This was the video that started it all for me. In a cold morning, on my way to highschool, I stumbled upon this on the bus, watched it, and I loved it so much I got deeper into guitar repairs. I ran my own repair shop in my hometown for 1,5 years, and moved to Hungary and now i'm an intern in one of the best repair shops in the country, and they like my work. Thanks, stewmac
@@hollikistvanfodrasza6937 willie would most likely stop doing shows of course people would notice also trigger has made a name for itself it IS iconic the entire guitar community would know so I don’t see what you’re saying
@Graham I think that’s a great honor for a guitar, he still has it and obviously loves it. To be used until most would say no longer usable and still use it. I love seeing that instead of a what looks like untouched vintage guitar since it just sits on a wall.
Back in the 70's I was working as part of stage security at a Willie's concert in Wichita Falls, TX and Willie broke a string on Trigger and handed it to me to change. Was a privilege just to hold it.
I saw Jim Reeves nephew playing on TV doing Folsom Prison Blues, he broke a string and changed it while singing and was already tuned and back playing before the last verse. Most amazing thing I've ever seen.
Can you still feel it in your hand as you held it? When I was 9 in 69, the Little League took us to Shea to watch the Mets and during batting practice we were hanging over the railing waving our autograph pads when the manager Gil Hodges smiled at me and shook my hand. It was a giant soft hand of a veteran ball player with a strong grip. That year they went on to win it all I still feel that grip today
I remember that! I was aked to go and pick the strings so when I came back they asked me to setup the strings and give it back to you so you went back to give the guitar to Willie. I cant believe that happen to us that day.
Mark is truly one of the finest luthiers in the world. I've known him for almost my entire career. He's made guitars for ZZ Top, Keith Richards, and countless more, including the some of the best steel players on the planet! Andvl most importantly, is a beautiful person, with the soul of a player. Just here to back up all of the good things said about him. Truth.
Glen Hansards newer guitars, for example, were actually modified in a way that they created a 'second sound hole' on purpose after his old work horse Takamine got bruised badly over the years and had one appearing naturally.
The coolest thing about Willie is after every show, he stays outside his Honeysuckle Rose bus and meets, greets, takes pics, signs autographs, and visits with every single person who wants to stay after the show and wait their turn to meet him. He's a great guy, good person, and an American icon.
i can confirm that. i had the honor or working on 20 some odd shows 30 years ago. he'd hang out taking pictures and talking to people until no one was left. His band and crew are a great bunch of people. just the little bit of time i got to spend hanging around with them made for some great memories. awesome people.
Maybe you need to take a second and rethink why that is. He's a good person with opinions. I think you should calm down and take him seriously and give him the respect that's due
This video nearly makes me cry. This fella is so wonderful. Not my first time watching it. Everyone is pushing Willy to get a new guitar, and they recreated the exact same thing, but no dice. So this guy keeps making sure ol' Trigger stays alive. So great.
I know exactly how you feel. This is history. Our history. This guitar is an icon of Americana and I fear we're loosing it. I was alive before the internet controlled everyones lives and anyone had "time" to practice a skill if he chose to do so. Trigger belongs in a museum and I fear we will meet him there.
Mark Erlewine is a gem of a man, and a great luthier. He fixed my dad's old Gibson with the kind of love, attention and respect I would have done myself if I only had Mark's gift. It is humbling to spend time with such a legend as he is. Thanks for this.
I have seen this video a few times, each time I enjoy this guitar repairman and his humble approach at helping to keep one of our heroes continuing to make top level country music.
For the love of God, just put a new top on the freakin' thing already. That is just so ugly and annoying with that bigass hole there. Definitely one of the worst looking guitars in the history of redneck noise.
I love how much respect he has for the guitar. He sees it as an extension of Nelson's soul and tries to do his best to repair it without changing what makes it special.
Love the tender, loving, care you put into Trigger. Willie’s tradecraft is taking it apart bit by bit over decades & ur gently putting it back together & keeping it musically sound. What a beautiful symbiotic relationship. Well done. Thx for the video.
No you have that wrong; TRIGGER: *Walks out side by side with Willie in a cloud of smoke and whiskey* We aint dead yet you bastards, and were gonna play till were dead! Willie let's make some music old friend! WILLIE: *Smiles* Whiskey River and Still's Still Moving to start, as always? TRIGGER: HIT IT!
Mark Erlewine has an amazing talent. He has fixed a few of my guitar, electric and acoustic. He did a remarkable job saving a vintage Jazzmaster for me. One of Austin's treasures. And he is very nice guy.
What a honor it must be to work on Trigger you really are preserving a vital piece of music history Willies unique style of playing has helped contribute to his signature sound as a guitarist his sound is equally as reckonized as Clapton, Hendrix , Eddie Van Halen , and almost any other great player
I've seen Willie play this guitar live, I was five rows back and was truly marveling at it. Trigger is the most unique guitar in so many ways, and the way Willie plays with that guitar!!!!!
