Willie Nelson's Legendary Guitar 'Trigger' Reveals Untold Secrets of a Country Icon
Willie Nelson, the iconic country music legend, has been inseparable from his beloved guitar for over five decades. This instrument has become as famous as the man himself, accompanying him through countless performances and recording sessions.
Willie Nelson plays a 1969 Martin N-20 nylon-string classical acoustic guitar, affectionately named "Trigger". Nelson acquired this guitar in 1969 after his previous instrument was damaged. Since then, Trigger has been a constant companion, developing its own unique character and history.
Trigger bears the marks of its long and illustrious career, including a prominent hole worn through its body from years of passionate playing. This distinctive feature, along with Nelson's signature sound, has made Trigger one of the most recognizable guitars in music history. The instrument's enduring presence in Nelson's hands is a testament to both its craftsmanship and the deep bond between musician and instrument.
Willie Nelson's Iconic Guitar: 'Trigger'
Willie Nelson's beloved guitar 'Trigger' has been an essential part of his music for over five decades. This Martin N-20 nylon-string classical acoustic guitar has become as legendary as the country music icon himself.
The Origin of Trigger
In 1969, Willie Nelson acquired Trigger, a Martin N-20 nylon-string classical acoustic guitar. The purchase came after Nelson's previous Baldwin 800C acoustic was damaged when someone stepped on it. Nelson kept the pickup from his Baldwin and had it installed in the new Martin guitar.
The name 'Trigger' was inspired by Roy Rogers' horse, reflecting Nelson's cowboy image. This guitar quickly became Nelson's primary instrument, forming an inseparable bond between the musician and his six-string companion.
Characteristics of Trigger
Trigger is a modified Martin N-20 with unique features that set it apart from standard models. The guitar has a Sitka spruce top and Brazilian rosewood back and sides. Its most distinctive feature is the large hole worn through the top wood, created by years of Nelson's fingerpicking style.
The guitar retains its original Baldwin pickup, giving it a distinctive amplified sound. Despite its wear and tear, Nelson has never considered replacing Trigger, preferring its familiar feel and tone.
Trigger's Role in Willie Nelson's Music
Trigger has been central to Willie Nelson's sound and performance style for over 50 years. The nylon-string guitar's mellow tone complements Nelson's unique vocal style and contributes to his signature sound.
Nelson's fingerpicking technique on Trigger has become iconic, influencing countless guitarists. The guitar has been present on nearly all of Nelson's recordings and live performances since 1969, making it an integral part of his musical legacy.
The Significance in Music History
Trigger has transcended its role as a mere instrument to become a symbol of musical authenticity and longevity. Its weathered appearance tells the story of Nelson's long and storied career in country music.
In 1998, Martin Guitars recognized Trigger's importance by creating the Willie Nelson Limited Edition N-20WN. This model paid homage to the original Trigger and its impact on music history.
Trigger's endurance and Nelson's unwavering loyalty to the instrument have inspired many musicians to form similar bonds with their guitars. The story of Willie and Trigger serves as a testament to the deep connection that can exist between an artist and their instrument.
A Deep Dive into Trigger's Specifications
Willie Nelson's iconic guitar Trigger boasts unique features and modifications that contribute to its distinctive sound and character. This Martin N-20 has undergone significant changes over decades of use.
Tonewoods and Construction
Trigger started life as a standard Martin N-20 classical guitar. Its back and sides are crafted from Brazilian rosewood, prized for its rich, warm tone. The top is made of Sitka spruce, known for its excellent resonance and projection.
The guitar's neck is mahogany, topped with an ebony fretboard. This combination provides stability and a smooth playing surface. The original bridge was likely made of rosewood as well.
Martin's N-20 model featured a 25.4-inch scale length and a nut width of 2 1/16 inches, typical for classical guitars of the era.
Unique Modifications
Trigger's most visible modification is the large hole worn through its top from years of pick use. This alteration affects the guitar's acoustics, creating a unique tone.
Nelson added an electric pickup system early on, using components from his previous Baldwin guitar. This allows Trigger to be amplified for live performances.
The original tuning machines have been replaced multiple times over the years. The current set helps maintain tuning stability during Nelson's energetic performances.
The Luthiers Behind the Guitar
Trigger was originally built by the skilled craftsmen at C.F. Martin & Co. in Nazareth, Pennsylvania. The company's reputation for quality helped attract Nelson to the instrument.
Over the years, various luthiers have worked on Trigger to keep it playable. Mark Erlewine, an Austin-based guitar tech, has been responsible for much of the guitar's maintenance since the 1970s.
Erlewine's work includes structural reinforcements, fret replacements, and other repairs to combat the wear from Nelson's constant playing. His efforts have been crucial in preserving Trigger's playability and tone.
