Willie Nelson's Martin
 

Does anyone know? Willie Nelson's Trigger, is that a classical guitar or a standard flat top with nylon strings? I really like the sound that he produces and would like to replicate it. Can you put nylon strings on a steel string guitar? Anyone play silk wound strings, what do you think of them?

Thanks to all

Breedlove '93 RDMH
Breedlove 05' Revival OM Sunburst

I'm not sure what Willie does but, Savane and John Pearse both make silk wound strings (manouche) that I use on a Gitane D500. They are steel on the E and B, however, much like what Django Rheinhardt played. Not the same sound as Willie's. You can, however, use nylon stings on the D500. Some do and from what I've read,Rhienhardt did occasionally, as well.

Willie's Martin in an N-20, nylon stringed classical. You can read about it here:

http://www.harmony-central.com/Event...in/N-20WN.html

Jeff

According to the Acoustic Guitars Illustrated Encyclopedia (great book by the way) Willie guitar is a 1969 Martin N-20 nylon string classical guitar.

With two sound holes :)

Which he paid 750.00 for in 1969... Yeah !!!

1969...
 

That was big bucks for a guitar..even a Martin back then. I had a D18 that I think was $ 400 back then.....I think....very foggy that memory thing.Good Year!!!! :D

You can put the strings on the guitar. But they will not work. Kinda like putting flat tires on a car.

He gets the sound from a Baldwin pickup. He told me that's the secret.

I haven't watched Willie play all that much but I'm amazed that he was able to do that kind of damage to the top of his guitar by strumming a nylon....I guess in order to get the sound he wants out of it he's really got to whail on that thing.

Still....one of the coolest guitars ever....having a guitar signed by Roger Miller and Kris Kristofferson and dozens of others would be cool enough....but to be Willie's guitar too...that's awesome. If that thing goes to auction when he dies I'd have to think it will make that "Red Foley" on the other thread look like small change.

I was watching something on TV this weekend about Willie, and they flashed back to some photos of his earlier days. That giant hole has been there for quite a while. I wish I could stick with 1 guitar for that long.....so far my record is about 2 years.

I'm not going to lie - every time I have hear willie's guitar live I think it's sounded like doo-doo. but, you gotta appreciate it's history!

Yeah, it's a very early Baldwin. Once you get your own sound and identity there's no reason to mess with it.

Thanks to all for your input. I think I have it figured out. I need to make another hole, ad a pickup, whale like hell, practice for about 40 more years, develop my own style, and then I'll have the sound I'm looking for.

you guys are great

Yep that sounds about right.