I had Mark tune up my guitar 3 years ago. His shop is fascinating to be in. This guy is a master luthier and he told me about working on Willie's guitar. It made me feel special that I had the same luthier as Willie.
There is a video somewhere on here where someone said that Willie wants Trigger to be buried with him. If that's Willie's wish that is what will have to happen, personally I hope that comment was wrong and it goes into the Hall of Fame.
@@thisisdeafening9933 Willie Nelson has been a huge player in country music history. Saying that his one and only guitar isn't a artifact is purely wrong
I think it was Eddie Van Halen’s guitar but there was still puke on the backside of it and the owner didn’t want to clean it off. So gross and rock n roll.
I love Willie and trigger but a beaver couldn't make that big a hole in it. My favourite Willie story is when the bike athlete won gold then found he was on drugs. Everybody was down on the guy and Willie spoke up. Willie said I think he did good.... When I am on drugs and can't even find my bike. lol
Back in1989 I was in Rapid city South Dakota for a benefit concert for the American natives. I was there as a guitar tech for a well known artist. When I was in the back stage alone checking guitars and getting ready for the show a man walked in with a big aluminum guitar case. He asked me if I could take care of Willie Nelson's guitar. When I open the case it was "Trigger"! I was pretty excited for sure. I was with the guitar for all afternoon until show time. I handed Trigger to Willie on the stage, and Willie took it saying thank you with a beautiful smile. He did solo, and it was great. I did put my finger prints all over Trigger though.
@@gabe1655 lol Im gonna assume you really didn't even play attention, there is a fine line between fixing and keeping it running. He isn't trying to change this guiter. He is trying to keep it going
Trigger definitely has its own unique patina. I love how preservation is considered more then restoration. My kudos to Mark Erlewine. Thank you for sharing a great story! I truly enjoyed every word of it! Outstanding preservation approach!
Reminds me of the person on Reverb selling paper towels with the dirt and grime from a vintage stratocaster for a couple hundred bucks. It wasn't even from anyone famous, it was just the old dirt from an old guitar.
People will buy it! I sell hair and fingernail and toenail clippings from notorious serial killers. Don't believe me? Check us out at www.murdermuseum.net
Willie Nelson, like it or not, is a brand, and however sincere and genuine he is, what he represents to his audience is the reason they keep supporting him, he's no different from any other artist. His fans share his tastes, his values, and his opinions to some degree. The Guitar is a part of the brand, it is uniquely symbolic in a crass industry of excess. It represents loyalty and tradition. The message of that guitar, whatever it is to the individual fan, is part of the reason Willie Nelson is "Willie Nelson". I say more power to both of them.
"he's no different from any other artist". Wow. Are YOU underinformed. Willie was one of the first artists to stand up to the Nashville powers-that-be, in terms of artists rights and their choices concerning concerts, song content (topics) and attire. He stayed true to his ideals for YEARS in the face of all kinds of pressures. He's done more for charities than about 10 other arrtists I could name combined. Today, SOME artists are so fake, so pre-fabricated by the industry that they look like plastic dolls. Not worth listening to.....kinda like some little girl's self-inflated opinion of what Willie Nelson "means".
@@davidschmidt6013 Wow, you really love some Willie Nelson, huh? Could you point out one word I said against Willie Nelson or his character or his good works? Because I never said that. In fact, I described him and his fans as valuing loyalty and tradition. You certainly proved his fans are loyal. I didn't say his music and character weren't very fine, I said that like any other artist, he derives support from what he represents to his audience. Plainly you support him because he represents something very powerful to you. Like his Guitar does. Which was my point, old man.
Okay, just today, an old man playing guitar, covering songs and writing his own popped out of nowhere and I absolutely felt home. Now, this dude showed up in my feed. I tell you what, I am absolutely pleased. I’d like to be in his shop listening to what he has to say. I am nowhere close to be a great guitarist but I do like adjusting my own and putting my own flavor on the guitar.
You might be surprised to learn that Willie is a strong Christian. The man has a faith as deep as his love for the blue collar man. That's what being a man who knows the soul of a cowboy is about. You'll lean the wisdom one day...in one fashion, faith or another.
This is super cool. This guitar will undoubtedly end up in the hall of fame one day, maybe even in the Smithsonian. There are only a handful of guitars in the world that are could be considered as iconic as Trigger. Willie and Trigger are both pieces of American history and having the chance to repair it must seriously be amazing. Probably a bit stressful, but amazing nonetheless.
It’s always fascinating watching a master of any skill effortlessly take on such a HUGELY Priceless irreplaceable object and just well go about fixing it.
I had the honor of meeting Willie Nelson at Red Rocks by pure chance one time. Man has a farmers grip. Real thick strong hand. I can see why trigger has so much wear. Those fingers are pure muscle. Very nice and straight forward fella too!
Very Nice. Glad to know that a Master Guitar Builder is taking care of a Texas Legend - Trigger Hearing Willie play Trigger brings back so many memories.