Willie Nelson's Relationship with Trigger
Willie Nelson's bond with his guitar Trigger is legendary in the music world. The pair have been inseparable for over five decades, sharing a deep connection that has shaped Nelson's iconic sound and career.
Surviving Hardships Together
Trigger has stood by Willie Nelson through thick and thin. In 1969, after a drunk stepped on Nelson's previous guitar, he acquired the Martin N-20 that would become Trigger. The guitar survived a house fire in 1970, escaping with only minor smoke damage.
Trigger has endured countless hours of playing, developing a distinctive hole worn through its soundboard. This wear and tear has become a visual representation of Nelson's dedication to his craft.
Trigger in Live Performances
Trigger is an integral part of Willie Nelson's live shows. The guitar's unique tone, described by Nelson as "the richest, most soulful" he's ever heard, has been featured on countless recordings and performances.
During concerts, Nelson often plays his hits like "On the Road Again" and "Always on My Mind" on Trigger. The guitar's nylon strings and classical-style neck contribute to Nelson's signature fingerpicking style.
Fans have come to recognize Trigger's distinctive appearance and sound as much as Nelson's voice itself.
Maintenance and Preservation
Keeping Trigger in playing condition requires ongoing care. Willie Nelson has entrusted the guitar's maintenance to a select few experts over the years.
Shot Jackson, a renowned Nashville luthier, initially modified Trigger to accommodate an electric pickup. Mark Erlewine, an Austin-based guitar tech, has been responsible for Trigger's regular maintenance since the 1970s.
Erlewine performs delicate repairs and adjustments to keep the aging instrument playable. Despite its worn appearance, Trigger remains Nelson's primary guitar, a testament to the care it receives and its importance to the musician.
The Impact of Trigger on Country Music and Guitar Culture
Willie Nelson's iconic guitar Trigger has left an indelible mark on country music and guitar culture. Its unique sound and appearance have influenced instrument design, shaped country music's sonic landscape, and inspired countless musicians.
Influence on Acoustic Guitar Design
Trigger's longevity and distinctive tone have inspired guitar makers to create instruments that can withstand heavy use while maintaining sound quality. Martin Guitar, the manufacturer of Trigger, has incorporated elements of its design into new models. The worn appearance of Trigger, with its famous hole, has led to the popularity of "relic" guitars - new instruments artificially aged to mimic vintage instruments.
Custom guitar makers now offer "Trigger-inspired" models, featuring similar pickups and classical-style bodies with steel strings. These guitars aim to replicate Trigger's signature sound, which blends classical guitar warmth with steel-string brightness.
Trigger's Place in Country Music
Trigger's unique tone has become synonymous with Willie Nelson's signature sound in country music. Its nylon-string twang, amplified through an unconventional pickup system, has featured on countless hit records and live performances.
The guitar's distinctive voice has influenced country music production techniques, with many artists and producers seeking to emulate its warm, intimate tone. Trigger's sound has become so iconic that it is instantly recognizable to country music fans worldwide.
The Country Music Hall of Fame recognizes Trigger's significance, featuring the guitar in exhibits about Willie Nelson and the evolution of country music instrumentation.
Inspiration to Other Musicians
Trigger has inspired many musicians to form deep connections with their instruments. Country artists often name their guitars, following Willie's example. This practice has spread beyond country music, with rock and pop musicians also developing strong attachments to specific instruments.
Many guitarists have adopted Willie's playing style, which involves fingerpicking on a classical-style guitar. This technique, uncommon in country music before Willie, has become more prevalent due to Trigger's influence.
Trigger's longevity has also inspired musicians to maintain and repair their instruments rather than replacing them, viewing guitars as lifelong companions rather than disposable tools.
Trigger's Electronics and Modifications
Willie Nelson's iconic guitar Trigger features unique electronics and modifications that set it apart from standard acoustic instruments. These customizations give Trigger its signature sound and versatility on stage.
The Prismatone Pickup
Trigger's distinctive tone comes from its Prismatone pickup. This pickup was originally part of Nelson's Baldwin 800C guitar. When that instrument was damaged, Nelson had the Prismatone transferred to his new Martin N-20. The Prismatone pickup delivers a crisp, bright sound that cuts through the mix.
The pickup placement is unconventional, sitting inside the guitar's sound hole. This positioning allows Nelson to achieve high volume levels without feedback issues during live performances.
Acoustic-Electric Hybrid Nature
Trigger represents one of the earliest acoustic-electric hybrid guitars. By combining the Martin N-20's nylon-string classical design with electric guitar electronics, Nelson created an instrument uniquely suited to his playing style and needs.
The guitar retains the warmth and resonance of an acoustic instrument while offering the amplification capabilities of an electric. This hybrid nature allows Nelson to seamlessly transition between intimate acoustic passages and high-energy electric sounds during his performances.
