Willie Nelson Beloved Guitar Trigger
The Story Behind Trigger
Willie Nelson's guitar has become as iconic as the country music legend himself. For over five decades, Nelson has played the same acoustic instrument on stages around the world. The guitar's name is Trigger, a Martin N-20 nylon-string classical acoustic that Nelson acquired in 1969.
Trigger has been Nelson's constant companion through thousands of performances and recording sessions. The guitar earned its name years after Nelson started playing it, likely inspired by Roy Rogers' famous horse. Its unique sound comes from being amplified and played with a pick, unconventional for a classical guitar.
The story of Trigger began when Nelson's previous guitar was damaged by a drunken fan. He purchased the Martin N-20 as a replacement, but kept the pickup from his old instrument. This combination created the signature tone that has defined Willie Nelson's music for generations.
The Story of Trigger
Willie Nelson's guitar Trigger has been his constant companion for over five decades. This iconic instrument has played a pivotal role in shaping Nelson's distinctive sound and musical legacy.
Origin and Acquisition
Willie Nelson acquired Trigger in 1969 after a mishap with his previous guitar. His Baldwin guitar was damaged during a show in Texas when a drunk fan stepped on it. Seeking a replacement, Nelson purchased a Martin N-20 classical acoustic guitar sight unseen for $750. The guitar featured a nylon-string design typically used for classical music, making it an unconventional choice for a country musician.
Nelson immediately fell in love with the guitar's warm, mellow tone. He had Shot Jackson, a renowned Nashville luthier, install a pickup from his old Baldwin guitar into the Martin N-20. This modification allowed Nelson to amplify the instrument's sound for live performances.
Naming and Significance
The guitar wasn't immediately christened Trigger. Nelson named it after Roy Rogers' horse several years later. The name Trigger became synonymous with Nelson's unique playing style and sound.
Trigger has been through numerous adventures with Nelson. In a notable incident on Christmas 1969, Nelson's house caught fire. He bravely rushed into the burning building to save his beloved guitar. This act demonstrated the deep bond between the musician and his instrument.
Over time, Trigger developed its distinctive appearance. Years of wear and tear created a large hole in the soundboard. Nelson's pick strokes gradually wore away the finish. These imperfections became part of Trigger's character and charm.
Trigger's Characteristics
Willie Nelson's iconic guitar Trigger is a Martin N-20 classical acoustic guitar with unique features and modifications. This instrument has been Nelson's constant companion for over five decades, shaping his distinctive sound and style.
Physical Features
Trigger is a nylon-string guitar with a Sitka spruce top and Brazilian rosewood back and sides. The neck is made of mahogany, while the fingerboard and bridge are ebony. A large hole has developed in the top of the guitar from years of playing.
The guitar lacks a pickguard, which is uncommon for instruments played with a pick. This absence contributes to Trigger's worn appearance. Nelson's autographs from various musicians and celebrities cover the body, adding to its character.
Sound and Modifications
Trigger's sound is shaped by its classical guitar construction and electrical modifications. The nylon strings provide a mellower tone compared to steel-string acoustics. Nelson added a Prismatone pickup to amplify the guitar, allowing him to achieve his signature sound.
The pickup was taken from Nelson's previous Baldwin guitar and installed in Trigger. This modification enables Nelson to blend the warm, nylon-string tone with electric amplification. The combination creates a unique sound that has become synonymous with Nelson's music.
Trigger's aged wood and well-worn condition contribute to its rich, mellow tone. The guitar's sound has evolved over decades of continuous play, developing a character that cannot be replicated in newer instruments.
Cultural Impact
Willie Nelson's guitar Trigger has become a cultural touchstone in country music. Its distinctive sound and appearance are instantly recognizable to fans worldwide.
Icon of Country Music
Trigger has earned legendary status alongside Willie Nelson himself. The guitar's worn appearance, with its large hole and countless autographs, symbolizes Nelson's long and storied career. Country music fans view Trigger as an embodiment of authenticity and musical craftsmanship.
The guitar has been present for countless performances in honky-tonk clubs, large venues, and even the White House. Its unique tone has shaped Nelson's signature sound and influenced generations of country musicians.
Trigger in Media
Trigger has been featured in numerous documentaries and articles about Willie Nelson. A 2015 documentary titled "Mastering the Craft: Trigger" explored the guitar's history and significance.
The instrument has appeared on album covers, concert posters, and merchandise. Its image is closely associated with Nelson's brand and musical legacy. Trigger's fame extends beyond country music circles, with the guitar recognized as one of the most famous instruments in popular music history.
Conservation and Legacy
Willie Nelson's guitar Trigger has endured decades of use through dedicated maintenance and inspired a signature model. Its longevity and influence highlight the deep connection between artist and instrument.
Maintenance and Upkeep
Trigger has required extensive care to remain playable after over 50 years of constant use. Guitar technician Mark Erlewine performs regular maintenance on the instrument. He has patched the large hole worn through the top and reinforced the body to prevent further damage.
The guitar's frets have been replaced multiple times due to wear. Its bridge has also been repaired and reinforced. Despite the repairs, Nelson insists on preserving Trigger's original character and sound.
Willie Nelson Limited Edition N-20WN
In 2014, Martin Guitar released the Willie Nelson Limited Edition N-20WN. This signature model recreates key features of Trigger, including its classical body style and distinctive sound.
The N-20WN incorporates a Fishman pickup system similar to Trigger's. It features an aged finish to mimic the original's well-worn appearance. Only 100 guitars were produced, making it a coveted collector's item for fans.
This tribute model allows players to experience an instrument inspired by one of music's most iconic guitars. It celebrates Trigger's legacy while introducing its unique qualities to a new generation of musicians.
Trigger and Willie Nelson's Career
Willie Nelson's guitar Trigger has been an integral part of his musical journey for over five decades. The instrument has shaped Nelson's signature sound and accompanied him through countless performances and recordings.
Signature Songs
Trigger played a crucial role in creating Willie Nelson's most iconic songs. The guitar's distinctive tone can be heard on "On the Road Again," one of Nelson's biggest hits. Trigger's unique sound also helped define the stripped-down aesthetic of "Red Headed Stranger," Nelson's breakthrough concept album.
The guitar featured prominently on "Shotgun Willie," Nelson's 1973 album that marked a shift in his musical style. Trigger's nylon strings and worn-in sound became synonymous with Nelson's outlaw country persona.
Adventures on Tour
Trigger has been Nelson's constant companion on the road since 1969. The guitar has traveled millions of miles, performing in venues across the globe. Nelson's friend Woody Harrelson once described Trigger as "the most famous guitar in country music."
On tour, Trigger has endured its share of mishaps. Nelson's autobiography recounts incidents where the guitar was nearly lost or damaged. Despite these close calls, Nelson has always managed to keep Trigger by his side.
The guitar's extensive use has left it heavily worn, with a large hole in its body. This distinctive appearance has become part of Nelson's iconic image on stage.