Mark, I salute you! At this point, I'm not sure if you can call this a guitar. It's more like a bundle of broken scraps that have been heroically repaired to function as a guitar. Additionally, I find it ironic that this is the exact opposite of everything held dear in the luthier standards--- bridge? screwed through the original. top? F grade wood with tons of runnout and a hole in it. Neck? Sort of in place. Historic accuracy and non-invasive repairs? Only held together with repairs by one of the best repairmen on the planet, random splints and supports not withstanding. More evidence that it's the player, not the guitar.
So many of the comments here seem to be some variation of "Get rid of that hunk of junk and buy a new guitar". Those commenters don't get music and are showing their ignorance. Music is one of the few places in this world that can operate in an area close to "magic". This guitar may not sound "good", but it sounds like Willie. For him this guitar is "Magical". Musicians are superstitious. Go read about how Stevie Ray Vaughan came into possession of the guitar he called "First Wife". Same thing, near magic. It's not just about A guitar, it's about THAT guitar. At this point Trigger is an experiment in advanced guitar conservation if nothing else.
Half of those guitar experts can't even play smoke on the water LOL They think they're so high and mighty becasue they think they know something you don't
I know exactly what you mean. I own quite a few guitars, a few acoustics, and two electrics, but I have one guitar that I love the most. I'll never forget the day I went into Guitar Center looking for a new guitar, and while I was browsing the preowned section, I saw it. A modified 1990's Rogue ES-335 clone. I picked it up, and my expectations weren't very high, but I play Rogue instruments almost exclusively, and it was only $110.00 so I decided "what the hell, I'll give it a shot". Long story short, I walked out of that Guitar Center $110.00 poorer. I don't know why, but this guitar... I love it so much I actually named it, which for me is a rarity, but I did for this guitar. Something about it just clicked with me, and I already know that it'll help me on my way, at least a little.
As I have always said of my Simon and Patrick (she was nicknamed "Sawdust" by a circle of friends) scars and wear throughs... it adds character! And those scars provided much entertainment to many through the years . Thank you Red Headed Stranger for your great contributions to Country and Western music . You are a Legend and a personal favorite of mine
Heaven forbid the day Willie passes this life, I would expect this to be placed in a museum and preserved. It's obviously as a part of him as his skin.
Seen Willie a few years ago, still potting on an incredible show . And thank you for helping trigger stay in shape for ol Willie. I don't know if I wanna live in a life without Willie!!
I'm expecting the Willie Nelson Signature Heavy Relic Model to be out any day now that will sell for 3 times as much as the same model in pristine condition.
There's so much dead skin in there that when he was poking around in there he found a complete other willie hiding inside. He was so stoned he wouldn't come out. True story. And would you please quit yelling man. You’re so hyper and loud! Please!!!
It's massively refreshing to see something being used up. Thank goodness no so-called restoration. Brilliant and reassuring. Repair. No drama. Other channels, watch and learn.
This was the video that started it all for me. In a cold morning, on my way to highschool, I stumbled upon this on the bus, watched it, and I loved it so much I got deeper into guitar repairs. I ran my own repair shop in my hometown for 1,5 years, and moved to Hungary and now i'm an intern in one of the best repair shops in the country, and they like my work. Thanks, stewmac
Cool.! Moments of our lives with events that trigger our real, pure, deep passions of what we really love, eh. Good for you Szabó.
👍
So is kaiser Sosa for real?
That's fantastic! Not everyone gets to do what they love. Best wishes for a long and fulfilling career.
Wow that's awesome, congrats on following your dreams!
What an honor to be trusted with one of the most iconic guitars in the worlds.
Why ? Nobody notices if you throw it or break it...
Yes... Such a deep honor.
@@hollikistvanfodrasza6937 willie would most likely stop doing shows of course people would notice also trigger has made a name for itself it IS iconic the entire guitar community would know so I don’t see what you’re saying
@Graham I think that’s a great honor for a guitar, he still has it and obviously loves it. To be used until most would say no longer usable and still use it. I love seeing that instead of a what looks like untouched vintage guitar since it just sits on a wall.
Nice of you to say that. Incidentally, which worlds are you referring to?
Back in the 70's I was working as part of stage security at a Willie's concert in Wichita Falls, TX and Willie broke a string on Trigger and handed it to me to change. Was a privilege just to hold it.
I saw Jim Reeves nephew playing on TV doing Folsom Prison Blues, he broke a string and changed it while singing and was already tuned and back playing before the last verse. Most amazing thing I've ever seen.
Can you still feel it in your hand as you held it?
When I was 9 in 69, the Little League took us to Shea to watch the Mets and during batting practice we were hanging over the railing waving our autograph pads when the manager Gil Hodges smiled at me and shook my hand. It was a giant soft hand of a veteran ball player with a strong grip.
That year they went on to win it all
I still feel that grip today
I remember that! I was aked to go and pick the strings so when I came back they asked me to setup the strings and give it back to you so you went back to give the guitar to Willie. I cant believe that happen to us that day.