Trigger's acoustic-electric design has inspired many modern guitar manufacturers to create similar hybrid instruments.
Beyond Trigger: Willie Nelson's Other Instruments and Gear
While Willie Nelson's Martin N-20 "Trigger" is his most famous instrument, he has used other guitars and equipment throughout his career. His gear choices reflect his unique playing style and musical influences.
A Look at Other Guitars
Before acquiring Trigger, Willie Nelson experimented with various guitars. He played a Fender Telecaster early in his career, embracing its twangy sound for honky-tonk gigs in Nashville. Nelson also owned a Baldwin 800C classical guitar, which he played until it was damaged in 1969.
The country legend has been seen with Gibson acoustics, including a vintage J-200. These larger-bodied guitars provided more volume for his performances before adopting amplification. Nelson's admiration for Django Reinhardt led him to occasionally play Gypsy jazz-style guitars with oval soundholes.
Amplification and Effects
Willie Nelson's amplification setup has remained relatively simple over the years. He often uses a small combo amp on stage, favoring clarity over high volume. His preferred amp is a Fender Deluxe Reverb, which complements Trigger's warm tone.
For effects, Nelson keeps it minimal. He occasionally uses a touch of reverb from his amp. His unique guitar sound comes primarily from his playing technique and Trigger's built-in pickup system, originally from his old Baldwin guitar.
Nelson's vocal microphone of choice is the Audix OM5, known for its clarity and feedback resistance in live settings. This mic helps capture the nuances of his distinctive voice.
Willie Nelson's Musical Legacy and Stylistic Evolution
Willie Nelson's six-decade career has left an indelible mark on country music and beyond. His unique style, songwriting prowess, and instrumental mastery have shaped the genre and influenced countless artists.
Songwriting and Career Milestones
Nelson's songwriting career began in the 1950s in Nashville. He penned hits like "Crazy" for Patsy Cline, establishing himself as a talented writer. In the 1970s, Nelson moved to Austin, Texas, embracing the outlaw country movement.
His album "Shotgun Willie" (1973) marked a turning point, showcasing his distinctive vocal style. "Red Headed Stranger" (1975) further cemented his status as a country music innovator.
The 1978 release "Stardust" demonstrated Nelson's versatility, featuring pop standards and crossing genre boundaries. This album's success broadened his appeal to mainstream audiences.
Mastering the Craft: Fingerpicking Excellence
Nelson's guitar playing is as iconic as his voice. His fingerpicking style on his trusty guitar "Trigger" is a hallmark of his sound. He developed this technique early in his career, influenced by jazz and classical guitarists.
Nelson's fingerpicking combines rhythm and lead playing, creating a full, textured sound. This style allows him to accompany himself seamlessly while singing, a skill he's honed over decades of live performances.
His proficiency has inspired generations of guitarists across genres. Nelson's ability to convey emotion through his playing adds depth to his performances and recordings.
The Storytelling in His Music
Nelson's lyrics often draw from personal experiences and universal themes. His storytelling ability shines in songs like "On the Road Again" and "Always on My Mind."
Many of his compositions paint vivid pictures of life, love, and loss. Nelson's narratives resonate with listeners, tackling complex emotions and relatable situations.
His collaborative work, such as with Waylon Jennings, further showcases his storytelling skills. These partnerships have produced timeless duets and concept albums that continue to captivate audiences.
Commemorating Trigger: Limited Editions and Tributes
Willie Nelson's iconic guitar Trigger has inspired official replicas and appeared in various media. These tributes celebrate the instrument's significance in Nelson's career and country music history.
Willie Nelson Limited Edition N-20WN
In 1998, Martin Guitar released the Willie Nelson Limited Edition N-20WN. This replica pays homage to Nelson's beloved Trigger. The N-20WN faithfully recreates Trigger's distinctive features and sound.
Martin Guitar collaborated closely with Nelson to ensure authenticity. The limited edition model captures Trigger's unique characteristics. It replicates the original's nylon strings and classical body style.
The N-20WN allows fans to own a piece of music history. It gives guitarists the opportunity to play an instrument inspired by one of country music's most recognizable guitars.
Trigger in Popular Media
Trigger has been featured prominently in Nelson's autobiography "It's a Long Story: My Life". The book delves into the guitar's importance to Nelson's music and career.
The instrument has appeared in numerous documentaries about Nelson. These films explore Trigger's history and significance. They often showcase the guitar's distinctive wear patterns and sound.
"The Tao of Willie", another Nelson book, also mentions Trigger. It highlights the guitar's role in Nelson's musical philosophy and approach to songwriting.
Trigger's fame has made it a subject of interest beyond music circles. The guitar is recognized as a cultural icon, symbolizing Nelson's enduring career and unique style.
