Hello fellow guitar enthusiasts,
Having been a silent follower of this forum for some time, I’m finally compelled to seek your collective wisdom. For about a year now, I’ve been immersed in the world of guitar playing, learning on a Korean-made Sigma DM-18. It’s been a fantastic instrument for learning the ropes and confirming my passion for the guitar. Now that I’m committed to this journey, I’m looking to upgrade my instrument, and that’s where my quest truly begins.
My deep dive into guitar playing was sparked by none other than Willie Nelson. His unique phrasing, distinctive sound, and the overall musicality he brings are endlessly captivating. I find myself almost exclusively listening to his music, attempting to capture even a fraction of his playing style. However, I’m realizing that my steel-string acoustic is hindering me from truly approaching the sound I’m after.
Through this forum and other resources, I’ve become quite familiar with “Trigger,” Willie Nelson’s iconic guitar, and the origins of its unique sound. I understand the role of the Baldwin pickup and amp in achieving that electric edge, but I’m equally drawn to his more purely acoustic tones. For now, I’m focusing on capturing that acoustic essence.
While owning an actual 1969 Martin N-20, the holy grail “Trigger Guitar,” would be a dream come true, it’s simply beyond my current financial reach. It seems many share my desire to replicate that legendary sound, driving up the price of these vintage instruments. For months, I’ve been diligently searching for a 1969 Martin N-10. I’ve learned from discussions here that the short-scale N-10, particularly from that era, can resonate with a tone remarkably similar to “Trigger,” perhaps even more so than the later 1970s long-scale N-20s in some respects. Unfortunately, my search for an N-10 has been unsuccessful thus far.
This brings me to you, the experts. Is the 1969 N-10 truly the closest attainable option to “Trigger” without breaking the bank, or should I broaden my search to other models or even guitar types? Currently, my search has been primarily confined to eBay and Reverb. Are there other avenues, perhaps specialized vintage guitar dealers or lesser-known marketplaces, that I should be exploring in my quest?
I recognize that I’m pursuing a very specific and somewhat rare guitar model, one that wasn’t produced in large numbers. Therefore, I’m reaching out for any and all guidance you can offer. It seems to me that there’s no better community to consult for advice on locating a classic, somewhat elusive Martin nylon-string guitar.
Thank you all in advance for any insights and assistance you can provide in helping me on this “trigger guitar” inspired journey.