@@bonethirsty I believe he meant willy handed it off to him to give to the actual luthier, and he said it was an honor just to hold his guitar.
@fastguitar Lol thats next level assholery bro.
Mark is truly one of the finest luthiers in the world. I've known him for almost my entire career. He's made guitars for ZZ Top, Keith Richards, and countless more, including the some of the best steel players on the planet! Andvl most importantly, is a beautiful person, with the soul of a player. Just here to back up all of the good things said about him. Truth.
Thank you for posting !!
"a second soundhole" .. this guy should be a salesman
It literally is a second sound hole. That's what gives Trigger its unique sound
Potholes are upside down speedbumps
This is how willie played it
@@EvansFanily Speedbumps are mini launchers to the truth
Glen Hansards newer guitars, for example, were actually modified in a way that they created a 'second sound hole' on purpose after his old work horse Takamine got bruised badly over the years and had one appearing naturally.
The coolest thing about Willie is after every show, he stays outside his Honeysuckle Rose bus and meets, greets, takes pics, signs autographs, and visits with every single person who wants to stay after the show and wait their turn to meet him. He's a great guy, good person, and an American icon.
You are right. He loves his audience. He may have waited to speak to a legend at one time.
i can confirm that. i had the honor or working on 20 some odd shows 30 years ago. he'd hang out taking pictures and talking to people until no one was left. His band and crew are a great bunch of people. just the little bit of time i got to spend hanging around with them made for some great memories. awesome people.
Most awesome singer storyteller of all time
Maybe you need to take a second and rethink why that is. He's a good person with opinions. I think you should calm down and take him seriously and give him the respect that's due
Back in the ‘80s he’d even give some fans a tour of the backstage and tour bus. Don’t know if he does that anymore.
This guy sounds like the Bob Ross of guitar maintenance.
Lmao He does..... Oh My That was wild...
No such thing as bad notes
Mark ashton only happy mistakes
He is the bob Ross of guitar maintenance
Connor Gunning you beat me to it
This video nearly makes me cry. This fella is so wonderful. Not my first time watching it. Everyone is pushing Willy to get a new guitar, and they recreated the exact same thing, but no dice. So this guy keeps making sure ol' Trigger stays alive. So great.
I know exactly how you feel. This is history. Our history. This guitar is an icon of Americana and I fear we're loosing it. I was alive before the internet controlled everyones lives and anyone had "time" to practice a skill if he chose to do so. Trigger belongs in a museum and I fear we will meet him there.
I love how his voice makes it sound like a bedtime story
The Mad Ginger
don fairley
Like a painting tutorial***
ahaha yes while i guessed that's why im a little bit sleepy
I love your Fall of Troy Profile Picture
This guitar needed a pickguard more than any guitar in history.
Dude, you deserve an award!
Our.
No it doesn't
Ahahaha
Ronnald Greco no
This guitar has probably absorbed more weed smoke than Snoop Dogg’s lungs.
Your father should slap you for even mentioning that pos.
@@johnhogan8327 yes, quite weird
@@duroxkilo definitely weird, some issues coming to the surface there
@@deansley174 are your roids wearing off or something
@@deansley174 daddy issues with you?
Mark Erlewine is a gem of a man, and a great luthier. He fixed my dad's old Gibson with the kind of love, attention and respect I would have done myself if I only had Mark's gift. It is humbling to spend time with such a legend as he is. Thanks for this.
Most of the time we don’t hear about the people who support the Stars. This is a nice little salute to them. Great video
So true
Huge hole in the guitar.
*_Some minor fixes_*
Zayan Watchel that’s the sound hole
@@evanhosley2360 And the other hole?
@@zayan6284 that's your ass hole
@@zayan6284 The hole that made more than a few millions before Willie lost a few of those millions
David XD
His voice is so soothing
Barrios87 I'm getting ASMR from his voice...
Dandaman V im doing the same too now
Annoying
bull shit! made me bored like fuck!
So soothing
I have seen this video a few times, each time I enjoy this guitar repairman and his humble approach at helping to keep one of our heroes continuing to make top level country music.
For the love of God, just put a new top on the freakin' thing already. That is just so ugly and annoying with that bigass hole there. Definitely one of the worst looking guitars in the history of redneck noise.
I love how much respect he has for the guitar. He sees it as an extension of Nelson's soul and tries to do his best to repair it without changing what makes it special.
We need a version of Siri with this man's voice.
All those in favor say “aye!”
eya
Ауешники собрались
"turn left"
What did he say
"Turn left"
Stop whispering Siri
"Recalculating"
aye!
The Bob Ross of luthiers!!!
Wes Canaday - Great analogy. ✌️
I thought the same thing!!!
I live in Austin, I've been to Mark shop many times over the years....he is a true gentle soul. Oh....and one hell of a guitar man!
Gui-Texzan I second!
OMG I literally did laugh out loud.
