible for the instrument's upkeep since the 1970s. He performs annual check-ups and repairs, addressing issues like cracks and wear.

One notable repair was performed by Shot Jackson, who installed a pickup from Nelson's previous Baldwin guitar into Trigger. This modification allowed Nelson to amplify the classical guitar for live performances, contributing to his signature sound.

Erlewine has also reinforced the guitar's body with wooden braces to prevent further damage from Nelson's aggressive picking style. These ongoing efforts have kept Trigger playable and preserved its iconic status in country music history.

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 career longevity.

Influence on Music and Musicians

Trigger's unique tone has inspired countless musicians. Its worn appearance, with a large hole near the bridge, symbolizes Nelson's authentic, no-frills approach to music. Many guitarists have sought to emulate Trigger's sound, leading to a surge in popularity for nylon-string guitars in country music.

Willie Nelson's playing style on Trigger, influenced by Django Reinhardt, has become a hallmark of outlaw country. The guitar's mellow tone and Nelson's fingerpicking technique have inspired a generation of artists to explore new sonic territories within the genre.

Trigger in Popular Media

Trigger has featured prominently in documentaries and articles about Willie Nelson. Rolling Stone Films produced a short documentary solely focused on the guitar's history and significance. The instrument has graced magazine covers and been the subject of numerous interviews with Nelson.

In his memoir "The Tao of Willie," Nelson dedicates significant space to discussing Trigger's importance in his life and career. The guitar has become a character in its own right, often mentioned alongside Nelson in music journalism and fan discussions.

Trigger's fame extends beyond music circles, appearing in films and TV shows featuring Willie Nelson. Its recognizable appearance has made it a visual shorthand for Nelson's presence in popular culture.

The Guitar Today

Willie Nelson's iconic guitar Trigger remains an integral part of his music and public persona. The instrument continues to feature prominently in Nelson's performances and recordings, while also inspiring tributes and commemorations.

Live Performances and Studio Albums

Trigger accompanies Willie Nelson at nearly every live show. The guitar's distinctive tone can be heard on recent albums like "First Rose of Spring" (2020) and "A Beautiful Time" (2022). Nelson's fingerpicking style on Trigger creates a unique sound that fans instantly recognize.

The instrument's worn appearance, with its famous hole, adds visual interest on stage. Despite its age, Trigger still produces rich, warm tones that complement Nelson's vocals. Technicians carefully maintain the guitar to ensure it stays performance-ready.

Trigger's Legacy and Commemoration

Trigger has achieved legendary status in music history. The Martin Guitar Company released a Willie Nelson Limited Edition N-20WN model in 2019, replicating Trigger's specs. This tribute guitar allows fans to own a piece of Nelson's legacy.

Museums have featured exhibits about Trigger, highlighting its cultural significance. Music documentaries often showcase the guitar's story and its impact on Nelson's career. Trigger has become a symbol of longevity and dedication in the music world.

Merchandise featuring Trigger's image is popular among Nelson's fans. The guitar's fame extends beyond country music circles, representing musical authenticity to broader audiences.

Associated Personalities

Willie Nelson's iconic guitar Trigger has connected him to numerous musicians, craftsmen, and admirers over the years. These individuals have played key roles in shaping the instrument's legacy and maintaining its unique character.

Willie Nelson's Closest Collaborators

Paul English, Willie's longtime drummer and friend, was often by his side during performances featuring Trigger. The duo's musical partnership spanned decades, with English providing the rhythmic foundation for Nelson's distinctive guitar work. Woody Harrelson, a close friend of Willie's, has been photographed playing Trigger on occasion, highlighting the guitar's significance beyond just Nelson's performances. Joe Nick Patoski, Nelson's biographer, has extensively documented the relationship between Willie and his cherished instrument, offering insights into how Trigger has influenced Nelson's music and career.

Craftsmen Behind the Instrument

Shot Jackson, a renowned Nashville luthier, played a crucial role in Trigger's story. When Nelson's previous guitar was damaged in 1969, Jackson recommended the Martin N-20 that would become Trigger. Mark Erlewine, an Austin-based guitar technician, has been responsible for maintaining Trigger since the 1970s. His expertise has been vital in preserving the instrument's playability despite its wear and tear. Erlewine's careful repairs and adjustments have allowed Nelson to continue using Trigger for thousands of performances, ensuring the guitar's distinctive sound remains intact.