Willie Nelson's Legendary Guitar Trigger: The Shocking Age of Country Music's Iconic Companion

Willie Nelson's guitar, affectionately named Trigger, has been his constant companion for over five decades. The Martin N-20 nylon-string classical acoustic guitar has been with Nelson since 1969, making it approximately 55 years old as of 2024. Trigger has been played by Nelson for an estimated 10,000 shows, recording sessions, and songwriting sessions, becoming an iconic symbol in country music.

Trigger's journey with Nelson began after a drunk destroyed his previous guitar. The Martin N-20 quickly became an integral part of Nelson's sound and style. Despite its age and extensive use, Nelson has never replaced Trigger, opting instead to maintain and repair the instrument as needed. This dedication has resulted in Trigger's distinctive appearance, with visible wear and a large hole in its body from years of passionate playing.

The guitar's unique sound and Nelson's unwavering loyalty to it have made Trigger almost as famous as the country music legend himself. Its story is intertwined with Nelson's career, reflecting the artist's longevity and impact on the music industry. Trigger continues to be Nelson's primary instrument, showcasing the enduring bond between a musician and his cherished guitar.

Willie Nelson's Musical Journey

Willie Nelson's career spans over six decades, revolutionizing country music with his distinctive sound and songwriting. His guitar Trigger has been an integral part of his artistic expression and live performances.

Rise to Fame

Willie Nelson's ascent in the music industry began in the 1960s as a songwriter in Nashville. He penned hits like "Crazy" for Patsy Cline and "Hello Walls" for Faron Young. In 1970, Nelson moved back to Texas, growing his hair long and embracing a more authentic sound.

His breakthrough came with the concept album "Red Headed Stranger" in 1975. The stripped-down production and narrative storytelling set a new standard in country music. Nelson's unique vocal style and jazz-influenced guitar playing on Trigger became his signature.

Significance in Country Music

Nelson became a key figure in the Outlaw Country movement, challenging Nashville's polished sound. His 1978 album "Stardust" showcased his versatility, featuring pop standards reimagined with his distinctive touch.

Collaborations with other famous musicians like Waylon Jennings, Johnny Cash, and Kris Kristofferson cemented his status as a country music icon. Nelson's classic songs like "On the Road Again" and "Always on My Mind" remain beloved staples of American music.

His live performances, often featuring Trigger prominently, are legendary for their energy and improvisational style. Nelson's influence extends beyond country, inspiring artists across genres with his songwriting and guitar technique.

Trigger: The Guitar's Identity

Willie Nelson's iconic guitar Trigger has been a constant companion throughout his legendary career. This Martin N-20 classical acoustic guitar has shaped Nelson's distinctive sound for over five decades.

Acquisition and History

Willie Nelson acquired Trigger in 1969 after his previous guitar was damaged during a show. He purchased the Martin N-20 sight unseen for $750. The guitar, with serial number 242830, was brand new when Nelson obtained it.

Trigger got its name from Roy Rogers' horse. Nelson had the guitar modified by Shot Jackson, who installed a pickup from Nelson's old Baldwin guitar. This customization gave Trigger its unique sound.

Over the years, Trigger has developed a large hole in its body from Nelson's aggressive picking style. Despite its wear and tear, Nelson has refused to retire the instrument. Trigger has been featured on countless recordings and live performances, becoming an iconic symbol in country music history.

Physical Characteristics of Trigger

Willie Nelson's guitar Trigger is a Martin N-20 classical acoustic model with unique features that have become iconic in the country music world. Its distinctive appearance and modifications reflect decades of use and Nelson's personal preferences.

Material and Craftsmanship

Trigger's body is crafted from high-quality tonewoods typical of Martin guitars. The top is made of Sitka spruce, known for its resonance and clarity. The back and sides are constructed from Brazilian rosewood, prized for its rich, warm tone. This combination of woods contributes to Trigger's balanced sound and excellent projection.

The guitar features a mahogany neck, which provides stability and a smooth playing experience. Its fretboard is made of ebony, offering durability and a sleek appearance. The headstock is adorned with brass tuning pegs, which have maintained their functionality despite years of use.

Notable Modifications

Trigger has undergone several modifications over the years. The most significant is the addition of a Prismatone pickup, which allows the guitar to be amplified while maintaining its acoustic qualities. This modification was crucial for Nelson's performances in larger venues.

The guitar's body shows extensive wear, including a large hole worn through the top near the bridge. This damage, caused by Nelson's fingerpicking style, has become a signature feature of Trigger. Despite the wear, the guitar's structural integrity has been maintained through careful repair and maintenance.

Nelson has also personalized Trigger with numerous autographs from fellow musicians and friends, adding to its unique character and historical significance in the country music scene.

Trigger in Performances and Recordings

Willie Nelson's guitar Trigger has been an integral part of his music for over 50 years. The instrument has featured prominently in countless live performances and studio recordings, becoming almost as iconic as Nelson himself.

Iconic Live Moments

Trigger has been Nelson's constant companion on stage since the early 1970s. The guitar's distinctive sound can be heard in thousands of live performances, including Nelson's rendition of "On the Road Again" at Farm Aid concerts. Trigger's unique tone has become synonymous with Nelson's live shows, its weathered appearance a visual testament to decades of touring.

Nelson often introduces Trigger to audiences, highlighting the guitar's importance in his performances. The instrument's reliability has been crucial during marathon concerts, some lasting up to four hours. Trigger's nylon strings and classical design allow Nelson to achieve his signature fingerpicking style, which is especially evident in live versions of songs like "Angel Flying Too Close to the Ground."