Love the tender, loving, care you put into Trigger. Willie’s tradecraft is taking it apart bit by bit over decades & ur gently putting it back together & keeping it musically sound. What a beautiful symbiotic relationship. Well done. Thx for the video.
TRIGGER: Why wont you just let me die!
WILLIE: Inaudible screeching
Trigger is a horcrux
Trigger: You won't let me live, but you won't let me die.
YOU COULD MAKE THAT A COUNTRY SONG!
No you have that wrong;
TRIGGER: *Walks out side by side with Willie in a cloud of smoke and whiskey*
We aint dead yet you bastards, and were gonna play till were dead! Willie let's make some music old friend!
WILLIE: *Smiles* Whiskey River and Still's Still Moving to start, as always?
TRIGGER: HIT IT!
"Maybe Ill be a Highwayman again"
Mark Erlewine has an amazing talent. He has fixed a few of my guitar, electric and acoustic. He did a remarkable job saving a vintage Jazzmaster for me. One of Austin's treasures. And he is very nice guy.
I love how loyal he is to his guitar.
What a honor it must be to work on Trigger you really are preserving a vital piece of music history Willies unique style of playing has helped contribute to his signature sound as a guitarist his sound is equally as reckonized as Clapton, Hendrix , Eddie Van Halen , and almost any other great player
Any more DNA and Trigger will be declared legally human.
Neil Smith 🤣
It's probably smokable
Yseson _ lmao
Best comment
Im sure this guy has kept the DNA and is currently cloning Willie Nelson.
I've seen Willie play this guitar live, I was five rows back and was truly marveling at it. Trigger is the most unique guitar in so many ways, and the way Willie plays with that guitar!!!!!
Is there more of this guy? Does he have a 10 hour weekly ASMR podcast of something? HIs voice is just magical
I found a playlist of the man th-cam.com/play/PLyjdSbwrPMRlph4_ajP1m_ykm7GwMAOn3.html enjoy
The Bob Ross of luthiers, what a great presenter and his work speaks for itself, thanks StewMac for this, this is lovely
Guitar same age as me. Not sure who's in better shape!
Well you both look terrible but still serve a purpose hopefully.
@@the6ig6adwolf lmaooo
Gold comment
Judging by your profile picture the guitar
Don't fret.
You can hear the reverence for the instrument and for Willie in his voice. We all need a guitar repair guy like him.
Great video...and Willie is a true legend.
and rebel artist treasure
Willie's probably passed out somewhere wearing one shoe and one sock and doesn't remember where he was.
David Lanham so if it wasn't for being famous he's basically a junkie loser
I hope one day he makes some money so he can afford a new guitar
Trigger.. is a true legend.
I had Mark tune up my guitar 3 years ago. His shop is fascinating to be in. This guy is a master luthier and he told me about working on Willie's guitar. It made me feel special that I had the same luthier as Willie.
No doubt will end up in the Smithsonian one day. No time soon I hope.
More likely in the Country Music Hall of Fame.
lefty6string
I hope Trigger is buried with Willie when that sad day comes.
There is a video somewhere on here where someone said that Willie wants Trigger to be buried with him.
If that's Willie's wish that is what will have to happen, personally I hope that comment was wrong and it goes into the Hall of Fame.
WildPhotoShooter Why this guitar has been with him for a long time and he wants it to be with him forever why have it go to a museum
Daw Dewit because it's a piece of history. Kind of a redundant question there sport.
If trigger doesn't end up in the Smithsonian after Willie goes, nothing deserves to go there.
@@thisisdeafening9933 Willie Nelson has been a huge player in country music history. Saying that his one and only guitar isn't a artifact is purely wrong
AJ it’s not tho it’s just a guitar that a useless pothead played
@@clayyoung6369 ouch the edge
It will be a feature at the Smithsonian for sure.
this should be buried with willie
Mark, you're the best man for this job! I've had the honor of being trusted with this guitar on occasion, and it truly is a national treasure.
Spectacular!
Listening to this mans voice with professional sound equipment is like giving my brain a massage
Let's see you get the sweat stains out of Springsteen's Tele.
Or Angus Young's SG
Springsteen wouldn’t make a pimple on Willies ass.
Springsteens sweat is fake. Like the whole common man act.
Semen stains from the roadies?
I think it was Eddie Van Halen’s guitar but there was still puke on the backside of it and the owner didn’t want to clean it off. So gross and rock n roll.
That guitar has so much character and history. Love that thing so much!
I love Willie and trigger but a beaver couldn't make that big a hole in it. My favourite Willie story is when the bike athlete won gold then found he was on drugs. Everybody was down on the guy and Willie spoke up. Willie said I think he did good.... When I am on drugs and can't even find my bike. lol
Green Acres
@Natsarim MGYOW what kind of mumbo jumbo is this?
You got to respect: Empathy and Honesty!
A Willie joke, "A skeleton walks into a bar & says gimme a beer & a towel"
@@lektrikbass lol I heard it as, "...beer an'a mop."
