Trigger Willie Nelson's Guitar

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Trigger: The Legendary Guitar of Willie Nelson

You’ve probably heard Willie Nelson’s voice—or seen his braids—but have you ever met Trigger? No, not a horse. Willie’s battered, beloved guitar is named after Roy Rogers’ famous steed, and it’s been by his side for over 50 years, aging like fine whiskey and collecting more signatures than a yearbook.

Willie Nelson bought Trigger, a Martin N-20 classical guitar, in 1969 after his previous guitar, “Baldwin,” met an untimely end under a drunken fan’s boots. Willie told the repairman he needed something that sounded like Django Reinhardt. The luthier said, “You need a Martin.” So he got one—and never looked back.

But Trigger wasn’t just a replacement. It became part of Willie’s soul. Its warm tone helped define the unique blend of jazz, country, and blues that made Red Headed Stranger and Stardust iconic albums. As Willie’s fame grew, so did the hole in Trigger’s body—from years of fierce fingerpicking with no pickguard.

That hole? Fans love it. Luthiers flinch. But Willie says as long as Trigger lives, he keeps touring. He even gave Trigger a bodyguard and flies it in a seat of its own on planes. It's been signed by over 100 musicians, from Kris Kristofferson to Leon Russell. Willie calls them his “Trigger family.”

This guitar has seen more honky-tonks, smoky bars, and stadiums than most musicians ever dream of. It’s not just an instrument; it’s a time capsule of outlaw country history. Willie once said, “If Trigger goes, I’ll quit.” So fans pray for its survival like it’s a sacred relic—and in some ways, it is.

Today, Trigger is more famous than most country artists. It’s cracked, worn, and full of stories—but that’s exactly why it matters. It’s not polished, not perfect. Just like Willie. And that’s what makes it legendary.