Studio Sessions

In the recording studio, Trigger has played a vital role in shaping Nelson's sound across dozens of albums. The guitar's warm, mellow tone is particularly noticeable on studio tracks like "Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain" and "Always on My Mind." Its unique resonance has become an essential element of Nelson's recordings, contributing to his distinctive musical style.

Producers and engineers have noted the challenges and rewards of capturing Trigger's sound in the studio. The guitar's worn condition and modifications have created a one-of-a-kind instrument that requires special microphone techniques to record accurately. Despite these challenges, Trigger's presence on Nelson's studio albums has helped maintain a consistent sound throughout his extensive discography.

Cultural and Symbolic Significance

Willie Nelson's guitar Trigger has transcended its role as a mere instrument to become a cultural icon in American music. Its significance extends beyond Nelson's performances, influencing other musicians and captivating audiences worldwide.

Relationship with Other Musical Legends

Trigger has shared the stage with numerous musical legends. Bob Dylan, a longtime friend and collaborator of Nelson's, has played Trigger during joint performances. The guitar's distinctive sound has blended with Dylan's gravelly voice on several occasions, creating memorable musical moments.

Jazz musicians have also been drawn to Trigger's unique tone. Nelson's guitar style, influenced by Django Reinhardt, has intrigued jazz artists who appreciate its unconventional approach to country music. This cross-genre appeal has helped cement Trigger's status as an iconic instrument in multiple musical circles.

Inspiration from Other Instruments

Trigger's significance partly stems from its connection to other legendary guitars. Roy Rogers' guitar Trigger, named after his horse, inspired Nelson to name his own instrument. This connection to cowboy culture reinforced Nelson's outlaw country image.

The guitar's well-worn appearance, with its famous hole, draws comparisons to other iconic instruments like B.B. King's Lucille. These visual markers serve as testaments to the countless hours of playing and the stories behind each scratch and dent.

Trigger's longevity and Nelson's dedication to it have inspired other musicians to form similar bonds with their instruments. This has led to a greater appreciation for the personal relationships artists develop with their tools of the trade.

Conservation and Legacy

Willie Nelson's guitar, Trigger, stands as a testament to both meticulous care and enduring influence. This iconic instrument has been preserved through decades of use while inspiring generations of musicians.

Maintenance and Care

Trigger's longevity is largely due to Willie Nelson's dedication to its upkeep. Mark Erlewine, a renowned luthier, has been entrusted with Trigger's maintenance since the 1970s. Erlewine performs regular repairs, including patching the expanding hole in the soundboard and reinforcing the guitar's structure. Despite its wear, Nelson insists on keeping Trigger's original parts whenever possible.

The Martin Guitar Company, Trigger's manufacturer, has praised Nelson's commitment to the instrument. They've noted that Trigger's condition, while worn, is remarkable for its age and heavy use. Nelson's care for Trigger extends to his performances, where he handles the guitar with a gentleness that belies its battle-scarred appearance.

Influence on Future Generations

Trigger's impact on the music world extends far beyond Willie Nelson's performances. Many guitarists have been inspired by the instrument's unique sound and Nelson's playing style. Some musicians have even sought out similar Martin N-20 models to emulate Trigger's tone.

The guitar has become a symbol of authenticity in music. Its weathered appearance represents a lifetime of musical stories and experiences. Trigger has been featured in documentaries and books, cementing its place in music history. Actor Woody Harrelson, a friend of Nelson's, has spoken about Trigger's significance in interviews, highlighting its role in Nelson's creative process.

Young musicians often cite Trigger as an inspiration, proving that an instrument's value lies not in its pristine condition, but in the music it helps create. Trigger's legacy continues to grow, influencing guitar design and playing techniques across various genres.

Trigger and Willie Nelson's Legal Troubles

Willie Nelson's beloved guitar Trigger played a crucial role during his financial troubles with the IRS in the early 1990s. The guitar became a symbol of Nelson's resilience and dedication to his music during this challenging period.

IRS Seizure Threat

In November 1990, the IRS seized many of Willie Nelson's assets due to $16.7 million in unpaid back taxes. They took his gold and platinum records, clothing, and musical equipment. However, Nelson was determined to keep Trigger out of their grasp.

The Martin N-20 classical acoustic guitar held immense sentimental and practical value for Nelson. He had been playing it since 1969, making it an integral part of his musical identity. Nelson went to great lengths to protect Trigger from seizure.

He sent the guitar to his daughter in Hawaii to keep it safe from IRS agents. This act of guitar-saving desperation highlights Trigger's importance to Nelson, both personally and professionally.

Interestingly, Trigger itself played a role in Nelson's financial recovery. The guitar featured prominently in his albums and performances during this period, helping him earn money to pay off his tax debt.

Impact on Musical Events

Willie Nelson's guitar Trigger has left an indelible mark on numerous musical events throughout history. Its distinctive sound and appearance have become synonymous with Nelson's performances and charitable endeavors.

Farm Aid Contribution

Trigger played a central role in Farm Aid, the benefit concert series co-founded by Willie Nelson in 1985. The guitar's presence on stage during these events symbolized Nelson's commitment to supporting American farmers. At Farm Aid concerts, Trigger's warm tones accompanied Nelson's heartfelt performances of songs like "On the Road Again" and "Always on My Mind."

The guitar's scratched and worn appearance resonated with the hardworking spirit of the farmers the concerts aimed to help. Trigger's unmistakable sound became a familiar comfort to attendees, year after year. Its reliability mirrored Nelson's unwavering dedication to the cause.

Through Farm Aid, Trigger helped raise millions of dollars for family farmers and brought attention to their struggles. The guitar's participation in these events cemented its status as more than just an instrument, but a symbol of hope and perseverance in American music history.