Back in1989 I was in Rapid city South Dakota for a benefit concert for the American natives. I was there as a guitar tech
for a well known artist. When I was in the back stage alone checking guitars and getting ready for the show a man walked in
with a big aluminum guitar case. He asked me if I could take care of Willie Nelson's guitar.
When I open the case it was "Trigger"! I was pretty excited for sure. I was with the guitar for all afternoon until
show time. I handed Trigger to Willie on the stage, and Willie took it saying thank you with a beautiful smile.
He did solo, and it was great. I did put my finger prints all over Trigger though.
Don't give this guy a Xanax - he'll be completely invisible.
Underrated comment! 😂👌🏻 I was high (just like Willie Nelson) when I read it as well...
Guy Merritt you my friend, win the comment award for today 🥇
The ether fumes have a cumulative mellowing effect on the medulla oblongata
If he and bob Ross could have a conversation it would be the ultimate asmr
@@susant8809 I used to own a '67 Medulla Oblongata Coup...awful bloody car!! :D
Always so inspiring to see a master work his craft. Great video
This dude casually ended the video with the fact that he is single handedly responsible for the continuation of Willies career...
"no pressure"
but like he didn't even fix it
E B If Willie was going to retire over a guitar retirement would have been the right thing any way. He’s a left wing dope smoking babbler besides.
E
@@gabe1655 lol Im gonna assume you really didn't even play attention, there is a fine line between fixing and keeping it running. He isn't trying to change this guiter. He is trying to keep it going
Trigger definitely has its own unique patina. I love how preservation is considered more then restoration. My kudos to Mark Erlewine. Thank you for sharing a great story! I truly enjoyed every word of it! Outstanding preservation approach!
The next day an Ebay auction appears: "Willie Nelson Dead Skin And Dust"
Reminds me of the person on Reverb selling paper towels with the dirt and grime from a vintage stratocaster for a couple hundred bucks. It wasn't even from anyone famous, it was just the old dirt from an old guitar.
You could spread it on your guitar and get stoned simply from the fumes. Lol
“Dead Skin And Dust” great name for a song or album👍
😂😂😂
People will buy it! I sell hair and fingernail and toenail clippings from notorious serial killers. Don't believe me?
Check us out at www.murdermuseum.net
Willie Nelson, like it or not, is a brand, and however sincere and genuine he is, what he represents to his audience is the reason they keep supporting him, he's no different from any other artist. His fans share his tastes, his values, and his opinions to some degree. The Guitar is a part of the brand, it is uniquely symbolic in a crass industry of excess. It represents loyalty and tradition. The message of that guitar, whatever it is to the individual fan, is part of the reason Willie Nelson is "Willie Nelson". I say more power to both of them.
"he's no different from any other artist". Wow. Are YOU underinformed. Willie was one of the first artists to stand up to the Nashville powers-that-be, in terms of artists rights and their choices concerning concerts, song content (topics) and attire. He stayed true to his ideals for YEARS in the face of all kinds of pressures. He's done more for charities than about 10 other arrtists I could name combined. Today, SOME artists are so fake, so pre-fabricated by the industry that they look like plastic dolls. Not worth listening to.....kinda like some little girl's self-inflated opinion of what Willie Nelson "means".
@@davidschmidt6013 Wow, you really love some Willie Nelson, huh?
Could you point out one word I said against Willie Nelson or his character or his good works? Because I never said that. In fact, I described him and his fans as valuing loyalty and tradition. You certainly proved his fans are loyal. I didn't say his music and character weren't very fine, I said that like any other artist, he derives support from what he represents to his audience. Plainly you support him because he represents something very powerful to you.
Like his Guitar does.
Which was my point, old man.
you gotta have balls of steel to tighten the strings back on when youre finished fixing it 😂
GLITTERPRINCESS no shit 😂😂
its true haha
No kidding. Bullets of sweat.
Please tune to a D, none of this standard tuning...Trigger groans too much.
Giggitee O'Yeah thanks giggitee o’yeah for your riveting review on why you despise guitar.
Much love to Willie, his crew and his family. The same love is extended to you Mark. Keep em goin!
a master at work didn't this guy build pinnocchio too.
stratmentalist good one! I almost googled it before I got the joke!
@@Buckmelanoma1 you ruined the joke
Willie made a deal with the devil...
"You'll be famous as long as you have this guitar"
Just chuck it in the bin and buy a new one
0:36 "They are just minor repairs..." Looks at the gaping hole near the bridge
Okay, just today, an old man playing guitar, covering songs and writing his own popped out of nowhere and I absolutely felt home. Now, this dude showed up in my feed. I tell you what, I am absolutely pleased. I’d like to be in his shop listening to what he has to say. I am nowhere close to be a great guitarist but I do like adjusting my own and putting my own flavor on the guitar.
You can bet that guitar smells pretty dank!
NERVE ya he prolly gets alittle tired of being patted down cuz every dope dog he passes hits on it!!!
Commenting Guy Guitars don’t pay taxes
And neither do I, if I donate enough to charity.
Willie has done more to uplift the human spirit than most bullshit tax exempt evangelical fraudsters.
You might be surprised to learn that Willie is a strong Christian. The man has a faith as deep as his love for the blue collar man. That's what being a man who knows the soul of a cowboy is about. You'll lean the wisdom one day...in one fashion, faith or another.
That guitar is gonna be worth millions one day!!!!
It will most likely go into the Smithsonian as part of the permanent collection. It just HAS to!
I imagine it is worth millions now!
Many millions. Priceless I'd say
Willie will smoke it
Trigger will go with Willie, I'd have thought.
What a great story. It must be so exciting to work on Willies guitar. Super historic and nice work sir
This guy appreciates the sound of the music and the stories trigger could tell. Great video.
This is super cool. This guitar will undoubtedly end up in the hall of fame one day, maybe even in the Smithsonian. There are only a handful of guitars in the world that are could be considered as iconic as Trigger. Willie and Trigger are both pieces of American history and having the chance to repair it must seriously be amazing. Probably a bit stressful, but amazing nonetheless.
Having close friends and family sign my favorite guitar... man that gave me the chills. What a sweet guy
I love how Willie Nelson is sentimental about his guitar. This passion shows in his music.
Willie legendary 🎧🎵🎶🎶😊👌👌
one of the few people i would trust with such a piece of history, good job 👍
I have never clicked on a video so quickly. Trigger is an amazing guitar, played by an amazing player
MidtownSkyport couldn't agree more!
WELL SPOKEN MIDTOWN!!!!!! Well spoken!!!!
Cody Zwick to each his own.
Wamgo C .
I wonder what the THC content of the wood is🤔😆 Lol
All the wood in that guitar has been replaced with THC and a hemp like cellular structure. Drug sniffing dogs would instantly sniff it out.
thats where the unique sound comes from
Reaper Gaming judging by how this guys voice tone is, he seemed high just by working on it.
Reaper Gaming he probably sneaks in weed in his venues through that little gap in his guitar lmfao
Doug Funny That's exactly what I was thinking. He's so chill because he gets a contact high every time he works on Trigger lol
It’s always fascinating watching a master of any skill effortlessly take on such a HUGELY Priceless irreplaceable object and just well go about fixing it.
i love learning from pure gems like this guy, man so many small details and you know
please be careful with those tools, you might scratch the top.
progholio it is so disrespectful, but so funny at the same time. Thank you very much. I laughed so hard I cried.
More like "please be careful with that guitar, you might scratch your hands".
are you fucking serious
I'm 99% sure it was a joke, Red.
progholio Lmao! 😂 😂 😂
In addition to serious luthier/wood/mechanical skills, Mark also has the worlds most relaxing narration voice.
I had the honor of meeting Willie Nelson at Red Rocks by pure chance one time. Man has a farmers grip. Real thick strong hand. I can see why trigger has so much wear. Those fingers are pure muscle. Very nice and straight forward fella too!
Such a calming and soothing voice..good stuff.
Mark fixed my broken headstock around 1990.. still going strong.
Mark, you're a soft-spoken Texan who speaks volumes as he works. Thanks for sharing.
I can listen to this guy voice all day long because his voice is so smoothing
Sweet voice 🎧🎶🎵🎵🎵🎧🎶🤶🤶🎅🎅🎅Merry Christmas to you Olivia
Very Nice. Glad to know that a Master Guitar Builder is taking care of a Texas Legend - Trigger Hearing Willie play Trigger brings back so many memories.
Amazing commitment to an instrument.
This guy is like the Bob Ross of guitar repair.
Everybody says that everyone is the Bob Ross of any world. Gets old.
Mark,
I salute you!
At this point, I'm not sure if you can call this a guitar. It's more like a bundle of broken scraps that have been heroically repaired to function as a guitar.
Additionally, I find it ironic that this is the exact opposite of everything held dear in the luthier standards--- bridge? screwed through the original. top? F grade wood with tons of runnout and a hole in it. Neck? Sort of in place. Historic accuracy and non-invasive repairs? Only held together with repairs by one of the best repairmen on the planet, random splints and supports not withstanding.
More evidence that it's the player, not the guitar.
Matthew, I agree. But there seems to be a certain special magic when Willie plays Trigger.
What a delightful relaxing voice, very Bob Rossian.. a talented craftsman and a great storyteller as well
I wish I could back in time, I would have Begged this man to apprentice me. What an artist and an honor to watch that art
Why did I find this very relaxing
So many of the comments here seem to be some variation of "Get rid of that hunk of junk and buy a new guitar". Those commenters don't get music and are showing their ignorance. Music is one of the few places in this world that can operate in an area close to "magic". This guitar may not sound "good", but it sounds like Willie. For him this guitar is "Magical". Musicians are superstitious. Go read about how Stevie Ray Vaughan came into possession of the guitar he called "First Wife". Same thing, near magic. It's not just about A guitar, it's about THAT guitar. At this point Trigger is an experiment in advanced guitar conservation if nothing else.
Spot on, but you're wasting your time trying to explain it to all the keyboard warriors and guitar experts no one's ever heard of ;)
I know, but at least I feel like I've done all I can to combat willful ignorance.
Half of those guitar experts can't even play smoke on the water LOL
They think they're so high and mighty becasue they think they know something you don't
I know exactly what you mean. I own quite a few guitars, a few acoustics, and two electrics, but I have one guitar that I love the most. I'll never forget the day I went into Guitar Center looking for a new guitar, and while I was browsing the preowned section, I saw it. A modified 1990's Rogue ES-335 clone. I picked it up, and my expectations weren't very high, but I play Rogue instruments almost exclusively, and it was only $110.00 so I decided "what the hell, I'll give it a shot". Long story short, I walked out of that Guitar Center $110.00 poorer. I don't know why, but this guitar... I love it so much I actually named it, which for me is a rarity, but I did for this guitar. Something about it just clicked with me, and I already know that it'll help me on my way, at least a little.
@@That_One_Guy_In_A_Band Nice story man! If you don't mind telling me, what was the name that you chose for the guitar?
As I have always said of my Simon and Patrick (she was nicknamed "Sawdust" by a circle of friends) scars and wear throughs... it adds character! And those scars provided much entertainment to many through the years . Thank you Red Headed Stranger for your great contributions to Country and Western music . You are a Legend and a personal favorite of mine
Trigger may have seen better days, but the important thing is that Trigger is still making music!
It's like being charged with the task of reforging the sword in Lord of the Rings. It's a legendary axe :)
Old Willy loves his guitar and I bet his guitar loves old Willy to!
@@bonethirsty
Robert is right that thing is not an axe. Nice guitar but not an axe by any means. Thing doesn't shred. It sings.
It’s funny to me that at first glance you think “wow that guitar is in bad condition” but really it’s one of the best taken care of guitars ever
The voice of this man calms me down. Like some sort of meditation. Amazing video by the way.
He sounds so nice. He’s like the Bob Ross of guitar repair.
You Sir, have a piece of history in your hands, everyone over 50 hears a song in their mind at just the sight of (Trigger)!
I'm 17 and when I see trigger I think of seven Spanish Angels
Im well under fifty but I hear Mama's dont let your baby's grow up to be cowboys
I’m 11 and when I see that guitar I hear mamas don’t let your baby’s grow up to be cowboys
Over 50? Dude Willie still plays and many many people under 50 know who he is and know his music.
This is just plain ignorant.
What a complete tutorial...with additions. I just learned so much about guitars which I didn't know I wanted to know. Thanks, Mark Erlewine!
Good music attracts good vibes🎧🎧🎶🎶🎵🎅🎅🤶🤶🤶Merry Christmas
Heaven forbid the day Willie passes this life, I would expect this to be placed in a museum and preserved. It's obviously as a part of him as his skin.
Kinda shocked you didn't find weed in it.
R T kinda shocked you think he didn't
RT cmon.... he's a simple man not a dumb man! "he moved it to the amp" :)
The amp is the weed stash. I bet finger hash is helping hold that second hole together tho.
R T sure it smells like weed.
R T That was resin he was scraping off the guitar.
Mark Erlewine would've been entirely famous doing golf commentary
Seen Willie a few years ago, still potting on an incredible show . And thank you for helping trigger stay in shape for ol Willie. I don't know if I wanna live in a life without Willie!!
Potting on a great show?? That was intentional, wasn't it?
This video contains some pretty solid ASMR "triggers".
I was looking for a comment just like this. You Sir, is a genius...
I'm expecting the Willie Nelson Signature Heavy Relic Model to be out any day now that will sell for 3 times as much as the same model in pristine condition.
pure country within the wood of his guitar, placed there with love, great talent and passion. 🎼🎵🎼🎶🎼
What a lovely and talented individual. I can watch videos of people who are experts and love their jobs all day.
Oh, I thought it was repairing Trigger Nelson's willy
Nice one
I can't believe I laughed at that! 😂👌🏻
There's so much dead skin in there that when he was poking around in there he found a complete other willie hiding inside. He was so stoned he wouldn't come out. True story. And would you please quit yelling man. You’re so hyper and loud! Please!!!
when it comes time to clone Willie ..Trigger will be the resource used to get the DNA needed
Billie Davidson
walshy Lmfao!!!!
Your an ass, I'm done hahahahahhah
walshy they could use that to Clone Willie
Note to self: Do not let Willie Nelson touch my guitar
But it would ramp up in value though.
It's massively refreshing to see something being used up. Thank goodness no so-called restoration. Brilliant and reassuring. Repair. No drama. Other channels, watch and learn.
this dude's voice is beautiful, i just want to listen to him talk